1.2 Who’s the Greatest? – Class 6 – Balbharati

Author: Traditional Akbar–Birbal Tale

Genre: Historical Anecdote / Moral Story

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson Who’s the Greatest? narrates two popular Akbar–Birbal stories. In the first, Akbar angrily asks his courtiers what punishment should be given to someone who pulled the Emperor’s moustache. While all courtiers suggest severe punishments, Birbal wisely says the offender should be rewarded with sweetmeats, because only the Emperor’s grandson would dare such a thing. Akbar laughs, realising it was true.

In the second story, courtiers flatter Akbar, calling him greater than even God. Akbar challenges them to prove one thing he can do but God cannot. The courtiers fail, but Birbal cleverly explains that Akbar can banish someone from his kingdom, but God cannot, as His kingdom is everywhere. This answer pleases Akbar, who realises that God is greater. The stories show Birbal’s intelligence and Akbar’s humility.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson highlights Birbal’s wit, intelligence, and presence of mind. It also shows Akbar’s sense of humour and humility in accepting truth. The stories teach that wisdom and honesty are greater than flattery or false praise.

Character Sketches

Akbar

• Powerful and wealthy emperor.

• Loved art, culture, and intellectual debates.

• Humorous, open-minded, and respected Birbal’s wisdom.

• Humble enough to accept that God is greater.

Birbal

• Wise and witty courtier.

• Courageous in speaking truth before the Emperor.

• Solved difficult problems with intelligence.

• Loyal to Akbar, yet respectful to higher truths.

Courtiers

• Often flattered Akbar for favours.

• Suggested harsh punishments without thinking.

• Exposed as foolish compared to Birbal’s wisdom.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Birbal loved to solve puzzles.”

   Infinitive: to solve – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: The courtiers praised Akbar.

   Passive: Akbar was praised by the courtiers.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We must respect wisdom over flattery.”

   Must shows necessity.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Akbar said, “Prove that I am greater than God.”

   Indirect: Akbar asked them to prove that he was greater than God.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: Birbal gave a clever answer to Akbar.

   Question: Who gave a clever answer to Akbar?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What do you learn from Birbal’s answers?

   Birbal’s answers teach us that presence of mind and wisdom are more powerful than anger or flattery. His wit always solved problems peacefully.

   
   

2. Why do you think the courtiers often flattered Akbar?

   The courtiers flattered Akbar to gain favours, rewards, or positions. But their false praise showed foolishness compared to Birbal’s honesty.

   
   

3. Do you think Akbar was a just ruler? Why?

   Yes, Akbar was just because he respected truth and forgave mistakes. He valued Birbal’s honesty instead of believing false

   
   

4. Have you ever solved a problem with quick thinking? Describe.

   Yes, once I solved a classroom issue by giving a fair suggestion when others argued. Quick thinking helped avoid a quarrel.

   
   

5. What lesson does this story give students?

   The story teaches that wisdom, truth, and intelligence are greater than power or false praise. Respect for God and honesty are true values.

True or False (5)

1. Akbar wanted to punish his grandson for pulling his moustache. → False (He laughed when Birbal explained.)

2. Birbal suggested giving sweetmeats as punishment. → True

3. Courtiers proved that Akbar was greater than God. → False (They failed.)

4. Birbal said Akbar could banish people, but God could not. → True

5. Akbar accepted that God is greater. → True

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Why did Akbar ask about punishment for pulling his moustache?

   He asked to test the wisdom of his courtiers. Only Birbal answered wisely, saying it must be his grandson.

   
   

2. How did Birbal prove that God is greater than Akbar?

   Birbal said Akbar could banish people from his kingdom, but God’s kingdom is everywhere, so He cannot banish anyone.

   
   

3. Why did Akbar laugh at Birbal’s answer in the first story?

   He laughed because Birbal guessed correctly that the culprit was his grandson.

   
   

4. What mistake did the courtiers make in praising Akbar?

   They exaggerated and even said he was greater than God. Their flattery exposed their foolishness.

   
   

5. What message does the lesson Who’s the Greatest? give?

   It gives the message that wisdom, humility, and truth are greater than wealth, power, or false praise.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Who’s the Greatest? is a witty Akbar–Birbal tale that shows intelligence winning over flattery. The humour of moustache pulling and the seriousness of proving God’s greatness make the stories enjoyable. Birbal’s cleverness and Akbar’s humility shine throughout. The story is memorable because it teaches students to value wit, honesty, and truth, while warning against false praise.

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