In our contemporary imagination of governance, it is a far stretch to imagine a place for a Jester. When the role of the Jester is removed from governance, a culture of sycophancy and servility takes root. Childhood stories of Akbar and his deep relationship with Birbal bring to mind stories of humour, morality and a sense of confidence to say to Power what nobody else has the courage to say.The Jester can deliver bad news to the King that nobody else would dare to convey.
