The Honest Coin

One day in Emperor Akbar’s court, a servant brought forth a small coin he had found lying near the palace gates. “No one has claimed it,” he said. “What should be done, Jahanpanah?”

Akbar turned the coin over in his hand and looked at the courtiers. “Does this coin belong to any of you?” he asked.

The ministers glanced at one another, but no one spoke. Silence filled the court.

Akbar, puzzled, turned to Birbal. “How can we know who the true owner is, if no one comes forward?”

Birbal thought for a moment, then requested a box filled with other coins from the royal treasury. Once the box was brought, Birbal casually dropped the found coin into it and stirred the contents.

Then he placed the box in the center of the court and said, “Let anyone here come forth and take back what is theirs.”

Still quiet, the ministers approached. One of them leaned in, scanned the coins carefully, and suddenly plucked one out.

“This is mine!” he said, pointing to a small scratch-like mark on the side. “I remember this flaw it happened while I was inspecting my pouch last week.”

Birbal smiled knowingly. “And now we know the truth. True ownership doesn’t need to be forced it reveals itself. When something truly belongs to someone, even in silence, the bond remains.”

Akbar nodded in agreement. “Well done, Birbal. Even a coin knows its way back when marked with honesty.”

Moral: Honesty leaves a trace what is truly yours will always find its way back.