8th English The Heavenly Parasol Lesson Notes Question Answer Summary

KSEEB 8th English The Heavenly Parasol Lesson Notes Summary Questions and Answers

Pre reading task -1

Question 1.
What is a mace?
Answer:
A mace is a simple weapon.

Question 2.
What are the features of a mace?
Answer:
A mace has a heavy wooden or metal shaft , often reinforced with metal featuring a head made of stones, copper, bronze, iron or steel. It was used in traditional warfare.

Question 3.
What are the uses of a mace?
Answer:
Traditionally they were used in warfare. Today they are used as symbol of authority in the emblems of a number of government bodies, universities, and academic, parliamentary’ or civic rituals.

Pre reading task – 2

Question 1.
What is -a ‘parasol’?
Answer:
It is a light, usually small umbrella used to give shade and protection from the sun.

Question 2.
Where is it used?
Answer:
It is used in the terraces of homes for relaxation, in religious processions it is placed over the deity, during weddings- especially the royal Indian weddings, in beaches, in kiosks where new products are introduced in the markets etc.

Question 3.
Why is it used?
Answer:
It is used to protect oneself from light rain or sunshine.

Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Comprehension

A. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each

Question 1.
What was the name of the beautiful princess of Pragjyotisha?
Answer:
The name of the beautiful princess of Pragjyotisha was Amritaprabha.

Question 2.
What was arranged for her, when she attained the age of marriage?
Answer:
When she attained the age of marriage, the king, her father arranged for a swayamvara to enable her to choose her husband.

Question 3.
Who was Meghavahana?
Answer:
Meghavahana was the great-grandson of a former king of Kashmir.

Question 4.
Why did the priest cry out in surprise?
Answer:
The priest cried out in surprise because he could see the shadow of the parasol of Varuna cast over prince Meghavahana.

Question 5.
What was the uniqueness of the parasol?
Answer:
The uniqueness of the parasol was that it would cast its shadow on none other than on the one destined to be the sovereign of the world.

Question 6.
Why did the ministers of the Kashmir court make an offer to Meghavahana to be their king?
Answer:
The present king of Kashmir had devoted his life to praying, thereby neglecting the affairs of the kingdom. The citizens of Kashmir were unhappy and dissatisfied with their king. Therefore the Kashmir’s ministers of the court made an offer to Meghavahana to be their king.

Question 7.
What was the law imposed by Meghavahana in his kingdom?
Answer:
Meghavahana imposed a law that no living beings would be killed in his kingdom henceforth.

Question 8.
Why did Meghavahana want to conquer the island of Lanka?
Answer:
Meghavahana wanted to conquer the island of Lanka, which was known as the land of the demons, in order to teach them the ways of peace.

Question 9.
What did Meghavahana witness in the middle of the woods?
Answer:
In the middle of the woods Meghavahana witnessed a sort of human sacrifice in progress on the steps of the temple of Chandika (Durga).

Question 10.
Why did the barbarian want to kill an innocent man?
Answer:
The barbarian wanted to kill an innocent man because he believed that the Gods would be pleased with the human sacrifice and would thereby save his ailing son.

Question 11.
How did Meghavahana rescue both the victim and the barbarian’s son?
Answer:
Meghavahana offered himself to be sacrificed to the Gods instead of the innocent man. Thus he wanted to save both the victim as well as the barbarian’s son.

Question 12.
What happened when Meghavahana was about to strike himself?
Answer:
When Meghavahana was about to strike himself, his head was covered with divine flowers of exquisite colours and perfume and someone held back his arm.

B. Answer the following in about 150-200 words:

Question 1.
Describe the incident of how Meghavahana got the heavenly parasol?
Answer:
Meghavahana. the great-grandson of a former king of Kashmir took part in the swayamvara that was arranged by the king of Pragjyotisha, for his beautiful daughter, princess Amritaprabha. In the swayamvara. the princess chose Meghavahana to be her groom. The happy couple moved towards the king to seek his blessings.

As the king stepped down to bless the couple, the priest cried out in surprise that the parasol of varuna had east its shadow over the prince. The king exclaimed with delight in the affirmative and said that the prince was indeed favoured by the Gods. When Meghavahana looked up in surprise,

wondering at the meaning of the king’s remark, he found a beautiful dazzling white parasol with exquisite decorations casting its shadow over him. The king then explained to the surprised Meghavahana, that it was the parasol of Varuna, the lord of the seas.

