A pact with the Sun ( Class – VI )

The Friendly Mongoose

Q.1: Why did the farmer bring a baby mongoose into the house?
Ans : The farmer brought a baby mongoose into the house because he
wanted his son to have a companion when he grew up, and he felt that the
mongoose will be this companion.
Q.2: Why didn’t the farmer’s wife want to leave the baby alone with the
mongoose?
Ans : The farmer’s wife didn’t want to leave the baby alone with the
mongoose because the mongoose was a full grown animal and she was
afraid that it would hurt the baby.
Q.3: What was the farmer’s comment on his wife’s fears?
Ans : The farmer’s comment on his wife’s fears was that she needn’t be
afraid. He said that the mongoose was a friendly animal; it was as sweet as
the baby and they were the best of friends.
Q.4: Why did the farmer’s wife strike the mongoose with her basket?
Ans : When the farmer’s wife came back from shopping she saw that the
mongoose’s face and paws were smeared with blood. Blind with rage, she
struck the mongoose with a heavy basket full of groceries.
Q.5: Did she repent her hasty action? How does she show her repentance?
Ans : Yes, she did repent her hasty action. Her repentance can be seen by
the fact that she went running out to look if the mongoose was alive, and
then cried and touched the dead mongoose saying − “…what have I done?”

Tansen

Q.1: Why did Swami Haridas say Tansen was talented?

Ans : Tansen learnt to imitate the calls of birds and animals. One day he
roared like a tiger in the forest to frighten the traveller, Swami Haridas.
Swami was impressed by the skill of Tansen and called him talented.
Q.2: Why did Akbar ask Tansen to join his court?
Ans : After learning music from Swami Haridas for eleven years, Tansen
became a famous singer. Once he sang before Emperor Akbar. Akbar was so
impressed that he asked Tansen to join his court in 1556 .
Q.3: How do we know that Akbar was fond of ransen? Give two reasons.
Ans : Akbar was fond of Tansen because
(i) Akbar would call upon Tansen to sing at any time during the day or
night.
(ii) He would just walk into Tansen’s house to hear him practice.
Q.4: What did the other courtiers feel about Tansen?
Ans : As well as the Tansen's popularity increased, the other countries
jealous of him. They were trying to ruin the Tansen's fame in music.
Q.5: (i) What happens if Raga Deepak is sung property?
(ii) Why did Tansen's enemies want him to sing the Raga?
Ans : (i) If Raga Deepak is sung properly, the surrounding become so hot
that the singer is burnt to ashes.
(ii) Tansen’s enemies want him to sing the Raga because he was a good
singer and if he sings Raga Deepak then he will die and they will get rid of
him.
Q.6: Why did Tansen agree to sing Raga Deepak?
Ans : Tansen agreed to sing Raga Deepak as he had to obey the Emperor.
Tansen also had to prove his talent in music.
Q.7: (i) What steps did he take to sive himself?
(ii) Did his plan work? How ?
Ans : (i) Tansen knew very well about the risk of Raga Deepak. He took two
steps for his safety. He requested the king to give him some time. During
that period, he taught his daughter and her friend to sing Raga Megh.
(ii) Yes, Tansen's plan worked perfectly. His singing made the environment
hot. Flames shot up and lighted the lamps. Just then, the two girls started
singing Raga Megh, The rains came down suddenly and saved Tansen's life.