Birbal's Barrels | Ep. 309

Summary

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Circle Round: "Birbal's Barrels" (Ep. 309)

Released: December 9, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of WBUR’s Circle Round, host Rebecca Sheir adapts a classic Indian folktale starring Birbal, the legendary advisor to the Emperor known for his sharp intellect and wit. The story addresses themes of greed, honesty, and justice through a dispute between two merchants, Arvind and Asha, and Birbal's clever approach to revealing the truth. As always, the episode encourages children and grown-ups to discuss important moral lessons and ends with a creative, hands-on activity.

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Main Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Introduction to the Theme: Greed vs. Need

• The episode opens with a riddle whose answer is "greed," framing the folktale’s focus on distinguishing between what we want and what we truly need.
  • [00:31] Rebecca poses the riddle:

    "I grow with every bite I get, but never full or satisfied. Yet I'll empty wallets, ruin kings, yet still demand the finest things. The answer is greed."

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Birbal and the Dispute of the Two Merchants

Characters:

• Birbal – Wise advisor, acting as judge
• Arvind – Merchant, accuses Asha of owing him 500 gold pieces
• Asha – Wealthy merchant, denies the loan
• Court Clerk and Asha’s steward

The Case Is Laid Out

• Arvind recounts: After many years apart, he met his old friend Asha, believed she was in need, and claims to have lent her 500 gold pieces.

• Asha sternly denies borrowing any money, insisting her wealth comes from hard work and not from a loan.

  • [03:55] Arvind (pleading):

    "You were all, oh, Arvind. I owe a very important person 500 gold pieces. And if I can't scrape together 500 gold pieces, I shall be ruined. Ruined?"

  • [04:12] Asha (denying):

    "I said no such thing."

  • [06:45] Asha clarifies:

    "I did not borrow any money. Therefore, I do not owe any money. The reason I'm doing so well is because of hard work, not some bogus loan."

• Birbal asks for proof; Arvind has none, since the loan was based on trust.

• Birbal, in his classic style, suspends judgment and hints he'll use unusual means to reveal the truth.

  • [07:42] Birbal (to clerk):

    "Bring me two barrels of grain. If all goes as I hope, those barrels will help me discover which one of our merchants is as sound as a barrel and which one is as crooked as a barrel of fishhooks."

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Birbal's Clever Investigation

The Barrel Test

• Disguising himself, Birbal delivers a barrel of grain to both Arvind and Asha—each with an extra gold coin hidden beneath the lid.
• He requests that both sell the grain at the market and bring the proceeds (including any found gold) to the palace.

Arvind’s Reaction

• [12:48] Arvind discovers the coin:

  "There's a gold coin stuck on the bottom of the lid... I'm lucky I opened this barrel before I sold it."

Asha’s Reaction

• [14:20] Asha similarly finds the coin but chooses to keep it:

  "The Emperor must have billions of these gold coins lying around. The treasury will never notice if one is missing. Steward, take this coin and place it in my money box." [14:44]

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The Truth Comes Out

The Merchants Return

• Both merchants return with money bags; Asha's is noticeably heavier.
• Birbal questions the discrepancy and directly asks about the gold coins hidden in the barrels.

Honest Arvind

• [17:13] Arvind explains:

  "I found the extra gold coin stuck in the lid of the barrel. I figured I would return it to the royal treasury where it rightfully belongs."

Deceitful Asha

• Asha feigns ignorance about the coin.

• [18:34] Asha:

  "A gold coin in the lid. There was no gold coin stuck in my barrel's lid. There must be some mistake."

• Birbal, having sent for Asha's steward and the missing coin, reveals Asha's dishonesty in front of everyone.

  • [19:25] Steward:

    "It's the gold coin you found stuck in the lid of the Emperor's barrel... but here it is."

  • [20:02] Birbal (the verdict):

    "If anyone in this room is mistaken, it's Asha. Mistaken to think she can overcharge an innocent customer... mistaken to think she can get away with stealing a gold coin... and very mistaken to think she can lie about owing her honest, hard-working colleague 500 gold pieces. Which is why Asha shall pay Arvind double the amount she borrowed."

  • Asha apologizes, Arvind forgives her, and the case becomes a lesson in honesty and greed.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:31] Rebecca Sheir:

  "I grow with every bite I get, but never full or satisfied..."

• [07:42] Birbal:

  "I'd like you to visit the Royal Granary and bring me two barrels of grain... those barrels will help me discover which one of our merchants is as sound as a barrel and which one is as crooked as a barrel of fishhooks."

• [17:24] Birbal (to Arvind):

  "I appreciate your honesty, Arvind. And of course, your fair and excellent salesmanship."