The uniqueness of the parasol was that it cast its shadow only on the one destined to be a sovereign of the whole world. The king also stated that Meghavahana was destined for glory and brilliance.

Question 2.
How did Varuna, the lord of the seas test Meghavahana’s nobility of mind?
Answer:
While on an expedition near the sea, Meghavahana asked his weary army to rest under the shade of the palm groves and he spent his time pondering over the tactics that could be adopted to conquer Sri Lanka, the land of demons. Suddenly his thoughts were disturbed by a plaintive call for help. The voice stated that his life was not spared even under the rule of Meghavahana.

On hearing those words, Meghavahana mshed into the woods towards the voice with anxiety and in agitation. In a clearing in the woods Meghavahana witnessed a human sacrifice in progress on the steps of the temple of Chandika (Durga). When the king questioned the barbarian the reason for the sacrifice, the barbarian informed the king that he had to sacrifice a human in order to save his ailing son. The barbarian also stated that he believed that the Gods would be pleased with the human sacrifice and would definitely cure his son.

Observing the plight of the barbarian and his victim, the king came up with a solution of saving them both. He offered himself to be sacrificed instead of the poor innocent man. When the barbarian refused to kill the king, Meghavahana drew out his sword to kill himself. When he was about to strike himself, Varuna the lord of the seas stopped him and told the king that he had come to reclaim the parasol that was carried away by the powerful Bhauma, the father of Meghavahanas father-in-law. Varuna also informed him that he had created the illusion of the human sacrifice in order to test his nobility and that he had come out victorious.

II. Read the following statements and answer the questions given below:

Question 1.
“It casts its shade on none else but a sovereign of the whole world
(a) Who said this?
Answer:
This was said by the King of Pragjyotisha.

(b) Who was it said to ?
Answer:
It was said to prince Meghavahana.

(c) When was it said?
Answer:
It was said when Meghavahana looked up in surprise, wondering at the meaning of the kings remark ‘My son, you are favoured by the Gods’, and he saw a beautiful, dazzling, white parasol with exquisite decorations casting its shadow over him.

Question 2.
“You wretch! You dare to threaten another’s life in my realm”
(a) Who did this?
Answer:
This was said by Meghavahana.

(b) To whom was it said?
Answer:
It was said to the barbarian who was brandishing his sword over his victim.

(c) Why was it said?
Answer:
It was said by the king who was shocked at the sight of a human sacrifice in progress, because he had prohibited such acts in his kingdom.

Question 3.
“If you cannot bring yourself to strike at me, I will use my own sword for the purpose”.
(a) Who said this?
Answer:
It was said by Meghavahana.

(b) Who was the listener?
Answer:
The barbarian was the listener.

(c) What meaning does this sentence convey?
Answer:
It very strongly conveys the message that the king cared for the welfare of his subjects and was willing to sacrifice his life for their happiness. It also displays his compassion and love towards his citizens.

III. Language activity:

Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions:

Question 1.
Due to heavy rainfall the huge tree fell ______________ and unfortunately Shamu was caught ______________ the tree, (under, down, below)
Answer:
down, under

Question 2.
There is a roof ______________ us. ( above, over)
Answer:
over

Question 3.
I bought a gift ______________ my brother, (to, for)
Answer:
for

Question 4.
Sheetal, took leave ______________ her office. (of, from)
Answer:
from

Question 5.
They climbed ______________ the stairs and went ______________ the terrace, to have a view of the star studded sky. (to, up, above)
Answer:
up, to

Question 6.
I have to go to a meeting ______________ 12.30 p.m. (at, on)
Answer:
at

Question 7.
I cried “Help, Help” when the boy fell ______________ the well, (down, into)
Answer:
into

Question 8.
Shika travels ______________ Chandigarh ______________ Delhi every week, (on, from, to)
Answer:
to, from (or) from, to

Question 9.
My sister’s wedding is ______________ Hotel Taj ______________ Mumbai, (in, on, at)
Answer:
at, in

Question 10.
Shashank took an express bus to Mysore, which goes ______________ Mandhya. (by, through)
Answer:
through

IV. Listening Activity: Class Activity

V. Speaking Activity

Discussion on great men like King Ashoka, Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
Ashoka The Great-India’s Greatest Emperor and Patron of Buddhism.
Answer:
Ashoka was the son of the Mauryan Emperor, Bindusara. He was born in about 294 B.C. He ascended the Magadha throne in 273 B.C. By all considerations, Ashoka is one of the greatest Kings not only in the history of India but that of the whole world. In the beginning, like all other Kings, Ashoka was also given to kingly pleasures and military conquests but after the battle of Kalinga (the present day Odisha), a powerful Kingdom on the Bay of Bengal, Ashoka was completely transformed. In this battle, lakhs of people were slain, wounded, which produced a profound reaction on the mind of Ashoka.

