The wit and wisdom of Birbal had endeared him not only to Akbar, but also to vast majority of the subjects of the Mughal Empire. He had the rare distinction of achieving immense popularity during his lifetime, next only to that of Akbar. He was a good administrator, a brave soldier and perhaps what pleased Akbar the most, a good jester. Barely known is the fact that he was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, "Brahma" and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur Museum. Though popularly known as Birbal, his real name was Meheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Barhmin family of Trivikrampur, (now known as tikawanpur), on the banks of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that he rose to be a minister at Akbar's court. His phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous and, if the popular accounts are to be believed, they were ever busy plotting against him. According to the prevalent legend, even his death, while heading a large military force on an expedition to Afghanistan, was due to treachery. Though he was killed in the battle, the expedition was successful and subdued the turbulent province. Akbar had found a true friend and sympathizer in Birbal. Of the few followers who belonged to the new Din-e-Elahi faith preached by Akbar, Birbal was the only one Hindu in its fold. This Amar Chitra Katha comprises of three volumes of the tales and escapades of Birbal, the just, the witty and the genius.
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