Maharashtra Board Class 6 English Unit 1 Chapter 1.2 Whos the Greatest Solutions

Question 1. Listen to the stories carefully, as your teacher reads them aloud. Note down the new words, ideas or concepts. Discuss them in the class.

Question 2. Guess the meaning of the following words and phrases: untold wealth, closest to the Emperor's heart, grave offence, banish.
Answer:
1. untold wealth: limitless wealth, the magnitude of which is not revealed
2. closest to the Emperor's heart: dear to the Emperor
3. grave offence: serious mistake
4. banish: send away into exile
In simple words: To guess the meaning of these phrases, one must understand their context: 'untold wealth' means immeasurable riches, 'closest to the Emperor's heart' means being very dear, 'grave offence' implies a serious mistake, and 'banish' means to send someone away from a place as punishment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding context is key to guessing the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases. Focus on how words are used in sentences.

Question 3. Say with reasons, whether the following statements are true or false.
Answer:

Question a. Akbar wanted to punish the person who pulled his moustache.
Answer:
False. Akbar did tell his courtiers that someone had pulled his moustache. But it was his grandson who had lovingly pulled his moustache and Akbar did not have any intention of punishing him.
In simple words: This statement is false because Akbar only described the incident to his courtiers, not expressing an intent to punish, especially since it was his beloved grandson who had pulled his moustache.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the characters' intentions and motivations as described in the story to determine the truthfulness of statements.

Question b. Akbar thought he was greater than God.
Answer:
False. Akbar did not think so. It was his courtiers who said so in an attempt to praise him for receiving favours.
In simple words: This statement is false; it was Akbar's courtiers, seeking his favour, who claimed he was greater than God, not Akbar himself.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between the true beliefs of a character and the flattering words of others, especially when motivations like seeking favour are present.

Question c. Birbal thought Akbar was greater than God.
Answer:
True. Birbal thought Akbar was greater than God but only at one aspect. Unlike Akbar, God's kingdom extended everywhere so the Almighty God could not banish anyone from his kingdom.
In simple words: This statement is true; Birbal cleverly suggested that Akbar had one power God lacked - to banish someone from his kingdom, implying a unique (though limited) form of 'greatness' from an earthly perspective.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note Birbal's cleverness in presenting a specific, nuanced reason for his statement, rather than making a blanket claim. This showcases critical thinking.

Question 4. Write a sentence about three of your friends. Each time you should say what your friend cannot do, and yet, pay a compliment to your friend.
Answer:
• My friend Raj cannot say no to others as he does not like to hurt others.
• My friend Radha cannot hurt animals as she is concerned about their welfare.
• My friend Sai cannot be rude to others because he is extremely loving and polite.
In simple words: This task requires describing a friend's 'limitation' while simultaneously highlighting a positive quality or compliment that arises from it, demonstrating an understanding of character.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing descriptive sentences, ensure each sentence clearly states a 'cannot do' and directly links it to a positive character trait or compliment.

Question 5. Write a short note on Emperor Akbar.
Answer:
Emperor Akbar or Akbar the Great is known as one of the greatest rulers in the world - not just because he had a vast empire, a very strong army, untold wealth but because he was a good human being. He cared for his subjects. He had great respect for scholars, writers, poets and artists belonging to different religions. He was a patron of art and culture. The nine gems or 'nav-ratnas' in his court were famous which included Birbal who was known for his wit and humour. He was the one who was very dear to Akbar.
In simple words: Emperor Akbar was a great ruler admired for his vast empire, strong army, and immense wealth, but more importantly, for his humanitarian qualities, care for subjects, and patronage of art, culture, and scholars of all religions.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing short notes, include key facts and characteristics, focusing on why the subject is historically significant and remembered.