The era of military conquests was now over and an era of spiritual conquests as Dharma Vijay began. Ashoka was converted to Buddhism and devoted the rest of his life to spread and put into practice the teachings of Buddhism. For the welfare of his subjects, Ashoka planted trees along the roads for providing shade, built rest-houses for travelers and established hospitals for human beings and animals.

Ashoka also followed the Law of Piety or Dharma in his personal life; he gave up hunting and curbed slaughter of animals for the royal kitchen. A new class of officials called the Dharma-Mahamatras was created for enforcing Law of Piety among people. For spreading Buddhism, Ashoka also dispatched missions to foreign countries like Egypt, Syria, Macedonia etc.

Ashoka’s son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra went to Ceylon where they became successful in converting the Ceylonese King to Buddhism. Ashoka also got the teachings of Buddhism engraved on many rocks and pillars in different parts of his empire. In Patna, there are the remains of many beautiful structures built by him based on the cult of Buddhism. Ashoka died around 232 B.C.

Swamy Vivekananda – India’s spiritual leader:

Swamy Vivekananda was one of the prominent leaders of the Indian religious and cultural Renaissance. He is revered both in the East and the West as a rejuvenator of mankind through the eternal truths of Hinduism. Vivekananda through his message of man-making and nation – building inspired a generation of leaders and people of our country.

He delved deep into literature, philosophy and history and was gifted with oratorial power. In 1890, touring over the length and breadth of the country, he kindled the flame of spiritualism among his countrymen. In 1893, he went to Chicago as a representative of India, at the Parliament of All Religions of the World. On 11th September, he delivered his historical speech which made his learned audience bow their head in reverence.

Swamy Vivekananda declared that Indian culture was based on spiritualism while the basis of western culture was materialism. In fact, he was the first person who made India’s greatness known to the world. In 1897, he founded Ramakrishna Mission for the service of the Indian Society.

The real name of Swamy Vivekananda was Narendranath Dutta. He was bom on 12th January, 1863 in Calcutta. At the age of 16, he passed the entrance examination of the Calcutta University. During his student life, he was one of the most popular and inquisitive student. Athletic philosophy of Herbert Spencer, however exercised deep influence on him, but when he met Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he was transformed into a great theist and came to the known as ‘ Swamy Vivekananda’. After the death of his teacher Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda took up the task of spreading the message of love and spiritualism among mankind.

By writing inspiring books like ‘Yoga’, ‘Rajyoga’ and ‘Gyanayoga’, Vivekananda showed a new path to the younger generation. Swamy Vivenkananda Memorial built at Kanyakumari tells us even today the story of the greatness of Vivekananda. He died in 1902.

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa:

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Born in a poor Brahman family in the Hooghly District, West Bengal, Gadadhar Chattopadhyaya began showing unusual signs of religious ecstacy when he was only a mere child. At the age of 19, after his marriage with Sharada Devi, Gadadhar came to Calcutta to live with his elder brother and to succeed him in the priest – hood of Dakshineshwar Kali temple, established by Rani Rashmoni.

It was here that he was called Ramakrishna. He became a firm devotee of goddess Kali. Visions, trances, ecstacies crowded upon him and most of his time was spent in intense spiritual activities. He proceeded under various spiritual guides to experience the whole mystical relationship described in the Hindu scriptures.

By sheer force of his spiritual attainment, Ramakrishna became Paramahamsa, the beacon light in the encircling gloom of his time. Gradually the fame of this young priest began to spread far and wide. Ramakrishna reaffirmed on the basis of his own spiritual experiments that all creed and religions led ultimately to the same goal.

So he proceeded to adopt the spiritual practices of Christianity as well as Islam. He asked people to seek God with a pure and dedicated heart He expressed his teachings in the simplest form for everyone to follow. His sayings and stories of his life remain to this day a major source of religious guidelines.

Under his great influence, he attracted a group of young disciples. They found , Ramakrishna a source of tremendous inspiration. Outstanding among them was the young Narendranath Dutta, later to be famous world over as Swamy Vivekananda.

