Blessings of God - Summary

Blessings of God

This poem, more popularly known by the title All Things Bright and Beautiful, is written by an Irish hymn-write and poetess Cecil Frances Alexander. She was born in Dublin in April 1818. Her poetry is religiously inspired. She wrote hymns and religious songs for children. Her book ‘Hymns for Little Children’ became very popular and her compositions were included in Church of Ireland’s hymn books. This poem along with others is known by hear to millions of Christians across the world.

This poem is a hymn of high degree. The poetess eulogizes about the God. She enumerates some of the blessings of god which we take as granted. She exhibits His splendor and magnificence by telling that all beautiful and bright things, wonderful and wise creatures reflect the Godliness. She says that little flowers in multitude of colors and birds with tiny wings have beautified this world. The third stanza of the poem gives natural scenery in words. Purple headed mountains, the running rivers, the scene of sunset and sunrise speak volumes of greatness of God Almighty. The cold winter, the pleasant summer sun and the ripe fruits are the subject matter of the fourth stanza. The tall trees, the meadows and the tiny plants across the river are matchless and scenic blessings of God.

"Nature is the beautiful handwriting of God"

The last stanza carries a thought provoking notion. The poetess says Our Benefactor has blessed us with eyes to see His wonderful creations. He has given us lips to speak high of God Almighty therefore we should be thankful to our Creator for His countless blessings upon us. We should praise the god in our prayers and sings His hymns.

Class 8 - Social Studies - Chapter # 7 British Arrival in the Subcontinent

Chapter # 7

British Arrival in the Subcontinent

Question#1.       What was the objective behind the efforts of European nations to find new lands and routes?

Answer:               European Nations were competing against one another to find different routes of land and sea to reach the East and the Far East. Their efforts were directed at two objectives:

a)      to find new routes and land to establish new colonies.

b)      to expand trade and accumulate wealth and knowledge.

Question#2.       Write the detail of early trade activities of early activities of the British in the sub-continent.

Answer:               The first British trade centre was established in 1608 A.D. at Surat near Bombay. An English Ambassador Sir Thomas Rowe got many trade concessions from the Mughal King Jehangir in 1612. Big and small trade centers were opened by them at different places. Most surprisingly, the Mughal Kings allowed the British to have their own currency, build forts and keep a small army for protection.

 In the early years if the 18^th century the East India Company was set up to look after the trade activities in the subcontinent. This company not only did trade but also indulged in the local political affairs. Very soon they had their own pockets of influence where they virtually ruled independently.

Question#3.       Write a brief note on the fight for supremacy among the European nation in the subcontinent.

Answer.               In addition to the British other European nations like Holland. Portugal and France also set up their own trading centers which led to trade and political jealousies and clashes began to occur.

In the middle of the eighteenth century the French and the British were fighting against each other for supremacy. The first open clash occurred at Karnatak in which the French were defeated. This opened the way for the British to grab territories and establish themselves as rulers. The wealth that the East India Company had amassed in England was instrumental in defeating the French and closing down trade centers of other European Nations in India.

Question#4.       Why was Sirajuddaula not liked by the East India Company?

Answer.               Nawab Sirajuddaula did not allow British to keep armies or build forts. This made the British very hostile towards the Nawab. They started to conspire against him. They made the fort of Calcutta a stronghold against the wishes of the Nawab.

Question#5.       When and why Nawab Sirajuddaula attacked the British?

Answer.               The Nawab was forced to attack the British when they made the fort of Calcutta a stronghold with his permission and against his wishes. Sirajuddaula attacked the factory of Qasim Bazar and occupied it. He also attacked Fort William, defeated the British but somehow did not occupy the fort.

Question#6        How did the British react after the defeats at Qasim Bazar and Fort William?

Answer.               The defeats at Qasim Bazar and Fort William produced great commotion in the British Madras Council. Army and naval units were sent to Bengal under the command of Watson and Clive. The conspired with Nanak Chand, the Dewan of Dhaka and captured the fort of Damdam and looted the property of the people of Hoogly. Lutf Khan and Mir Jafar also played the role of traitors and actively helped the British against Sirajuddaula.

Question#7        Give the reasons for the defeat of Sirajuddaula in the Battle of Plassey.

Answer.               Everyone in the council of Sirajuddaula advised him to give battle to the British but the Nawab knew their intentions. At this, Sirajuddaula contacted the Mughal King of Dehli, the French and the Marhattas but no one came to his help. Sirajuddaula moved his army to the battlefield of Plassey. He had an early success but the treachery of Mir Jafar Turned tables. Withdrawal of the battle units of many Sardars caused panic in the ranks of Nawab’s army and as a result Clive won the battle.

