Notes Class 8 Chapter 4.5 Balbharati English Maharashtra Board

A Battle to Baffle

1. About the Skit

• It is a short, humorous skit involving Tenali Raman.
• The skit is set in the royal court of Emperor Krishnadevaraya.
• Shows Tenali Raman’s wit, wisdom, and presence of mind.

2. Characters

1. Tenali Raman – Witty poet, scholar, and jester in the court.
2. Emperor Krishnadevaraya – Ruler of Vijayanagar Empire.
3. Pundit Shahane – Renowned scholar visiting the court.
4. Mantriji – Chief Minister of the royal court.
5. Court Scholars and Courtiers – Ministers and learned men of the court.

3. Setting

• Scene takes place in the courtroom of Emperor Krishnadevaraya.
• Scholars are seated, discussing softly when the skit begins.

4. Problem Introduced

• Pundit Shahane arrives to challenge all court scholars.
• He is known for mastering all scriptures and is famous across India.
• None of the court scholars dare to accept the challenge.
• Emperor becomes angry and disappointed with his scholars.

5. Suggested Solution

• A scholar suggests calling Tenali Raman.
• All agree and recommend Tenali to solve the problem.
• Tenali is summoned by the emperor.

6. Tenali Raman’s Entry & Condition

• Tenali agrees to help but puts forth a condition:
  • He must be treated as Chief Pundit for one day.
• Everyone agrees to honour him.
• He is brought into the court carried on a palanquin the next day.

7. Debate Begins

• Tenali brings a mysterious bundle wrapped in silk.
• He asks to debate on “tila-kashta-mahisha-bandhana”.
• Pundit Shahane is confused and scared.
• He admits defeat as he has never heard of such a scripture.

8. The Reveal

• Emperor is happy and praises Tenali Raman.
• Tenali explains the real meaning of the phrase:
  • ‘Til’ – Sesame
  • ‘Kashta’ – Stick
  • ‘Mahisha’ – Buffalo
  • ‘Bandhana’ – Rope
• The phrase means “Rope to tie a buffalo with sesame sticks”.
• It was just a clever play on Sanskrit words, not a real scripture.

9. Ending

• The emperor and the court laugh heartily.
• Pundit Shahane is outwitted.
• Tenali Raman saves the court’s honour using wit and presence of mind.
• He politely says the emperor’s praise is the greatest reward.