Chapter 4 – In the Kingdom of Fools Solutions
Question - 1 : - What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the Kingdom of Fools ?
Answer - 1 : -
The guru and his disciple found two strange things. These were : one, everything big or small cost the same, a single duddu. Second, people in the kingdom of fools slept during the day and worked during the night.
Question - 2 : - Why does the disciple decide to stay in the kingdom of fools ? Is it a good idea ?
Answer - 2 : -
The disciple decides to stay in the kingdom of fools. It is because he finds here everything cheap. All he wants is good cheap food. It is not a good idea because such things do not last very long. No one can tell what may happen the next moment. And it happens to the disciple.
Question - 3 : - Name all the people who are tried in the king’s court, and give the reasons for their trial.
Answer - 3 : -
There were different persons who were tried in the king’s court. These were : the merchant, the bricklayer, the dancing girl and the goldsmith. The merchant and the bricklayer did not build a strong wall. The dancing girl disturbed the bricklayer. The goldsmith did not make the ornaments in time.
Question - 4 : - Who is the real culprit according to the king ? Why does he escape punishment ?
Answer - 4 : -
According to the king, the real culprit is the rich merchant. His father had ordered for the ornaments. But he died. The merchant, being his son, inherited everything from his father. But the merchant escapes punishment because the stake can’t fit him.
Question - 5 : - What are the guru’s words of wisdom ? When does the disciple remember them ?
Answer - 5 : -
The guru’s words of wisdom are that the fools can’t be depended upon. Anything can happen any time there. It is the place where everything, big or small, sells at a single duddu. The disciple doesn’t realise this. He is to be hanged for no fault of his. Then he realises his guru’s words of wisdom.
Question - 6 : - How does the guru manage to save his disciple’s life ?
Answer - 6 : -
The guru devised a plan. He and his disciple told the king that each one wanted to die first. It was because whoever would die first will be a king. The king didn’t want to lose his kingship. So he and his minister died at the stake. The guru saved his disciple by befooling the foolish king. He did so by using his wisdom and common sense.