Imp Questions For All Chapters – English Class 8
Short Questions
1. Who was Tansen?
Answer: Tansen was a famous musician in Emperor Akbar’s court.
2. Why did Akbar admire Tansen?
Answer: Akbar admired Tansen for his extraordinary singing talent.
3. Who did Tansen say was a better singer than him?
Answer: Tansen said that his guru, Sant Haridas, was a better singer.
4. Why was Akbar surprised by Tansen’s statement?
Answer: Akbar believed Tansen was the greatest musician and wanted to hear Sant Haridas sing.
5. Where did Sant Haridas live?
Answer: Sant Haridas lived a simple and austere life in a hut.
6. Why did Sant Haridas refuse to sing?
Answer: He said he was too old and no longer sang for anyone.
7. How did Tansen make his guru sing?
Answer: Tansen deliberately made a mistake while singing, forcing his guru to correct him.
8. How did Akbar feel after hearing Sant Haridas?
Answer: Akbar was mesmerized and realized that music could be so divine.
9. Why was Sant Haridas’s music special?
Answer: His music was pure and dedicated to God, not for fame or reward.
10. What lesson did Akbar learn from this experience?
Answer: Akbar learned that true music comes from devotion, not the desire to please others.
Long Questions
1. Why did Tansen tell Akbar about Sant Haridas?
Answer: Tansen told Akbar about Sant Haridas to make him understand that true music comes from devotion and not from the desire to impress others. He wanted Akbar to realize that his guru’s singing was more divine because it was dedicated to God. This made Akbar curious, and he insisted on hearing Sant Haridas sing.
2. How did Akbar react when Tansen said someone could sing better than him?
Answer: Akbar was surprised and eager to meet this extraordinary musician whom Tansen praised. He wanted Sant Haridas to perform in his court, but Tansen explained that he would not come for fame or rewards. Determined to listen to him, Akbar decided to visit Sant Haridas himself in disguise.
3. Why did Sant Haridas refuse to sing when Akbar and Tansen visited him?
Answer: Sant Haridas was a simple and devoted man who had given up singing for human praise. When Akbar and Tansen asked him to sing, he politely refused, saying that he was too old. Even his favorite disciple, Tansen, could not persuade him to change his mind.
4. How did Tansen trick Sant Haridas into singing?
Answer: Knowing his guru’s love for music, Tansen deliberately made a mistake while singing a raag in front of him. Sant Haridas, unable to hear the wrong note, immediately corrected Tansen and started singing himself. His music was so divine that both Akbar and Tansen were completely mesmerized.
5. What was Akbar’s reaction after listening to Sant Haridas?
Answer: Akbar was deeply moved by the purity and beauty of Sant Haridas’s music. He had never heard anything so divine and realized that true music comes from the soul, not from the need for recognition. This experience made him respect Tansen’s guru even more.
6. What was the difference between Tansen’s and Sant Haridas’s singing?
Answer: Tansen sang beautifully but did so to please Emperor Akbar and entertain the court. On the other hand, Sant Haridas’s music was selfless, devoted to God, and free from material desires. Tansen admitted that no matter how skilled he was, his music could never match his guru’s divine quality.
7. What qualities of Akbar are shown in this story?
Answer: Akbar is shown as a curious and open-minded ruler who truly appreciates talent. Unlike other kings, he does not let his ego stop him from seeking knowledge, even from a humble hermit. His willingness to disguise himself and visit Sant Haridas’s hut shows his humility and respect for great artists.
8. What is the moral lesson of the story?
Answer: The story teaches that true art comes from sincerity, devotion, and dedication rather than from a desire for praise. It also highlights the importance of humility, respect for teachers, and the understanding that greatness lies in selfless actions. Music or any talent is most beautiful when it comes from the heart.
9. What role did Tansen play in Akbar’s court?
Answer: Tansen was one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in Akbar’s court and was known for his exceptional singing skills. He was a master of Hindustani classical music and could create magic with his voice, often performing in different ragas. Akbar admired him greatly and always enjoyed his music, considering him the finest musician in his kingdom.
10. How does this story show the importance of a Guru (Teacher)?
Answer: Despite being a great musician himself, Tansen always acknowledged the superiority of his guru’s music. He understood that his talent was a result of his teacher’s guidance and selfless devotion to music. This shows that a true teacher’s wisdom and blessings are invaluable in shaping a student’s skills and character.
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