To the Memory of a Lion Chapter Q&A, Summary, Meanings Class 8 English Book Lavender

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Summary of “To the Memory of a Lion”

In English

This is the story of Tanaji Malusare, a brave Maratha warrior and childhood friend of Shivaji Maharaj. Known for his loyalty and courage, Shivaji affectionately called him “Sinha” (Lion). Tanaji was busy preparing for his son’s wedding when a messenger arrived with urgent orders from Shivaji. Without hesitation, Tanaji postponed the wedding and left to serve his leader.

Shivaji informed Tanaji about the need to recapture Kondana Fort, which was under the control of Udai Singh Rathor and the Mughals. Despite the fort being heavily guarded, Tanaji came up with a daring plan to attack from an unguarded steep cliff.

On a moonless night, Tanaji and his soldiers scaled the fort walls using an iguana named Yashwanti and ropes. They took the guards by surprise and engaged in a fierce battle with the Mughals. During the fight, Tanaji faced Udai Singh in a deadly sword fight. Though Tanaji defeated Udai Singh, he succumbed to his injuries and died.

Despite the loss of their leader, the Marathas, led by Tanaji’s brother Suryaji, fought valiantly and captured the fort. When Shivaji heard of Tanaji’s death, he was heartbroken and said, “The fort is won, but my lion is gone.” To honour Tanaji’s sacrifice, the fort was renamed Sinhagad Fort (Lion’s Fort).

In Hindi

यह कहानी तानाजी मालुसरे की है, जो एक वीर मराठा योद्धा और शिवाजी महाराज के बचपन के मित्र थे। उनकी वफादारी और साहस के कारण शिवाजी उन्हें प्यार से “सिंह” कहते थे। तानाजी अपने बेटे की शादी की तैयारी में व्यस्त थे, जब शिवाजी का एक संदेशवाहक आया और उन्हें तुरंत बुलाया। तानाजी ने बिना किसी हिचकिचाहट के शादी टाल दी और अपने नेता की सेवा के लिए निकल पड़े।

शिवाजी ने तानाजी को कोंडाना किले को वापस जीतने की आवश्यकता के बारे में बताया, जो उदय सिंह राठौर और मुगलों के कब्जे में था। किले की मजबूत सुरक्षा के बावजूद, तानाजी ने एक साहसी योजना बनाई कि वे एक खड़ी चट्टान के रास्ते से हमला करेंगे।

अमावस्या की रात को तानाजी और उनके सैनिक दीवारों पर चढ़ने के लिए एक गोह (यशवंती) और रस्सियों का इस्तेमाल करके किले में घुसे। उन्होंने पहरेदारों को चौंकाया और मुगलों के साथ भयंकर लड़ाई की। इस युद्ध में तानाजी का सामना उदय सिंह से हुआ। तानाजी ने उदय सिंह को हराया, लेकिन गंभीर रूप से घायल होकर वीरगति को प्राप्त हुए।

अपने नेता की मृत्यु के बावजूद, तानाजी के भाई सुर्याजी के नेतृत्व में मराठाओं ने साहसपूर्वक लड़ाई लड़ी और किला जीत लिया। जब शिवाजी को तानाजी की मृत्यु का पता चला, तो वह बेहद दुखी हुए और बोले, “गढ़ तो जीत लिया, पर मेरा सिंह चला गया।” तानाजी के बलिदान के सम्मान में इस किले का नाम सिंहगढ़ किला रखा गया।

Vocabulary Notes:

Here are some selected words and phrases from the story “To the Memory of a Lion” with their meanings in English and Hindi:

