Birbal was another name for laughter, wisdom and logic in the Mughal court. Birbal, whom Emperor Akbar blindly trusted, died one day in such circumstances that even his dead body could not be recovered. This incident recorded in history is not just the story of a war, but also the story of the biggest mistake and deepest regret of Akbar’s life. After all, what happened that day, when the brightest gem of the court was extinguished forever?

Special relationship between Akbar and Birbal

Birbal was one of Akbar’s Navratnas and his identity in the court was not just that of a minister but as the most trusted advisor of the emperor. Akbar liked him very much because of his wit, intelligence and clear thinking. Akbar-Birbal’s relationship is openly mentioned in many historical books, especially in Ira Mukhoti’s ‘The Great Mughal’. Akbar many times kept Birbal’s opinion above all else.

Elephant story, when Akbar himself saved his life

In the year 1583, a battle of elephants was organized in Fatehpur Sikri. An uncontrollable elephant suddenly moved towards Birbal and picked him up in the trunk and waved him in the air. There was chaos in the court. Before the soldiers could understand anything, Akbar himself proceeded on horseback and distracted the attention of the elephant. The elephant left Birbal and his life was saved. This incident shows how much importance Akbar gave to Birbal.

The game of fate changed after three years

The situation changed completely in 1586. In the Swat and Bajaur areas of Afghanistan, the Yusufzai tribes had rebelled against the Mughal rule. People were troubled by looting and violence. Akbar sent his commander Jain Khan Koka there, but he did not get success. When the call for help came, two names were present in the court – Abul Fazal and Birbal.

Akbar’s biggest mistake

Abul Fazal was more experienced in war and strategy and was ready to go himself, but Akbar chose Birbal and sent him to Bajaur with 8000 soldiers. This is where Akbar made a big mistake. Birbal was adept at intelligence and diplomacy, but war was not his strong suit. Later, this decision continued to trouble Akbar throughout his life.

infighting and ambush

The relationship between Birbal and Jain Khan Koka was not good before. The strategies of both continued to clash in Bajaur also. Birbal made a different plan considering the hilly areas, but Jain Khan did not agree with it. Meanwhile, the Afghan tribes saw the opportunity and set up an ambush. In the Balandari valley, where the Mughal army had camped, they were attacked with stones and arrows in the dark of night.

The tragic end and the missing body

The sudden attack caused huge destruction. According to historians, more than 8000 Mughal soldiers were killed. Birbal also died in this attack by being buried under stones. Due to the hilly area, his body could never be found. This is considered to be the biggest military defeat of Akbar’s reign.

Akbar’s deep shock

Abul Fazal has written in ‘Akbarnama’ that Birbal’s death had broken Akbar to the core. Even historians like Badayuni, who was jealous of Birbal, admitted that Akbar was never seen to be so devastated by someone’s death. Not being able to even perform the last rites of Birbal was the biggest sorrow for Akbar.

Also read: The ‘lustful’ Mughal emperor used to decorate his court sometimes without clothes and sometimes in the guise of a woman.