Short & Long Answer Questions: The Wit that Won Hearts | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1. What made the Vijayanagara Empire famous during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign?
Ans: The Vijayanagara Empire was famous for its immense wealth, splendor, and cultural achievements under Krishnadeva Raya. His reign, known as the Golden Era, saw remarkable progress in art, literature, and architecture. The empire became a hub for creativity, attracting scholars, poets, and artists. This period marked a peak in the empire’s prosperity and cultural brilliance.

Q2. What kind of warrior was Krishnadeva Raya known to be?
Ans: Krishnadeva Raya was renowned as a formidable and skilled warrior who led his army with great courage. His strategic abilities in battles strengthened the Vijayanagara Empire. He was respected for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield. His military successes helped protect and expand the empire’s territories.

Q3. Besides being a king, what other talents did Krishnadeva Raya have?
Ans: Krishnadeva Raya was not only a ruler but also a highly talented poet and scholar. He wrote significant works like the epic Amuktamalyada and the Sanskrit play Jambavati Parinayam. As a patron of learning, he supported scholars and artists in his court. His contributions enriched the cultural landscape of his empire.

Q4. Who were the Ashtadiggajas in Krishnadeva Raya’s court?
Ans: 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.

Q5. Why did Thirumalambal feel heartbroken after the quarrel?
Ans: Thirumalambal felt heartbroken because Krishnadeva Raya stopped speaking to her after their disagreement. The king’s refusal to communicate left her deeply saddened and isolated. Her repeated attempts to mend their relationship were unsuccessful, increasing her distress. The once-lively palace became quiet, reflecting her emotional turmoil.

Q6. What did Thirumalambal tell Tenali about the king’s poem?
Ans: 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.

Q7. How was the royal court described when Tenali presented his plan?
Ans: The royal court was described as a grand hall adorned with intricately carved pillars and illuminated by sunlight streaming through large windows. It was bustling with ministers and scholars engaged in lively discussions. The atmosphere was vibrant, despite the underlying tension from the king’s quarrel. The court’s magnificence reflected the empire’s wealth and grandeur.

Q8. What were the ministers discussing in the court before Tenali spoke?
Ans: 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.

Q9. How did the king initially react to Tenali’s claim about the paddy seeds?
Ans: Krishnadeva Raya was highly skeptical when Tenali claimed the paddy seeds could triple the harvest. He dismissed the idea as absurd, believing it was unrealistic. The king argued that such a yield would require specialized soil and advanced pest control. His reaction showed his practical approach to agricultural challenges.

Q10. What happened in the court when Tenali mentioned yawning?
Ans: 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.

Q11. What did Krishnadeva Raya say to Thirumalambal to resolve their quarrel?
Ans: 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.

Q12. How did the royal couple show their gratitude to Tenali Rama?
Ans: 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.

Long Answer Questions

Q1. How did Tenali Ramakrishna’s role as an advisor influence the Vijayanagara Empire’s court?
Ans: Tenali Ramakrishna was a vital figure in the Vijayanagara Empire’s court, serving not only as a poet but also as a clever advisor. His sharp wit and problem-solving skills made him a trusted confidant to King Krishnadeva Raya. In the story, he resolved the royal couple’s quarrel with a thoughtful strategy, showing his ability to handle delicate situations. His presence brought humor and wisdom, lightening the mood in the court during tense moments. Tenali’s clever interventions often turned serious discussions into opportunities for reflection and unity. By addressing issues like the king’s misunderstanding with the queen, he strengthened the court’s harmony. His contributions went beyond poetry, as he helped maintain a positive atmosphere in the palace. Tenali’s role as an advisor showcased his unique ability to blend intelligence with diplomacy, making him indispensable to the empire.

Q2. What does the story reveal about the importance of communication in resolving conflicts?
Ans: The story highlights that clear communication is essential for resolving conflicts, as seen in the quarrel between Krishnadeva Raya and Thirumalambal. The king’s silence after misinterpreting the queen’s yawning created a prolonged rift, causing tension in the palace. Thirumalambal’s attempt to explain her actions failed because the king was not open to dialogue initially. Tenali Ramakrishna’s clever tactic in the court prompted the king to reflect on his mistake, opening the door for communication. When Krishnadeva Raya apologized and spoke to the queen, their relationship was restored. The story shows that misunderstandings can escalate without communication, but honest conversations can heal relationships. Tenali’s strategy encouraged the king to express regret, proving that communication is key to resolving disputes. This lesson underscores the value of listening and speaking openly to maintain harmony.

