Chapter 1 The Wit that Won Hearts Question Answers Class 8 English Poorvi
Chapter 1 The Wit that Won Hearts Questions Answers Class 8 English
Very Short Question Answer
Question 1. What was the name of Krishnadeva Raya’s epic poem?
Answer
The name of his epic poem was Amuktamalyada.
Question 2. What was the name of Krishnadeva Raya’s Sanskrit play?
Answer
The Sanskrit play was Jambavati Parinayam.
Question 3. How many esteemed poets were part of the Ashtadiggajas?
Answer
There were eight esteemed poets in the Ashtadiggajas.
Question 4. Why did the ministers avoid giving feedback on the king’s poem?
Answer
The ministers found the king’s poem unclear and dodged giving feedback with excuses. They likely feared upsetting him due to his pride as a poet.
Question 5. What caused the quarrel between Krishnadeva Raya and Thirumalambal?
Answer
The quarrel began when Thirumalambal yawned during the king’s poem recitation.
Question 6. How long did the king avoid speaking to Thirumalambal after their quarrel?
Answer
He avoided her for weeks.
Question 7. Who did Thirumalambal approach for help to resolve the quarrel?
Answer
She approached Tenali Ramakrishna for help.
Question 8. How did Tenali Ramakrishna respond when Thirumalambal asked for help?
Answer
Tenali listened thoughtfully and asked for time to devise a strategy. He promised to do his best to resolve the royal couple’s quarrel.
Question 9. What did Tenali Rama ask the queen for before helping her?
Answer
He asked for time to devise a strategy.
Question 10. What was the king’s reaction to Rama’s comparison?
Answer
The king laughed and sighed. Then, realization struck him. He remembered scolding the queen unfairly and began to regret his actions. He understood that yawning wasn’t meant to insult him.
Question 11. What was the setting of the royal court when Tenali presented his plan?
Answer
The court was buzzing with ministers and scholars discussing paddy cultivation.
Question 12. What did Tenali claim about the paddy seeds he presented?
Answer
He claimed they could yield three times more than the current harvest.
Question 13. How did the courtiers initially react to Tenali’s claim about the seeds?
Answer
They reacted with sarcasm and snickers.
Question 14. What natural action did Tenali compare yawning to?
Answer
Tenali compared yawning to breathing.
Question 15. What did the ministers propose for a higher crop yield?
Answer
The ministers suggested expanding irrigation systems and using better manure. These solutions aimed to improve paddy cultivation in the empire.
Question 16. What did Tenali say was the real issue affecting the harvest?
Answer
He said the real issue was the sower, not the seeds.
Question 17. What natural action did Tenali compare yawning to in court?
Answer
He compared yawning to breathing.
Question 18. How did Thirumalambal react to the king’s apology?
Answer
Thirumalambal smiled and asked to hear his poem again. She was willing to move past the quarrel, restoring their relationship.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1. Why was the Vijayanagara Empire considered culturally rich during Krishnadeva Raya’s rule?
Answer
The Vijayanagara Empire flourished in art, literature, and architecture during
Krishnadeva Raya’s reign. His period is often called the ‘Golden Era’. He was a patron of learning and supported talented poets and scholars. His contributions to poetry in Telugu and Sanskrit enriched Indian literary heritage.
Question 2. Who were the Ashtadiggajas in Krishnadeva Raya’s court?
Answer
The Ashtadiggajas were a group of eight distinguished poets in Krishnadeva Raya’s royal court. They included renowned figures like Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna, known for their literary brilliance. These poets contributed significantly to the empire’s rich literary tradition. Their works added to the cultural prestige of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Question 3. Why did the king stop talking to the queen?
Answer
The king stopped speaking to the queen after she yawned while he was reciting his poem. He felt insulted and believed she disrespected his poetry. The queen, however, was simply tired and did not intend to be rude. This misunderstanding caused a long silence between them.
Question 4. Explain the misunderstanding between the king and the queen and how it affected them.
Answer
The misunderstanding occurred when the queen yawned while the king was reciting a poem. The king assumed she was mocking him and felt insulted. He stopped speaking to her and avoided her completely. The queen felt helpless and upset, unable to explain her side. The misunderstanding cast a shadow over the palace’s atmosphere. It was only resolved through Tenali Rama’s clever intervention.
