Birbal (1528-1583) is one of the most popular figures in Indian history equally regarded by adults and children. He was a minister in the administration of Mugal Emperor Akbar and one of the members of inner council of nine advisors. Birbal's duties in Akbar's court were mostly administrative and military but he was a very close friend of Akbar too, because Akbar loved his wisdom, wit, and subtle humor. He was a poet and an author too. 

It is believed that he was a son of poor Brahman of Trivikrampur (now known as Tikavanpur) on the banks of River Yamuna. According to a popular legend he died on an expedition to Afghanistan as the head of a large military force due to treachery. It is also said that when Birbal died, Akbar mourned him for several months.
The exchanges between Akbar and Birbal have been recorded in many volumes. Many of these have become folk stories in Indian tradition. Birbal's collection of poetry is published under the pen name "Brahm".