4.5 A Battle to Baffle – Class 8 – Kumarbharati

Author: Traditional Folklore (Akbar-Birbal / Tenali Raman tale)

Genre: One-Act Play / Skit

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The skit A Battle to Baffle is a humorous story from the court of Emperor Krishnadevaraya. A famous scholar, Pundit Shahane, arrives to challenge all the pundits of Vijayanagar. The courtiers become nervous and none dares to face him. On the advice of a scholar, Tenali Raman is summoned. Clever as always, Tenali puts forth a strange, complicated name of a so-called scripture – “Tila-kashta-mahisha-bandhana” – and asks Shahane to debate on it. The confused pundit, never having heard of such a scripture, concedes defeat and leaves the court. Later, Tenali reveals that the name was not of a scripture but only meant sesame sticks tied with a buffalo rope. The emperor and courtiers appreciate his wit and reward him. The skit shows Tenali Raman’s intelligence, presence of mind, and ability to outwit even great scholars.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea is that wit and intelligence can solve problems better than fear. The play highlights presence of mind, humour, and wisdom through Tenali Raman’s actions.

Character Sketches

Tenali Raman

• Court jester and witty poet of Vijayanagar.

• Brave and confident in solving challenges.

• Humorous, clever, and full of presence of mind.

• Humble enough to accept honours lightly.

  
  

Emperor Krishnadevaraya

• Ruler of Vijayanagar empire.

• Respected and powerful, but easily angered.

• Trusts Tenali Raman’s abilities to save the honour of the court.

• Appreciative of wit and rewards intelligence.

  
  

Pundit Shahane

• Famous scholar with great knowledge of scriptures.

• Overconfident and proud of his learning.

• Easily confused by Tenali Raman’s trick.

• Admits defeat when unable to respond.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Tenali Raman agreed to take up the challenge.”

   Infinitive: to take shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Pundit Shahane challenged the courtiers.

   Passive: The courtiers were challenged by Pundit Shahane.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “The courtiers could not face the pundit.”

   Could not shows inability.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: The emperor said, “I am proud of you.”

   Indirect: The emperor said that he was proud of him.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: Tenali Raman entered the court in a palanquin.

   Question: How did Tenali Raman enter the court?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What quality of Tenali Raman do you admire the most?

   The quality of Tenali Raman that I admire the most is his presence of mind. He never panics in a crisis but uses wit to find quick solutions. This ability makes him both entertaining and wise.

   
   

2. Do you think humour can solve difficult problems? Why?

   Humour can solve difficult problems because it reduces tension and makes others comfortable. When mixed with wisdom, it becomes a powerful tool to overcome challenges, just as Tenali Raman showed.

   
   

3. What is the lesson learned from Pundit Shahane’s defeat?

   The lesson learned from Pundit Shahane’s defeat is that overconfidence can lead to failure. True wisdom lies not only in knowledge but also in humility and adaptability.

   
   

4. Why do you think the emperor trusted Tenali Raman more than the other scholars?

   The emperor trusted Tenali Raman because he had proved his intelligence many times before. Unlike the nervous scholars, Tenali was confident and fearless in accepting challenges.

   
   

5. What qualities should a good leader, like Krishnadevaraya, have?

   A good leader should be fair, courageous, and supportive of talent. Krishnadevaraya valued intelligence and was willing to reward it, which helped maintain respect in his court.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Pundit Shahane came to Vijayanagar to praise the pundits. → False (He came to challenge them.)

   
   

2. The courtiers were confident to face Pundit Shahane. → False (They were nervous and scared.)

   
   

3. Tenali Raman asked to be treated as the Chief Pundit. → True

   
   

4. Pundit Shahane admitted defeat because he did not know the strange scripture. → True

   
   

5. The bundle contained ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. → False (It contained sesame sticks and a buffalo rope.)

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Why were the courtiers nervous on hearing about Pundit Shahane?

   The courtiers were nervous because Pundit Shahane was a reputed scholar who challenged their knowledge. None of them felt confident enough to face him.

   
   

2. On what condition did Tenali Raman accept the challenge?

   Tenali Raman accepted the challenge on the condition that he would be honoured as the Chief Pundit for a day. This gave him authority in the debate.

   
   

3. How did Tenali Raman outwit Pundit Shahane?

   Tenali Raman invented a fake scripture with a long, complicated name. Unable to recognise or debate on it, Pundit Shahane admitted defeat.

   
   

4. What was inside the bundle Tenali Raman carried?

   The bundle contained sesame sticks tied with a coarse rope used for buffaloes. Tenali explained that the name was only a literal description of these items.

   
   

5. What does the play teach us about wit and wisdom?

   The play teaches that wit, humour, and presence of mind are powerful tools. They can protect honour, solve problems, and even defeat pride and overconfidence.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

A Battle to Baffle is a humorous skit that celebrates wit and intelligence through the character of Tenali Raman. The dramatic setting of the emperor’s court adds suspense and humour. The contrast between the nervous pundits and the confident Tenali makes the play engaging. The climax, where a simple trick confuses a proud scholar, is both amusing and instructive. The play shows that wisdom is not only about knowledge but also about presence of mind. It continues to entertain and inspire readers with its lively characters and meaningful lesson.

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