Question#8        Write an account on the unfaithfulness and treason of Mir Jafar.

Answer.               Mir Jafar met Clive in 1757 and requested the British General to help him ascend to the throne. Clive agreed and advised him to make a dash for Murshidabad and capture the treasury. In the meantime Sirajuddaula had also reached there. When he learnt about his army’s defeat and the treachery of Mir Jafar he wanted to run away but was caught and killed by the son of Mir Jafar.

Question#9        What steps did Mir Qasim take to crush the British power?

Answer.               Mir Qasim was a clever person. As soon as he got some respite, he set about the task of rearranging his army and tried to make it string and reliable. He crushed the rebellious Sardars, captured their forts and forfeited the Jagirs. Also Mir Qasim shifted his capital from Bengal and Bihar. He wanted to become strong enough to be able to oust the British from that area.

Question#10      Write a note on the early life and carrier of Hyder Ali.

Answer.               Hyder Ali was born in Mysore in 1722. From early childhood he received through training in the art of warfare. He started his career as an ordinary soldier, but later by the dint of hard work became Commander-in-Chief of Mysore forces. The ruler of the State of Mysore was so pleased with Hyder Ali’s conduct and performance that he entrusted him all important affairs of the State. He worked very hard to set the affairs of the state right. He reorganized the army on the pattern of the British and French forces.

Question#11      Write a note on the life of Hyder Ali as a Ruler.

Answer.               Hyder Ali soon conquered the adjoining territories and turned Mysore into a formidable kingdom. This caused great alarm in the minds of Manhattans, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the British. But Hyder Ali was a wise ruler he tackled all three opponents. He forced Colonel bailey to lay down arms. The British had to sign a treaty with Hyder Ali. Their prestige received a great setback.

Question#12      What measures did Fateh Ali Tipu take oust the British and why did he not succeed?

Answer.               The real name of Tipu Sultan was Fateh and he was son of Hyder Ali. He was a very brave and courageous person.

Hyder Ali’s advice to hid son:

Hyder Ali advised his son not to rest until the British had been hunted out of India. Tipu followed his father’s advice in its true spirit.

Important steps:

        I.            He tried his best to unite the Muslim rulers against the British.

      II.            He increased the tempo and inflicted many defeats on the British.

    III.            He tried his best to bring Manhattan’s in his camp but he refused due to some problems.

Question#13      what were the reasons of Tipu Sultan’s defeat?

Answer.               His best efforts failed to produce desired results due to following reasons:

        I.            He did not succeed in bringing the Manhattans, Nizam's and the French to his camp.

      II.            His noble men Mir Sadiq and Purnia became traitor against him.

Question#14      What was the main reason of the start of War of Independence 1857?

Answer.               The cause of the War of Independence 1857 lies in the deep-rooted human love for liberty and self rule. It maybe viewed as a last ditch battle on the part of Muslims against the alien rulers.

Question#15      What was the simple incident that started the war of 1857?

Answer.               The war was precipitated by a simple incident. It was believed that cartridges made by British were covered with the fat of pigs and cows. The cartridges were to be bitten by mouth before use. This injured the religious feelings of both Muslims and Hindus. Hence they refused to use them. At this resistance the British government forces to discipline the soldiers. This led to the rebellion.

Short Questions

        I.            When was the first British trade center opened in subcontinent?

Ans. The first British trade center in India was established in 1608 A.D.

      II.            What special offer did Jahangir give to the British?

Ans. He allowed them to have their own currency, build forts and keep armies for protection.

    III.            How did Aurangzeb treat British?

Ans. He gave them the permission to build the city of Calcutta and Fort William

    IV.            Why was the East India Company set up?

Ans. It was set up to look after British trade interests in the subcontinent

      V.            Name some European nations who had trade centers in India.

Ans. Holland, Portugal, France, and England set their trade centers in India

    VI.            How did Ali Vardi Khan treat the British?

Ans. Ali Vardi Khan kept them under strict supervision

  VII.            What did Ali Vardi Khan advice to Sirajuddaula?

Ans. He advised Sirajuddaula not to allow the British to keep army or build forts otherwise Bengal would be lost.

VIII.            What was the British attitude towards Nawab Sirajuddaula?

Ans. Their attitude was very hostile towards the Nawab Sirajuddaula. They started conspiracies against him.

    IX.            When was Tipu Sultan born?

Ans. Hyder Ali was born in 1750.