1. Companion in arms: A close friend or partner who fights alongside in battles. (Hindi) युद्ध में साथ लड़ने वाला साथी।
2. Festive look: A cheerful and decorated appearance for a celebration. (Hindi) उत्सव जैसा माहौल।
3. Galloping: Moving very fast, like a horse running at full speed. (Hindi) तेज़ी से दौड़ना।
4. Errands: Short tasks or jobs, usually involving going out to get or do something. (Hindi) छोटे-छोटे काम या दौड़-धूप।
5. Pensive mood: Deep in thought, often in a sad or serious way. (Hindi) गहरी सोच में डूबा हुआ।
6. Assignment: A specific task or mission given to someone. (Hindi) दिया गया कार्य या मिशन।
7. Killer elephant: A trained elephant used in wars to attack enemies. (Hindi) युद्ध में शत्रुओं पर हमला करने के लिए प्रशिक्षित हाथी।
8. Precipice: A very steep and high rock or cliff. (Hindi) खड़ी और ऊँची चट्टान।
9. Sworn to secrecy: Promised solemnly to keep something confidential. (Hindi) गोपनीयता बनाए रखने की शपथ लेना।
10. Moonless night: A dark night without a visible moon, often used for secrecy. (Hindi) अमावस्या की रात।
11. Overpowered: Defeated or subdued with strength or force. (Hindi) पराजित या काबू में करना।
12. Infuriated: Extremely angry or enraged. (Hindi) क्रोधित।
13. Triumphant: Feeling or showing happiness due to success or victory. (Hindi) विजयी।
14. Mortal wound: A severe injury that causes death. (Hindi) घातक चोट।
15. Gallant effort: A brave and noble attempt. (Hindi) बहादुरी और साहसिक प्रयास।
16. Melee: A chaotic fight involving a lot of people. (Hindi) अफरा-तफरी वाली लड़ाई।
17. Strategic move: A carefully planned action for achieving a specific goal. (Hindi) रणनीतिक कदम।
18. Affectionately: In a way that shows love or fondness. (Hindi) स्नेहपूर्वक, प्रेम से।
19. Daring: Showing courage and willingness to take risks. (Hindi) साहसी, जोखिम उठाने वाला।
20. Superstition: A belief not based on reason or science, often related to fear or magic. (Hindi) अंधविश्वास।
21. Inflicted: To cause harm, damage, or pain to someone. (Hindi) चोट पहुँचाना।
22. Vengeance: Punishment inflicted in return for an injury or wrong. (Hindi) प्रतिशोध।
23. Grief: Deep sorrow or sadness, especially due to a loss. (Hindi) शोक।

Textbook Q&A (To the memory of a Lion)

Time to answer:

A. Choose the correct option.

1. Why did Shivaji call Tanaji his Sinha?
Answer: because Tanaji was brave and daring

2. What were Tanaji and his wife doing when Suryaji came?
Answer: They were selecting and packing clothes and ornaments for the bride and the groom.

3. Which one of the following lines shows that Tanaji was confident?
Answer: ‘We will prepare well and we will succeed.’

4. “The fort is won, but my lion is gone.’
What is the tone of the speaker here?
Answer: dejected

B. Answer these questions.

1. Why did Tanaji ask his wife to postpone the wedding of their son?
Answer: Tanaji asked his wife to postpone the wedding because Shivaji had called him for an urgent mission to serve their land, which he considered his first duty.

2. Why was Tanaji’s wife stunned?
Answer: Tanaji’s wife was stunned because he decided to leave for a battle on the day of their son’s wedding without any hesitation.

3. What matter did Shivaji want to discuss with Tanaji?
Answer: Shivaji wanted to discuss the urgent need to recapture Kondana Fort, which was in the hands of Udai Singh and heavily guarded by the Mughals.

4. Why was recapturing the Kondana Fort a challenge for Tanaji?
Answer: Recapturing Kondana Fort was a challenge because it was heavily guarded, had three secure gates, brave soldiers, and a killer elephant named Chandrawati.

5. Why did Tanaji ask Suryaji not to tell the soldiers about the plan?
Answer: Tanaji asked Suryaji not to tell the soldiers about the plan to maintain secrecy and take the enemy by surprise.

6. Who was Yashwanti? What was her role in the plan made by Tanaji to enter the Kondana Fort?
Answer: Yashwanti was an iguana. She helped Tanaji and his men climb the steep fort walls by holding a rope tied to her neck, which allowed the soldiers to scale the fort silently.

7. Describe the scene that Suryaji saw when he entered the Kondana Fort. What was his reaction?
Answer: When Suryaji entered the Kondana Fort, he saw Tanaji lying dead in a pool of blood after a fierce fight. He was deeply grieved but turned his sorrow into anger and led the Marathas to complete Tanaji’s mission by defeating the Mughals.

Shorter Answers:

1. Why did Tanaji ask his wife to postpone the wedding of their son?
He had to leave for an urgent mission called by Shivaji.

2. Why was Tanaji’s wife stunned?
She was shocked because he left for battle on their son’s wedding day.

3. What matter did Shivaji want to discuss with Tanaji?
The need to recapture Kondana Fort from the Mughals.

4. Why was recapturing the Kondana Fort a challenge for Tanaji?
It was heavily guarded and had strong defenses, including a killer elephant.

5. Why did Tanaji ask Suryaji not to tell the soldiers about the plan?
To keep the plan secret and surprise the enemy.

6. Who was Yashwanti? What was her role in the plan made by Tanaji to enter the Kondana Fort?
Yashwanti was an iguana. She helped the soldiers climb the steep fort wall with a rope.