VI. Dictionary use:

I. Choose the appropriate specialists given below in brackets for the following ailments:-

(Gynaecologist, Paediatrician, Obstetrician, Dermatologist, Opthalmologist, Cardiologist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Orthopaedician, Physiotherapist)

Question 1.
Sheela has got white patches on her skin. She needs to consult a _____________
Answer:
Dermatologist

Question 2.
Priya cannot see the letters on the board. She has to see an _____________
Answer:
Opthalmologist

Question 3.
The child is suffering from fever. The parents have to take him to a _____________
Answer:
Paediatrician

Question 4.
Kiran fell from the cycle and broke his bone. He immediately consulted an _____________ Answer:
Orthopaedician

Question 5.
Students are stressed because of their exams. They should have a session with a _____________
Answer:
Psychologist

Question 6.
My grandfather had some pain in the chest. We took him to a _____________
Answer:
Cardiologist

Question 7.
This person has really gone mad. He needs the help of a _____________
Answer:
Psychiatrist

Question 8.
Rohan always suffers from muscle catch and cramps. So he always visits his _____________
Answer:
Physiotherapist

Question 9.
Ritu introduced me to a _____________ who had delivered her baby.
Answer:
Obsterician

Question 10.
A _____________ specialises in treating the ailments of women.
Answer:
Gynaecologist

VII. Fill in blanks with the appropriate word chosen from the brackets:

Question 1.
I can’t ________________ you from such a distance. Come ________________ and tell me. (here, hear)
Answer:
hear, here

Question 2.
Arjun used ________________ formula to solve the ________________ . (sum, some)
Answer:
Some, sum

Question 3.
Veena has ________________ of rupees but still she ________________ peace. (lacks, lakhs)
Answer:
lakhs, lacks

Question 4.
Two years ago, the shop was ________________ and so it ________________ to exist. (ceased, seized)
Answer:
seized, ceased

Question 5.
We should ________________ how to say ________________ without hurting others, (no, know)
Answer:
know, no

VIII. Reading Activity : Class Activity
Answer the following as directed:

IX. Find the meaning of the following words:

Question 1.
Meanings
(a) bog – an area of wet, soft ground formed of decaying plants.
(b) muck – waste matter excreted by farm animals; dirt; mud.
(c) lad – a boy, a young man.
(d) sparse – present only in small amounts, thin and scattered.
(e) hovel – a small house that is not fit to live in, especially because it is damp and dirty.
(f) pneumonia – a serious illness affecting one or both lungs, causing difficulty in breathing.

Question 2.
Farmer Fleming saved the boy from
Answer:
dying in a bog

Question 3.
What was the deal the nobleman made with farmer Fleming?
Answer:
Farmer Fleming had saved a boy from a bog. The following day the boy’s father, a rich nobleman paid a visit to the farmer in order to express his gratitude. He offered t some cash payment for saving his son. But farmer Fleming refused to accept if. The rich noblemen saw the farmer’s son standing near their hovel. He therefore struck a deal with the farmer. The nobleman told him that as he had refused to accept the cash payment, he would instead repay the kindness by educating the farmer’s son.

Question 4.
Farmer Fleming’s son graduated from
Answer:
St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London.

Question 5.
Who was farmer Fleming’s son?
Answer:
Farmer Fleming’s son was none other than the world famous Alexander Fleming, the inventor of Penicillin.

Question 6.
The nobleman’s son had suffered from
Answer:
pneumonia.

Question 7.
What is the lesson you learn from the story?
Answer:
(a) Always express your gratitude even for the smallest favour received.
(b) Utilize every opportunity to serve mankind.
(c) Strive for excellence.
(d) Helping others can change your destiny.

Question 8.
The nobleman’s son was
Answer:
Sir Winston Churchill

X. Fill in the missing letters of the adjectives:-

Question 1.
The character of a person who always remains calm and poised;c — — p — s — d.
Answer:
Composed

Question 2.
The character of a person who is concerned too much with his own needs or wishes; s — — f — s —
Answer:
Selfish

Question 3.
The character of a person which is compared to a fox ; c — n — — ng
Answer:
Cunning

Question 4.
The character of a person who is careful and precise in everything; m — t — cu — o — s
Answer:
Meticulous,

Question 5.
The character of a person who exhibits very strong emotions or intense enthusiasm for something; p — ss — n — t —
Answer:
Passionate

Additional questions with answers

I. Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
Why was Meghavahana surprised?
Answer:
Meghavahana was surprised because Amritaprabha had selected him to be her groom from among the thousand of suitors who had assembled there at the swayamvara.

