Chapter 3 

                                                Gopal and the Hilsa-fish


Q:1 Why did the king wish to know answers to the three questions?

A: The king wanted to know how to do the right thing at the right time, who were the people he needed most, and what affairs were the most important, so that he could rule wisely and effectively.


Q:2 What was the advice of the wise men regarding a council?

A: Some wise men suggested that the king should have a council of wise men to help him decide the right time for every action, as one person alone could not always make correct decisions.


Q:3 Why did the king decide to visit the hermit instead of relying on the council or magicians?

A: The king was not satisfied with the varied answers from others and wanted guidance from a hermit known for his wisdom, believing that the hermit could provide practical and moral insight.


Q:4 How did the king help the wounded man?

A: The king removed the man’s clothing, cleaned the wound, dressed it carefully, and ensured he was comfortable, showing compassion and selfless action.


Q:5 How did the king realize the answer to his questions?

A: The hermit explained that the most important time is “Now,” the most necessary person is the one with you, and the most important business is to do good for that person. The king learned that action and compassion matter more than planning or speculation.


Q:6 What lesson can we learn from the king helping the wounded man?

A: We learn that practical kindness and helping those in need are more valuable than overthinking or seeking advice; moral action in the present is what truly matters.


Q:7 How did the king reconcile with his enemy?

A: By saving his enemy’s life, the king gained his loyalty and friendship. This shows the power of compassion and forgiveness over revenge.


Q:8 What does the hermit mean by “the most important time is Now”?

A: The hermit meant that only the present moment is in our control, and we should focus on doing good in the present instead of worrying about the past or future.


Q:9 Why were the wise men not given a reward?

A: Their answers were too theoretical and varied; none addressed practical action or moral values, so the king gave no reward.


Q:10 Give an example from the story that shows the king prioritized action over planning.

A: When he immediately helped the wounded man rather than thinking about rewards or consequences, he acted rightly in the moment.


Q:11 Why did Ravi and Meena hide the kitten Mahendran from Ati?

A: Ati might scold them for keeping a cat, so they wanted to protect the kitten and avoid trouble while feeding him.


Q:12 How did Ravi get milk for Mahendran secretly?

A: He poured milk from a tumbler into a coconut shell and quickly returned the tumbler to avoid Paati noticing.


Q:13 Why did Ravi give the kitten a long, impressive name?

A: He wanted to show off his imagination and knowledge of history, claiming Mahendran descended from the Pallava dynasty and even Egyptian cat-goddesses.


Q:14 How did Mridu and Meena react to Ravi’s stories about Mahendran?

A: They giggled and exchanged looks, realizing that Ravi enjoyed exaggerating and entertaining with his imagination.


Q:15 What happened when Mahendran got scared by the violin sound?

A: The kitten jumped in panic and knocked over red chillies, showing his nervousness and sensitivity to loud, unusual sounds.


Q:16 Why did the beggar need chappals?

A: His bare feet were blistered and sore from walking in the hot sun, and he could not afford to buy chappals himself.


Q:17 How did Ravi and Mridu decide which chappals to give the beggar?

A: They found an old but sturdy pair in the house that would fit him and gave them to him promptly.


Q:18 How did Rukku Manni react when she learned the children had given the music-master’s chappals to the beggar?

A: She was angry at first but understood the situation when suitable new chappals were provided for the music-master.


Q:19 What values are illustrated by the children’s act of charity?

A: The story highlights kindness, compassion, empathy, and practical problem-solving.


Q:20 How did the beggar respond after receiving the chappals?

A: He muttered a blessing to the children and left gratefully, showing respect and appreciation.


Q:21 Why is Ravi described as having a “rich imagination”?

A: He invented detailed stories about Mahendran’s ancestry, combining history, mythology, and humor to entertain.


Q:22 How do the children’s actions show courage and initiative?

A: They acted independently to help the beggar, overcoming hesitation and thinking creatively about solving the problem.


Q:23 How does the text illustrate cultural references in the story?

A: Ravi mentions Pallava kings, Mahabalipuram, and Egyptian cat-goddesses, blending history and mythology to engage young readers.


Q:24 Why is the kitten called M.P. Poonai?

A: It is a short form of Mahendravarma Pallava Poonai, giving a humorous and formal touch to the kitten’s “royal” lineage.


Q:25 What lesson can children learn from Meena and Mridu observing Ravi?

A: That imagination and storytelling can be fun, but actions like helping someone in need are more important than boasting.


Q:26 What was the king’s challenge to Gopal regarding the hilsa-fish?

A: The king challenged Gopal to buy a huge hilsa and bring it to the palace without anyone talking about it, an impossible task during hilsa season.


Q:27 How did Gopal prepare himself before going to buy the fish?

A: He partially shaved his face, smeared ash on it, and dressed in unusual clothing to avoid being recognized or distracted.


Q:28 How did people react when they saw Gopal carrying the hilsa?

A: They thought he was mad or a mystic because of his strange appearance and behavior.


Q:29 What did Gopal do when palace guards tried to stop him?

A: He demanded to see the king and began to dance and sing loudly, drawing attention to himself.


Q:30 How did Gopal manage to enter the palace?

A: His bold, unconventional behavior confused the guards, and they allowed him in to see the king.


Q:31 What was the king’s reaction when Gopal arrived at the court?

A: The king laughed and praised Gopal for accomplishing the impossible task of making no one talk about hilsa.


Q:32 Why did no one talk about hilsa after Gopal’s arrival?

A: His unexpected behavior distracted everyone; they were astonished and focused on him rather than discussing hilsa.


Q:33 What does this story illustrate about cleverness and strategy?

A: That thinking creatively and acting boldly can solve problems that seem impossible.


Q:34 How does the story use humor?

A: Through Gopal’s unusual dress, actions, and the reactions of people, creating a comic effect while delivering a clever solution.


Q:35 What role does exaggeration play in the comic-style storytelling?

A: It highlights characters’ emotions and actions, making the story lively and engaging.


Q:36 How does Gopal’s determination contrast with others’ helplessness?

A: While everyone is obsessed with hilsa, Gopal takes initiative and controls the situation through cleverness, showing action over inaction.


Q:37 Explain why the comic format suits this story.

A: The use of pictures and short dialogues enhances humor, expression, and visual storytelling, making it easy to follow and entertaining.


Q:38 Give an example of reported speech from the story.

A: Gopal told the guards that he wanted to see the king.


Q:39 Find a word from the text meaning “strange or unusual” and use it in a sentence.

A: Mystic – “People thought Gopal was a mystic because of his unusual clothes and behavior.”


Q:40 What is the moral lesson from Gopal’s hilsa-fish story?

A: That boldness, clever planning, and thinking differently can achieve results others think impossible, and creativity can overcome social or practical obstacles.

Answer by Mrinmoee