Class 9 English - KARNATAKA
Supplementary: In the Kingdom of Fools
Supplementary Chapter 'In the Kingdom of Fools' from the Class 9 Karnataka (KSEEB) English syllabus is a delightful folktale adapted from Kannada folklore by A.K. Ramanujan. The story is set in a strange kingdom where the foolish king and his minister reversed day and night, making everyone work at night and sleep by day, and kept all goods at a single flat price. The chapter matters greatly for Karnataka (KSEEB) board exams as it tests narrative comprehension, character analysis, and moral reasoning through direct and value-based questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Foolish Rule
The king and minister reversed day and night, forcing everyone to sleep during the day and work at night under the threat of death.
The Single Duddu Price
Everything in the market, whether a measure of rice or a bunch of bananas, cost the same single duddu, making it a truly absurd economy.
The Absurd Chain of Blame
A thief's death leads to a ridiculous trial involving the merchant, bricklayer, dancing girl, and goldsmith, highlighting flawed logic.
The Guru's Wisdom
The wise guru recognized the danger of living in a kingdom of fools and decided to leave immediately, advising his foolish disciple not to stay.
Selfless Sacrifice and Justice
The guru tricks the foolish king by praising the stake, leading the king and minister to be executed in place of the guru and disciple.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
This supplementary chapter typically carries 4 to 6 marks in the Karnataka (KSEEB) Class 9 English board exams. Questions usually include 1-mark multiple-choice or short-answer questions, and 2 to 3-mark descriptive questions focusing on why the guru and disciple were arrested, or the moral of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the guru and disciple find the town deserted during the day?
Because the foolish king and minister had ordered everyone to sleep during the day and work at night.
Why did the disciple want to stay back in the kingdom?
The disciple was greedy and tempted by the extremely cheap food available for just a single duddu.
How did the guru save his disciple's life?
The guru cleverly tricked the king by fighting with his disciple over who should be executed first on the stake, claiming the stake was sacred and whoever died first would become a king in their next life.
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