Born in 1532 (some say 1497 but this cannot be possible as he died in the year 1623) Tulsidas was invited by Mughal Emperor Akbar in his court to display his magical powers after hearing a lot about the poet from Khan-e-Khana Rahim and Toder Mal. When Tulsidas declined, he was imprisoned. It was during this time in prison Tulsi Das started writing Hanuman Chalisa.
It is said that on the 40th day, the entire Fatehpur Sikri was surrounded by giant monkeys. They even entered the palace premises and started hurting the guards. So much mess these animals created that someone advised Akbar to free Tulsidas. The moment Tulsidas was released, the monkeys went, clearly indicating that Lord Hanuman came to the rescue of Tulsidas.