Historical Literacy in India
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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?

<p>He went running to the court of the King.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the illiterate weaver recite in Sanskrit when he reached the King's court?

<p>A poem</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the poem recited by the illiterate weaver convey to King Bhoj?

<p>A request for instruction in writing poetry</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the old woman say about the road when the King and scholar asked where it goes?

<p>The road does not go anywhere, it stays here. Only the people who walk on it will go somewhere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When the King and scholar said they were travellers, what response did the old woman give?

<p>Travellers, there are only two. One is wealth and the other is youth. Now, tell me which one are you?</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did King Bhoj claim they were, to which the old woman responded by mentioning two kings?

<p>King Bhoj claimed they were kings. The old woman responded by stating that there are only two kings - India (King of the Gods) and Yama (God of death), and asked which one they were.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When the King and scholar said they were of great ability, what did the old woman compare them to?

<p>The old woman compared them to the earth and a woman, stating that there are only two of great ability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the scholar claim they were, after the King's attempt to identify themselves as sadhus?

<p>The scholar claimed they were 'pardesis' (migrants/not local people). However, the old woman disagreed with this identification.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the end, what did the old woman mention as the only two things that define someone?

<p>The old woman mentioned modesty and contentment as the only two defining characteristics of a person.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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.

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