Question 6. Convert the stories into dialogues and read the dialogues aloud in the class. (One is done for you.)
Answer:
• Emperor Akbar: (With a serious expression.)
I have a question for all of you. What should be the punishment for someone who pulls my moustache?
• One Nobleman: Flog him! Give him fifty lashes of the whip.
• Second Nobleman: That's not enough. Put him in jail without food and water.
• Third Nobleman: Whip him! Beat him up! Fourth Nobleman: Hang him!
• Fifth Nobleman: Cut off his offending hands.
• Akbar: What do you say Birbal?
What is your opinion?
• Birbal: In my opinion, given of peace to the world, the offender should be given his favourite sweetmeats.
• Courtiers: Raja Birbal, are you out of your mind? Give sweetmeats for such a grave offence?
• Birbal: Yes, who would be so bold as to pull the Emperor's moustache? Only his own grandson!
(Akbar burst out laughing as it was exactly what had happened in the morning.)
In simple words: Converting a story into a dialogue involves transforming narrative text into spoken lines for each character, adding expressions and actions to bring the scene to life, as demonstrated by the conversation about the moustache incident.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting to dialogue, ensure each character's speech is distinct, reflects their personality, and moves the story forward, while also including stage directions for actions or expressions.

Question 7. Form pairs and make a 'pair presentation' of any one of the two stories. To do so, each person presents only one sentence at a time, and the next one is immediately presented by the partner. Thus, each person in the pair presents alternate sentences without breaking the flow of the narration.

Question 8. Find at least five other Akbar and Birbal stories and share them with your friends. Make a list of the stories collected by the entire class. Write your list in alphabetical order.

Question 9. Visit a library. Find the stories of:
• Mulla Nasiruddin
• Gopal Bhand
• Tenali Raman
Share them in the class.

Answer In One Sentence.

Question 1. Why is Emperor Akbar or Akbar the Great known as one of the greatest rulers in the world?
Answer:
Emperor Akbar or Akbar the Great is known as one of the greatest rulers in the world, not just because he had a vast empire, a very strong army, untold wealth, but because he was a good human being.
In simple words: Emperor Akbar is considered great due to his vast empire, strong army, and wealth, but primarily for his benevolence and being a good human being.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering "why" questions, provide a concise reason that covers the main aspects mentioned in the text.

Question 2. Give two examples to show that Akbar was an ideal ruler.
Answer:
1. Akbar cared for his subjects.
2. He had great respect for scholars, writers, poets and artists belonging to different religions.
In simple words: Akbar was an ideal ruler because he showed care for his subjects and respected diverse scholars, writers, poets, and artists.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions asking for examples, list distinct points clearly, ensuring they directly support the claim made in the question.

Question 3. Who did Akbar have great respect for?
Answer:
Akbar had great respect for scholars, writers, poets and artists belonging to different religious.
In simple words: Akbar respected scholars, writers, poets, and artists from all religious backgrounds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific groups or individuals mentioned in the text when asked about a character's relationships or sentiments.

Question 4. Which question posed by Akbar stunned the Emperor's court? Why?
Answer:
The question, "What should be the punishment for someone who pulls my moustache?" stunned Akbar's court as it was unheard of.
In simple words: Akbar's question about the punishment for pulling his moustache stunned the court because such an audacious act was unimaginable and unprecedented.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining why something caused a reaction, clearly state the cause and then elaborate on the reason for the reaction.

Question 5. Write any one punishment suggested by any one nobleman.
Answer:
One nobleman suggested that the person who pulled the Emperor's moustache should be flogged with fifty lashes of the whip.
In simple words: A nobleman suggested the punishment for pulling the Emperor's moustache should be fifty lashes with a whip.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure your answer directly addresses the prompt, providing one clear example from the text.

Question 6. What was Birbal's suggestion regarding punishing the offender?
Answer:
Birbal suggested that the offender should be given his favourite sweetmeats.
In simple words: Birbal's unique suggestion was to reward the offender with their favourite sweetmeats, rather than punish them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the unusual or distinct nature of Birbal's solutions, as they often rely on wit and insight.

Question 7. What explanation did Birbal offer for his choice of punishment?
Answer:
Birbal explained that only his own grandson would be so bold to pull the Emperor's moustache and so giving his favourite sweetmeats would be the best punishment.
In simple words: Birbal explained that only Akbar's grandson would dare pull his moustache, making a reward of sweetmeats the most fitting 'punishment'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for an explanation, state the core reason provided by the character, linking their action to their reasoning.

Question 8. Why did the courtiers compete with each other in praising Akbar?
Answer:
The courtiers competed with each other in praising Akbar as they wanted to get some favours from him.
In simple words: Courtiers competed to praise Akbar because they sought to gain favours and benefits from the Emperor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify and state the underlying motivation for characters' actions, especially in political or courtly settings.