      X.            What was the motto of Tipu Sultan?

Ans. His motto was, “it is better to live for a day like a lion than to exist for hundred years like a jackal”

My Mother

This charming and moving poem was composed by Ann Taylor (1782 to 1866). She was born In England. She belonged to an extensively literary family. She is best known and remembered as a poetess, hymn writer and children's author. She collaborated with her sister Jane Taylor, who wrote the famous poem Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Their work was usually for children and had moral lessons in it. Together they published ‘Original Poems for Infant Minds’ and ‘Hymns for Infant Minds’.

The poem expresses the natural devotion between a mother and her child. Ann Taylor pays rich tributes to her mother for her endless love. The poetess recalls her childhood in most striking and simple words. She recalls that her mother used to be at her side during infancy. She remembers that her mother used to dress her in nice and fancy clothes.  It was her mother who taught her how to play. Her mother always understood what she wanted to say even when she couldn’t speak. Ann remembers that her mother was always there when she had any trouble. Her mother picked her up from each of her falls and kissed her to make the pain go away.

Towards the end of the composition the poetess is mindful of her duty towards her mother. She pledges that she will not leave her mother alone when she has grown old and frail. The poetess vows that she will take care of her mother with the same love and care as her mother did when she was young and fragile. 

The Character of a Happy Life - Summary

The Character of a Happy Life

The poem The Character of a Happy Life, has been written by Sir Henry Wotton. He was born in Kent and the son of country gentleman. In this poem Wotton has described the characteristics of a person who can truly be called a happy man.

We find Wotton’s poem has a sharp sense of contrast between the uneasy life of the ambitious man and the contented life of man satisfied to live an obscure life of peaceful virtue. Sir Henry Wotton wrote from experience; for had seen for himself the rise and fall of ambitious men. The poem consisting of six stanzas of regular couplet rhymed.

“Nature is the peace not the Land.”                                                                    John Keats

The poet narrates thata  person who has freedom of will and thought leads a happy life. He does not act according to other people’s wishes. His only weapon is his simplicity and truth.

Such an upright man is not a slave of his desires. The dispassionate soul is always prepared for death  believing that death is the defining moment of life: the moment of religious judgment when virtue is rewarded and vice is punished. This man is not concerned about what people say about him publicly or privately.

This upright man is not jealous. Wotton continues by saying that anyone pledged to a happy life envies no one who has become successful—which is likely to have been either by “chance” or “vice.” The “deepest wounds” are “given by praise” because flattery feeds pride; whereas happiness relies on transcending the ego. He does not abide by the rules of the society which compel a person to do wicked deeds. He follows the rules of goodness which will lead him to the right path.

A happy man’s life is free from numerous worries when he is sad he retires in his comfort of clear conscience. He hasn’t got a high position. Therefore people don’t flatter him or ridicule him at his own fall. A happy man prays to God regularly. In this prayer he does not ask for things but he thanks God for being gracious and merciful on him. His favorite pass time is good book or friend. A man who is truly happy is free from slavery of his desires. He isn’t ambitious. He does not expect too much therefore his hopes aren’t shattered. He doesn’t fear a downfall. This man hasn’t got lands or wealth and yet he has everything. He has got the greatest wealth of contentment and happiness.

about Sir Henry Wotton

Abou bin Adhem - Summary

Abou bin Adhem

Abou Ben Adhem is a poem, by James Henry Leigh Hunt, with a religious concept. The poet has conveyed the ideas of happiness, peace and love through easy and flowing rhymed couplets.

“Love is in your heart which is given by God, so give it to others.”                           John Keats

Abou Ben Adhem was a religious person. One night when he was sleeping peacefully in his room, a sparkling light woke him up.

He found out that this bright light was due to the presence of an angel who was writing something in a golden book. Being a pious man, Abou was not afraid of the Angel and the silence in the room made him more courageous. He asked the angel what he was writing in the book. The reply Abou heard was that he was writing the names of all those people who love God. About asked the angel curiously if his name was in the list. The angel replied was negative. He then politely requested the angel to write his name as those people who love God’s fellow men. The angle wrote and disappeared. The other night, it came again with a still glistening light and displayed the names of people whom God had blessed. Abou Ben Adhem saw that his name was on the top of the list and it led all the rest.

This poem conducts the idea that we should love humanity and care for people.

“To get love from God, love the board.”


about James Henry Leigh Hunt
other poems by James Hunt

Evening - Summary

Evening

Thomas Miller is a famous poet and novelist of modern English literature. He has written over 40 volumes.  ‘Evening’ is one of his inspiring poems.

