Ақбар сарайының ақылды кеңесшісі – Бирбал

Mughal advisor at Akbar's court, appearing in many folk tales which focus on his wit

Mahesh Das (; 1528 16 February 1586), popularly known by his title Raja Birbal , was an Indian minister and commander of the Mughal Empire. He is mostly known in the Indian subcontinent for the folk tales which focus on his wit. He was appointed by Akbar as a 1556–1562 and was one of his most important courtiers, part of a group called the navaratnas (nine jewels). In February 1586, he led an army to crush an unrest in the north west Indian subcontinent where he was killed along with many troops in an ambush by the rebel tribe. He was the only Hindu to adopt Din i Ilahi, the religion founded by Akbar. Local folk tales emerged primarily in 19th century involving his interactions with Akbar, thus became even more of a semi fictional legendary figure across the Indian subcontinent. However, these stories have generally been described as fictional by modern historians. in Kalpi, Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh;in a called Ghoghra. His father was Ganga Das and mother was Anabha Davito. He was the third son of a family. He served at the Rajput court of Raja Ram Chandra of Rewa, under the name "Brahma Kavi". Birbal's economic and social status improved after marrying a woman of a wealthy family, contrary to the notion that he was on poor economic terms before his appointment at Mughal Emperor Akbar's imperial court. Akbar bestowed upon him the name 'Birbal' with the title "Raja", by which he was known from then on.

His growing reputation led him to be part of Akbar's nine advisers, known as the Navaratna the nine jewels. Birbal also played the role of a religious advisor, military figure and close friend of the Emperor, serving him for 30 years. In 1572, he was among a large army sent to aid Husain Quli Khan against an attack from the Akbar's brother, Hakim Mirza, which was his first military role. He later accompanied the Emperor during his Gujarat campaigns. Despite having no military background, he often participated in Akbar's campaigns and was given leadership positions, like Todar Mal, who was an advisor in economic matters. He had a close association with Akbar, despite being fourteen years elder than him; of the nine ratnas, Birbal was often called the brightest jewel. In the ensuing ambush and heavy defeat, Birbal and over 8000 soldiers were killed near Malandari Pass, Buner. This battle was known as the Battle of Malandari Pass. He was said to have expressed his grief over the loss his favourite courtier and not taken food or drink for two days. His majesty cared for the death of no grandee more than for that of Birbal. He said, 'Alas! they could not even get his body out of the pass, that it might have been burned"; but at last, he consoled himself with the thought that Birbal was now free and independent of all earthly fetters, and as the rays of the sun were sufficient for him, there was no necessity that he should be cleansed by fire.

Akbar Birbal folk tales were passed on mainly by oral tradition. They focus on how Birbal manages to outsmart envious courtiers who try to trap and portray him in poor light in front of Akbar, often in a humorous manner with him shown giving sharp and intelligent responses. Others show his interactions with the Emperor which involve him trying to test Birbal's wit and Birbal making him realise his folly, which always ends with Akbar becoming amused and impressed. He occasionally challenges Birbal by giving him a line of poetry which Birbal has to complete. Some of the other stories are simple humorous anecdotes. Getting an advantage in a seemingly impossible situation and making his challengers look silly are usual occurrences in these tales. children's comics and many books are available containing these collections. There are various paperback editions, films, textbooks, booklets and plays with his character as the lead. The television channel Cartoon Network in India, has two featured animated series based on him, Chota Birbal and Akbar & Birbal. Salman Rushdie's novel The Enchantress of Florence has the character of Birbal. Akbar Birbal is a 2014 historical comedy show originally broadcast by Big Magic, it was followed by Hazir Jawab Birbal in 2015. Akbar Ka Bal Birbal is another historical comedy show about Akbar and Birbal that aired on Star Bharat in 2020.