The Queen’s Necklace

One morning, the palace was in turmoil the queen’s favorite necklace had gone missing. It was a priceless heirloom, and despite hours of searching and questioning, no one could find it. The queen’s maids were suspected, but all denied involvement.

Emperor Akbar, frustrated and concerned, summoned Birbal for help.

Birbal arrived calmly, holding only a simple bowl of water. Without accusing anyone, he placed the bowl on a table in front of the maids.

“This,” he said, “is holy water. It has a rare property it reveals guilt. If the thief places her hand in this bowl, the stolen item’s essence will float to the surface.”

The maids glanced nervously at one another.

“Each of you must dip your hand in, one by one,” Birbal continued.

Before even the first maid could step forward, one of them turned pale and collapsed to her knees.

“I did it… I’m sorry!” she cried. “I was going to return it… I was just scared!”

The court gasped. Akbar, surprised by the quick confession, looked at Birbal. “That water has no power, does it?”

Birbal leaned in and whispered, “No magic, Jahanpanah only the power of guilt. Sometimes, fear of exposure weighs heavier than proof.”

Akbar nodded, deeply impressed by Birbal’s understanding of human nature.

Moral: The fear of being caught often reveals the truth faster than evidence ever can.