Question 5. How did the queen feel after the quarrel with the king?
Answer
The queen was distraught and deeply hurt by the king’s silence. She tried to explain but failed to change his mind. Eventually, she sought help from Tenali Rama, hoping he could make the king understand. She placed her last hope in him.
Question 6. What did Thirumalambal tell Tenali about the king’s poem?
Answer
Thirumalambal told Tenali that the king’s poem was about the sun, moon, and stars but was difficult to understand. She mentioned that the ministers avoided giving honest feedback, which frustrated the king. When she yawned during his recitation, he felt disrespected and left angrily. This misunderstanding led to their prolonged quarrel.
Question 7. What topic was being discussed in the court when Rama entered?
Answer
The ministers were discussing how to improve paddy cultivation in the empire. Some suggested better irrigation, while others proposed improved manure. Rama entered quietly with a plate of paddy seeds. He used this opportunity to present his idea.
Question 8. What were the ministers discussing in the court before Tenali spoke?
Answer
The ministers were discussing practical ways to improve paddy cultivation in the empire. They proposed solutions like expanding irrigation systems to ensure better water supply. They also suggested using improved manure to enhance crop yields. These discussions aimed to boost agricultural productivity for the empire’s benefit.
Question 9. What unusual claim did Tenali Rama make in court?
Answer
Tenali Rama claimed that the paddy seeds he brought would yield three times more than usual. This surprised and amused the courtiers. Some mocked him, suggesting the seeds were magical or from the moon. The king was sceptical and questioned Rama’s logic.
Question 10. What happened in the court when Tenali mentioned yawning?
Answer
When Tenali mentioned yawning, the court burst into laughter, easing the earlier tension. The king, caught off guard, yawned instinctively, which surprised everyone present. This moment prompted him to reflect on his misunderstanding with Thirumalambal. The laughter created a lighter mood, helping to shift the king’s perspective.
Question 11. What did Krishnadeva Raya say to Thirumalambal to resolve their quarrel?
Answer
Krishnadeva Raya approached Thirumalambal with a sincere apology, admitting he had been foolish. He acknowledged that his pride had blinded him, causing him to misjudge her yawning. He expressed deep regret for his actions and the pain he caused. His heartfelt words helped mend their relationship.
Question 12. How did Tenali Rama plan and execute the solution to the royal conflict?
Answer
Tenali Rama listened carefully to the queen’s problem and promised to help with a well-planned approach. He didn’t directly talk about the conflict but cleverly set the stage in court. By introducing paddy seeds and making an analogy with yawning, he indirectly reminded the king of the queen’s innocence. His humour lightened the mood and led to self-realisation in the king. This indirect method showed Tenali’s mastery in conflict resolution.
Question 13. What does the story reveal about human emotions like pride, regret, and forgiveness?
Answer
The story reveals how pride can blind people and damage relationships. The king’s pride made him overreact to the queen’s innocent yawn. However, when faced with a clever reminder, he felt regret and realised his mistake. The queen showed forgiveness and grace, which helped rebuild their bond. The story teaches that understanding and humility are essential in relationships.
Question 14. How did the royal couple show their gratitude to Tenali Rama?
Answer
The royal couple showed their gratitude by showering Tenali Rama with valuable gifts for his cleverness. Their appreciation restored joy and laughter to the palace, making it vibrant again. Tenali’s witty tactic not only resolved their quarrel but also strengthened their trust in him. The palace returned to its lively and harmonious state.
Question 15. What role did humor play in Tenali Ramakrishna’s strategy to resolve the conflict?
Answer
Humor played a crucial role in Tenali Ramakrishna's strategy to resolve the conflict between the king and queen. By introducing the concept of paddy seeds and connecting yawning to careless sowing, he created a humorous situation that made the court laugh. This laughter helped to ease the tension, allowing the king to yawn instinctively and reconsider his earlier misunderstanding. Tenali's clever use of humour turned a serious issue into a chance for healing and reconciliation. His approach illustrated how light-heartedness can effectively address misunderstandings and restore harmony.
Long Answer Questions
Question 1. Why was Tenali Ramakrishna’s approach to solving the royal quarrel considered clever?
