By Admin 
Everyone has heard the stories of friendship between Akbar and Birbal. From joking in the court to answering difficult questions, Birbal was always the king’s most trusted companion. But there is also a day recorded in the pages of history, when this relationship turned into deep sorrow. A military operation, a miscalculation and a deadly attack in the mountain passes, which not only took the life of Birbal, but also broke Akbar to his core.
Who was Birbal and why was he special?
Birbal, whose real name was Mahesh Das, was among the nine gems of Mughal emperor Akbar. He was famous for his intelligence, diplomacy and wit. Although they are associated with comic relief in folklore and TV stories, they also played serious political and administrative roles in the court. Akbar considered him very close and gave importance to his opinion in many matters.
Increasing crisis in Swat and Bajaur
In the second half of the 16th century, some areas of Afghanistan were under Mughal rule, but rebels from the Yusufzai clan became active in Swat and Bajaur region. The local people there were being harassed and Mughal influence was being challenged. This campaign is mentioned in historian Shaji Zaman’s book ‘Akbar’ and Akbarnama written by Abul Fazal. When the news of the rebellion reached Akbar, he sent his trusted commander Jain Khan Koka with the army, but the fighting was not easy in the hilly areas. Coca faced stiff resistance and asked for additional support.
Decision to send Birbal
Akbar had the option of sending Abul Fazal or Birbal with additional army. Abul Fazal himself was ready to go, but Akbar chose Birbal. This decision later proved costly. Birbal was extremely sharp intellectually, but his experience in the art of warfare was limited. Nevertheless he was sent to the North-Western Front with about 8000 soldiers. This is considered to be the time of 1586.
Ambush in Malandarai Pass
When the Mughal army reached Malandarai Pass, Yusufzai fighters attacked from a height. According to contemporary historian Abdul Qadir Badayuni, the rebels rained down arrows and stones from the hills. Due to the narrow road and inaccessible terrain, the Mughal soldiers did not get a chance to recover. According to BBC, 8000 soldiers were killed in this attack. Birbal also attained martyrdom on the same battlefield. His mortal remains could not be brought back, which was an even deeper blow to Akbar.
Akbar’s grief and anger
When the news of Birbal’s death reached the court, Akbar was stunned. It is said that he neither ate food nor drank water for two days. He did not appear in the court and did not even give darshan to the public through the window. He had also refused to meet the messenger from Turan.
Abul Fazal has written in Akbarnama that the emperor did not show interest in any work for some time. Later his mother Hamida Banu Begum and the courtiers tried to control him. According to Badayuni, Akbar was extremely angry with Jain Khan Koka and ordered him not to show his face. Akbar was also sad that he could not perform the last rites of Birbal respectfully. It is also mentioned in some accounts that he himself was thinking of going to Kabul, but his advisors stopped him.
How and from whom was revenge taken?
A few weeks after Birbal’s death, Akbar took a decisive step. This time the command of the campaign was handed over to Raja Todarmal. The Mughal army attacked again in Swat and Bajaur with organized preparations. This time the strategy was more strict and planned. The Mughal army was successful and the rebels were suppressed. This was considered as revenge for Birbal’s death. Remembering Birbal, Akbar called him the best of the best.
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