The Impossible

Introduction

Long ago, when Akbar the Great ruled India, a vassal king lost the nail of his little finger in a battle. Though the wound healed, no new nail appeared, causing the king immense worry. He called his physicians and ordered them to seek a remedy, but despite their best efforts, no one could solve the king’s ailment.

The King’s Fury

Angered by their failure, he imprisoned them in dungeons. Whenever a new physician arrived in his city and failed to effect a cure, he confined them as well. Eventually, many physicians fled the land out of fear for their lives. Soon, news of this dismal state reached the ears of Akbar the Great.

Birbal’s Plan

Akbar summoned Birbal, the celebrated wit, and instructed him, “Birbal, set about freeing the unfortunate physicians.” Disguising himself as a physician, Birbal journeyed to the court of the vassal king.

A Bold Claim

Upon hearing of the arrival of a new physician, the king summoned Birbal. He asked, “Well, are you a physician?” Birbal responded confidently, “Indeed, I am, sire. I am the greatest physician of all time.”

The Challenge

“Is that so? Then make the nail on my finger grow,” said the king. Birbal cheerfully replied, “Is that all? Have I journeyed from afar only for this? However, as you ask, I shall certainly do it. Unfortunately, I haven’t brought my special box of medicines. Of course, if you are prepared to give me what I ask for, my task will become easier.”

The King’s Assurance

The king stroked his moustache and said, “Ask, and it shall be yours.” Birbal requested, “Get me ten tolas of fig flowers, that too within a month. Only then will my medicine take effect.”

A Royal Proclamation

The king agreed, “Very well. I shall send for what you require. Begin your treatment at once.” Birbal then pretended to be lost in thought before adding, “Suppose you are unable to give me what I want! What then?”

The King’s Boast

The king boasted, “There’s nothing I can’t do. Watch!” A royal proclamation went out, asking every loyal citizen to contribute their quota of fig flowers.

The Outcome

But a month passed, and not a single fig flower had come in. Birbal drew the king’s attention to this, but the king merely scratched his head and said, “Perhaps my citizens are still searching for the flower. In any case, what do you want me to do?”

A Fair Trade

Birbal replied, “Free all the physicians imprisoned in your dungeons.” The king complied, freeing all the physicians. When they learned who had facilitated their release, they flocked to Birbal to express their gratitude and shower him with presents.