Question 4 - Chapter 4 - The Adventure - Hornbill - Chapters (Literature) - English Class 11

Read the extract and answer the following questions.

Extract:

For the Peshwas the immediate result was an increase in the influence of Bhausaheb and Vishwasrao who eventfully succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. The trouble-maker, Dadasaheb, was relegated to the background and he eventually retired from state politics.

To its dismay, the East India Company met its match in the new Maratha ruler, Vishwasrao. He and his brother, Madhavrao, combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India.

(The Adventure)

Question (i)

Who was the father of Vishwasrao and Madhavrao?

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

The father of Vishwasrao and Madhavrao was Bhausaheb or Balaji Baji Rao, who was the third Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 🌳

•   To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of Indian history and the context of the extract.
•    Indian history tells us that the Peshwas were the prime ministers or chief ministers of the Maratha Empire. They were appointed by the Maratha kings or Chhatrapatis and wielded great power and influence. The first Peshwa was Balaji Vishwanath, who was succeeded by his son Bajirao I. Bajirao I was succeeded by his son Balaji Baji Rao, who was also known as Bhausaheb or Nanasaheb. He was the third Peshwa and ruled from 1740 to 1761 A.D.
•  The context of the extract tells us that Bhausaheb had three sons: Vishwasrao, Madhavrao, and Narayanrao . Vishwasrao was the eldest son and the heir apparent to the Peshwa title. He succeeded his father in 1780 A.D. but died in the same year at the Third Battle of Panipat. Madhavrao was the second son and became the fourth Peshwa after his brother's death. He ruled from 1761 to 1772 A.D. and restored the Maratha power and prestige. Narayanrao was the youngest son and became the fifth Peshwa after his brother's death. He ruled from 1772 to 1773 A.D. but was assassinated by his uncle Raghunathrao.
•   Therefore, we can infer that the father of Vishwasrao and Madhavrao was Bhausaheb or Balaji Baji Rao, who was the third Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.

Question (ii)

What does the word "acumen" mean in the context of the extract?

Answer:

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Answer as written by the student:

The word "acumen" means sharpness or keenness in the context of the extract.

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 🧠

•   To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of vocabulary and synonyms.
•   Vocabulary tells us that the word "acumen" has more than one meaning depending on how it is used. It can mean skill or expertise, sharpness or keenness, honesty or integrity, or courage or bravery.
•   Synonyms are words that have similar meanings to other words. For example, big and large are synonyms. We can use synonyms to replace words in a sentence without changing its meaning.
•   The context of the extract tells us that Vishwasrao and Madhavrao combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India. This means that they had both intelligence and courage in dealing with political affairs and challenges. Therefore, they used the word "acumen" to mean sharpness or keenness in this sentence.
•    We can check if this meaning is correct by replacing "acumen" with a synonym such as "insight" or "wit". The sentence would still make sense and convey the same idea.

Question (iii)

 How did Vishwasrao and Madhavrao expand their influence all over India?

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

 Vishwasrao and Madhavrao expanded their influence all over India by leading successful military campaigns against their enemies and forming alliances with other rulers.

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 🗺️

•    To answer this question, we need to use our knowledge of Indian history and the context of the extract.
•    Indian history tells us that Vishwasrao and Madhavrao were two of the most prominent Maratha leaders in the 18th century. They fought against various enemies such as the Mughals, the Afghans, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and the East India Company. They also formed alliances with other rulers such as Jai Singh II of Jaipur, Mahadji Scindia of Gwalior, and Tipu Sultan of Mysore.
•    The context of the extract tells us that Vishwasrao and Madhavrao combined political acumen with valour and systematically expanded their influence all over India. This means that they had a clear vision and strategy for their political goals and used their military skills and bravery to achieve them. They conquered or controlled many regions and territories in India such as Gujarat, Malwa, Bundelkhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bengal.
•    Therefore, we can infer that Vishwasrao and Madhavrao expanded their influence all over India by leading successful military campaigns against their enemies and forming alliances with other rulers.

Question (iv)

 How does the author create a sense of contrast and admiration in the extract?

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

The author creates a sense of contrast and admiration in the extract by using words such as "increase", "eventfully", "trouble-maker", "relegated", "dismay", "match", "new", "combined", and "systematically".

 Step-by-step explanation of the answer: 🌟

•    To answer this question, we need to analyse how the author uses language and word choice to create a sense of contrast and admiration in the extract.
•    Contrast is a literary device that shows how two or more things are different or opposite. It can be used to highlight differences in characters, settings, themes, or moods. Admiration is a literary device that shows how one or more things are respected or praised. It can be used to show appreciation or approval of characters, actions, achievements, or qualities.
•   The author creates a sense of contrast and admiration in the extract by using words such as "increase", "eventfully", "trouble-maker", "relegated", "dismay", "match", "new", "combined", and "systematically". For example:
•       Increase and eventfully: The author uses these words to describe the rise of Bhausaheb and Vishwasrao in the Maratha Empire. These words imply that they gained more power and influence after the death of their father and grandfather. They also imply that they had a significant impact on the history of India. They create a sense of contrast and admiration by making readers compare them with their predecessors and successors and by making readers respect their achievements and legacy.
•     Trouble-maker and relegated: The author uses these words to describe the decline of Dadasaheb or Raghunathrao in the Maratha Empire. These words imply that he was a source of problems and conflicts in the empire. They also imply that he lost his power and influence after his failed attempts to overthrow his brother and nephew. They create a sense of contrast and admiration by making readers contrast him with his brother and nephew and by making readers disapprove his actions and character.
•      Dismay and match: The author uses these words to describe the reaction of the East India Company to Vishwasrao. These words imply that the company was surprised and disappointed by Vishwasrao's strength and resistance. They also imply that Vishwasrao was equal or superior to the company in terms of political and military skills. They create a sense of contrast and admiration by making readers compare Vishwasrao with the company and by making readers admire his valour and acumen.
• New, combined, and systematically: The author uses these words to describe the qualities of Vishwasrao and Madhavrao as Maratha rulers. These words imply that they were innovative, versatile, and organized in their political affairs. They also imply that they had a clear vision and strategy for their goals. They create a sense of contrast and admiration by making readers compare them with other rulers of their time and by making readers appreciate their intelligence and courage.

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