Class 8 English Chapter 1 The Prince of Panidihing
Subject: English
Board: SEBA Assam
Medium: English
Introduction
The Prince of Panidihing is a story of courage and humanity. It tells how Khagen, a brave 17-year-old boy from Panidihing, helped his villagers during a flood. His quick thinking, bravery, and kindness made everyone call him “The Prince of Panidihing.”
This story teaches us that true greatness lies in helping others, especially in times of crisis.
Textual Questions and Answers
(a) Why did the people of Chitolia and the neighbouring villages panic?
Because the embankment at Chitolia village was breached and the floodwater from the Brahmaputra entered their villages.
(b) What happened when the embankment at Chitolia village was breached?
Huge waves of floodwater rushed into the villages, destroying houses, livestock, and crops. People took shelter on rooftops to save themselves.
(c) What action did Khagen and his classmates take to rescue the villagers of Chitolia?
Khagen and his classmates made banana-tree rafts and brought his father’s boat to rescue the stranded villagers.
(d) How did Khagen and Dambaru rescue Dr. Hatibarua and Moni Baideu?
Khagen saw Moni Baideu struggling in the floodwater. He caught her by the arm and helped her to safety. Dambaru and others rescued Dr. Hatibarua and carried them to a safe mound.
(e) Why did the people of the village call Khagen “The Prince of Panidihing”?
The people called Khagen “The Prince of Panidihing” because he was brave, intelligent, and always ready to help others in danger.
How much of the story do you remember?
(a) Who was Khagen? How old was he?
Khagen was a 17-year-old brave and helpful boy from Panidihing village.
(b) “It rained heavily all week.” What was the result?
The continuous heavy rain caused floods, and the Brahmaputra river overflowed, submerging nearby villages.
(c) “In moments, huge waves of water broke into the villages.” What is this situation called?
This situation is called a flood.
(d) “Khagen! You have saved our lives, given us a new life.” Who said this? Why?
Dr. Hatibarua said this to Khagen because Khagen saved him and his wife from drowning in the flood.
Complete the following sentences
- The water rolled over some of the house-tops and the air was filled with the cries of the people.
- By the time the people of Chitolia were evacuated, Khagen and his friends were exhausted.
- Half an hour later, the boat reached the doctor’s house and rescued Dr. Hatibarua and Moni Baideu.
- The boat took a U-turn now and began to move swiftly with the current.
- Dambaru and the two other men somehow managed to catch the capsized boat and bail out the water.
Short Summary of the Story
It rained heavily all week. The embankment at Chitolia village broke, and floodwater entered nearby villages. People panicked and took shelter on rooftops. The villagers of Panidihing rushed to help. Khagen and his friends made banana rafts and used boats to rescue hundreds of villagers and animals. The civil authorities were informed, and everyone worked together to save lives.
Grammar – Adverbs Section
The word “heavily” in the line “It rained heavily all week” is an Adverb of Manner. Adverbs describe verbs – how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.
Types of Adverbs found in the lesson:
- Adverbs of Manner: bravely, quickly, slowly, heavily
- Adverbs of Time: tomorrow, already, soon
- Adverbs of Place: near, down, everywhere
- Adverbs of Frequency: always, often, never
- Adverbs of Degree: very, too, enough, extremely
Diary Entry (Important for Exam)
Question: What would you have done if you were Khagen? Write a diary entry describing your actions on the day of the flood.
Answer:
Date: 12th July
Today our village was flooded after heavy rain. I saw people panicking as the water level rose quickly. I gathered my friends and made banana rafts to rescue villagers. We used my father’s boat to help people reach safe areas. I also helped Dr. Hatibarua and his wife escape from their flooded house. Though it was scary, helping others made me proud.