1 The Wit that Won Hearts English - 1 The Wit that Won Hearts

How did the king’s anger affect the palace atmosphere?

What does the term “Ashtadiggajas” refer to in the story?

Why did the queen regret yawning during the king’s poem recitation?

What was Tenali Rama’s primary role in the king’s court?

What lesson did the king learn by the end of the story?

The story concludes with the king and queen presenting Tenali Rama with a new title for his wisdom.

The king acknowledged that his pride had clouded his judgment in his quarrel with the queen.

When the king yawned during Rama’s discussion about sowing seeds, it was a sign of disrespect.

The courtiers were genuinely impressed by Tenali Rama’s “revolutionary” paddy seeds and believed they would triple the harvest.

Tenali Rama immediately presented his solution to the king and queen without any planning.

[cast a shadow, murmur swept through the room, hush fell over, mind raced back, stormed off, rippled through]
My mother is quite witty, and her sense of humour always lightens stressful moments. Once, at a family dinner, an argument began over a minor issue, and 1. ______, making everyone feel uncomfortable. Just as things were getting serious, she made a clever remark and laughter 2. ______ the gathering, making everyone relaxed. The person who started the argument 3. ______. Everyone disapproved of the action and a 4. ______. My 5. ______ to how my mother had saved other situations like this. Without her, such moments would have 6. ______ over the gatherings. I hope that I grow up to be as witty as my mother.

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. “If I 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.
Q.1. What made the king realise his mistake?
Q.2. What does the king’s sigh and yawn in the court suggest?
A. He was bored of the conversation.
B. He was making fun of Rama.
C. He was reacting naturally, just as Rama had explained.
D. He was feeling sleepy.
Q.3. What emotion does the king feel after realising his mistake?
Q.4. Fill in the blank using the correct word from the extract:
The king’s mind ______ back to the quarrel with the queen.

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.
Q.1. Who were the Ashtadiggajas?
Q.2. Why did Tenali Ramakrishna earn a special place in the king’s court?
A. He was a brave soldier.
B. He solved difficult problems with wit and humour.
C. He built great temples.
D. He led military campaigns.
Q.3. What made Tenali Ramakrishna a beloved figure in the empire’s history?
Q.4. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from the brackets.
Tenali Ramakrishna was admired for his ______ (bravery/generosity/quick wit and humour/musical skills)

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 architecture 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.
Q.1. Why is King Krishnadeva Raya considered an illustrious ruler?
Q.2. What is meant by the phrase ‘Golden Era’ in the context of Krishnadeva Raya’s reign?
A. It was a time of frequent wars and conquest.
B. It marked a dark period of destruction.
C. It was a period when art, literature, and architecture flourished.
D. It refers to the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Q.3. What does Krishnadeva Raya’s interest in poetry tell us about his personality?
Q.4. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets:
Krishnadeva Raya was an ________ ruler who promoted learning and the arts, (has no interest in education/eminent and cultured/harsh and strict)

How did the king reflect on his behaviour after hearing Rama?

What was the king’s reaction to Rama’s comparison?

What clever comparison did Rama make about sowing seeds and yawning?

How did Tenali Rama handle the courtiers’ sarcasm?

What unusual claim did Tenali Rama make in court?

What does the story reveal about human emotions like pride, regret, and forgiveness?

In what way did the court’s reaction help the king reflect on his behaviour?

Describe the court setting and atmosphere on the day Tenali Rama presented the seeds.

How did Tenali Rama plan and execute the solution to the royal conflict?

Explain the misunderstanding between the king and the queen and how it affected them.

Assertion (A): The king was initially displeased with Tenali Rama’s suggestion of “revolutionary” paddy seeds.
Reason (R): The king was concerned about the practical challenges of cultivating such seeds, including the need for special soil, manure, and pest repellents, and the potential suffering of farmers.

Assertion (A): The queen sought Tenali Rama’s help to resolve her quarrel with the king.
Reason (R): Tenali Ramakrishna was renowned for his quick wit and humor, and his ability to provide clever solutions to difficult problems.

The palace atmosphere became __________ after the king’s quarrel with the queen. (gloomy, yawned, pride)

The queen sought Tenali Rama’s help because she was __________ about the quarrel. (pride, yawned, distraught)

The eight celebrated poets in Krishnadeva Raya’s court were called __________ (Ashtadiggajas, cultural, yawned)

The king realized his __________ had blinded him to the queen’s innocent yawning. (gloomy, cultural, pride)

The courtiers mocked Rama by calling his paddy seeds __________ seeds. (magic, distraught, pride)