7. Describe the scene that Suryaji saw when he entered the Kondana Fort. What was his reaction?
He saw Tanaji dead and led the soldiers to complete the mission in anger.

Reference to the context:

Read the lines from the story and answer the questions that follow.

1. ‘Who said that? There is no place for superstition in a soldier’s life.’

• a. Who said these words and to whom?
  Ans: Tanaji said these words to his soldiers.
• b. What does this tell you about the speaker?
  Ans: This shows that Tanaji was confident and did not believe in superstitions. He had a strong faith in himself and his soldiers.
• c. What happened after this?
  Ans: After this, Tanaji threw the iguana, Yashwanti, again with greater force, and this time, it managed to grip the top of the fort wall, allowing them to climb.

2. “Tanaji, you have a lot to answer for. You can’t escape me.”

• a. Who is the speaker of these lines?
  Ans: The speaker is Udai Singh, the commander of the Mughal forces at Kondana Fort.
• b. What did Tanaji have a lot to answer for?
  Ans: Tanaji had a lot to answer for because he had led the Marathas into the fort and was fighting against Udai Singh’s forces.
• c. What did the speaker and the person being spoken to, do next?
  Ans: Udai Singh and Tanaji engaged in a fierce battle with swords. Tanaji eventually wounded Udai Singh, and both fighters were severely injured.

Time to think and answer:

1. Use the given template to draw the character sketch of Tanaji Malusare.

Here’s the character sketch of Tanaji Malusare:

2. According to you, what is courage? Use references from the story to justify your answer.

Answer: Here is a sample answer.

What is courage?

Courage is the ability to face fear, danger, or challenges bravely and without hesitation, even when the situation seems difficult or dangerous. It is the strength to do what is right or necessary, regardless of the personal cost.

Justification from the story:

• Tanaji’s bravery in battle:
  Tanaji displayed courage when he answered Shivaji’s call to recapture Kondana Fort. Despite it being his son’s wedding day, he chose to leave and take on a dangerous mission. This showed that he was willing to sacrifice his personal happiness for a greater cause.
• Climbing the fort wall:
  Tanaji’s plan to scale the steep fort wall using an iguana, Yashwanti, was a risky and daring move. Even when the iguana initially failed to grip the wall, Tanaji showed no fear, repeating the attempt with greater determination. This reflects his courage to face challenges head-on without giving up.
• Fighting till the end:
  Even when Tanaji was fatally wounded in his battle with Udai Singh, he did not retreat. He continued to fight and ensured the success of the mission, displaying the ultimate form of courage — fighting until the last moment to achieve the goal.

Thus, courage, as shown by Tanaji, is not the absence of fear but the determination to move forward in the face of fear and danger.

Time to study language:

Complete the sentences given below with the appropriate forms of tenses (present, past, future).

Answer: Given below are the sentences completed with the appropriate forms of tenses (in bold letters):

1. When Harsh called last night, I was watching my favourite cooking show on television.
2. Pramod has worked for this company for more than twenty years, and he has no intention of retiring!
3. Dhruv loves to travel. He goes on a road trip almost every summer.
4. Reema is an author. She writes mystery novels and travel memoirs. She has been writing since she was twenty. Altogether, she has written seven novels, three collections of short stories, and a book of poetry.
5. We were late because we had some problems with the car. By the time we reached the railway station, Uncle Rathod had been waiting for us for more than an hour.
6. Sonu was trying to change a tube light when he slipped and fell.
7. Every day, Priya wakes up at six o’clock, eats breakfast at seven o’clock, and leaves for work at eight o’clock. However, this morning she got up at 6:30, skipped breakfast, and left for work late because she forgot to set her alarm.
8. Right now, Kavita is reading the newspaper and Rishabh is making dinner. Last night at this time, they were doing the same thing. He was cooking and she was reading the newspaper. Tomorrow at this time, they will be doing the same thing. He will be preparing dinner and she will be reading. They are very predictable people!
9. By this time next summer, Shayon will have completed his studies and will have found a job. Tarak, on the other hand, will not have accomplished anything. He will still be studying while Shayon will be working in some swanky, new office.
10. The students are usually taught by Mr. Tripathi. However, this week they are being taught by Mr. Pandey.

Time to learn new words:

Match the appropriate proverb for each sentence.

Answer: Given below is the table with the correct proverb matches:

Study Skills:

The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line against which a blank is given. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the space provided.