Q3. How did the court’s atmosphere reflect the challenges faced by Krishnadeva Raya?
Ans: The royal court’s atmosphere in the story mirrored the challenges Krishnadeva Raya faced due to his personal conflict with Thirumalambal. Despite the lively discussions on agricultural improvements, an underlying tension persisted because of the king’s troubled mood. His stern demeanor on the throne showed how his personal issues affected his leadership. The court, usually a place of vibrant debates, felt strained, reflecting the emotional weight of the royal quarrel. Tenali Ramakrishna’s humorous intervention with the paddy seeds lightened the mood, but it also highlighted the king’s distraction. The story suggests that a ruler’s personal challenges can influence the court’s dynamics, affecting decision-making. Once the quarrel was resolved, the court regained its joyful energy, showing the link between the king’s state of mind and the court’s atmosphere. This illustrates how personal and professional responsibilities intertwine for a leader.

Q4. Why was Tenali Ramakrishna’s approach to solving the royal quarrel considered clever?
Ans: Tenali Ramakrishna’s approach was clever because he used a subtle and humorous strategy to address the king’s misunderstanding without directly confronting him. Instead of discussing the quarrel openly, he presented a plate of paddy seeds, claiming they could triple the harvest, which caught the court’s attention. By linking the idea of careless sowing to yawning, he indirectly referenced the queen’s action, making the king reflect on his own behavior. This approach avoided embarrassing the king while prompting self-realization. Tenali’s tactic was effective because it used humor to diffuse tension and encourage introspection. His indirect method ensured the king understood his mistake without feeling criticized. This cleverness lay in his ability to blend wit with wisdom, resolving the conflict peacefully. His strategy restored harmony, earning him the royal couple’s gratitude.

Q5. How did the king’s pride contribute to the conflict with Thirumalambal?
Ans: Krishnadeva Raya’s pride played a significant role in escalating the conflict with Thirumalambal. When the queen yawned during his poem recitation, he took it as disrespect, letting his pride cloud his judgment. Instead of discussing his feelings, he chose to ignore her, prolonging their quarrel. His pride stemmed from his identity as a poet and ruler, making him sensitive to perceived slights. This led to weeks of silence, affecting the palace’s atmosphere. Tenali’s intervention helped the king recognize that his pride had blinded him to the queen’s exhaustion. By admitting his mistake, the king overcame his pride, restoring their relationship. The story shows how pride can create unnecessary conflicts, but humility can resolve them.

Q6. What role did humor play in Tenali Ramakrishna’s strategy to resolve the conflict?
Ans: Humor was central to Tenali Ramakrishna’s strategy in resolving the royal couple’s conflict. By presenting the paddy seeds and linking yawning to careless sowing, he created a humorous scenario that made the court laugh. This laughter broke the tension and made the king yawn instinctively, prompting him to reflect on his misunderstanding with the queen. Humor allowed Tenali to address a sensitive issue without offending the king. It created a light-hearted moment that softened the king’s stern mood, making him more open to self-reflection. The playful comparison of yawning to a natural act like breathing helped the king see his reaction as unreasonable. Tenali’s use of humor not only resolved the conflict but also restored joy to the palace. It showed how humor can be a powerful tool in diplomacy and problem-solving.

Q7. How did the resolution of the royal couple’s quarrel impact the Vijayanagara Empire’s palace?
Ans: The resolution of the quarrel between Krishnadeva Raya and Thirumalambal had a profound impact on the Vijayanagara Empire’s palace. The palace, once silent and somber due to their conflict, regained its vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The king’s apology and the queen’s willingness to move forward restored harmony, strengthening their relationship. This positive change influenced the court, as the king’s improved mood fostered a more productive environment. The return of laughter and unity reflected the palace’s renewed energy. Tenali’s role in resolving the conflict earned him gifts, further boosting the court’s morale. The resolution highlighted the importance of a harmonious royal household for the empire’s stability. It showed that personal reconciliation can have a broader positive effect on the palace’s dynamics.

Q8. What lesson can be learned from Tenali Ramakrishna’s ability to observe and strategize?
Ans: Tenali Ramakrishna’s ability to observe and strategize teaches the importance of patience and careful planning in solving problems. In the story, he listened attentively to Thirumalambal’s concerns and asked for time to devise a plan. His quiet observation in the court allowed him to gauge the king’s mood and the court’s dynamics. By crafting a strategy that used humor and an agricultural metaphor, he addressed the issue indirectly but effectively. This shows that careful observation helps understand the root of a problem, while strategic thinking ensures a solution that respects all parties. Tenali’s success highlights the value of thinking before acting, especially in sensitive situations. His approach ensured the king’s pride was not hurt, leading to a peaceful resolution. This lesson encourages thoughtful problem-solving in challenging scenarios.