Sohrab And Rustam-2

GLOSSARY

 

WORD                 MEANING

1. Ambition         1. Strong desire

2. Armour           2. Covering (usually metal) for the body

3. Terror           3. Great fear

4. Avenge           4. Get or take vengeance

5. Defend           5. Guard, protect

6. Clash            6. Meet in conflict

7. Aged             7. Of the age

8. Mighty           8. Very powerful

9. Break down       9. Collapse

10. Make peace      10. Bring about peace with

SHORT QUESTION ANSWERS

 

Q1. Who invaded Persia?

A1. The Tartars.

Q2. Who led the Tartar army?

A2. Sohrab

Q3. Who did the king of Persia asked to save the country from Sohrab?

A3. Rustum

Q4. Who was the champion as well as the saviour of Persia?

A4. Rustum

Q5. What did Rustum do when he feared that he was going to lose in the combat with Sohrab?

A5. Raised his war cry

Q6. What did Rustum see on Sohrab’s arm?

A6. The precious stone.

Q7. What did Sohrab wish to be known as after his death?

A7. As the mighty Rustum’s son.

 

ESSAY TYPE QUESTIONS

 

• Q1 Give an account of the fight between Sohrab and Rustum?

• Ans. Sohrab and Rustum drew their swords and the fight began. They kept fighting for three days and nights. At last Rustum thought he was going to lose. He shouted his war cry, ‘Rustum’ and raised his sword. On hearing this Sohrab was unnerved and dropped his shield. Rustum’s sword hit him and he sank to the ground. Sohrab said that his father Rustum would avenge his death. Rustum was astonished and his eyes fell on the stone tied on Sohrab’s arm. He was broken hearted and took Sohrab in his arm and said, “Oh my son! I am Rustum!.” Sohrab comforted his father and expressed his last wish to bury him at Rustum’s house. He wished to be remembered as Rustum’s son.

 

• Q2 Give a brief character sketch of Sohrab?

• Ans. Sohrab was the son of mighty Rustum and Tanimeh. He was very brave and handsome. Once a young warrior challenged Sohrab. But before the fight he wanted to know his parentage. Sohrab was greatly ashamed as he did not know the name of his father. He ran to his mother and came to know that he was son of Rustum. His heart was filled with pride. He set out in search of his father to Persia. Rustum met him in the field of battle. But he did not know that Sohrab was his son. Sohrab was slained by his father. But Sohrab comforted him and wished to be buried at Rustum’s house. He wished to be known as mighty Rustum’s son.

 

• Q3. Write a brief character sketch of Rustum?

• Ans. Rustum was a great soldier of Persia. He was very brave and fearless. He was called the ‘Shield of Persia.’ he saved his country from many foreign invasions. The king of Persia fell safe as long as Rustum was there. Once Rustum went to Tartar and met princess Tanimeh. They fell in love with each other and got secretly married. Rustum had to soon leave her as his king sent for him. Many year later Tartar invaded Persia. Rustum was called to defend his country. The Tartars were led by Sohrab who was Rustum’s son. But Rustum was not aware of his son. Rustum killed Sohrab in single combat after a long fight. He was heartbroken when he came to know that Sohrab was his own son.

 

• Rustum was away in a far of village. Receiving message from the king Rustum hurried to him.

• The king said, “A great danger threatens our country. The Tartars have invaded us and the enemy is inside our borders.”

• “The generals say he is a beardless youth. He fights with remarkable courage and is daring. His name is Sohrab. They say his ambition is to fight you and defeat you. You are our saviour. Will you go and fight him?”

• Rustum said that he is old. But the king insists him to save the country and fight for him. So Rustum said that he will go to the battle as a plain soldier. He further said, “Let nobody know that old Rustum had to be called to fight a beardless boy.” So Rustum rode to the battle field and everyone sang his praise.

• Rustum called his enemy Sohrab. Seeing him so young he said, “Why do you wish to hurry to your death? Take my advice. Leave the Tartar army, come to Persia and be as a son to me.”

• Sohrab hearing the mighty voice thought perhaps he was his father. He asked, “Are you not Rustum?”

• Rustum did not reveal his identity and said, “Is it only Rustum that you will fight? Men look on Rustum’s face and run away in terror. Get ready to meet your fate.”

• Sohrab was not frightened and rushed towards Rustum with his sword. Their swords clashed and a great fight followed. The two armies stood on two sides and watched the fight. For three days they fought.

• Lastly raising his sword and shouting his war cry ‘Rustum’ he rushed at Sohrab. Hearing this, Sohrab was unnerved for a moment and dropped his shield.

• Sohrab looked up and said “Rustum”. Rustum said, “fool, you are slayed by an unknown man”.

• “No,” replied Sohrab, “It is not you that has slain me, but your war cry. If you had not raised that war cry I would not have been unnerved. The mighty Rustum, my father shall avenge my death and punish you.”

• Rustum said, “Rustum never had a son.”

• “Ah, yes he had! I am that son” replied Sohrab.

• At these words Rustum dropped on his knees and saw stone tied on his son’s arm. He gathered his son in his arm and cried, Oh my son! I am Rustum! I am your father!” He broke down and wept.

• Sohrab said, “Be comforted that we both found each other. Do not grieve. Carry me home and bury me there, so that people can say:

• “Sohrab, the mighty Rustum’s son lies here.

• Whom his great father did in ignorance kill!”