The poet sketches a depiction of the fall of the evening. The poet narrates that the day is over and the shining stars have now come into sight in the evening sky. There is dew on the grass. The night is air is now taken by bats. Animals and birds have all gone to sleep. The darkness envelops the whole atmosphere. But the poet is not afraid of the night to the darkness. He feels secure and out of harm’s way even through the night and during his sleep because he has a staunch faith in god. Miller believes that god is the creator of the universe and he controls the seas and the skies. He trusts that god will look after him and will be always with him whenever he prays to him for his help. The poet closes the poem with the connotation that god loves all the people alike irrespective of their rank, creed or color.

about Thomas Miller

Little Things - Summary

Little Things

In the poem ‘Little Things’ the poetess, Julia Abigail Fletcher Carney, highlights the importance of little things. The poetess states that small things in life often indicate great changes in our lives. The poetess supports this claim by demonstrating that all big things are made up of minuscule building blocks. The great seas are made up of tiny drops of water. In the same way, this lovely land is made up of diminutive grains of dirt and sand.

Afterwards she reflects that our small deeds determine the course of our life. She tries to impress upon us that even the small evils and vices that we commit can lead to depths of sin. Likewise our little good deeds can make us very happy and turn this place into an image of the Paradise.

about Julia A. Carney

Chap#2 Q&A - Class 9th - English

Chapter-2 (Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed)

2. at the time of embracing Islam, what did Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed say to Hazrat Mohammed (SAW)?

Ans. At the time of embracing Islam, Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed requested the Hoy Prophet (SAW) to pray for his forgiveness by Allah. He also promised to devote his future life to the service of Islam.

3. What title was given t Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed by Hazrat Mohammed (SAW)? And why?

Ans. Hazrat Mohammed (SAW) gave him the title of ‘Saifullah’ which means the sword of Allah. He was given this title because he was very brave.

Chap#4 Q&A - Class 9th - English

Chapter-4 (Little Things)

1.       Explain the main idea of the poem.

Ans. Small things in life indicate great changes. We see that all big things are made up of small, minute components. The great seas are made up of tiny drops of water, in the same way this lovely land is made up of tiny grains of sand and dirt.

Likewise, little errors become big sins. Little deeds of kindness can console the broken hearts and bring happiness in this world.

2.       How do little deeds of kindness make our life happy?

Ans. Little deeds of kindness and little words of love can bring happiness to dejected hearts. Such words and deeds can make us dear even to our enemies and make is world a very happy place to live in.

Chap#3 Q&A - Class 9th - English

Chapter-3 (Kindness to Living Things

1.       Write a few lines on “Kindness is a great Virtue”.

Ans. Kindness is a great virtue. Kindness benefits both, the giver and the receiver. Islam teaches us to be kind with everyone and even with the animals. Kind words and deeds are a sure way of winning god’s grace.

2.       Why should we be kind to animals and birds? Do hey serve us? If so, in what ways?

Ans. Animals and birds serve us in various ways. We get milk and meat from animals like cows, goats and hens. We use the animals like horse, camel, donkeys and oxen for transportation. Therefore we should be kind to animals.

3.       Write an instance that you may have read about kindness to animals from the life of Hazrat Mohammed (SAW)

Ans. Once Hazrat Mohammed (SAW) saw a man treating his camel harshly. The Holy Prophet came back home but could not sleep all night. The next day the Holy prophet (SAW) met that man, purchased the camel and set it free.

Chap#1 Q&A - Class 9th - English

Chapter -1 (Hazrat Mohammed – The Greatest Reformer)

Answer these questions.

1.       Who is reformer?

Ans.  A reformer is one who brings about reforms in a society.

2.       What was the result of Hazrat Mohammed’s (SAW) teachings on the people of Arabia?

Ans. It was the result of Hazrat Mohammed’s (SAW) teachings that the savage, idol worshippers of Arabia became civilized people.

3.       What was the condition imposed on the prisoners of Battle of Badar?

Ans. The prisoners of Battle of Badar were asked to teach the children of Muslims to read and write. On this condition they would get freedom

4.       What was the condition of women before the advent of Islam?

Ans. Before the advent of Islam, women were treated in a very inhumane manner. Most of the girls were burnt or buried alive in their childhood.

5.       What was the system introduced by Hazrat Mohammed (SAW) to check injustice?

Ans. Hazrat Mohammed (SAW) introduced the judicial procedure to check injustice and cruelty. Judges were appointed to settle individual or party matters.