by Richard Martin | Dec 21, 2024
Birbal and Emperor Akbar’s Barber How clever Birbal went to heaven – and returned One of many folk tales of the Mughal emperor Akbar, and his wise and witty advisor Birbal. I found the story (attributed to both Birbal and Nasruddin) in Ioan Tenner’s...
by Richard Martin | Oct 23, 2024
Birbal Looking for Five Idiots What happened when a mighty emperor wondered what makes an idiot Video not yet publicly available This tale has been recorded and will be uploaded during 2025 to the video gallery, where it will be available to watch for free –...
by Richard Martin | Apr 29, 2020
Birbal and Akbar’s Missing Thumb – teaching activity Here are two teaching activities. The first was kindly sent by Maria Schmidt-Lisowski, a teacher using the story with her class during the coronavirus lockdown. Before you watch, find a definition for...
by Richard Martin | Apr 21, 2020
Birbal and Akbar’s Missing Thumb The enforced proximity during the coronavirus lockdown makes this old tale strangely appropriate A teaching activity Want to download the video?Videos are provided free to view. If you want to download one, I can arrange that....
by Richard Martin | Apr 10, 2025
Nasruddin’s Nail How the Hodja sold – and bought – a house Mullah Nasruddin In the 800 years since his death, countless tales have become associated with the much-loved figure of Hodja Nasruddin. As is to be expected in folk lore, the stories range...
