How many crows are there in Delhi?

One day Emperor Akbar questioned his courtiers, “How many crows are there in Delhi?” No one could reply his question. Meanwhile Birbal also came to the palace. Emperor Akbar then quickly questioned him, “How many crows are there in Delhi?” As soon as he heard the question without thinking anything Birbal replied, “Your Majesty! Altogether there are thirty thousand nine hundred and eighty crows in at this moment.”

Amazed by his quick response, Emperor Akbar said, “You replied so quickly as if you have already counted. When did you get such time? How you counted? Tell me everything! Your counting is wrong."

Then Birbal said, “What I’m telling is certainly correct, if I had not counted then I would not have been able to reply so fluently when you questioned.” Emperor said, “While counting if the number differed even by one you will be charged thirty thousand nine hundred and eighty rupees. So, think once again and tell. If you want you can also count again.”

“The number of crow in Delhi is as per I replied, Your Majesty! But I won’t be responsible if the number increases or decreases while you count because the number might be less if some might have gone abroad and if some guests have come, the number might be more. But yes! If no one has been to abroad and no guests have come then my counting won’t be wrong”, said Birbal. Listening such answer from Birbal, Emperor stayed quiet.