Short & Long Questions: Birbal’s Wit | New English Ferry: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets - Class 5 PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Where is the scene set in Scene I?
Ans: The scene is set in the Palace Gardens.

Q2: What is the challenge Akbar gives to his courtiers?
Ans: Akbar challenges his courtiers to count the number of crows in the capital.

Q3: Why does the First Minister say Birbal is busy?
Ans: The First Minister says Birbal is busy counting crows as part of the challenge.

Q4: How does Akbar react when he hears that no one else took up the challenge?
Ans: Akbar is disappointed that no one else took up the challenge, and he laughs when Birbal arrives.

Q5: What is the prize for the crow-counting challenge?
Ans: The prize is 3,000 gold coins and a bag of precious jewels.

Q6: How many crows does Birbal claim were in the capital at 6 o'clock?
Ans: Birbal claims there were exactly 21,412 crows in the capital at 6 o'clock.

Q7: Why does Akbar laugh when Birbal gives his answer?
Ans: Akbar laughs because Birbal's answer is unexpected and clever.

Q8: Where is Scene II set?
Ans: Scene II is set in a room in the palace.

Q9: What are Akbar and the Queen eating in Scene II?
Ans: Akbar and the Queen are eating mangoes in Scene II.

Q10: What does Akbar playfully do with the mango peels and seeds?
Ans: Akbar scrapes the mango peels and seeds onto the Queen's plate.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Describe the challenge Emperor Akbar presents to his courtiers. How does Birbal approach the challenge, and what is the outcome?
Ans: Akbar challenges his courtiers to count the crows in the capital for a reward. Birbal takes the challenge seriously, claims to have counted 21,412 crows, and wins the prize. This showcases Birbal's intelligence and ability to think creatively.

Q2: Explain the scene during the mango feast. How does Akbar playfully tease the Queen, and how does Birbal respond?
Ans: During the mango feast, Akbar teases the Queen by scraping mango peels and seeds onto her plate. Birbal cleverly points out that Akbar seems to have been the one starving for mangoes, turning the teasing into a humorous exchange.

Q3: Discuss the role of humor in the play. Provide examples of how humor is used by the characters, especially Birbal, to navigate challenging situations.
Ans: Humor is a significant element in the play, with characters like Birbal using it to handle challenges. For instance, in the crow-counting challenge, Birbal's witty response about crows leaving the city or flying in for the weekend adds a humorous twist. Similarly, during the mango feast, Birbal's clever remark lightens the mood.

Q4: How does the play highlight the relationship between Emperor Akbar and Birbal? What qualities of Birbal endear him to Akbar?
Ans: The play showcases a positive relationship between Akbar and Birbal. Akbar appreciates Birbal's intelligence, wit, and ability to meet challenges head-on. Birbal's clever responses and problem-solving skills endear him to Akbar, creating a dynamic and friendly interaction between the two characters.

Q5: Analyze the significance of the challenges presented in the play. How do these challenges reveal the intelligence and problem-solving abilities of the characters, particularly Birbal?
Ans: The challenges in the play serve as a platform to showcase the characters' intelligence, especially Birbal's. His precise answer to the crow-counting challenge and witty response during the mango feast demonstrate his problem-solving abilities and quick thinking, earning him the admiration of Emperor Akbar and the court.