Important Questions Chapter 29 English Rainbow Part 2 Class 12 Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

The Martyrs Memorial

Short Questions with Answers

1. Who wrote the poem “The Martyrs’ Memorial” ?

• The poem “The Martyrs’ Memorial” was written by Amarendra Kumar.

2. Where was Amarendra Kumar born?

• Amarendra Kumar was born in a village in North Bihar.

3. When did Amarendra Kumar complete his M.A.?

• Amarendra Kumar completed his M.A. in 1959 from Patna University.

4. What event does the poem “The Martyrs’ Memorial” commemorate?

• The poem commemorates the sacrifice of freedom fighters on August 11, 1942.

5. What is the Martyrs’ Memorial a symbol of?

• The Martyrs’ Memorial symbolizes bravery and the fight for India’s freedom.

6. What barricades did the martyrs try to break through?

• The martyrs tried to break through the Empire’s armoured, bayonet-pronged barricades.

7. What did the martyrs aim to do on August 11, 1942?

• The martyrs aimed to hoist the native flag at the Secretariat.

8. What did the martyrs sacrifice for freedom?

• They sacrificed their lives, household ties, and earthly comforts.

9. What phrase captures the martyrs’ dedication to their mission?

• The phrase “unswerving flagmen’s marching music” shows their dedication.

10. What slogans are mentioned in the poem?

• Slogans like “Down! Down! Down!” and “On to the top!” are mentioned.

11. What does the poet mean by “the mind’s eye” ?

• “The mind’s eye” refers to the imagination and vision of freedom.

12. What does the phrase “iron will” signify?

• It signifies the martyrs’ unbreakable determination to achieve freedom.

13. What did the martyrs taste in their paradise of freedom?

• They tasted the joy of freedom mixed with the sacrifice of their own blood.

14. What does “exorcise the choking pernicious alien spell” mean?

• It means to remove the oppressive influence of foreign rule.

15. What is the theme of “The Martyrs’ Memorial”?

• The theme is sacrifice, bravery, and the fight for India’s freedom.

Medium Questions with Answers

1. What historical event inspired “The Martyrs’ Memorial”?

• The poem is inspired by the Quit India Movement on August 11, 1942. On this day, brave freedom fighters in Patna tried to hoist the national flag at the Secretariat. Their sacrifices became a powerful symbol of India’s fight for independence.

2. How does the poet describe the martyrs’ spirit?

• The poet describes the martyrs as fearless and determined, with an “iron will.” They renounced all personal ties to march towards freedom. Their bravery echoed through fiery slogans and their willingness to sacrifice everything.

3. What emotions are evoked by the Martyrs’ Memorial?

• The Martyrs’ Memorial evokes emotions of pride, respect, and sorrow. It reminds us of the selflessness of those who fought for India’s independence. Their sacrifices continue to inspire generations.

4. What is the significance of the slogans in the poem?

• The slogans like “Down! Down! Down!” and “On to the top!” capture the fiery determination of the martyrs. They symbolize their defiance against slavery and their resolve to achieve freedom. These slogans energize the imagery of the march for liberty.

5. How does the poet portray the sacrifices of the martyrs?

• The poet portrays the martyrs as people who gave up all personal comforts and attachments. They left behind their families and worldly concerns for the greater cause of freedom. Their sacrifice is shown as a blend of courage and devotion to the nation.

6. What does the poet mean by “Receptive clay’s yearning”?

• The phrase refers to the land’s desire to bear the national flag, symbolizing independence. The clay represents the soil of India, longing to break free from foreign rule. It also reflects the connection between the martyrs and their homeland.

7. What does the poet emphasize about freedom in the poem?

• The poet emphasizes that freedom comes with great sacrifice. The martyrs’ courage and willingness to give up their lives show how precious freedom is. Their actions inspire us to value and protect our independence.

8. Why does the poet call the martyrs “blazing victory-marchers”?

• The poet calls them “blazing victory-marchers” to highlight their fiery passion and determination. Their march was filled with bravery, and their sacrifice paved the way for India’s eventual victory. This phrase captures their heroic spirit.

Long Questions with Answers

1. How does “The Martyrs’ Memorial” celebrate the sacrifices of freedom fighters?

• The poem celebrates the martyrs who fought fearlessly to hoist the flag at the Secretariat in 1942. It highlights their bravery, determination, and willingness to sacrifice their lives. By renouncing personal ties, they prioritized the nation’s freedom over everything else. Their actions symbolize the undying spirit of patriotism.

2. What imagery does the poet use to describe the martyrs’ march?

• The poet uses powerful imagery like “iron will” and “fiery slogans” to describe the march. The martyrs are depicted as unstoppable forces breaking through barricades. The phrases “blood-thunderous charge” and “blazing victory-marchers” emphasize their courage. This vivid imagery brings their sacrifice to life for the reader.

3. How does the poem reflect the theme of selflessness?

• The martyrs gave up their families, comforts, and even their lives for the nation’s freedom. The poet shows how they renounced all “earthly care” to fight against slavery. Their willingness to sacrifice everything highlights the selflessness required for true patriotism. This theme inspires us to prioritize collective good over personal gain.

4. What does the Martyrs’ Memorial symbolize in the poem?

• The Martyrs’ Memorial symbolizes the courage and sacrifices of the freedom fighters. It stands as a reminder of their bravery during the Quit India Movement. The memorial also represents the unyielding desire for freedom and the unity of the nation. It is a tribute to their undying spirit.

5. What role does determination play in the martyrs’ actions?

• Determination drives the martyrs to fight against the oppressive foreign rule. Their “iron will” and “unswerving” resolve help them face deadly barricades and bayonets. Despite knowing the dangers, they march forward with fiery slogans. This determination shows their commitment to achieving freedom at any cost.

6. How does the poet describe the taste of freedom in the poem?

• The poet describes the taste of freedom as a mix of joy and sacrifice. The martyrs experience freedom through the “taste of their own blood,” symbolizing the cost of liberty. This bittersweet portrayal emphasizes the value of independence. It shows how their sacrifices gave meaning to the nation’s freedom.