Time to speak:

Imagine you are Tanaji Malusare. You have just captured Udai Singh and the Kondana Fort as well. You are very proud of this victory. Describe the battle you fought to conquer this fort. Also, describe what it’s like there.

Answer: A sample answer is given below.

“As Tanaji Malusare, I am filled with pride and a deep sense of fulfilment after capturing the Kondana Fort and Udai Singh. The battle was intense and dangerous, but it was a matter of honour for my leader, Shivaji Maharaj, and my beloved motherland.

We faced many challenges. The fort was heavily guarded, and its steep cliffs seemed almost impossible to scale. But with the help of my faithful monitor lizard, Yashwanti, and the courage of my men, we climbed those treacherous walls under the cover of darkness. Every step we took was full of risk, but we never lost our resolve.

The battle inside the fort was fierce. We fought valiantly, hand-to-hand, against Udai Singh’s troops. Despite being outnumbered, our bravery and strategy led us to victory. The fort was finally ours.

Standing here now, I see the sprawling fort bathed in the golden light of dawn. Its high walls and commanding views remind me why it was so crucial to reclaim it. The winds blow strong here, carrying with them the echoes of our hard-fought triumph. Though I am weary and wounded, my heart is full. This fort now belongs to Shivaji Maharaj, and our dream of Swarajya has taken another step forward!”

Time to write:

Write a narrative essay on ‘A school trip to a fort. Narrate what happened that day on the trip to you and your friends. (See the book for the full question).

Answer: Here’s a sample narrative essay based on the provided structure:

Topic: A School Trip to a Fort

Who are with you in the story?
I went on the trip with my classmates and two teachers, Mrs. Sharma and Mr. Verma.

Emotions and Sensory Details:

• What I Saw: The massive fort walls, grand gates, and the breathtaking view from the top.
• What I Heard: The chirping of birds, echoes of our footsteps in the tunnels, and the stories shared by our guide.
• What I Felt: Excited while climbing the stairs, scared while walking through the dark passages, and amazed by the history of the fort.
• What I Smelled: The earthy scent of old stone walls and fresh air at the top.
• What I Tasted: The delicious sandwiches and juice we had during the picnic.

Beginning:
We all gathered early in the morning at school, excited for the trip. The bus ride was filled with laughter and songs. When we reached the fort, its towering walls left us in awe.

Middle:
As we explored, we faced a few challenges. The narrow stairs were slippery, and it was hard to climb. Some of us felt tired, but our teachers encouraged us to keep going. One of my friends lost his water bottle, and we had to share ours. Despite these minor problems, we learned so much from our guide, who explained the history of the fort and its battles.

How They Were Resolved:
We climbed slowly, helping each other. Sharing water brought us closer as a team. Our guide’s stories kept us motivated and excited to learn more.

How It Ended:
We finally reached the top, and the view was worth every effort. We clicked pictures, shared our lunch, and played games. Before leaving, we thanked our teachers for organizing such a wonderful trip.

Conclusion:
The trip to the fort taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and appreciating history. It was an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish.

Fun time:

With the help of the Internet, find information about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and fill in these details. See the book for the full question.

Answer: Given below is the required information about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to help fill out the worksheet:

Basic Information:

• Date of Birth: February 19, 1630
• Place of Birth: Shivneri Fort, Pune, Maharashtra
• Died On: April 3, 1680
• Father’s Name: Shahaji Bhosale
• Mother’s Name: Jijabai Bhosale
• Dynasty: Bhonsle Maratha Dynasty

Details About His Kingdom:

• Early Reign:
  Shivaji began establishing his kingdom at a young age by capturing forts like Torna and Rajgad. His military tactics and governance were inspired by his vision of Swarajya (self-rule).
• Extent of His Kingdom:
  At its peak, Shivaji’s kingdom stretched across modern-day Maharashtra, parts of Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with forts such as Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad forming key centers of power.

One Interesting Incident From His Reign:

During the famous escape from Agra, Shivaji Maharaj was held captive by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1666. Using his wit, Shivaji faked illness and had himself and his son smuggled out of the prison in large baskets of sweets. This daring escape became legendary and showcased his strategic brilliance.

His Contribution and Role in India’s History:

Shivaji Maharaj is credited with laying the foundation of the Maratha Empire and fighting against oppressive rulers for freedom. He established a strong naval force, modernized administration, and promoted justice and equality. His leadership inspired future freedom fighters in India’s struggle for independence.

This information can be used for a presentation or a detailed worksheet.

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