Statistical Officers Training Scheme (SOTS) Test No: 1 - Reading Comprehension

Akbar had quarreled with Birbal over something important and had asked him not to come to the palace again. Akbar started missing Birbal and wanted him back, but could not find out where he was. Akbar hit upon a plan. He sent a message to all the villages that wells had been selected to wed the royal well and so they had to bring the bride to the capital immediately.

The headmen of the various villages were alarmed at the impossible task and came rushing to the capital to apologise for their inability to move their wells. One man, Khaji, however, came to discuss the details of the wedding. Khaji wanted to know whether the marriage ceremony would be conducted in the traditional manner. Akbar assured him that all the formalities would be observed. Khaji was happy and assured Akbar that he would bring the bride to the gates of the city. Khaji added that according to the tradition, the bridegroom was to meet the bride at the village gates and take her into the city. He also asked Akbar when was the commitment date from the bridegroom so that they could set out with the bridal party.

Akbar was happy to hear all this. He realized that such an intelligent idea could be though out only by the fertile brain of Birbal and told Khaji that he did not want the well but the man who gave him the idea.