This Special Issue of Amar Chitra Katha combines three titles centered on a historical legend Birbal – a Minister at the Court of Emperor Akbar. Both, Hindus and Muslims at the Court, liked him for his ready wit and keen sense of humor. Who has not heard of Raja Birbal – the wise and the witty minister in the court of Akbar, the Great Mughal? Though popularly known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur which is situated on the bank of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that he rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar. He was a good administrator, a good soldier, and perhaps – what pleased Akbar the most – a good jester. Less known is the fact that was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, ‘Brahma’ and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur Museum. Akbar, in the stories included n this issue, is more legendary than historical. Raja Birbal, the hero of these stories, is hardly heard of in history. Yet, the stories of Akbar and Birbal has continued to be a vital part of the folklore of India.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anant Pai
Anant Pai was the creator of the two most popular comic book series, Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha. His works deal with the retelling of mythological tales, folk stories, and biographies of historical figures. He has been considered one of pioneer creators of Indian comics.
He has been associated with works like Fact Fantasy, Funtime, and Funland, all of which are education comic strips. Rekha, Ramu and Shamu, Little Raji, and Kapish are some of the comics he had created.
Born in Karkala, he was brought up by his grandfather after the death of both his parents. He then moved to Mumbai and attended the Orient School in Mahim. He had acquired dual chemical technology degrees from the University of Bombay in Chemical Technology. He was also an expert in personality development. He had conducted several personality development classes for teens and children. He had also founded Partha Institute of Personality Development, 1978. He has published several books dealing with this, such as How to Develop A Super Memory, How To Achieve Success, and How Develop Self-confidence. He was awarded by the Lifetime Achievement Award at the very first Indian Comic Convention in 2011. He married Lalita, and the couple lived in Mumbai. On 24th February, 2011, Pai died of a heart attack.
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