The King’s New Clothes

Emperor Akbar, wanting to test Birbal’s loyalty, decided to play a trick on him. He pretended to be dressed in invisible clothes and instructed his courtiers to praise the "garments" he was supposedly wearing. When Birbal entered the room, Akbar asked him with a smile, “Birbal, do you like my new clothes?” Understanding the ruse, Birbal replied enthusiastically, “Your Majesty, they are the finest garments I have ever seen!” Pleased, Akbar pressed further, asking what made them so special. Birbal, keeping his composure, replied, “They are so light and fine that only the truly wise can see them.” Akbar, delighted with the answer, smiled—only for Birbal to lean in and whisper, “Of course, only the emperor would believe they’re real!” Akbar and his courtiers burst into laughter at Birbal’s clever wit.

Summary : Akbar pretended to wear invisible clothes to test Birbal’s loyalty. Birbal praised them, claiming they were visible only to the wise. He then subtly pointed out that only the emperor believed they were real, making Akbar laugh.