Question 2.
Where did Meghavahana ask his weary army to rest?
Answer:
Once on an expedition near the sea, Meghavahana asked his weary army to , rest in the shadow of the palm groves.

Question 3.
Who was Bhauma?
Answer:
Bhauma was the father of Meghavahana’s father-in-law.

Question 4.
Why did many illustrious suitors come to the swayamvara?
Answer:
Many illustrious suitors were lured by Amritaprabha’s beauty. So they came to the swayamvara with the hope of being chosen by her.

Question 5.
Who was Meghavahana?
Answer:
Meghavahana was the great grand-son of a former king of Kashmir.

Question 6.
Why was Meghavahana surprised when the king said “My son, you are favoured by the Gods”?
Answer:
Meghavahana was surprised when the king said that he had been favoured by the Gods because he couldn’t understand what the king intended to convey by uttering . those words.

Question 7.
Describe the parasol.
Answer:
It was a dazzling, beautiful white parasol with exquisite decorations. It belonged to Varuna, the lord of the seas.

Question 8.
Why did the ministers of Kashmir want Meghavahana to become their king?
Answer:
The ministers of the Kashmir Court wanted Meghavahana to become their king because their present king had devoted himself to prayer and had therefore neglected the affairs of the kingdom. The ministers were also inspired by ‘Meghavahana’s noble character and bravery. They therefore desired to be ruled by him

Question 9.
What became the ambition of Meghavahana on ascending the throne of Kashmir? Why?
Answer:
On ascending the throne of Kashmir, Meghavahana desired to conquer more kingdoms to impose his law prohibiting killing of living beings, in those kingdoms as well.

Question 10.
According to the barbarian what would be the consequences if the human sacrifice was prevented?
Answer:
According to the barbarian if the sacrifice was prevented his ailing son would die and the rest of his troops would give up their lives along with him.

Question 11.
How did the barbarian justify the human sacrifice?
Answer:
According to the barbarian, his victim was a loner, wandering friendless in the forest. Hence the barbarian felt the victim’s life was not as worthy and important as that of his son. Hence he could be sac rificed to save his son.

Question 12.
Describe the barbarian’s victim.
Answer:
The barbrian’s victim was a loner, wandering about in the forest without any companions. On the steps of the temple of Chandika he lay on the ground with raised hands pleading for his life.

Question 13.
Why did the king offer himself to be sacrificed?
Answer:
The king offered himself to be sacrificed in order to save the barbarian’s son and the poor victim.

Question 14.
“You are truly compassionate and noble”, said Varuna to Meghavahana. Explain how Meghavahana exhibited those qualities?
Answer:
Prohibiting the killing of living beings in his kingdom proved to be the essence of his compassion. This quality was exhibited in total intensity when he offered himself to be sacrificed instead of the poor victim

Question 15.
Explain how Megshavahana reached Sri Lanka.
Answer:
Having secured a boon from Varuna, the Lord of the seas to help him in crossing the waters, Meghavahana boldly rode forward into the swelling, foaming ocean. As promised by Varuna, the waters parted. The king along with his astonished army crossed the seas and reached Sri Lanka.

Question 16.
What was the human sacrifice that Meghavahand had witnessed in the forest?
Answer:
The human sacrifice that Meghavahana had witnessed in the forest was only an illusion created by Varuna to test his nobility.

Question 17.
Why did Amritaprabha look around in confusion when Meghavahana returned home?
Answer:
Amritaprabha looked around in confusion when Meghasvahana returned home because she couldn’t find the parasol with him, which was always with him.

Question 18.
It appeared as if the parasol was casting its shadow on Meghavahana even from its heavenly abode. Why does the author say so?
Answer:
When Amritaprabha asked her husband about the parasol, he told her that he had returned it to the rightful owner as it was never his to keep. He also told her that he was sure that the divine owner would guide him through his life. As he spoke those words, the sky darkened and it appeared as if the heavenly parasol was casting its shadow on him even from its heavenly abode. Therefore the author said those words.

II. Change into indirect speech.

Question 1.
“you are favoured by the Gods,” said -the king to the prince.
Answer:
The king told the prince that he was favoured by the Gods.

