Rai Hol, praised Akbar and his nine jewels, having a special emphasis on Birbal for his generosity. Abul Fazl respected him by emphasising on his spiritual excellence and position as a confidant of the Emperor rather than on his wit or poetry. Modern Hindu scholars assert that he made Akbar make bold decisions and the orthodox Muslims in the court despised him, since he made Akbar renounce Islam. But no evidence is present that he influenced Akbar's beliefs. Though sources suggest he influenced Akbar's policies to some extent. It was Akbar's affection for him, his religious tolerance and social liberalism which was the reason for this and Birbal was not the cause. Historically, he was more of a supporter of Akbar's religious policy and his religion, Din-i-Ilahi. Ain-i-Akbari mentions an incident involving prostitutes, where Akbar wanted to punish him, contrary to how he is portrayed as a deeply religious man. In popular culture Akbar and Birbal folk tales are featured in Amar Chitra Katha and Chandamama children's comics and many books are available containing these collections. There are various paperback editions, films, textbooks, booklets and plays with his character as the lead. The television channel Cartoon Network in India, has two featured animated series based on him, Chota Birbal and Akbar & Birbal. Salman Rushdie's novel The Enchantress of Florence has the character of Birbal. Akbar Birbal is a 2014 historical comedy show originally broadcast by Big Magic, it was followed by Hazir Jawab Birbal in 2015. Akbar Ka Bal Birbal is another historical comedy show about Akbar and Birbal that aired on Star Bharat in 2020. References Further reading 50 Wittiest Tales of Birbal () by Clifford Sawhney (Publishers: Pustak Mahal, Delhi). Mughal nobility 1528 births 1586 deaths People from Agra Humour and wit characters of India Hindi-language poets Mughal Empire poets Akbar