When an ox strayed into the royal orchard, Birbal’s fine worked in both directions.

The orchard guard demanded an impossible fee; next day Birbal announced a new rule: if royal camels strayed onto a farmer’s field, the palace would pay the same rate. The guard bowed, the fee shrank, and the ox returned home with a reputation for reforming tariffs.

When an ox strayed into the royal orchard, Birbal’s fine worked in both directions.

The orchard guard demanded an impossible fee; next day Birbal announced a new rule: if royal camels strayed onto a farmer’s field, the palace would pay the same rate. The guard bowed, the fee shrank, and the ox returned home with a reputation for reforming tariffs.