Question 2.
“your are destined for glory and brilliance,” explained the king.
Answer:
The king explained that he was destined for glory and brilliance.

Question 3.
“We are dissatisfied with our present ruler,” they said.
Answer:
They said that they were dissatisfied with their present ruler.

Question 4.
“How will I cross the great seas with my army?” Meghavahana wondered.
Answer:
Meghavahana wondered how he would cross the great seas with his army.

Question 5.
“You dare to threaten another’s life in my realm,” cried the king shocked at the sight.
Answer:
The king cried out in shocked disbelief that someone dared to threaten another’s life in his realm.

Question 6.
“May these two people live,” said the king.
Answer:
The king wished that those two people might live.

III. Choose the correct answer from the options given below each question arid answer them:

Question 1.
The king of Pragjyotisha arranged for a ……………….. for his daughter when she came of age.
(a) colourful dance performance
(b) swayamvara
(c) orchestra
(d) wrestling match
Answer:
(b) swayamvara

Question 2.
The parasol belonged to
(a) Vamana
(b) Vishnu
(c) Vayu
(d) Varuna
Answer:
(d) Varuna

Question 3.
The ministers of the Kashmir court offered the throne to Meghavhana because
(a) They were frightened of him.
(b) Their king was dead.
(c) Their present king had dedicated himself to a life of prayer and had neglected the state affairs.
(d) He had married the king’s daughter.
Answer:
(c) Their present king had dedicated himself to a life of prayer and had neglected the state affairs.

Question 4.
The new law imposed by Meghavhana on ascending the throne of Kashmir was that
(a) All the men were to join the army
(b) Women were not to be educated.
(c) The first bom were to be sacrificed to the gods.
(d) Living beings weren’t to be killed in his kingdom.
Answer:
(d) Living beings weren’t to be killed in his kingdom.

Question 5.
‘I will save your son …………. this victim’. (The right answer to be filed in the blank is)
(a) If
(b) because
(c) as well as
(d) yet
Answer:
(c) as well as

Question 6.
‘It never leaves your side.’ The word ‘it ‘ here refers to
(a) the parasol
(b) dog
(c) chief minister
(d) soldier
Answer:
(a) the parasol

IV. Read the statements given below and answer the questions that follow:

Question 1.
“My son, you are favoured by the Gods.”
(i) Who is the ‘son’ refereed to in the above sentence?
Answer:
Meghavahana is the ‘son’ referred to in 1 the above sentence.

(ii) Who said the above sentence?
Answer:
The above sentence was said by the king of Pragjyotisha.

(iii) Which of the Gods had favoured him?
Answer:
Varuna, the lord of the seas had favoured him.

(iv) How was it proved that the Gods had favoured him?
Answer:
The parasol had cast its shadow on the prince. This proved that the Gods had favoured him for, it easts its shadow only on those destined to be a sovereign.

Question 2.
“This is the parasol of Varuna, the lord of the seas.”
(i) Who said the above sentence?
Answer:
The above sentence was said by the king of Pragjyotisha.

(ii) To whom was it said?
Answer:
It was said to Meghavahana.

(iii) Why did the king say the aibove sentence?
Answer:
Meghavahana looked puzzled when the king said that he had been favoured by the Gods. Therefore while explaining the significance of the parasol, the king said the above sentence.

Question 3.
“We are dissatisfied with the present ruler”
(i) Who said the above sentence?
Answer:
The above sentence was said by the ministers of the Kashmir court.

(ii) Why were they dissatisfied?
Answer:
They were dissatisfied because their present king had devoted himself to a life of prayer and had neglected the affairs of the state.

(iii) What did they request of Meghavahana?
Answer:
They requested Meghavahana to be their king.

Question 4.
“Honour us and our land by accepting our offer.”
(i) Who said the above sentence?
Answer:
The above sentence was said by the ministers of the Kashmir court.

(ii) To whom was the proposal made?
Answer:
The proposal was made to Meghavahana.

(iii) What did they offer?
Answer:
They offered the throne of Kashmir to Meghavahana.

Question 5.
“Even under Meghavahana’s rule I have been slain.”
(i) Who was slaying whom?
Answer:
A barbarian was in the process of slaying his victim.

(ii) Why was he being slain?
Answer:
The barbarian believed that his ailing son would be saved if a human was sacrificed.Therefore he was being slain.

