The Scholar's Mother Tongue – CBSE NCERT Study Resources
All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern
Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.
Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.
The scholar refused to speak in English because he believed in the importance of his mother tongue and wanted to preserve its dignity.
The story teaches us to respect and take pride in our mother tongue as it is a part of our identity and culture.
The scholar politely refused to speak in English and chose to express himself in his mother tongue instead.
The main theme is the importance of one's mother tongue and the need to preserve linguistic and cultural identity.
The scholar came from Bengal, a region where Bengali is widely spoken.
Mother tongue refers to the first language a person learns from birth, usually spoken at home.
Some people were surprised, but the scholar's confidence in his mother tongue made them respect his decision.
Respecting all languages promotes cultural diversity and helps in building understanding and harmony among people.
The scholar showed confidence, pride, and respect for his mother tongue and culture.
- Speak it at home with family.
- Read books and stories in it.
- Share its importance with friends.
The story The Scholar's Mother Tongue is written by Rabindranath Tagore. He was a famous Indian poet and writer.
Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.
The scholar's mother tongue was Pali. Pali is an ancient language used in Buddhist scriptures.
The scholar pretended not to know any other language to test the king's wisdom and see if he could identify his mother tongue.
The king discovered the scholar's mother tongue by observing his reaction when he heard someone speak in Pali. The scholar smiled, revealing he understood it.
The story teaches us that wisdom and observation can help uncover the truth. It also highlights the importance of one's mother tongue.
The two main characters are the scholar and the king. The scholar was wise, and the king was clever.
The scholar challenged the king to identify his mother tongue without him speaking it directly.
The mother tongue is important because it connects a person to their culture, identity, and heritage. It is the first language we learn.
The king proved his intelligence by carefully observing the scholar's reaction to different languages and correctly identifying his mother tongue as Pali.
The scholar in the story was a learned man named Pundit. He was known for his wisdom and knowledge of many languages.
The king wanted to test the scholar's true wisdom because the scholar claimed to know many languages. The king believed that identifying one's mother tongue would reveal genuine knowledge.
The scholar proved his intelligence by correctly identifying his mother tongue as Telugu after listening carefully to the words he spoke in his sleep.
The story teaches us that true wisdom lies in careful observation and understanding. It also shows that one's mother tongue is deeply connected to their identity.
The king was amazed and praised the scholar for his sharp mind and deep understanding. He acknowledged the scholar's true wisdom.
The mother tongue is important because it reflects a person's roots and true identity. It is the language of the heart and thoughts, as shown in the story.
The scholar observed the words he spoke in his sleep, which were in his mother tongue. This careful observation helped him identify it correctly.
The story suggests that true knowledge cannot be judged by claims alone. It requires testing and observation, as the king did with the scholar.
Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.
The king wanted to test the wisdom and knowledge of the scholars. He believed that a true scholar should be able to recognize any language, even if it is not their own. This challenge was a way to find the most learned person in his court.
Birbal observed the king's reaction when he was asleep. He noticed that the king mumbled words in his mother tongue while sleeping. This clever observation helped Birbal identify the king's mother tongue as Telugu.
The other scholars were confused and nervous. They tried hard to identify the king's mother tongue but failed because they relied only on their book knowledge. None of them thought of observing the king's behavior closely.
Birbal is considered clever because he used his observation skills and practical thinking to solve the king's challenge. Unlike others, he did not depend solely on books but paid attention to the king's actions, which led him to the correct answer.
The king's challenge shows that he was wise and valued true intelligence. He wanted to find someone who could think beyond books and use their common sense. It also reflects his playful and curious nature.
The scholar pretended not to know his mother tongue because he wanted to test the wisdom of the king and his court. He believed that if they were truly wise, they would be able to identify his mother tongue without him revealing it. This was his way of challenging their knowledge and understanding.
The king and his court were puzzled and confused when the scholar spoke in an unknown language. They could not understand what he was saying and felt embarrassed because they prided themselves on their wisdom. This confusion made them realize that they might not be as knowledgeable as they thought.
The story teaches us that true wisdom and knowledge are not about showing off but about understanding and humility. The scholar's challenge showed that even the wisest people can have gaps in their knowledge. It reminds us to stay humble and always be willing to learn.
The scholar was a clever and confident person who believed in testing others' knowledge. He was proud of his mother tongue and used it as a tool to challenge the king's wisdom. His actions show that he was intelligent and liked to provoke thought in others.
The scholar chose to speak in his mother tongue because it was a language unknown to the king and his court. This made it a perfect test of their wisdom. If they could identify or understand it, it would prove their knowledge. If not, it would reveal their limitations.
The story ended with the king admitting that he and his court could not understand the scholar's language. This humbled the king and made him realize that there is always more to learn. The scholar's challenge succeeded in proving that wisdom is not about knowing everything but about recognizing one's limits.
Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.
The chapter The Scholar's Mother Tongue emphasizes how a person's mother tongue plays a crucial role in learning new languages. The story shows that the scholar could understand and speak many languages, but his mother tongue remained the strongest. This is because the mother tongue is the first language we learn, and it helps shape our thinking and understanding.
