Chapter 14

                                                  Birbal Caught the Thief


Q:1 Who was the owner of the stolen items in the story?

A: The owner of the stolen items was a rich merchant who lived in a small village surrounded by a forest. He had a large house and many servants.


Q:2 What valuable item was stolen from the merchant’s house?

A: The merchant’s precious diamonds were stolen from his house during the night while he was asleep.


Q:3 How did the merchant react when he found the diamonds missing?

A: The merchant woke up in the morning and discovered his diamonds were gone. He enquired from his servants, but they all denied knowing anything about it.


Q:4 Why did the merchant suspect his own servants?

A: Since no one else had access to the house at night, the merchant suspected that one of his many servants must have stolen the diamonds.


Q:5 Where did the merchant go to seek help in finding the thief?

A: The merchant went to the court of King Akbar and narrated the incident, asking for help in finding the lost diamonds.


Q:6 Whom did King Akbar assign to help find the thief?

A: King Akbar assigned his wise minister, Birbal, to help the merchant find the thief.


Q:7 What strategy did Birbal first use to identify the thief?

A: Birbal gave all the servants a stick of equal length and told them that the stick of the real thief would grow longer by two inches overnight.


Q:8 Why did Birbal ask all the servants to assemble again the next day?

A: Birbal asked all the servants to come the next day with their sticks so that he could examine them and find the one that had “grown longer,” revealing the thief.


Q:9 How did Birbal know which servant was guilty?

A: Birbal observed that one of the servant’s sticks was shorter by two inches because the thief had cut it secretly at night, fearing it would grow.


Q:10 How did the thief react when Birbal identified him?

A: The thief fell at Birbal’s feet, confessing silently, and Birbal took him to the merchant.


Q:11 What clever trick did Birbal use to catch the thief?

A: Birbal used a psychological trick by telling the servants that their sticks would grow two inches overnight, knowing that the guilty servant would try to cheat and reveal himself.


Q:12 Why did the thief cut his stick at night?

A: The thief cut his stick at night because he feared that it would grow longer by two inches and expose him as the thief.


Q:13 How did Birbal’s method ensure the thief’s confession without forcing him?

A: Birbal’s method relied on the thief’s own fear and dishonesty. By creating a scenario where cheating the test revealed guilt, the thief confessed indirectly.


Q:14 What quality of Birbal is shown through this story?

A: The story shows Birbal’s wisdom, intelligence, and cleverness in solving problems in a fair and creative way.


Q:15 How did Birbal ensure fairness while checking the servants?

A: Birbal gave all the servants sticks of equal length and instructed all of them to assemble, so everyone had the same opportunity, making the test fair.


Q:16 Could the thief have avoided being caught? How?

A: The thief could not avoid being caught because Birbal’s trick was foolproof. Even if he tried to hide, the act of cutting the stick exposed him.


Q:17 Why was Birbal called to solve this case instead of the king doing it himself?

A: Birbal was known for his wisdom and clever problem-solving skills, so King Akbar trusted him to find the thief in a smart and fair way.


Q:18 How long did it take Birbal to catch the thief after visiting the merchant’s house?

A: Birbal caught the thief the very next day after giving the sticks and checking them when the servants assembled again.


Q:19 What does this story teach about using intelligence to solve problems?

A: The story teaches that intelligence, creativity, and psychological insight can solve problems more effectively than force or punishment.


Q:20 Why did Birbal’s trick work better than asking the servants directly?

A: The trick worked because it relied on the guilty servant’s fear and dishonesty, which made him reveal himself without direct accusation or confrontation.


Q:21 What moral lesson is taught by this story?

A: The story teaches that crime can be caught by clever thinking and intelligence rather than physical punishment alone.


Q:22 How does honesty play a role in this story?

A: The story highlights that dishonesty leads to exposure. The thief’s attempt to cheat led to his capture.


Q:23 How does fear influence behavior, according to the story?

A: The thief’s fear of being caught made him take action that revealed his guilt, showing that fear can expose wrongdoing.


Q:24 What does this story say about the value of observation?

A: The story emphasizes that careful observation and attention to details can help uncover the truth.


Q:25 How is patience important in catching a thief according to Birbal’s method?

A: Birbal patiently set up the test and waited for the right moment when the thief’s own actions would reveal him. Patience was key to his success.


Q:26 How does this story show the importance of fair investigation?

A: Birbal gave all servants the same opportunity to present their sticks, ensuring that the guilty person was identified fairly without false accusations.


Q:27 What lesson does the story give about thinking creatively in difficult situations?

A: The story teaches that creative thinking can solve problems efficiently, even when a direct approach seems impossible.


Q:28 How does the story highlight the role of wisdom over brute force?

A: Birbal used his intellect and a clever test instead of punishing or interrogating all servants, showing wisdom can achieve justice more effectively.


Q:29 What does the story imply about the consequences of stealing?

A: The story implies that stealing leads to eventual exposure and punishment, no matter how clever the thief thinks he is.


Q:30 How can this story inspire us in our daily lives?

A: The story inspires us to value honesty, think creatively, and solve problems wisely rather than resorting to fear or force.


Q:31 Who was the king in the story and what role did he play?

A: The king was Akbar, who provided the platform and authority for justice and entrusted Birbal to solve the case wisely.


Q:32 Who was Birbal and why was he trusted by Akbar?

A: Birbal was a wise minister in Akbar’s court, known for his intelligence, cleverness, and fair judgment, which is why Akbar trusted him.


Q:33 How many servants did the merchant have?

A: The merchant had many servants, but the exact number is not mentioned in the story.


Q:34 Why did Birbal use a stick in his plan?

A: Birbal used a stick to create a clever test that would reveal the guilty servant through fear-induced behavior.


Q:35 What would have happened if the thief had not cut his stick?

A: If the thief had not cut his stick, it would have supposedly “grown longer” by two inches, exposing him as the thief.


Q:36 What is the significance of the “two inches” in Birbal’s test?

A: The “two inches” was a clever psychological trick to create fear in the thief and prompt him to act in a way that revealed his guilt.


Q:37 How did the merchant feel after Birbal caught the thief?

A: The merchant was relieved and happy that his precious diamonds were safe and that the thief was caught cleverly.


Q:38 Why is this story categorized under “Wisdom”?

A: The story is categorized under “Wisdom” because it highlights clever thinking, intelligence, and problem-solving rather than using force or intimidation.


Q:39 How does Birbal’s approach reflect leadership qualities?

A: Birbal’s approach reflects leadership qualities such as fairness, strategic thinking, patience, and the ability to inspire trust and justice.


Q:40 What lesson about justice can we learn from this story?

A: The story teaches that justice can be achieved fairly and effectively through intelligence, observation, and creative problem-solving rather than fear or punishment alone.

Answer by Mrinmoee