The Story of Three Rupees: A Money Lesson from Akbar & Birbal's Tale

Last night, I was sitting with my 9-year-old son, enjoying our bedtime ritual of storytelling. He picked a classic tale from the legendary duo, Maharaja Akbar and Birbal. As the story unfolded, I couldn’t help but feel its relevance—not just for kids but for adults too. Let me share it with you.

One day, Maharaja Akbar, in his playful mood, presented a challenge to his trusted advisor, Birbal. He handed him three rupees and said:

"Spend each rupee on three different things. The first must be spent on something here (yaha ki cheez), the second on something there (waha ki cheez), and the third on something that is neither here nor there (na yaha ki, na waha ki)."

A seemingly simple challenge, yet one that puzzled even the sharp-witted Birbal. Feeling confused and anxious, Birbal left the court to seek a solution.

Birbal's Journey to the Answer:

Walking through the market, Birbal's thoughts were consumed by the challenge when he remembered that he needed to buy sweets for his home. At the sweet shop, he learned that the sweets cost 1 rupee per kilogram.

He smiled. "The first rupee is spent on something here. I’ll enjoy this sweet with my family," he thought.

As he was leaving, a beggar approached him, pleading for food. Without hesitation, Birbal gave him a rupee, saying, "Here, have something to eat." The beggar blessed him profusely, and Birbal realized, "The second rupee is spent on something there—blessings that will benefit me in the afterlife."

Just as Birbal put his hand in his pocket for the third rupee, it slipped from his fingers and rolled to the feet of a street magician. The magician, playing a gambling trick with three cups, declared, "You’ve lost this rupee, sir—it’s mine now."

Birbal laughed. He had his answer.

Birbal returned to the court and shared his explanation to maharaja Akbar:

• The first rupee I spent on sweets for consumption, something here.
• The second rupee I gave to the beggar, earning blessings for the afterlife, something there.
• The third rupee I lost to gambling, which is neither here nor there. Money spent on such activities is of no use to me in life or after death.

Akbar, impressed by the wisdom of Birbal’s answer, applauded him.

Why This Story Resonates Today

As I listened to this story with my son, I realized how relevant it is for us adults, especially in today’s fast-paced world. It teaches us three crucial lessons about money:

1. Spend wisely on your present needs and desires. Invest in experiences, memories, and the lifestyle that brings you joy and fulfillment.
2. Give back to society. Whether it’s through charity, supporting causes, or simply helping someone in need, your contribution will come back to you in intangible ways, strengthening your community and your legacy.
3. Avoid reckless spending. Gambling, speculative trading, or chasing "get-rich-quick" schemes often lead to irreversible loss. Money lost here serves no purpose—neither for you nor for society.

A Call to Reflect

As professionals, entrepreneurs, or even individuals managing household budgets, we are all stewards of our wealth. This story reminds us to evaluate where we direct our money:

• Are we living well today?
• Are we making a positive impact?
• Are we steering clear of wasteful or reckless habits?

Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we’re spending our "three rupees."

Thanks for reading

Akashdeep Garg, QPFP?

E: [email protected]