One day, Emperor Akbar received a complaint from two villagers who had traveled from afar to seek his judgment. They were from a drought-stricken village, where water was scarce. A small lake in the village was the main source of water, but now, two families were fighting over its control.
The villagers pleaded, “Jahapana, only you can help us settle this dispute. Each family claims the lake as their own and refuses to share it with the other.”
Intrigued, Akbar summoned Birbal for advice. After listening, Birbal suggested they travel to the village to see the situation firsthand. Akbar agreed, and the two set off with the villagers.
Upon reaching the village, Birbal observed the lake. He noticed that the lake was muddy and filled with debris, clearly neglected. Both families were stubbornly guarding their “claim” to the lake but had done nothing to maintain it.
Birbal then gathered both families and addressed them. “The emperor will grant this lake to whichever family can keep it the cleanest and fullest over the next month. The family who does this will be recognized as the rightful guardian of the lake.”
The families, eager to win, agreed to Birbal’s plan. Over the next month, they worked hard, clearing the debris and cleaning the water. They even constructed channels to bring water to the lake from nearby streams. Soon, the lake was flourishing, with enough water for the entire village.
When Akbar and Birbal returned, they were pleased to see the lake in pristine condition, and the entire village benefiting from it. Birbal then announced, “The lake does not belong to one family alone but to the entire village. Let everyone work together to keep it clean and full, for when you share it, everyone prospers.”
The villagers cheered, realizing the wisdom in Birbal’s judgment. The families, who had been at odds, agreed to cooperate, and the village enjoyed the benefits of their collective effort. Akbar, impressed with Birbal’s insight, praised him, and they returned to the court, knowing peace had been restored in the village.