Question

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
During Emperor Akbar's reign, there was a poor man in Agra who was thought to bring bad luck. People believed that if anyone looked at his face in the morning, they would have a bad day. "Get lost, you ugly fellow!" he would be cursed by one and all. "Hide your face before you kill someone with your evil eye!" The Emperor soon heard of this man's reputation and wanted to see him. The poor fellow who had not harmed a single person in his life, was brought to Akbar. Akbar took a look at him and asked him to be brought back in the evening. That particular day was especially full and tiring day for the Emperor and his courtiers. So many matters had to be attended to, that Akbar even forgot to eat. By the end of the day, the emperor was exhausted. To make matters worse, Akbar was informed that his favourite child, little Prince Salim, had fallen ill. Then the Emperor suddenly remembered that he had seen the face of the 'unlucky' man that morning. That was it. It was that man's entire fault, Akbar decided. Akbar called his courtiers and told them that he was going to have the 'unlucky' man executed. All of them agreed immediately. All except Birbal. Instead, Birbal let out a short laugh. "What's the matter, Birbal ?" asked the emperor, "You seem to find something funny!" "Nothing, your Majesty", replied Birbal. "You say this man brings bad luck because you had to go without food ever since you saw him this morning. Look at his luck. Yours was the first face he saw today and he has to die because of it." Akbar immediately realised his folly and rewarded Birbal for his wisdom.
(a) Why had King Akbar not eaten his food ?
(b) What was Akbar informed about his favourite child ?
(c) What differentiated Birbal from others ?
(d) Why did Akbar decide to execute the poor man ?
(e) What was Birbal's initial reaction when he heard that the poor man would be executed ?
(f) What was the courtiers reaction when they heard that the poor man would be executed ?
(g) What made Akbar realize his mistake ?
(h) Why was Birbal rewarded ?

Answer 1

(a) King Akbar had not eaten his food because he had many matters to attend to.
(b) Akbar was informed that his favourite child, little Prince Salim, had fallen ill.
(c) Birbal’s wisdom and quick wit differentiated him from others.
(d) Akbar decided to execute the poor man because he thought that it was because of him, he had a bad day.
(e) Birbal let out a short laughter.
(f) The courtiers agreed immediately.
(g) Birbal’s witty answer made Akbar realize his mistake.
(h) Birbal was rewarded for his wisdom.

Answer 2

Answer:

As per the passage , the following answers are :

(a) King Akbar hadn't eaten because he had a lot of things to take care of in.

(b) Little Prince Salim, Akbar's favorite child, was diagnosed with an illness.

(c) Birbal stood out from the crowd thanks to his wisdom and wit.

(d) Akbar made the decision to kill the unfortunate man because he believed it was his fault that he was having a horrible day.

(e) Birbal made a brief chuckle sound.

(f) The courtiers gave their quick approval.

(g) Akbar realized his error after hearing Birbal's clever response.

(h) Birbal received an award for his knowledge.