The Emperor’s Disguise

One quiet night, Emperor Akbar decided to walk among his people without being recognized. He dressed in simple, tattered clothes like a poor traveler and wandered through the marketplace to observe how his subjects were treated.

As he approached a small shop to ask for water, the shopkeeper sneered. “Go away, beggar,” he said harshly. “Don’t waste my time!”

Akbar said nothing. He nodded quietly and walked away, his heart heavy with what he had witnessed.

The next morning, back in the palace, the same shopkeeper arrived with a tray of expensive gifts. He had come to seek royal favor and praise the emperor, hoping to gain wealth or status.

When he entered the royal court and saw Akbar seated on the throne the very same man he had insulted the night before his face went pale, and his knees trembled.

Akbar looked at him calmly but said nothing.

Birbal stepped forward and addressed the court, “Let this be a lesson. True respect is shown not when someone wears a crown, but when they wear rags. Kindness should not change with a person’s appearance. You never know who you are truly speaking to.”

The shopkeeper bowed his head in shame. Akbar forgave him but the message remained.

Moral: Respect should be given to every soul not just to titles or robes.