Question 9. What dilemma did the courtiers face?
Answer:
When the courtiers praised Akbar and said that he was greater than God Almighty, Akbar asked them to prove it or face punishment.
In simple words: The courtiers faced a dilemma when Akbar challenged them to prove his superiority over God, or risk punishment, after their excessive flattery.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly articulate the conflict or difficult choice faced by the characters, including the specific conditions that created it.

Question 10. What was the one thing according to Birbal which Akbar could do but God Almighty could not?
Answer:
According to Birbal when Akbar wanted to punish someone, he could banish that person out of his kingdom, but as God's kingdom extended everywhere, the Almighty couldn't banish anyone from his kingdom.
In simple words: Birbal stated that Akbar could banish someone from his kingdom, a power God lacked because God's kingdom is universal, thus having no 'outside' to banish anyone to.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the specific logical contrast or witty point made by Birbal, as this often contains the core of his intelligence.

Reading Skills, Vocabulary And Grammar

Question 1. State whether the following statements are true or false.
Answer:
a. False
b. False
In simple words: Both statements are false; Akbar was not happy with false praises, nor was he angry with Birbal's clever and insightful response.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read each statement carefully and cross-reference with the text to accurately determine its truthfulness, considering both explicit and implicit information.

Question 2. What information did Akbar want?
Answer:
Akbar wanted to know if the courtiers had found an answer to his question.
In simple words: Akbar wanted to know if his courtiers had devised a solution to the challenge he presented.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the specific piece of information or update Akbar was seeking, based on the narrative.

Question 3. Why could God not banish anyone from his kingdom?
Answer:
God couldn't banish anyone from his kingdom because God's kingdom extended everywhere.
In simple words: God cannot banish anyone because His kingdom is omnipresent, meaning there's no place outside of it for banishment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure your explanation for 'why' questions is directly supported by the reasoning given in the text.

Question 4. Why did Akbar's face lighten up with a smile?
Answer:
Akbar's face lightened up with a smile because Birbal had given a clever reply.
In simple words: Akbar smiled because Birbal's clever and insightful response resolved the dilemma and showcased his wit.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect character reactions (like smiling) directly to the specific events or words that triggered them.

Question 5. Why did Akbar forgive the courtiers for their stupidity?
Answer:
Akbar was so pleased with the answer given by Birbal that he forgave the courtiers for their stupidity.
In simple words: Akbar forgave the courtiers because he was immensely pleased by Birbal's wise answer, which overshadowed their foolishness.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the primary reason for a character's decision, especially when it involves leniency or a change of heart.

Question 6. Find the odd word: look, royal, good, proper
Answer:
look, The rest are adjectives.
In simple words: 'Look' is the odd word out because it is primarily a verb (or a noun), while 'royal', 'good', and 'proper' are all adjectives describing qualities.

🎯 Exam Tip: To find the odd word, identify the grammatical category or common characteristic of most words, then find the one that doesn't fit.

Question 7. Complete the analogy: prove: proof: punish: punishment
Answer:
prove: proof: punish: punishment
In simple words: This analogy completes the verb-to-noun pattern, where 'proof' is the noun form of 'prove', so 'punishment' is the noun form of 'punish'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For analogies, determine the relationship between the first pair of words (e.g., verb to noun, synonym, antonym) and apply the same relationship to the second pair.

Question 8. Everyone was curious to see what would happen next. (State the word class of the underlined word.)
Answer:
next: adverb
In simple words: In this sentence, 'next' functions as an adverb, indicating when something would happen or the sequence of events.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify a word's class, consider its function in the sentence-does it describe a verb (adverb), a noun (adjective), or is it an action itself (verb)?

Question 9. The Almighty cannot banish anyone from his kingdom. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
The Almighty cannot banish anyone from his kingdom, can he?
In simple words: To add a question tag to a negative statement, use a positive tag with the appropriate pronoun, hence 'cannot' becomes 'can he?'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that if the main clause is negative, the question tag is positive, and vice versa. Match the auxiliary verb and subject pronoun.

