There are anecdotes after anecdotes in the events of history , but  mainline historians rarely describe it as it is not of much importance in shaping the further events of history It goes in folklore in distorted form , otherwise obliterated from the memory of general mass .Emperor Akbar had ruled this country for 49 years so perhaps he was bored by its monotony . Daily same protocol, same rituals were adhered. Successor of throne were getting restless . Prince Saleem was natural successor, but he was addict of opium , wine & women . His wife Manwati Bai had poisoned herself in 1604 itself out of melancholia & perhaps Prince Saleem was on betrothal spree as he had legally 20 wedded wives during his reign .Emperor Akbar harem as well as court was floating with intrigues as it was prevalent milieu of medieval India . Prince Khusrau Mirza son of Manwati Bai & son of prince Saleem was more favorite among the nobles of Akbar's court as he was good warrior & bereft of any bad habits

                                               Akbar wanted to end this piquant situation & at the same time ambivalent in taking the decision . He devised a novel idea as he was humorous & warm also. The story of Akbar & Birbal are still popular in the psyche of common mass . Akbar had favorite champion elephant Ratanmahan . Prince Saleem had Giranbar & Price Khusrau Mirza had champion elephant Apurva . By the order of Akbar fight between the elephants Sleem & Kusrau Mirza was staged in front Buland Darwaza & Akbar's elephant was to act as referee !