(iii) Where was the human sacrifice in progress?
Answer:
The human sacrifice was in progress on the steps of the temple of Chandika (Durga).

Question 6.
“O noble one, have mercy.”
(i) Who is the ‘noble one’ mentioned in the sentence?
Answer:
The noble one in the above sentence is Meghavahana.

(ii) Who sought pardon?
Answer:
The barbarian pleaded for pardon and mercy.

(iii) What was the crime that the barbarian had committed?
Answer:
The barbarian was in the process of sacrificing a human, in the realm of MeghavaChana, when such acts were prohibited in his kingdom.

Question 7.
“Sir, tell me what to do.”
(i) Who is the ‘sir’ mentioned in the above sentence?
Answer:
The ‘sir’ mentioned in the above sentence is Meghavahana.

(ii) Who is the ‘me’ mentioned in the sentence?
Answer:
The word ‘me’ in the above sentence refer to the barbarian.

(iii) What was the dilemma the barbarian was in?
Answer:
The barbarian had to perform a human sacrifice to save his ailing son but the king had objected it.

Question 8.
“I cannot see my son suffer this way.”
(i) Whose son was suffering?’
Answer:
The barbarian’s son was suffering.

(ii) What was he suffering from?
Answer:
The barbarian’s son was suffering with some disease and was on the verge of ying.

(iii) What according to the barbarian was the only solution to save the boy?
Answer:
According to him, only a human sacrifice could save his ailing son.

Question 9.
“It was never mine to keep.”
(i) What does the word ‘it’ refer to in the above sentence?
Answer:
The word ‘it’ refers to the parasol.

(ii) To whom did it belong?
Answer:
It belonged to Varuna, the lord of he seas.

(iii) Who had taken it away form Varuna?
Answer:
Bhauma, the father of Meghavahana’s father-in- law had taken it away.

V. Change the voice of the following sentences:

Question 1.
Meghavahana brought his bride and the divine parasol back home.
Answer:
His bride and the divine parasol were brought back home by Meghavahana.

Question 2.
The king held a swayamvara.
Answer:
A swayamvara was held by the king.

Question 3.
The parasol of Varuna has cast its shadow on the prince.
Answer:
Its shadow has been cast on the prince, by the parasol.

Question 4.
The barbarian dropped his sword.
Answer:
His sword was dropped by the barbarian.

Question 5.
I offer my body in sacrifice to Chandika.
Answer:
My body is offered in sacrifice to Chandika by me.

VI. Rewrite as directed:

Question 1.
It is true. (Change into an exclamatory sentence.)
Answer:
How true it is

Question 2.
It was a beautiful, dazzling white parasol. It had exquisite decorations on it. (Combine the sentences using not only – but also)
Answer:
It was not only a beautiful, dazzling, white parasol but also one with exquisite decorations on it.

Question 3.
Give the noun form of the word – brilliant
Answer:
brilliance

Question 4.
You wretch! (Change into an assertive sentence.)
Answer:
You are a wretch.

The Heavenly Parasol Lesson Summary in English

The lesson “Heavenly Parasol’ is a fairy tale of yore about Kings and Queens whose lives are intertwined with the intervention of some divine being. In this lesson, Varuna, the lord of the seas tests the nobility of Meghavhana.

The King of Pragjyotisha had arranged for a swayamvara for his beautiful daughter Amritaprabha when she came of age. To this swayamvara many illustrious suitors had assembled, lured by the beauty of the princess. Meghavahana, the great-grandson of a fonner King of Kashmir was also present. Amritaprabha chose him as her groom.

The couple then moved towards the king to seek his blessings. When the King stepped down to bless them, the priest cried out in surprise that the parasol of Varuna had cast its shadow on the prince. The king agreed with the priest and said that the prince was indeed favoured by the gods.

Meghavahana looked up in surprise, wondering at the remark of the king and to his surprise he found a beautiful, dazzling, white parasol with exquisite decorations casting its shadow over him. The king explained to him that it was the parasol of Varuna, the lord of the seas. The king also said that it would cast its shadow on none other than on the one destined to be a sovereign of the whole world. The king informed him that he was destined for glory and brilliance. Dazed by those portents and by his good fortune, Meghavahana took his bride and the divine parasol back home.

Upon his return, the ministers of the Kashmir court approached Mehgavahana and requested him to be their King: as their present king had devoted his life to prayer and had thereby neglected the affairs of the kingdom. They also stated that the citizens were unhappy with their king. Meghavahana accepted their offer and became the king of Kashmir. On ascending the throne, he announced that henceforth there would be no killing of living beings in his kingdom. He then desired to conquer other kingdoms in order to impose his law in those kingdoms as well.

