Moments - Class IX
Reprint 2025-26
This story is a Kannada folktale that tells us about a kingdom ruled by a foolish king and his equally foolish minister. The tale takes us through a series of absurd events that unfold in this strange kingdom and explores the dangers of foolishness in positions of power.
In this interactive lesson, we'll explore this entertaining folktale and the wisdom it imparts about the consequences when fools are in charge.
It is believed that fools are so dangerous that only very wise people can manage them. Who are the fools in this story? What happens to them?
Let's think about foolishness and wisdom. Sometimes, what seems foolish might have its own wisdom, and what appears wise might actually be foolish. The story we are going to read is about a kingdom where fools rule.
In pairs, discuss three examples of foolish decisions you have heard about or observed. What were the consequences of these decisions?
Have you ever read stories about wise fools such as Tenali Rama or Gopal Bhar? What makes these characters interesting despite (or because of) their foolishness?
Read this sentence taken from the story:
They turned back to the merchant.
The word back can function as a noun, an adverb, an adjective, and a verb.
1. "The wall fell on him and killed him on the back." In this sentence, "back" functions as a:
2. "They came back to the kingdom." In this sentence, "back" functions as a:
3. "The disciple wanted to go back to the kingdom." In this sentence, "back" functions as a:
4. "He hurt his back when he fell." In this sentence, "back" functions as a:
5. "Don't back away from your responsibilities." In this sentence, "back" functions as a:
In the story, the guru says to the king: "If you tell me, I'll tell you why we want to die."
This is an example of a conditional sentence. Conditional sentences express possible or imaginary situations and their consequences.
1. If the guru and disciple in the kingdom, they would not have discovered its foolishness.
2. If the king and minister the night into day, people would have had normal lives.
3. If the disciple to his guru, he would not have been in danger.
4. If the guru in time, the disciple would have been executed.
5. If you the king of a country, what changes would you make?