Answer
Tenali Ramakrishna's approach was clever because he employed a subtle and humorous strategy to address the king's misunderstanding without direct confrontation. Rather than openly discussing the quarrel, he presented a plate of paddy seeds, claiming they could triple the harvest, which captured the court's attention. By linking careless sowing to yawning, he indirectly referenced the queen's action, prompting the king to reflect on his own behaviour. This method avoided embarrassing the king while encouraging self-realisation. Tenali's tactic was effective because it used humour to diffuse tension and foster introspection. His indirect approach ensured the king understood his mistake without feeling criticised. The cleverness of his strategy lay in blending wit with wisdom, ultimately resolving the conflict peacefully. As a result, harmony was restored, earning him the gratitude of the royal couple.
Question 2. How did Tenali Ramakrishna’s role as an advisor influence the Vijayanagara Empire’s court?
Answer
Tenali Ramakrishna played a crucial role in the Vijayanagara Empire's court as both a poet and a clever advisor. His sharp wit and problem-solving abilities made him a trusted confidant to King Krishnadeva Raya. For instance, he successfully resolved a quarrel between the royal couple using a thoughtful strategy, demonstrating his skill in managing delicate situations. His presence brought both humour and wisdom to the court, helping to lighten the atmosphere during tense moments. Tenali's clever interventions often transformed serious discussions into opportunities for reflection and unity. By addressing issues like the king's misunderstandings with the queen, he played a significant role in strengthening the court's harmony. Beyond his poetic contributions, Tenali helped maintain a positive atmosphere in the palace. His unique ability to blend intelligence with diplomacy made him an indispensable figure in the empire, showcasing how a wise advisor can influence the dynamics of a royal court.
Question 3. How did the court’s atmosphere reflect the challenges faced by Krishnadeva Raya?
Answer
The atmosphere of the royal court reflected the challenges faced by Krishnadeva Raya, particularly his personal conflict with Thirumalambal. Although discussions on agricultural improvements were lively, a sense of tension lingered due to the king's troubled mood. His stern expression while seated on the throne demonstrated how his personal issues impacted his leadership. The court, typically a vibrant space for debate, felt strained, mirroring the emotional burden of the royal quarrel. Tenali Ramakrishna provided a humorous distraction with his paddy seeds, which lightened the atmosphere but also underscored the king's distraction. This situation illustrates that a ruler's personal challenges can significantly affect the dynamics of the court and influence decision-making. Once the quarrel was resolved, the court regained its joyful energy, highlighting the connection between the king's state of mind and the court's atmosphere. This scenario exemplifies how a leader's personal and professional responsibilities are intertwined.
Question 4. What does the story reveal about the importance of communication in resolving conflicts?
Answer
The story highlights that clear communication is vital for resolving conflicts, as illustrated by the quarrel between Krishnadeva Raya and Thirumalambal. The king's silence, stemming from a misinterpretation of the queen's yawning, led to a prolonged rift that created tension in the palace. Thirumalambal's attempts to explain her actions were unsuccessful because the king was initially unwilling to engage in dialogue. It was Tenali Ramakrishna's clever tactic in court that prompted the king to reflect on his mistake, paving the way for communication. When Krishnadeva Raya finally apologised and spoke to the queen, their relationship was restored. This story illustrates that misunderstandings can escalate without communication, but honest conversations can mend relationships. Tenali's strategy encouraged the king to express regret, proving that communication is essential for resolving disputes. This lesson emphasises the importance of listening and speaking openly to maintain harmony.
Question 5. How did the resolution of the royal couple’s quarrel impact the Vijayanagara Empire’s palace?
Answer
The resolution of the quarrel between Krishnadeva Raya and Thirumalambal significantly transformed the atmosphere of the Vijayanagara Empire palace. Previously, the palace was quiet and gloomy due to their conflict, but with the king's heartfelt apology and the queen's readiness to reconcile, harmony was restored. This positive shift not only strengthened their relationship but also uplifted the mood of the court. The return of laughter and unity revitalised the palace, creating a more productive environment. Tenali's clever intervention in resolving the dispute earned him valuable gifts, which further enhanced the morale of the court. This incident underscored the crucial role of a peaceful royal household in maintaining the stability of the empire. It illustrated how personal reconciliations can positively influence the overall dynamics within the palace.