Story - The Three Questions

Akbar and Birbal's relationship was exemplary in the kingdom at the
time of Akbar's rule. It was evident to the whole court that Akbar was
extremely impressed with Birbal. People would always have their eye
onBirbal's activities and behavior so they might find a glitch and
thus bring him down in king's eyes. Amongst these jealous souls,
remained a specific courtier who hated whenever Akbar encouraged and
praised Birbal. He always wanted to be the chief minister but sadly
enough; the seat was occupied by Akbar's very own Birbal.
The courtier finally expressed his anger to Akbar and challenged him
with three questions. He demanded that if Birbal could not answer
these questions, he should be demoted from the position, as he didn't
deserve to be the chief minister. Akbar, who always believed Birbal,
but yet, wanted to test his wit and intelligence agreed to the
challenge. He informed Birbal that if he didn't answer these
questions, he would be requiredto step off the seat.
The courtier asked the followingquestions:
How many stars span across thesky?
Where does the centre of earth exist?
The number of males and females in the world?
Birbal brought back his version of answers.
For the first question, he presented a sheep, and replied that the
number of hair on this sheep exactly equals the number of stars
spanning the sky, and to be sure, the courtier has full right to count
them.
For the second question, he drew couple of straight lines on ground
and stuck a metal rod inbetween them. He claimed thatit was in fact
the centre of the earth, and the courtier can measure it, to his own
precision.
The third answer was the most witty and humorous. He replied that the
number of males and females cannot be determined nor counted as there
are peoplelike the courtier who can neither be termed males nor
females and in order to know the exact number, such people would have
to be killed.
Akbar was surprisingly proud of his choice. As a result, Birbal
continued being the chief minister.