Chapter :

Ram and Sham were in the middle of a fierce argument. Both of them claimed to be the owner of a beautiful, large mango tree that stood between their houses. Unable to come to an agreement, they decided to seek the wisdom of the famous Birbal, known for his clever solutions and fair judgments.

The two men approached Birbal at Emperor Akbar's court and explained their problem. “Who is the true owner of the mango tree?” they both asked.

Birbal listened carefully and then said, “There is only one way to settle this matter. First, you must pick all the mangoes from the tree. Each of you should take half the mangoes. Next, you must cut down the tree and divide the trunk in half. Each of you should take half the wood. Then everything will be fair. That is my decision.”

Ram quickly thought this was a good idea and said so, eager to settle the matter. But Sham, who looked very distressed, spoke up, “No! I have been taking care of that tree for seven years. If you must, please give the mango tree to Ram. But do not make us cut it down!”

Birbal smiled, his eyes twinkling with understanding. “What you have said just now tells me all that I need to know,” he said. Then, turning to the court, he announced, “Sham is the true owner of the mango tree.”

The court fell silent for a moment, then everyone began to understand Birbal’s clever judgment. Sham’s willingness to give up the tree rather than see it destroyed showed his genuine care and ownership of the tree. Ram, who was more interested in the fruit and wood, clearly did not care for the tree in the same way.

Emperor Akbar nodded in approval of Birbal’s decision, and the court erupted in applause. Ram, realizing his mistake, apologized to Sham, and the two neighbors made peace.

From that day on, the story of how Birbal resolved the dispute over the mango tree was told and retold, showcasing his brilliant mind and fair judgment.