Summary: Who will be Ningthou? | English Marigold Class 5 PDF Download

Key Points of the Story

• The story takes place in the land of Kangleipak in Manipur, where a king (Ningthou) and queen (Leima) care deeply for their people.
• They have three sons: Sanajaoba, Sanayaima, and Sanatomba, and later a daughter named Sanatombi, who is loved by everyone.
• The Ningthou decides to find the most worthy son to become the Tunggi Ningthou, the future king, by holding a contest.
• A horse race is organized to see which son can reach the banyan tree (khongnang) first.
• All three brothers finish the race together, showcasing their excellent riding skills.
• To determine the king, each brother must perform a special feat. Sanajaoba pierces the tree, Sanayaima jumps over it, and Sanatomba uproots it.
• After the feats, the little girl Sanatombi expresses sadness over the dead tree, showing empathy for the khongnang.
• The Ningthou realizes that Sanatombi understands the feelings of others and declares her the future Leima of Kangleipak.

Detailed Summary

Once upon a time, in a beautiful place called Kangleipak in Manipur, there lived a kind king, known as Ningthou, and a loving queen, called Leima. The people of Kangleipak loved them very much. The Ningthou and Leima cared deeply for their people, saying, "Our meeyam should be happy." This shows how much they wanted everyone—people, birds, animals, and trees—to live in peace together.

They had three sons: Sanajaoba, the oldest; Sanayaima, the second; and Sanatomba, the youngest. After many years, a lovely little girl named Sanatombi was born. She was sweet and beautiful, and everyone adored her.

As the children grew up, the Ningthou decided it was time to choose who would be the next king. He called his ministers and told them that rather than just picking his oldest son, they would hold a contest to see who was the best to be the future king. The queen suggested a horse race to the big banyan tree, called khongnang. The one who reached the tree first would become the Tunggi Ningthou, which means the future king.

During the race, something surprising happened. All three brothers finished at the same time! Everyone cheered for them, amazed at their skills. The Ningthou asked each son to show something special to help decide who would be the king.

Sanajaoba rode his horse and jumped through the khongnang tree. The crowd shouted with joy! Next, Sanayaima jumped over the tree. Everyone gasped and then cheered again. Finally, Sanatomba did something incredible—he uprooted the tree and brought it to his parents.

While everyone was excited, little Sanatombi felt sad because the tree was hurt. She walked over to it and softly said that the khongnang was dead because of the spear and needed care. The Ningthou noticed her compassion. He then turned to the people and said that Sanatombi, who cared for the tree and felt the pain of others, should be the future queen, the Leima.

The people agreed, and they saw how special Sanatombi was. She stood there with birds around her, showing that a true leader does not hurt anyone. This story teaches us that kindness and understanding are very important in a ruler.

Theme/ Message

• The theme of the story highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in leadership.
• It shows that true rulers care for the well-being of all living beings, not just their power or achievements.
• The message encourages us to think about how our actions affect others, including animals and nature.
• It teaches that qualities like kindness and compassion are more important than strength or skill in becoming a good leader.

Difficult Words

• Ningthou: The title for a king in Manipur.
• Leima: The title for a queen in Manipur.
• Meeyam: The people or community of a place.
• Khongnang: A banyan tree, which is a significant tree in the story.
• Tunggi Ningthou: The future king or ruler.
• Shagol thauba nupa: A phrase meaning "fine horsemen," praising the brothers.
• Phajei: A term meaning "wonderful" or "amazing," used to applaud the brothers' actions.
• Triumphantly: In a way that shows great happiness after winning or achieving something.
• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
• Majestically: In a way that is impressive and grand, like a king or queen.