• [20:02] Birbal (the moral):

  "If anyone in this room is mistaken, it's Asha... very mistaken to think she can lie about owing her honest, hard-working colleague 500 gold pieces."

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Important Timestamps

• [00:31] Introduction & riddle about greed
• [02:11] Birbal meets the two merchants in court
• [07:42] Birbal outlines his plan with the barrels
• [10:33] Birbal prepares the barrels with hidden coins
• [12:48] Arvind finds the gold coin in his barrel
• [14:20] Asha finds, then takes, the gold coin in her barrel
• [17:02] Counting the proceeds and Birbal’s questioning
• [19:25] The steward returns the hidden gold coin to Birbal
• [20:02] Birbal’s verdict and the resolution

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Activity: Make Your Own Barrel of Fun

• [21:19] Rebecca encourages listeners to make a "barrel of fun":
  • Use an empty yogurt container, decorate it as a barrel, and fill it with paper squares listing fun activities. When you have free time, draw a square and do the activity.

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Takeaways and Moral Lessons

• Honesty is always the best policy
• Greed can lead to one’s downfall, while integrity brings reward and forgiveness
• True justice may require clever thinking and creative solutions

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Episode Tone & Style

• Warm, musical, and playful—ideal for young listeners but with enough wit for adults.
• Clear, engaging performances by an accomplished cast.
• Interactive and imaginative, encouraging participation and conversation.

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For more episodes, coloring pages, and activities, visit WBUR's Circle Round.

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Transcript

[A]

Hey, Circle Round fans, we've added stops to our 2025, 2026 circle round live tour, and you're invited. Join us for live episode recordings in Los Angeles on January 18, Boston on February 7, and Cleveland on March 14. We can't wait to circle round with you live. Get your [e-mail] CircleRound WBUR Podcasts, Boston.

See if you can guess this riddle. I grow with every bite I get, but never full or satisfied. Yet I'll empty wallets, ruin kings, yet still demand the finest things. The answer is greed. That feeling of wanting and craving more than we actually need. In today's tale, a clever character shows the difference between greed and need with help from some grain, some gold, and a barrel of lies.

I'm Rebecca Scheer, and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called Barrels. This Indian tale features a wise and witty character you've met in several other Circle Round episodes. Beer Ball.

Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Ravi V. Patel, star of the Fox comedy Animal Control and co writer, co director and subject of the romantic comedy documentary Meet the Patels. You Lego fans may recognize Ravi as a celebrity partner and mentor on LEGO Masters Junior. So. So Circle Round, everyone, for Beerball's Barrels.

Birbal was chief advisor to the Emperor. Legendary for his razor sharp intellect and lightning fast wit, Birbal also acted as a judge, finding unexpected ways to settle disputes among the Emperor's subjects. One day, two such subjects came to Birbal's court. A pair of merchants. One named Arvind.

[B]

Thank you for seeing us, Birbal.

[A]

And one named Asha.

[C]

We hope you'll see to it that justice is served.

[A]

Birbal looked from one merchant to the other.

[D]

I shall do my best to assist you. So tell me, what brings the two of you here today?

[A]

Arvind spoke up first.

[B]

It is I who am bringing this case, Birbal. You see, Asha and I grew up together. We went to the same school, had the same friends. We even had the same dream to become traveling merchants.

[D]

And as I understand it, you.

[E]

You did.

[B]

Indeed we did. We achieved our dream. But I wound up doing business in one part of the world, while Asha wound up in another. The two of us lost touch and we didn't cross paths again. Until one year ago when we encountered each other at a bazaar and Asha asked to borrow money.

[C]

Okay, everything you said was accurate until that last part. Arvind and I did encounter each other at a Bazaar one year ago. But I did not ask to borrow money.

[B]

You made it very clear you were in need. You were all, oh, Arvind. I owe a very important person 500 gold pieces. And if I can't scrape together 500 gold pieces, I shall be ruined. Ruined?

[C]

I said no such thing.

[B]

You're right. You moaned it. Oh, poor me, poor me. Whatever will I do?

[C]

I don't sound like that.

[B]

Wanna bet?

[D]

Friends, if you would like me to hear this case, then I need to hear the whole story. Arvind, can you please continue?

[B]

With pleasure. And with pain. Because on that fateful day one year ago, my heart went out to my old friend. I offered to loan her the 500 gold pieces. And now, one year later, she has yet to return them.

[C]

Because I never borrowed them in the first place.

[B]

Yes, you did. And to be honest, I wouldn't be in such a hurry for her to repay the loan if I weren't.

In trouble.

