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The difficult words below are not just dictionary meanings. Each one is linked to the exact way it functions in this story.
renowned
well known
The Vijayanagara Empire is described as renowned for its glory, wealth and cultural achievements.
illustrious
respected and famous
Used for the celebrated rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire.
patron
supporter
Krishnadeva Raya is a patron of learning who encourages literature and scholarship.
eminent
famous and respected
The king is described as an eminent warrior.
insurmountable
seemingly impossible to overcome
Tenali Rama is famous for solving seemingly insurmountable problems.
trivial
small or unimportant
The king and queen's quarrel begins over a seemingly trivial matter.
forlorn
lonely and sad
The palace corridors become quiet and forlorn during the royal quarrel.
distraught
extremely sad and upset
Queen Thirumalambal is distraught after weeks of silence.
vague
unclear
The queen describes the king's poem as containing vague expressions.
strategy
a carefully planned way of achieving something
Rama says he needs time to find the right strategy.
profusely
in large amounts; greatly
The queen thanks Rama profusely after he agrees to help.
bustling
busy and full of activity
The royal court is bustling the next morning.
intricately
in a detailed and complex manner
The court has intricately carved pillars.
exquisite
very fine and attractive
The floor is adorned with exquisite rugs.
ornate
highly decorative
The king sits on an ornate throne.
gnawed at
kept bothering
The unresolved quarrel still gnawed at the king.
yield
the amount of crop produced; harvest
Rama claims that his paddy seeds will produce three times the usual yield.
sarcasm
mockery expressed through cutting or ironic words
A courtier uses sarcasm to make fun of Rama's seeds.
snickers
suppressed laughter
Snickers ripple through the court when Rama's claim is mocked.
absurd
illogical or unreasonable
The king says Rama's claim sounds absurd.
unfazed
not worried or disturbed
Rama remains unfazed despite the mockery.
furrowed
wrinkled
The king's eyebrows furrow when he demands an explanation.
sceptical
doubtful
Rama meets the sceptical eyes of the courtiers.
keenly
with close and intense attention
Rama watches the king keenly after the king yawns.
gesture
a movement or action that expresses meaning
The king realises that he took the queen's yawn as a gesture of disrespect.
orchestrated
carefully arranged or planned
Rama orchestrated the settlement between the king and queen.
brimmed
overflowed
After reconciliation, the palace brimmed with joy and laughter.
