Class 8 English Reader: The Wit that Won Hearts

CONTENTS

iii

V

Foreword

About the Book

Unit 1: Wit and Wisdom

The Wit that Won Hearts

A Concrete Example

1

17

:

27

Unit 2:

Wisdom Paves the Way

Values and Dispositions

A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma

and the Battle of Badgam

Somebody's Mother

B

49

:

70

सम

Verghese Kurien - I Too Had A Dream

82

Unit 3:

Mystery and Magic

The Case of the Fifth Word

101

The Magic Brush of Dreams

122

Spectacular Wonders

137

Unit 4:

Environment

The Cherry Tree

Harvest Hymn

Waiting for the Rain

155

173

185

Unit 5:

Science and Curiosity

Feathered Friend

Magnifying Glass

205

:

222

Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of

Light that Lit the Path for Women in

Indian Science

:

233

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UNIT 1

WIT AND WISDOM

THE WIT THAT WON HEARTS

Let us do these activities before weread. I. Read the short story given below. IΙ. Once Shiva and Parvati held a competition between their sons Ganesh and Kartikeya. They were given the challenge to move around the world three times. The one who wins,

would receive the fruit of wisdom. Kartikeya, with his peacock mount, quickly set off. Ganesh, on his mouse, realized he couldn't compete with Kartikeya's speed. Instead, he moved around his parents, Shiva and Parvati three times. He took for them as his entire world. Pleased with his devotion and wisdom, Shiva and Parvati gave him the divine fruit.

Now, discuss the reason why Ganesh was given the fruit of wisdom. Work in pairs and answer the riddles that are given below. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher.

I can be a friend or a foe,

depending on how you use me. I can bring both joy or pain.

What amI?

The more of me

you take, the more

you leave behind.

What am I?

I can be measured,

but I cannot be touched.

I can be spent, but I can

not be saved. What am I?

You see me in

the water,

but I never get wet.

What am I?

Note: You will find the answers of these riddles on page 16.

Jasmine

Discuss in pairs. 1. Why are qualities like humour and wit important in a person? 2. Why do you think kings and queens preferred to have witty people

among their courtiers?

3. If you were asked to solve a disagreement between two people, what

approach would you take?

4. Have you ever been in a situation where a small misunderstanding led

to a big problem? How was it resolved?

Let us read

renowned: well

known

illustrious:

respected and

famous

patron:

supporter

eminent:

famous

acclaimed:

Praised

2

The Vijayanagara Empire was renowned for its glory, wealth, and cultural achievements. Among its many illustrious rulers, King Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509-29 CE) stood out as a wise and powerful monarch. His reign is often referred to as the Golden Era of the Vijayanagara Empire, a time when art, literature, and architectureНАКМ

flourished. A great patron of learning, Krishnadeva Raya was not only an eminent warrior but also a gifted poet. His works, such as the epic Amuktamalyada and the Sanskrit drama Jambavati Parinayam, are acclaimed even today.

Wit and Wisdom

Krishnadeva Raya's court was home to eight celebrated poets, collectively known as the Ashtadiggajas. These poets, including Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna, enriched the literary tradition with their masterpieces. Tenali Ramakrishna, in particular, was known for his quick wit and humour, earning him a special place in the king's court as both a

poet and a witty advisor. His clever solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems made him a beloved figure in the empire's history. Even the wisest rulers face moments of disharmony, and at one such time, the king had a quarrel with his queen, Thirumalambal, over a seemingly trivial matter. For weeks, he did not utter a single word to her, and in his

frustration, stopped visiting her altogether. His absence cast a shadow over the palace, and the once cheerful corridors seemed quiet and forlorn. Thirumalambal, was upset and tried her best to resolve the issue but failed. With no other alternative, she decided to seek the help of Tenali Rama, the court's

brilliant and witty poet. Rama listened patiently as the queen recounted the incident in detail. "The king wrote a poem," she began, her voice trembling. "It was filled with vague expressions-sun, moon, stars, beautiful sky but it made no sense.

When he tried reciting it to his ministers, they all

insurmountable:

undefeatable

trivial:

unimportant

forlorn: lonely

vague: unclear

3

Jasmine

avoided him, making excuses. It was late evening when he came to me, seeking an audience. He began reciting it to me, but I was so exhausted after a tiring day that I yawned- not once, but several times. The king thought I was disrespecting his poem and stormed off. Since then, he has not spoken to me. If I had known this would happen I would have chosen another day.

