You know Birbal was a very clever and wise courtier of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. One day as Akbar was in his court, an interesting case was brought to him for judgement. The matter was between two ghee merchants Sahu Seth and Balwan Seth.
Sahu narrated the problem "O king, some months ago, Balwan Seth borrowed a thousand gold coins from me. But now he does not return them. I'm an honest businessman, and want your justice. "
The king ordered Balwan Seth to clarify the matter.
"Me Lord!". said Balwan, "I never borrowed any money from Sahu Seth also I’m also an honest businessman. Believe me.”
Hearing this, the king was puzzled. Both the men looked honest. He said," I have heard both of you, come next week when I'll give my. judgement. "
The both merchants went away.
King Akbar, then, put this problem to Birbal. Birbal said," It's no problem.
I can solve this problem within two
And the king agreed. The next day Birdal began to act on his plan. He went to Sahu Seth and gave him a tin of ghee. It weighed 15 seer. Birbal Said, "Sahu Seth, here's this tin of ghee. Will you please sell it for me in the market ?”
Sahu Seth said, “Yes, I'll do that. But, first, let me know how much it weighs.”
"In fact, I did not weigh it," said Birbal.
Afterwards, Birbal went to Balwan Seth and gave another tin of ghee of the equal weight to him. Birbal asked him also to sell the ghee in the market. "How much does it weigh ?” asked Balwan Seth.
"I did not weigh it at all, "replied Birbal, in the same way. Then Birbal came home and waited for the both to report the sale of ghee. Next day early in the morning. Sahu Seth came to Birbal and said, "Sir, I have sold out your ghee for 40 Rupees. It weighed 15 seer And surprisingly enough, at the bottom of the tin, I also found this gold coin. Here it is…..Birbal thanked Sahu Seth. In the evening came Balwan Seth, saying, "I've sold out your ghee Here's the money."
"How much is it, "Birbal asked, "and how much did the ghee weigh?". Balwan Seth answered, "Sir, it's 30 Rupees, and the ghee weighed 12 Seer.”
"Well," Birbal said, "Balwan Seth, did you also find a gold coin in the tin? Actually one of my gold coin has been missing for the past few days" “No. No, Sir” said Balwan Seth. "I did not see any gold coin in the tin.”
Birbal asked him to go home. Next morning, Birbal told Akbar about the case. He told the king that Balwan Seth was dishonest because he said that the ghee weighed only 12 seer, and which was sold just for 30 Rupees.
When one week was over, both Sahu Seth and Balwan Seth appeared before the king to hear the judgement. The king declared, "Sahu Seth, you are honest. You really lent money to Balwan Seth. And, you, Balwan Seth, hear you not only refused to return Sahu Seth's money but also deceived Birbal. You will have to return one thousand gold coins to Sahu Seth and the price of 3 seer ghee and a gold coin to Birbal. As a punishment for your crime, you are sent to jail for 2 years.”
Balwan Seth was ashamed. Akbar and others praised Birbal for his wits.