Chapter 1.2 - Who's the Greatest?
Time - 30 Minutes
Marks - 10
1. All the questions are compulsory.
2. Read the question paper carefully.
3. Marks are included against each question.
Q1. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: (10 marks)
On another occasion, Akbar was relaxing with some of his courtiers. A few of them thought this was a good opportunity to shower praise on the Emperor and get some favours from him. They began to compete with each other in praising Akbar.
“You are the greatest of the kings !’’
“You are the greatest of the kings or emperors that ever lived on the earth !’’
“You are the greatest of all the people in heaven or earth !’’
“You are as great as God Almighty !’’
“You are greater than the God Almighty !’’
Now, Akbar was no fool. He did not care for false praise. He stopped the courtiers and asked, “Do you all believe so?’’
“Yes !’’ they answered in one voice.
“All right, then, prove it to me. Tell me at least one thing that I can do but God Almighty will not be able to do. Otherwise, you will all incur our royal displeasure ! You have till tomorrow morning to prove it !’’
Akbar then left the place without another look at the courtiers. They were in a proper fix. They thought and thought but couldn’t think of any such thing. In the end, they went to Birbal. When Birbal heard their story, he told them not to worry.
The next morning, the court was full. Everyone was curious to see what would happen next.
“Well,’’ said the Emperor, “Have you found a good answer to my question ? Or are you ready to leave the court forever?’’
Just then Birbal stepped forward and bowed low. “Please don’t be angry with those who think you are the greatest. There’s certainly at least one thing that you can do, but the God Almighty cannot!’’
Akbar looked at Birbal thoughtfully, “And what is that one thing ?’’
“When you want to punish someone, you can banish that person – you can throw him out of your kingdom. But God’s kingdom extends everywhere. The Almighty cannot banish anyone from his kingdom.’’
Akbar’s face was lit up with a smile, “That was very clever, Birbal ! While showing how I have an advantage, you have also shown that God is greater. I believe you.’’
Akbar was so pleased with the answer that he forgave the courtiers for their stupidity.
1. How are the courtiers competing with each other? (1 mark)
2. How did the courtiers praise Akbar? (1 mark)
3. What information did Akbar want? (1 mark)
4. What situation were courtiers in? Why? (1 mark)
5. Why did Akbar forgive the courtiers? (1 mark)
6. Do you believe in false praise? Elaborate. (2 marks)
7. Do as directed.
(a) You are the greatest of the kings. (Underline the adjective) (1 mark)
(b) Akbar looked at Birbal thoughtfully. (State the part of speech for the underlined words) (1 mark)
(c) Make a sentence using the following phrase. (1 mark)
to have respect.