Courtiers Jokes

Mughal emperors were sticklers about court etiquette. Places were assigned to courtiers according to rank and none besides princes of royal blood allowed a seat. When ordered to approach the throne, the first step forward had to be taken with the right foot and the person had to stop at a prescribed distance from the monarch. Even close relatives had to observe these rules.
Badauni records a transgression of etiquette by the daughty Bairam Khan, the seniormost of courtiers, while attending on Humayun. The emperor was being longwinded in his speech and the aged courtier, who was overcome with drowsiness, became inattentive. Humanyun spoke sharply,' Bairam Khan! We are speaking to you and you seem not to be listening to us.'
The old man roused himself and replied,' Yes, your Majesty, I am all ears. I am told that in the service of kings, watch should be kept over the eyes; among dervishes watch should be kept over the heart; and among men of learning, watch should be kept over more...

Once upon a time there lived a very powerful Nawab Sahib who loved vegetable gardens and courtiers. One day he had his throne placed in the midst of a patch of brinjals.' Allah be praisedl' he exclaimed.' What a beautiful vegetable is this brinjal! What exquisite shape! What smoothness of texture! What colouring!'
'Ala Hazrat' chorused the courtiers. "Indeed Allah has made the brinjal the most beautiful of all vegetables in the world.'
'But it does not taste very good,' remarked the Nawab Sahib.' And doctors say it has little food value.'
'Exactly so!' agreed the courtiers.' It is the foulest of foods. It is better to take poison than eat brinjal.'
'You are a strange lot,' said the Nawab Sahib irately.' When I praise the brinjal, you heap superlatives on it. When I say a word in criticism, you execrate it in equally strong language. What kind of people are you?'
The courtiers replied in courtly courtesy:' Ala Hazrat, we eat your salt, not that of the more...