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

A. Write T for true and F for false for these sentences.

1. Birbal was not in the court because he was unwell.
Ans: F
In Scene I, there is no mention of Birbal being unwell.

2. No courtier other than Birbal took up Akbar’s challenge.
Ans: T
Other courtiers admit they gave up the challenge, making Birbal the only participant.

3. Birbal was counting crows because he was afraid.
Ans: F
Birbal was not afraid but took the challenge seriously, as seen in his witty response.

4. Akbar was serious when he set the challenge for his courtiers.
Ans: F
Akbar set the challenge as a joke, as revealed in his conversation with Raja Mansingh.
5. Akbar was disappointed that no one had taken up his challenge.
Ans: T
Akbar expresses disappointment when no one outside the gates has taken up the challenge.

B. Read these sentences and answer the questions that follow.

1. "You have set an impossible task."
a. Who said these words and to whom?
Ans: Raja Mansingh said this to Akbar.
b. Why was the ‘task’ impossible?
Ans: Mansingh thought counting crows was an impossible task.

2. "I guess you too have no answer."
a. Who said these words and to whom?
Ans: Akbar said this to Birbal.
b. Was the speaker correct in his assumption?
Ans: No, Birbal had the exact answer.
c. What is the listener’s reply?
Ans: Birbal confidently provides the exact count of crows.

C. Answer these questions.

1. What was Birbal doing since morning?
Ans: He was busy counting crows.

2. What was the prize announced for the challenge?
Ans: 3,000 gold coins and a bag of precious jewels.

3. Why did Birbal not wish to join Akbar in eating the mangoes?
Ans: He found pleasure in seeing Akbar enjoy the specially sent mangoes from Lucknow.

4. How did Birbal change a refusal into a compliment?
Ans: He complimented Akbar's enjoyment of the mangoes while subtly refusing to eat them.

5. How did Birbal help Begum Sahiba win the battle of wits?
Ans: Birbal cleverly pointed out Akbar's attempt to hide his hunger and turned the situation into a humorous exchange.

D. Think and Answer.

Birbal was an extremely witty and intelligent minister in Akbar’s court. Do you think it is essential for a good leader to have wise advisors? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Yes, it is essential for a good leader to have wise advisors. Wise advisors, like Birbal, can provide valuable insights, solutions to problems, and offer a different perspective. They contribute to informed decision-making and help a leader navigate challenges effectively. Birbal's wit and intelligence benefited Akbar and enriched the functioning of his court.