Birbal and the Washerman
Short Questions
1. Who was Birbal?
- Birbal was a minister in Akbar’s court, known for his wit and wisdom.
2. What challenge did Akbar propose?
- Akbar proposed standing in cold water all night for a reward.
3. Who accepted the challenge?
- Denu, a washerman, accepted the challenge.
4. Why did Kusum initially oppose Denu’s decision?
- She feared for his safety in the freezing water.
5. Did Denu succeed in the challenge?
- Yes, he stood in the cold water all night.
6. Why was Denu denied the reward initially?
- A courtier argued the palace lights kept him warm.
7. What did Birbal do to protest Akbar’s decision?
- He demonstrated by placing a cooking pot far from the fire.
8. What lesson did Akbar learn from Birbal’s action?
- Akbar realized his mistake and granted the reward to Denu.
9. How did the story end for Denu?
- Denu received the reward and justice was served.
10. What theme does this story highlight?
- The story emphasizes fairness and wisdom in judgment.
Long Questions
1. Describe the challenge announced by the town-crier and its significance.
- The town-crier announced that anyone who could stand in the freezing river all night would be rewarded by the Emperor. This challenge demonstrated Akbar’s curiosity about human endurance and sparked a test of courage in the town.
2. Why did Denu decide to take the risk despite Kusum’s objections?
- Denu, being accustomed to cold water as a washerman, believed he could endure the challenge. He saw it as an opportunity to improve his family’s life and was willing to face the danger for their better future.
3. How did the courtiers try to undermine Denu’s achievement?
- The courtiers claimed that the lights from the palace provided warmth to Denu, making the challenge unfair. This argument influenced Akbar to initially withhold the promised reward.
4. What was the reaction of the townspeople to Denu’s attempt?
- The townspeople admired Denu’s bravery but were also concerned about his safety. While some called him foolish, others prayed for his success and survival during the night.
5. Explain Birbal’s creative protest against Akbar’s decision.
- Birbal set a cooking pot far above a fire, demonstrating that if distant heat couldn’t cook food, the palace lights couldn’t have warmed Denu. This clever act exposed the flaw in the courtier’s argument.
6. What role did Kusum play in the story?
- Kusum supported Denu despite her initial fear. She prayed for his safety throughout the night and celebrated his success, showing her unwavering love and hope for their family’s future.
7. What does the story teach about fairness in leadership?
- The story underscores the importance of fairness and justice in leadership. Akbar’s decision to rectify his mistake after understanding Birbal’s demonstration highlights the need for thoughtful and equitable rulings.
8. How did the story depict the bond between Akbar and Birbal?
- The story showed their strong bond of mutual respect. Akbar valued Birbal’s wisdom, and Birbal used his intelligence to guide Akbar toward fair decisions, strengthening their partnership.
9. Why is Birbal’s wit significant in the story?
- Birbal’s wit not only brought justice to Denu but also reinforced the importance of critical thinking and ingenuity in addressing conflicts. His actions made Akbar a better ruler.
10. How does this story reflect cultural and historical aspects of Akbar’s court?
- The story reflects the emphasis on intellect, fairness, and public challenges in Akbar’s reign. It showcases the value placed on wisdom and justice in solving disputes and leading effectively.
Leave a Reply