[D]

Trouble? Have you fallen on hard times?

[B]

You could say that. Last month I was riding my horse from one village to another when I was set upon by bandits.

[D]

Bandits?

[B]

It was awful. The heartless thieves stole everything, including my horse and all my goods. So I had nothing. And when I tracked Asha down at her big, new, fancy house and desperately asked for my coins back, she refused.

[C]

Because I had no idea what you were talking about. You never lent me a thing, Arvind. You said so yourself. I live in a big, new, fancy house. Do I look like the type who needs to borrow 500 gold pieces?

[B]

Last year you did. At the bazaar. You looked absolutely miserable. Which is why I took pity on you. Then you took advantage of me.

[C]

No, you are taking advantage of me by bringing me to court for a case with absolutely zero merit.

[D]

Friends, as the judge in this room, I shall decide whether this case has merit or not. Arvind, what proof do you have that you LENT ASHA the 500 gold pieces?

[B]

I have no proof. Asha was an old friend. It didn't even occur to me to put something in writing. Though her fancy new house seems like proof enough to me.

[C]

I heard that Birbal Arvind is being completely out of order. I did not borrow. Borrow any money. Therefore, I do not owe any money. The reason I'm doing so well is because of hard work, not some bogus loan.

[B]

The loan was not bogus.

[D]

Friends, I believe I've heard all that I need to hear and then some. But before I can deliver a verdict, I'll need to think things through. So please go home. Go about your Business. I promise. You shall hear from me in due time.

[A]

Once the merchants were gone, Birbal leaned back in his chair and scratched his head.

[D]

Hmm. This case is most curious. And in order to declare a verdict, I'll need to employ some curious means. Clerk.

[A]

A court clerk came rushing in. Beerball flashed her a grin.

[D]

I'd like you to visit the Royal Granary and bring me two barrels of grain. If all goes as I hope, those barrels will help me discover which one of our merchants is as sound as a barrel and which one is as crooked as a barrel of fishhooks. And believe me, outing that scoundrel for their misdeed will be more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

[A]

Who do you think the scoundrel is? And how will Beerball uncover the truth? We'll find out after a quick break.

[E]

Support for Circle Round comes from Indeed. Hiring isn't just about finding someone willing to take the job. You need the right person with the right background who can move your business forward to find quality candidates. Give your job the best chance to be seen with Indeed's sponsored jobs. It boosts your post so you can reach the exact people you want faster and spend more time interviewing candidates who check all your boxes and Circle Round listeners will get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com CircleRound Terms and Conditions apply. Hiring do it the right way with Indeed.

[A]

The reviews are in and super fans like you are loving the Circle Round Club, an exciting opportunity to support public radio and get cool stuff ad free episodes and a personalized birthday message from me.

[F]

What I like about the Circle Round Club is that Rebecca Shear sends extra messages and it supports the show and there are no ads.

[A]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub.

[B]

Foreign.

[A]

I'm Rebecca Shear. Welcome back to Circle Round. Today our story is called Beerballs Barrels.

Before the break, Beerball, advisor to the Emperor and judge to the people, was considering a case between two merchants. Arvind claimed Asha owed him 500 gold pieces, but Asha denied it. Birbal told the merchants he would make his judgment soon. In the meantime, he had his clerk bring him two barrels of grain from the Royal Granary.

[D]

Thank you, clerk. I'm going to deliver these barrels to our two merchants. There's just something I need to do first.

[A]

He fished around in his pocket and took out two gold coins. Then he pulled the lids off the barrels, flipped the lids over, and wedged one gold coin between the wooden slats on each lid's bottom.

[D]

There.

And there.

[A]

Once the coins were stuck and the lids were replaced, Beerball went bustling through the palace. He grabbed a set of servants clothes. He put on a pair of old boots. He even scared up a wig and false beard. Once he was satisfied with his disguise, he loaded the barrels onto a cart and wheeled over to Arvind's house.

[D]

Good day, sir. Might you be the merchant known as Arvind?

[B]

Indeed I am.

[D]

Wonderful.

[A]

The disguised Beerball beamed and gestured toward one of the barrels.

[D]

The Emperor sent me to deliver this barrel of grain. It is his hope to sell 1,000 such barrels at the market. But first he needs to know what price one barrel will fetch. He's heard of your skills as a merchant and would like you to sell the barrel for him tomorrow. He asks that you bring the proceeds to the palace. Every bit of money you acquire as a result of this sale.

[A]

Arovand gave the bearded man a smile. It was clear he did not recognize Beerball.

[B]

It would be my honor to sell this barrel of grain for the Emperor. Thank you.

