In The Kingdom of Fools

Think about it

1. What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the Kingdom of Fools?

• Everyone sleeps during the day and does work and other regular chores at night.

• Everything costs the same- one duddu, i.e. one rupee; whether one buys a measure of rice or a bunch of bananas, it cost a duddu.

2. Why does the disciple decide to stay in the Kingdom of Fools? Is it a good idea?

The disciple stayed in the Kingdom of Fools for cheap food, but the guru warned it wasn't wise. It's a strange place, and who knows what these people might do next.

3. Name all the people who are tried in the king’s court, and give the reasons for their trial.

In the king's court, five people faced trial. 

The merchant was blamed when a wall he owned fell and hurt a burglar. 

The bricklayer was accused of making the weak wall. 

The dancing girl was involved, distracting the bricklayer. 

The goldsmith delayed her orders, leading to her frequent visits. 

The merchant was tried again because the goldsmith was busy with his father's jewelry order. It was a tangle of troubles.

4. Who is the real culprit according to the king? Why does he escape punishment?

The king blamed the merchant for his father's wrongdoing. But since the father was gone, the thin merchant escaped punishment on the stake, even though he was the one blamed.

5. What are the Guru’s words of wisdom? When does the disciple remember them?

The Guru’s words of wisdom were: “This is a city of fools. You don’t know what they will do next.”

The disciple recalled how the merchant escaped, as he faced execution for being fat, though he hadn't done anything wrong.

6. How does the guru manage to save his disciple’s life?

The guru surprises the king by wanting to be executed first. He explains that the stake is new and belongs to the God of justice. Dying on it means becoming the future king or minister. The king and his minister decide to go on the stake themselves, so the guru and disciple are set free, saving the disciple's life.