Help me, please, Rama. Only you can help the king understand."

strategy: plan

profusely: in

large amounts

bustling: busy

ornate:

decorative

stern: very

serious

gnawed: (here)

bothered

Rama nodded thoughtfully. "If you like, I will try my best to resolve this matter, Your Highness. But this needs a well-planned approach, and I may need time to find the right strategy." The queen, who had placed her last hope in Rama, agreed and thanked him profusely. The next morning, the royal court was bustling with activity. Ministers,

scholars, and courtiers filled the courtroom, Rays of sunlight streamed through the open windows, illuminating the floor adorned with exquisite rugs. Despite the lively chatter, a tension hung in the air. The king sat on his ornate throne, his expression stern, his sharp eyes scanning the room. It was evident that the unresolved quarrel still gnawed at him.

4

The court discussion was centred on improving paddy cultivation in the empire. One by one, the ministers rose to present their ideas. Some suggested expanding irrigation networks, while others advocated for better manure. Amid these suggestions, Tenali Rama stood quietly at the edge of the court, observing everyone with an amused smile.

Wit and Wisdom

Finally, the king called upon Rama. The chatter in the court died down as all eyes turned to him. Rama approached the throne, carrying a plateful of paddy seeds. Bowing low, he began, "Your Majesty, I bring you a revolutionary type of paddy seeds. If these are sown, the yield will be three times greater than the current results."

A murmur swept through the room. One of the courtiers, known for his sarcasm, whispered just loud enough to be heard, "I wonder if these are magic seeds! Next, he'll claim they grow without water." Another muttered, "Perhaps he found them on the moon!" Snickers rippled through the court. The king frowned, unimpressed. "That sounds absurd," he muttered. "Such

cultivation would need special soil, manure, and pest and insect repellents. If, by chance, something were to go wrong, our farmers would suffer." Rama smiled, unfazed. "That may be true, Your Majesty, but the real issue lies not with the seeds themselves but with the person who sows them."

yield: (here)

harvest

sarcasim:

mockery

snickers:

suppressed

laughter

absurd: illogical

unfazed: not

worried

5

Jasmine

hush: Silence

A hush fell over the court as Rama's words hung in the air. The king's eyebrows furrowed. "What is wrong with the person who sows the seeds? Speak clearly, Rama!" he roared.

furrowed:

wrinkled

sceptical:

doubtful

keenly:

intensely

gesture: а

movement of a

hand or the head,

to express an idea

or a meaning

Rama glanced around the court, his sharp gaze meeting the sceptical eyes of the courtiers. "If one were to sow seeds without proper care, no one would reap a good harvest," he said, pausing for effect. "And what if the person had a habit of yawning while sowing? Wouldn't the seeds scatter

unevenly?"

The court erupted into laughter, the earlier sarcasm replaced by genuine amusement. Even the king, caught off guard, sighed and instinctively yawned. Rama watched him keenly, then continued, "Your Majesty, is there anyone in this world who does not yawn? It is as natural as breathing." The king's expression shifted as realisation dawned. His mind raced back to

the quarrel with the queen. He remembered scolding her harshly for yawning while he recited his poem. He realised how unfair he had been. "IfI had known that yawning was not a sign of disrespect, I wouldn't have taken her gesture so personally," he thought, regret filling his heart.

6

That evening, the king approached the queen with a softened expression. "Thirumalambal," he began, his voice gentle, "I have been foolish. I see now that I overreacted. I let my pride blind me. I'm so sorry." The queen, who had longed for this moment, smiled and replied, "If you like, we can leave this quarrel behind us. I would very much like to listen to your

poem."

Rama, who had orchestrated this settlement, felt victorious. The king and the queen later presented him with valuable gifts for his service. The royal couple's bond was restored, and the palace brimmed once again with joy and laughter.

Let us discuss

I Correct the following false statements from the text. 1. The queen insulted the king by speaking against the quality of his poem. 2. Tenali Rama immediately went to the king and convinced him to talk to the queen.

3. The courtiers admired the king's poem and praised his literary talent. 4. The ministers in the court were eager to hear Tenali Rama's idea about paddy cultivation. 5.

The king never realised his mistake and continued to stay angry ith the queen.

Wit and Wisdom

orchestrated:

arranged

brimmed:

overflowed

Let us think and reflect

I

Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 1. "... The king thought I was disrespecting his poem and stormed off. Since then, he has not spoken to mе. If I had known this would happen I would have chosen another day. Help me, please, Rama. Only you

can help the king understand."

Rama nodded thoughtfully. "If you like, I will try my best to resolve this matter, Your Highness. But this needs a well-planned approach and I may need time

to find the right strategy.""

7