[D]

And thank you.

[A]

Beerball turned and walked off. But he didn't walk away. Instead, he hid behind a bush and watched to see what Arvind would do next.

[B]

Boy, oh, boy. Did that really just happen? Did I really receive a personal request from the Emperor to sell his grain? Oh, what a stroke of luck.

But before I bring this barrel to the marketplace, I should take a look at its contents. Get an idea of what I'm selling.

[A]

Arvind opened the barrel wide, and his eyes went even wider. Oh, my.

[B]

There's a gold coin stuck on the bottom of the lid.

I'm lucky I opened this barrel before I sold it.

[A]

Birbal chuckled to himself, then wheeled the second barrel over to Asha's house. Arvind's description had been accurate. Asha's place was big and fancy, with towers and turrets and balconies galore.

[D]

Greetings, ma'.

[C]

Am.

[D]

Might you be the merchant known as Asha?

[C]

In fact, I am.

[A]

Birbal showed Asha the barrel and gave her the same spiel he'd given Arvind, the one about selling the Emperor's grain and bringing all the proceeds to the palace. Asha gaped at the bearded stranger, unaware of his true identity.

[C]

Well, well, well. It would be my pleasure to sell the Emperor's grain. Thank you.

[D]

And thank you.

Once more.

[A]

Birbal turned and walked off. But he didn't walk away. Instead, he hid behind a statue in the yard to witness Asha's next move.

[C]

What luck that the Emperor has asked me to see sell his barrel of grain. However, before I bring it to market, I should inspect its contents.

[A]

Asha lifted the barrel's lid.

[C]

Well, looky, looky. There's a gold coin stuck on the bottom of the lid.

The Emperor must have billions of these gold coins. Coins lying around. The treasury will never notice if one is missing. Steward.

[A]

She snapped her fingers. One of her many stewards came rushing over.

[C]

Steward, take this coin and place it in my money box. The coin in the lid? No, the coin on the moon. Yes, the coin in the lid. And be quick about it. Make sure your legs move faster than your brain. Yes, ma'. Am.

[A]

From behind the statue, Birbal watched this drama unfold. Then, quietly, he hurried away. The following day, once Arvind and Asha sold their barrels of grain, they reported to the palace to bring the Emperor their proceeds. When they stated their business to the guards, they were led into a large room where Beerball was waiting.

[D]

Well, hello there. Are you here for the verdict of your case? I told you I would be in touch when I reached my decision. And I am not yet ready.

[A]

The merchants shook their heads.

[B]

Actually, Birbal, Asha and I are here to see the Emperor.

[C]

Turns out he gave both me and Arvind a barrel of grain to sell at the market. Though I'm not sure why he paired me with this lying flimflammer.

[B]

I'm the flimflammer. I just want my 500 gold pieces back.

[C]

And I want you to stop fibbing about a fake loan.

[D]

Friends, please. You haven't finished stating your business. You were saying that the Emperor gave each of you a barrel of grain to sell. And now.

[B]

Now he wants us to bring him the proceeds.

[C]

All the money we acquired as a result of the sale.

[D]

Is that so?

[A]

Birbal, of course, knew full well why the merchants were here. But he pretended to know nothing.

[D]

I'm afraid the Emperor is indisposed at the moment. So how about you give me the money you acquired?

[A]

Each merchant handed Birbal a leather pouch. Both pouches were plump with coins, but Asha's was noticeably plumper. Birabal counted the coins in Ottovind's pouch first.

[D]

101 gold coins. That seems to be a fair price. But tell me, Arvind, why not an even 100? Why 101?

[B]

Oh, I meant to tell you. I found the extra gold coin stuck in the lid of the barrel. When it was delivered, I figured I would return it to the royal treasury where it rightfully belongs.

[D]

I see.

[A]

Beerball scratched his chin.

[D]

I appreciate your honesty, Arvind. And of course, your fair and excellent salesmanship. Now, let's count your colleague's proceeds, shall we?

[A]

He reached into Asha's pouch and tallied the coins. Mmm.

[D]

Asha. While Arvind charged 100 gold coins for his barrel, you charged 200. How come?

[C]

I wanted to fetch the Emperor the highest price possible, so I convinced some poor SAP to shell out 200 gold coins. It's what any salesperson worth their salt would do.

[D]

Aha. And what about the other gold coin?

[A]

Asha shifted her eyes.

[C]

The other what?

[D]

The other gold coin. I didn't say anything before, but I have it on good faith that both barrels of grain had a gold coin stuck in their lid. So where is yours?

[A]

A bead of sweat appeared on Asha's forehead.