For example, in the story, the scholar's deep connection to his mother tongue allowed him to recall it even when challenged by the king. This proves that our first language stays with us forever and acts as a foundation for learning other languages. Just like a tree grows strong roots before spreading its branches, our mother tongue helps us grasp new languages better.
Additionally, knowing one's mother tongue builds confidence and cultural identity. The scholar's pride in his language shows how it connects him to his roots. Thus, the chapter teaches us to respect and cherish our mother tongue while learning other languages.
In the chapter The Scholar's Mother Tongue, the king tested the scholar's knowledge by asking him to speak in a language that nobody in the court understood. The scholar confidently spoke in his mother tongue, leaving everyone puzzled. The king then brought in a person who knew that language to verify the scholar's words.
This test proved that the scholar was truly wise because he could express deep thoughts in his mother tongue, even when others couldn't understand it. The king learned two important lessons:
- Knowledge is not just about speaking many languages but also about mastering one's mother tongue.
- Respecting others' languages and cultures is essential, as every language holds unique wisdom.
The story teaches us that true wisdom lies in understanding and valuing our roots, just like the scholar did with his mother tongue.
In the story The Scholar's Mother Tongue, the scholar cleverly proved that the Pundit was not as knowledgeable as he claimed by testing his understanding of his own mother tongue. The Pundit boasted about knowing many languages, but the scholar doubted his true mastery.
The scholar asked the Pundit a simple question in his mother tongue: 'What is your mother tongue?' The Pundit could not answer correctly, revealing that he did not truly understand his own language deeply. This showed that the Pundit had memorized words but lacked real comprehension.
This incident teaches us that true knowledge is not just about memorizing facts but understanding them deeply. The scholar's wisdom helped expose the Pundit's superficial learning.
The story The Scholar's Mother Tongue teaches us the importance of true knowledge over superficial learning. The Pundit in the story pretended to know many languages but failed to answer a simple question about his mother tongue, proving that he lacked deep understanding.
The moral lesson is that we should focus on learning with understanding rather than just memorizing facts. True wisdom comes from clarity and application, not just repetition.
Students can apply this lesson by:
- Asking questions to clarify doubts instead of rote learning.
- Practicing concepts until they fully understand them.
- Being honest about their knowledge and not pretending to know something they don’t.
This way, they can become true scholars like the wise man in the story.
In the story The Scholar's Mother Tongue, the mother tongue is shown as a powerful tool for communication and identity. The scholar faced a challenge when the king doubted his knowledge because he spoke in a different language. However, the scholar proved that his mother tongue was just as valuable by understanding and responding to the king's secret words in his own language.
The scholar demonstrated the power of his mother tongue by showing deep understanding and quick thinking. When the king whispered words in his own language to test the scholar, the scholar not only understood them but also replied wisely. This proved that language is not a barrier to true knowledge and intelligence.
Key takeaway: The story teaches us that one's mother tongue is a source of pride and intelligence. It helps us express our thoughts clearly and connect with our roots.
The scholar in The Scholar's Mother Tongue was a wise, confident, and quick-thinking person. He stood out in the king's court because of his deep knowledge and ability to adapt to challenges.
Qualities of the scholar:
- Intelligence: He understood the king's secret words in a different language.
- Confidence: He did not fear the king's test and answered boldly.
- Respect for his roots: He valued his mother tongue and proved its importance.
The scholar's cleverness and calmness under pressure impressed everyone in the court. He showed that true wisdom comes from understanding, not just language. His character teaches us to be proud of our heritage and use our knowledge wisely.
In the story The Scholar's Mother Tongue, the scholar cleverly proved that the Pundit was not as knowledgeable as he claimed by testing his understanding of his own mother tongue. The scholar noticed that the Pundit always spoke in a difficult language to impress others but did not truly understand it deeply.
To test him, the scholar asked the Pundit to explain the meaning of a simple word in his mother tongue. The Pundit failed to answer correctly because he had only memorized complex words without understanding their meanings. This showed that the Pundit relied on rote learning rather than true knowledge.
The scholar's method highlighted the importance of understanding over memorization. This lesson teaches us that real wisdom comes from clarity and simplicity, not just using big words to impress others.
The story The Scholar's Mother Tongue teaches us that one's mother tongue is a powerful tool for clear communication and true understanding. The scholar in the story used his deep knowledge of his mother tongue to expose the Pundit's lack of real learning.
For example, when the Pundit could not explain a simple word in his own language, it proved that he did not truly understand what he was saying. The scholar, on the other hand, showed that knowing one's mother tongue well helps in expressing thoughts clearly and confidently.
The story also highlights that language is not just about sounding intelligent but about connecting with others meaningfully. This lesson reminds us to value our mother tongue as it shapes our identity and thinking.
In the story The Scholar's Mother Tongue, the scholar proves the importance of knowing one's mother tongue when he is challenged by the king. The king doubts the scholar's claim of knowing many languages and asks him to speak in his mother tongue. The scholar then speaks fluently in his native language, which surprises everyone, including the king. This shows that while learning other languages is impressive, being rooted in one's mother tongue is essential for true mastery and confidence.
