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Birbal

Type Figure Region Indian subcontinent Time c. 1528–1586 Also known as Raja Birbal

Birbal (c. 1528–1586), born Mahesh Das, was a Hindustani poet and diplomat, a favorite of Akbar and one of the Nine Gems.…

Timeline

  1. 1581–1585Fatehpur Sikri · Uttar PradeshIn the early 1580s Birbal stood among Akbar's inner circle of advisers, taking part in confidential decision-making, tax discussions, and court poetry gatherings. His witty and humorous remonstrances were widely celebrated in Persian and Hindi legend, and he enjoyed the emperor's deep trust.
  2. 1586Swat Valley · Khyber PakhtunkhwaIn 1586 Akbar dispatched Birbal with a small force to suppress the Yusufzai rebellion; he was ambushed and killed in the Swat Valley. On hearing the news Akbar reportedly grieved deeply, refusing food for several days, and sent further troops to continue the pacification in honor of his fallen minister.

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