[C]

A gold coin in the lid. There was no gold coin stuck in my barrel's lid. There must be some mistake.

[A]

Just then, the door flew open and in raced Asha's steward.

[C]

Here I am, ma'. Am.

[A]

Asha shot the steward a glare.

[C]

What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at home. I know my fancy new house is big, but only a door like you would mistake it for a palace. But ma', am, you sent for me. I received a message saying I should meet you here and bring you this.

[A]

The steward held out a hand. Pinched between their fingers was a gold coin.

[C]

It's the gold coin you found stuck in the lid of the Emperor's barrel. I'm not sure why you wanted me to bring it to the palace, but here it is.

[A]

Asha grimaced. Birbal grinned because guess what? He was the one who had sent for the steward and asked the steward to bring the gold coin.

[C]

I'm sorry, ma'. Am. I guess I was mistaken.

[D]

Actually, you weren't mistaken at the beerball.

[A]

Smiled at the steward, then pointed a finger at their boss.

[D]

If anyone in this room is mistaken, it's Asha. Mistaken to think she can overcharge an innocent customer for one barrel of grain. Mistaken to think she can get away with stealing a gold coin from the Emperor. And very mistaken to think she can lie about owing her honest, hard working calling 500 gold pieces. Which is why Asha shall pay Arvind double the amount she borrowed.

[E]

Double?

[D]

Yes. You shall pay Arvind double the amount you borrowed or you shall face the wrath of the Emperor for the crime of stealing from his treasury.

[A]

Well, I'm pleased to say that by the end of the day, Arvind received his his money. He also received an apology. Asha begged her old buddy for forgiveness, and Aravind was happy to give it, so long as Asha was honest with him in the future. Because being lied to by anyone, especially a friend, is not a barrel.

Now it's your turn. You can make your own barrel of fun. Find an empty, cleaned out yogurt container and use glue or tape to cover it with brown construction paper or recycled paper bags. Use a black marker to draw metal rings around your brown barrel. Then cut up some squares of paper and on each one write or draw ways you like to have fun. Fill your barrel with as many squares as you can, and when you have free time on your hands, reach into your barrel, pick a square and see where the fun takes you.

This week's episode, Beerballs Barrels, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the Sarangi. You can learn more about this Indian stringed instrument and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website WBUR.org CircleRound. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for every single Circle Round story and you can print them out and color them in grownups and you can download all of our coloring [e-mail] CircleRound Special thanks to this week's actors Ryan Dallasung, GM Hakim, Don Ursula and Ravi V. Patel, star of the Fox comedy Animal Control. You Lego fans might recognize Ravi as a celebrity partner and mentor on LEGO Masters Junior. He's also the subject of Meet the Patels, the romantic comedy documentary film he co, directed, directed and co wrote with his sister Geeta Patel. If you love Circle Round and want to Circle Round with us in even more ways while also supporting public media, join the Circle Round Club. As thanks for your support, we'll send you exclusive Swag, an ad free feed, bonus bedtime stories, audio features about the musical instruments we use, plus an invitation to meet me and Eric Shyamalanis after our live shows. You can also add on goodies like our Snuggly Lion Stuffy and a personalized birthday message from me. Sign up for the Circle Round Club and show your love for public [e-mail] CircleRound Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please spread the word and if you have a moment, please leave us a five star rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now. If you it helps other listeners find the show so we can keep Circling Round with you for years to come. Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's npr.

I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for circling Round with us.

Now that you've made it to the end of this circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite circle round story? Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the circle round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[F]

Hi, my name is Nori. I live in Massachusetts. My favorite circle round story is the fast food.

Bring me a cup of Tea in Jose Norman Tea. My name is. My name is Nolan. I live in Massachusetts. My favorite Circle Round story is the Fast Feast because Ezekiel keeps getting the servant's name wrong. He calls Joe George and thinks he's getting a cup of coffee. My name is John from Dallas, Texas. And my favorite circle round is Coyote's Wild Ride and Coyote and He Travels on the sun. My name is Lily from Dallas Ketch and my favorite story is the Yapping Bird. And my favorite part when the kind people they were looking for the yapping birds. My name is Stevie. I live in Portland, Oregon. My favorite story is Salmon Famine. I like the part when the fox pulls a bramble to let the salmon free. My name's Delaney and I'm from Seattle, Washington. My favorite circle around story is the Basilicare. My name is Manolo, I live in Texas. And my favorite circle round is the Acorn Robbery. I love you, Rebecca Shear.

[A]

Did someone mention a storm story you've missed? Not to worry, grown ups. You can find all of our Circle Round stories plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages and oh so much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.