Count The Crows

Quick Thinking Birbal: One day Akbar was strolling in his palace gardens with his dear minister Birbal. Many crows were flying around. The King enjoyed their flying. Just then he thought, that how many crows could be in his kingdom and immediately posed this question to Birbal.

Birbal thought a moment, then said, “They are ninety-five thousand, four hundred and sixty-three (95, 463) crows in your kingdom, Huzoor.” “How do you know that for sure?” the King asked. “You can get them counted, Huzoor.” Birbal said.,

The king again said, “If there will be less than that, then?” Birbal replied immediately, “That means that the rest of them have gone on vacation to some neighboring kingdoms.” “Or if there were more than that, then?” “Then it means that other crows are visiting your kingdom, Huzoor.”