I learned about Akbar and Birbal on a long Air India flight. Akbar the Great, a Muslim of Persian origin,
was emperor over of what is today Pakistan and northern India. Practicing much more than mere religious
tolerance, he embraced and supported diverse religions in his empire. Birbal, a Hindu, was his cleverest
and most trusted advisor. Indian parents tell their children delightful, legendary stories about the pair,
each with an important lesson. Thus inspired, I decided to delve into the various scales used in Indian
music. Knowing very little about what I was doing, I picked one at random (Bhairav) and noodled around
until I found a theme I could develop. This is the result.
