Synopsis This Special Issue of Amar Chitra Katha combines three titles centered on a historical legend Birbal - a Minister at the Court of Emperor Akbar. Both, Hindus and Muslims at the Court, liked him for his ready wit and keen sense of humor. Who has not heard of Raja Birbal - the wise and the witty minister in the court of Akbar, the Great Mughal? Though popularly known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur which is situated on the bank of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that he rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar. He was a good administrator, a good soldier, and perhaps - what pleased Akbar the most - a good jester. Less known is the fact that was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, 'Brahma' and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur Museum. Akbar, in the stories included n this issue, is more legendary than historical. Raja Birbal, the hero of these stories, is hardly heard of in history. Yet, the stories of Akbar and Birbal has continued to be a vital part of the folklore of India.