Question 10. Do you believe in false praise? Elaborate.
Answer:
No, I don't. Appreciating people for their good qualities is a good thing but resorting to false praise for receiving favours or for some ulterior motive is definitely something which we should refrain from.
In simple words: False praise is generally discouraged as it's often motivated by self-interest and not genuine appreciation, unlike sincere compliments for true qualities.

🎯 Exam Tip: When elaborating on a personal opinion, clearly state your stance and then provide logical reasons or examples to support it.

Language Study

Do As Directed.

Question 1. You are the greatest of the kings. (Underline the adjective)
Answer:
greatest.
In simple words: 'Greatest' is the adjective here, functioning as a superlative to describe the quality of the kings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adjectives describe nouns or pronouns. Look for words that tell you more about the 'who' or 'what' in a sentence.

Question 2. Put him in jail without food and water. (State the types of nouns)
Answer:
food, water - Material noun.
In simple words: 'Food' and 'water' are classified as material nouns because they refer to substances or materials from which things are made or consumed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Material nouns refer to the matter or substance from which things are made, or things that are consumed and cannot be counted individually (like rice, gold, milk).

Question 3. He was an patron of art and culture. (Correct the article)
Answer:
He was a patron of art and culture.
In simple words: The correct article is 'a' because 'patron' starts with a consonant sound, not a vowel sound.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'a' before words starting with a consonant sound and 'an' before words starting with a vowel sound.

Question 4. I believe you. (Begin the sentence with 'you are)
Answer:
You are believed (by me).
In simple words: To start the sentence with 'You are', the sentence is transformed into the passive voice, making 'you' the subject and 'believed' the past participle of the verb.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting to passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, and the verb changes to 'be' + past participle.

Question 5. Flag him! (State the type of sentence)
Answer:
Exclamatory sentence.
In simple words: 'Flag him!' is an exclamatory sentence because it expresses a strong command or emotion, ending with an exclamation mark.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamatory sentences convey strong emotion or command and typically end with an exclamation mark, while imperative sentences give commands but may end with a period.

Question 6. Akbar looked at Birbal thoughtfully. (State the part of speech of the underlined word)
Answer:
thoughtfully - Adverb.
In simple words: 'Thoughtfully' is an adverb because it modifies the verb 'looked', describing how Akbar performed the action.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs often end in '-ly' and describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, telling 'how', 'when', 'where', or 'to what extent'.

Make Sentences Using The Following Phrases.

Question 1. to have respect: I have great respect for my teachers who are my friends and my guide.
Answer:
1. to have respect: I have great respect for my teachers who are my friends and my guide.
In simple words: The phrase 'to have respect' means to hold someone in high regard or admiration, as shown by having great respect for teachers.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using a phrase in a sentence, ensure the sentence context clearly demonstrates the phrase's meaning and appropriate usage.

Question 2. to come up with: He came up with the most silly excuse.
Answer:
2. to come up with: He came up with the most silly excuse.
In simple words: 'To come up with' means to think of or produce an idea, plan, or solution, like devising a silly excuse.

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice using different tenses and subjects with the phrase to ensure versatility in sentence construction.

Question 3. to be stunned: The whole world was stunned by the news.
Answer:
3. to be stunned: The whole world was stunned by the news.
In simple words: 'To be stunned' means to be extremely shocked or surprised, often to the point of temporary disorientation, as with shocking news.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using phrases, ensure the surrounding words create a clear and impactful meaning, reflecting the intensity of the phrase.

Question 4. to offer an explanation: He realised his mistake and offered an explanation for them.
Answer:
4. to offer an explanation: He realised his mistake and offered an explanation for them.
In simple words: 'To offer an explanation' means to provide a reason or clarification for something, especially for an action or mistake, to make it understandable.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the phrase in a context where a reason or clarification is necessary, showing cause and effect.

Question 5. to have an advantage: The other team in the game had an advantage because they were highly experienced.
Answer:
5. to have an advantage: The other team in the game had an advantage because they were highly experienced.
In simple words: 'To have an advantage' means to possess a superior or more favorable position or condition, such as being more experienced in a game.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure the sentence clearly identifies what the advantage is and why it exists, providing context for its use.

Complete The Following Table.

In simple words: This table illustrates how a core concept can transform across different parts of speech - noun, adjective, and verb - demonstrating word families.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand how words change form and function across different parts of speech; this helps in vocabulary building and grammar accuracy.