Once while on an expedition near the sea, the king asked his weary army to take shelter under the shade of the palm trees. He then pondered over the tactics that could be adopted, to conquer Sri Lanka – the land of demons. His intention of conquering the island was to teach the demons the ways of peace. Unfortunately, he found himself in a dilemma because he found it difficult to cross the sea with his army. The king was deep in thought.

His thoughts were broken by the voice of someone pleading for his life. The voice also stated that even under the rule of Meghavahana his life was not spared. Filled with agitation and anxiety the king rushed into the woods towards the voice. When he reached a clearing in the forest, he witnessed a human sacrifice in progress on the steps of a temple of Chandika (Durga). The victim lay on the ground with his hands raised, pleading for his life; while a barbarian stood near him brandishing his sword.

When the king questioned the barbarian the reason for the act, the latter replied that his son was very ill and he believed that a human sacrifice would please the Gods and that they would cure his son. The barbarian also said that as the man was wandering in the woods alone and friendless, his life was not as important as that of his son. The king looked up and saw a bundle on the temple porch and assumed it to be the barbarian’s son. The king was moved with compassion, both for the child as
well as for the victim. He then found a solution to the problem.

The king offered himself to be sacrificed instead of the innocent man. When the barbarian refused to kill the king, the king himself drew out his sword to kill himself. The king was about to strike himself when suddenly his head was covered with divine flowers of exquisite colours and perfume and someone held back his arm. The king looked back in surprise and found a person of heavenly appearance. The victim, the boy and the barbarian had vanished.

The divine being informed the king that he was Varuna, the lord of the seas and that he had come to reclaim the parasol that had been taken away by the powerful Bhauma., the father of Meghavahana’s father-in-law. The parasol also held the power to quell calamities in the land of Varuna. He also informed the king that the illusion in the forest had been created by him to test the nobility of the king and that he had proved his worth and had come out victorious.

Meghavahana with total reverence returned the divine parasol, to Varuna and requested a boon from him. He requested Varuna to help him whenever he had to cross waters so that he could conquer the islands. The wish was granted. Varuna stated that whenever he wanted to cross the oceans, he would pull away the waters.

The next day, Meghavahana gathered his army and marched towards the swelling and turbulent ocean. The soldiers trembled at its might. The king rode forward and plunged into the foaming ocean. Immediately the waters parted. The king crossed the ocean along with his astonished army. He reached Sri Lanka, won over its king Vibhishana in friendship.On his return to Kashmir, he was greeted by his queen Amritaprabha.

She questioned him about the parasol which had never left his side. The king replied that it was never his to keep and informed her that the divine owner would guide him throughout his life. As he spoke those words, the sky darkened and it appeared as if the parasol was casting its shadow over him even from its heavenly abode.

The Heavenly Parasol Lesson Word in English

1. illustrious = very well-known, admired and respected.
2. destined = governed by fate; ‘bound to happen’.
3. plaintive = expressing melancholy mournful
4. summon = To call, bid or cite; to notify to come to appear;
5. undergrowth = low-growing plants, sapling and shrubs beneath trees in a forest:
6. significance = consequence or importance
7. exquisite = of special beauty or charm, or rare and appealing, excellence as; a face, a flower, colouring music or poetry.
8. quell = to overpower; to subdue; to put down
9. calamities = a disaster or misfortune, especially one causing extreme havoc, distress, or misery
10. illusion = a thing that a person wrongly believes to exist, a false appearance.
11. boon = a benefit, an advantage
12. beckoned = to make a gesture to somebody either with the hand, arm or head, usually to make them come closer to the caller.
13. brilliance = extremely clever, impressive or outstanding.
14. neglected = to give no or not enough attention to something or somebody.
15. proclaimed = a nuounced.
16. ambition = a strong desire to achieve something.
17. grove = a group of trees , a small wood.
18. tether = a rope or a chain by which an animal is tied.
19. clearing = an open space in the forest from where the trees have been cleared.
20. compassion = feeling pit for the sufferings of others.
21. horror = a feeling of intense fear, shock and disgust.
22. ailing = ill and not improving.
23. bewildered = to confuse somebody.
24. abode = a house or a home.

 8th Standard English Notes