For example, when the scholar speaks in his mother tongue, the king realizes that the scholar's knowledge is genuine. This moment highlights that a person's first language holds deep cultural and emotional value, making communication more natural and heartfelt. The story teaches us that while learning new languages is beneficial, we should never neglect our mother tongue as it connects us to our identity and heritage.
The incident in The Scholar's Mother Tongue where the king tests the scholar teaches us a valuable lesson about respecting all languages equally. The king initially doubts the scholar's abilities because he assumes that knowing many languages might mean neglecting one's mother tongue. However, when the scholar speaks fluently in his native language, the king realizes his mistake and appreciates the scholar's true talent.
This teaches us that no language is superior or inferior. Every language, including one's mother tongue, has its own importance and beauty. The story encourages us to:
- Respect all languages, whether they are widely spoken or not.
- Value our mother tongue as it reflects our culture and identity.
- Avoid judging others based on their language skills, as true knowledge goes beyond just speaking multiple languages.
By understanding this, we learn to appreciate linguistic diversity and treat every language with equal respect.
Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.
The king was surprised because the scholar had already shown mastery over many foreign languages, making the king assume he might not know his own mother tongue well. Mother tongue is the first language a person learns, and the scholar's ability to speak it fluently, despite knowing so many other languages, showed his deep connection to his roots. This made the king realize that true wisdom includes valuing one's own culture and language.
The scholar's ability to understand the rare language shows that learning languages helps in communication and problem-solving.
It also teaches us to respect different cultures.
In the story, the scholar's knowledge impressed the king, proving that languages open doors to new opportunities and understanding.
Knowing one's mother tongue is important because:
- It helps in expressing thoughts and emotions clearly.
- It connects us to our family, culture, and traditions.
- It makes learning other languages easier.
In the story, the scholar proves his love for his mother tongue when the king challenges him to speak in any language except his own. The scholar remains silent because he cannot express his deepest thoughts and feelings in any language other than his mother tongue.
This shows that while he knows many languages, his emotional connection and comfort lie only in his mother tongue. The story teaches us that no matter how many languages we learn, our mother tongue holds a special place in our hearts as it connects us to our roots and culture.
The king learns that true wisdom is not just about knowing many languages but also about understanding the emotional value of one's mother tongue.
When the scholar refuses to speak in any other language, the king realizes that the scholar's silence is a powerful statement about the importance of one's roots and identity. This teaches the king that knowledge is not just about showing off skills but also about respecting one's culture and heritage.
If I were the scholar, I would choose silence because my mother tongue is the language of my heart. Speaking in another language would feel like pretending to be someone I am not.
My mother tongue carries my emotions, my memories, and my identity. No other language can express my true feelings the way my mother tongue does. By staying silent, I show that my respect for my language is greater than my desire to impress others.
Why do you think the king wanted to test the scholar's knowledge of his mother tongue? How did the scholar prove his mastery?
The king wanted to test the scholar's knowledge of his mother tongue because he believed that true wisdom comes from understanding one's own language and culture deeply. The scholar proved his mastery by reciting a complex verse in his mother tongue that only a true expert could understand. He also explained its meaning clearly, showing his deep connection to his roots.
Describe the challenge and explain how the scholar's response demonstrated intelligence and respect for his mother tongue.
The king challenged the scholar to recite and explain a difficult verse in his mother tongue to prove his expertise. The scholar not only recited it perfectly but also interpreted its meaning with clarity. This showed his intelligence and deep respect for his mother tongue, as he could connect its richness to his identity.
How did the scholar's ability to speak his mother tongue impress the king? What lesson can we learn from this story?
The scholar's ability to speak his mother tongue fluently and explain its nuances impressed the king because it showed his true wisdom and cultural pride. The lesson we learn is that mastering one's own language is as important as learning foreign languages, as it keeps us connected to our heritage and identity.
The story teaches us that while learning many languages is impressive, our mother tongue holds a special place in our hearts and minds.
The scholar could speak many languages, but he was most comfortable and expressive in his mother tongue. This shows that our first language helps us think, communicate, and express emotions more naturally.
The king also realizes that knowing many languages doesn't mean we should forget or ignore our roots. Our mother tongue connects us to our family, culture, and identity.
When the king asks the scholar a question in an unknown language, the scholar does not pretend to understand it. Instead, he honestly admits he doesn't know that language.
This shows his true intelligence because:
- He is humble and doesn't show off.
- He values honesty over pretending to know everything.
- He understands that no one can know all languages.
Real wisdom lies in accepting what we don't know, rather than faking knowledge.
If I were the scholar, I would tell the king:
'Your Majesty, my mother tongue is like the first song I ever heard. It is the language in which my mother told me stories, my father gave me advice, and my grandparents shared their wisdom.
Even though I've learned many languages, my mother tongue helps me express my deepest feelings. When I'm happy or sad, the words come most naturally in this language. It is not just words - it carries my family's love, my culture's traditions, and my childhood memories.'