Give The Antonyms By Providing Appropriate Suffixes.

Question 1. interesting × uninteresting
Answer:
1. interesting × uninteresting
In simple words: The antonym for 'interesting' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', to create 'uninteresting'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Many antonyms can be formed by adding negative prefixes like 'un-', 'in-', 'dis-', or 'im-' to a word.

Question 2. human x inhuman
Answer:
2. human x inhuman
In simple words: The antonym for 'human' is created by adding the prefix 'in-', meaning 'not' or 'lacking', to form 'inhuman'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the correct negative prefix for each word, as 'in-' is common but not universal (e.g., 'dis-' for 'honest').

Question 3. pleased x displeased
Answer:
3. pleased x displeased
In simple words: The antonym for 'pleased' is formed by adding the prefix 'dis-', which conveys negation or reversal, creating 'displeased'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize common prefixes that indicate opposition or reversal (like 'dis-') to quickly form antonyms.

Question 4. advantage × disadvantage
Answer:
4. advantage × disadvantage
In simple words: The antonym for 'advantage' is formed by adding the prefix 'dis-', indicating the lack or opposite of, creating 'disadvantage'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice identifying prefixes that change a word's meaning to its opposite, enhancing vocabulary for antonyms.

Question 5. proper × improper
Answer:
5. proper × improper
In simple words: The antonym for 'proper' is created by adding the prefix 'im-', meaning 'not', to form 'improper'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware that prefixes like 'im-' are often used before words starting with 'p' or 'm' to form antonyms.

Give One Word For:

Question 1. very great in area or size: vast
Answer:
1. very great in area or size: vast
In simple words: 'Vast' is the single word used to describe something extremely large in area or extent.

🎯 Exam Tip: When finding a single word, choose the most precise and concise term that captures the full meaning of the given description.

Question 2. to beat someone hard with a whip: flog
Answer:
2. to beat someone hard with a whip: flog
In simple words: 'Flog' is the specific verb for beating someone severely with a whip.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the key elements of the description (e.g., 'beat hard', 'whip') to identify the appropriate single word.

Question 3. to be disturbed: agitated
Answer:
3. to be disturbed: agitated
In simple words: 'Agitated' describes a state of being disturbed or feeling troubled and restless.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider synonyms that fit the intensity and context of the description when choosing a single word.

Question 4. lack of cleverness: stupidity
Answer:
4. lack of cleverness: stupidity
In simple words: 'Stupidity' refers to the quality or state of being unintelligent or lacking cleverness.

🎯 Exam Tip: For 'lack of' descriptions, look for nouns that directly represent the absence of the stated quality.

Did You Know?

Birbal stories are very famous and popular in India among all ages of people. They are also known as Akbar-Birbal stories. Akbar, the Great, the Mughal Emperor in India, ruled from 1560 to 1605. He himself was illiterate but he invited several learned people in his court. Among these, nine people were very famous and were known as nav-ratnas. Birbal was the favourite of Akbar, because of his wisdom, wit and subtle humour.

Who's The Greatest? Summary In English

Who's the Greatest? is an interesting lesson which narrates two of the very popular Akbar and Birbal stories. Akbar would always pose interesting questions and problems in his court and Birbal, one of his nine gems or 'nav-ratnas' never failed to come up with an answer displaying his wit and humour.

In this lesson, one of the stories talks about Akbar's question to his courtiers: "What should be the punishment for someone who pulls my moustache?" While everyone called for strict actions for the grave offence, Birbal smilingly suggested that Akbar should give the offender his favourite sweetmeats. After all he said, who would be so bold to pull the Emperor's moustache other than his own grandson?

The next story is about the challenge Akbar posed to his courtiers who showered him with false praises and called him greater than the God Almighty.

He told the courtiers to tell him atleast one thing he could do but God Almighty would not be able to do.

Here Birbal came to the courtier's rescue. He said:

"When you want to punish someone, you can banish that person - you can throw him out of your kingdom. But God's kingdom extends everywhere. The Almighty cannot banish anyone from his kingdom." Akbar was pleased with the answer.

The humour and wit in the Akbar and Birbal stories are the reasons for their popularity.