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Questions and Answers
During the reign of King Bhoj, what surprising fact was revealed about the literacy level of the people?
Even the poorest of the poor could read and recite Sanskrit.
Who was the visitor from South India that arrived in the capital of King Bhoj?
Lakshmidhan
Who did King Bhoj's courtier, Amatya, try to persuade to temporarily vacate their dwelling to accommodate the guest?
A humble weaver
What was the illiterate weaver's surprising reaction when asked to leave his house?
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What did the illiterate weaver recite in Sanskrit when he reached the King's court?
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What did the poem recited by the illiterate weaver convey to King Bhoj?
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What did the old woman say about the road when the King and scholar asked where it goes?
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When the King and scholar said they were travellers, what response did the old woman give?
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What did King Bhoj claim they were, to which the old woman responded by mentioning two kings?
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When the King and scholar said they were of great ability, what did the old woman compare them to?
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What did the scholar claim they were, after the King's attempt to identify themselves as sadhus?
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In the end, what did the old woman mention as the only two things that define someone?
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Study Notes
Education and Literacy in Ancient India
- In ancient India, during the reign of King Bhoj (1010-1055 AD), even the poorest of people were literate and could read and recite Sanskrit.
- A weaver, assumed to be illiterate, surprised King Bhoj and his court by reciting a poem in Sanskrit, showcasing his literary skills.
The Story of the Weaver and King Bhoj
- A learned visitor from South India, Lakshmidhan, arrived in Uhar, the capital of King Bhoj's kingdom.
- King Bhoj's courtier, Amatya, tried to persuade a humble weaver to leave his house to accommodate the guest.
- The weaver, instead of agreeing, went to the King's court and recited a poem in Sanskrit, asking if he should write poetry, weave cloth, or leave his home and kingdom.
- The King and his court were stunned by the weaver's literary prowess and rewarded him.
The Story of the Old Woman and King Bhoj
- King Bhoj and a learned scholar from a neighboring kingdom got lost in the countryside and asked an old woman for directions.
- The old woman, through a series of clever questions, exposed the King's and scholar's identities, showcasing her wisdom and freedom to address the King.
- The old woman's responses emphasized the importance of humility, modesty, and contentment.
Key Takeaways
- Education and literacy gave common people in ancient India the strength to safeguard their rights.
- There was a healthy dialogue between kings and their subjects in ancient India, which is the foundation of modern democratic states.
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Description
Explore the intriguing historical account of literacy during the reign of King Bhoj in the Central Indian Kingdom of Malwa between 1010 and 1055 AD. Learn about the surprising discovery that even the poorest individuals were literate during that time.
