A farmer and his neighbour once went to Emperor Akbar’s court. “Your Majesty, I bought a well from him,” said the farmer pointing to his neighbour, “and now, he wants me to pay for the water.” Said the neighbour, “I sold him the well, but not the water.” The Emperor asked Birbal to settle the dispute. How did Birbal do it?
A farmer and his neighbour once went to Emperor Akbar’s court. “Your Majesty, I bought a well from him,” said the farmer pointing to his neighbour, “and now, he wants me to pay for the water.” Said the neighbour, “I sold him the well, but not the water.” The Emperor asked Birbal to settle the dispute. How did Birbal do it?
Answer
“You sold your well,” said Birbal. “So, the well belongs to him now, but you have kept your water in his well. You will have to pay him a rent or take your water out at once.” The neighbour quickly apologised and gave up his claim.
More Columns
Travellers on Trial Bhavya Dore
Sahir’s Legacy Kaveree Bamzai
The Devi Mystique Bibek Debroy