Chapter- 1.2          Who’s the Greatest?


Question 1: Who is known as one of the greatest rulers in the world?
Answer: Emperor Akbar, also known as Akbar the Great, is known as one of the greatest rulers in the world. He earned this title not only because of his vast empire, powerful army and immense wealth, but also because of his qualities as a humane and kind ruler. His sense of justice, respect for learning and care for his people made him truly great.

Question 2: Why is Akbar called a great ruler?
Answer: Akbar is called a great ruler because he was not only powerful but also compassionate. He cared deeply for his subjects and respected people of different religions. He encouraged learning, culture and art, and ruled with wisdom and fairness. These human qualities made him a great ruler in the true sense.

Question 3: Did Akbar have a vast empire?
Answer: Yes, Akbar had a vast empire that covered a large part of the Indian subcontinent. His strong administration and military strength helped him expand and maintain his empire successfully.

Question 4: How was Akbar’s army?
Answer: Akbar’s army was very strong and well organized. It helped him protect his empire and maintain peace and order. The strength of his army was one of the reasons behind his successful rule.

Question 5: Was Akbar a wealthy ruler?
Answer: Yes, Akbar was a very wealthy ruler. He possessed untold wealth, which reflected the prosperity of his empire. However, he did not misuse his wealth and used it for the welfare of his people and the promotion of culture.

Question 6: What kind of person was Akbar apart from being a ruler?
Answer: Apart from being a ruler, Akbar was a good human being. He was kind, generous and thoughtful. He valued people for their wisdom and talent rather than their position or religion.

Question 7: How did Akbar treat his subjects?
Answer: Akbar treated his subjects with care and responsibility. He considered their welfare important and tried to rule in a just and fair manner. His concern for his people made him a beloved ruler.

Question 8: Whom did Akbar respect greatly?
Answer: Akbar respected scholars, writers, poets and artists greatly. He welcomed talented people from different religions and backgrounds into his court and encouraged intellectual discussions.

Question 9: Did Akbar respect people of different religions?
Answer: Yes, Akbar respected people belonging to different religions. He believed in tolerance and harmony, which helped maintain peace in his diverse empire.

Question 10: What was Akbar’s role in art and culture?
Answer: Akbar was a great patron of art and culture. He supported artists, musicians, poets and writers, which helped cultural activities flourish during his reign.

Question 11: What were the ‘nav-ratnas’?
Answer: The ‘nav-ratnas’ were the nine gems of Akbar’s court. They were famous scholars, thinkers and artists who contributed greatly to the intellectual and cultural life of the empire.

Question 12: Why were the nav-ratnas famous?
Answer: The nav-ratnas were famous for their exceptional talent, wisdom and intelligence. Each of them excelled in their respective fields and advised the Emperor wisely.

Question 13: Who was believed to be closest to Akbar’s heart?
Answer: Birbal was believed to be the closest to Akbar’s heart. His intelligence, wit and ability to give wise answers made him special among the nav-ratnas.

Question 14: What kind of questions did Akbar like to ask?
Answer: Akbar liked to ask interesting and thought-provoking questions or problems in his court. These questions tested the intelligence and wisdom of his courtiers.

Question 15: How did Birbal usually respond to Akbar’s questions?
Answer: Birbal always responded with clever, intelligent and thoughtful answers. His presence of mind never failed to impress the Emperor.

Question 16: Are all Akbar and Birbal stories historically true?
Answer: No, it is not known whether all Akbar and Birbal stories are historically true. Most of them have been passed down orally over generations.

Question 17: How were the Akbar and Birbal stories passed down?
Answer: These stories were passed down mainly by word of mouth. Over time, they became popular folk tales known for their moral lessons and wisdom.

Question 18: What mood was Akbar in when he entered the court one day?
Answer: One day, Akbar entered the court with a very serious expression on his face, which surprised the courtiers and made them curious.

Question 19: What question did Akbar ask in the court?
Answer: Akbar asked what punishment should be given to someone who pulled his moustache. This unusual question shocked everyone present in the court.

Question 20: How did the court react to Akbar’s question?
Answer: The court was stunned on hearing the question because pulling the Emperor’s moustache was unimaginable and unheard of.

Question 21: Why was the court shocked by the question?
Answer: The court was shocked because no one would dare insult the Emperor in such a manner. The question was unexpected and alarming.

Question 22: What punishment did one nobleman suggest?
Answer: One nobleman suggested that the offender should be flogged and given fifty lashes with a whip as punishment.

Question 23: What does ‘flogging’ mean?
Answer: Flogging means beating a person with a whip as a form of punishment.

Question 24: What punishment did another courtier suggest?
Answer: Another courtier suggested that the offender should be put in jail without food and water, showing the harsh thinking of the courtiers.

Question 25: What does this incident show about Akbar?
Answer: This incident shows that Akbar liked to test the wisdom and sense of justice of his courtiers through unusual questions.

Question 26: Why did Akbar enjoy asking such questions?
Answer: Akbar enjoyed asking such questions because he valued intelligence and thoughtful reasoning. He liked to hear different opinions before making decisions.

Question 27: What quality of Birbal is highlighted in the story?
Answer: Birbal’s intelligence, wit and presence of mind are highlighted in the story. His ability to give wise answers made him stand out.

Question 28: What kind of court did Akbar have?
Answer: Akbar had a court filled with learned, talented and intelligent people from different fields and religions.

Question 29: What lesson do Akbar and Birbal stories usually teach?
Answer: Akbar and Birbal stories usually teach lessons of wisdom, justice, intelligence and humanity through simple yet meaningful incidents.

Question 30: What is the central theme of this lesson?
Answer: The central theme of the lesson is that true greatness lies not in power or wealth, but in wisdom, kindness, justice and respect for others.

Answer by Dimpee Bora