Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Portuguese envoy: Our Governor has sent me to remind you that the annual tribute from Ullal is long overdue and...
Rani Abbakka: We are a sovereign country. We don't pay tribute to Portugal. And we don't take orders from the Portuguese!
Portuguese envoy: Your Majesty, you will regret your stand.
Abbakka ordered merchant ships to be built and in alliance with the Zamorin of Kozhikode, she defied the Portuguese and established a hugely profitable trading relation with Arabia.
What does the word 'tribute' mean in this context?
In this context, 'tribute' refers to a payment or tax that a weaker state was forced to pay to a more powerful colonial authority as a sign of submission and dependence.
Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Rani Abbakka says, 'We are a sovereign country' because ____.
Rani Abbakka says, 'We are a sovereign country' because Ullal has its own independent government and ruler, and she refuses to accept Portuguese domination or control over her kingdom.
Identify whether the following statement is true or false. The Portuguese envoy threatened Rani Abbakka.
True. The Portuguese envoy's statement 'Your Majesty, you will regret your stand' is a threat warning Rani Abbakka of negative consequences for defying Portuguese authority.
Choose a word given in brackets to replace the underlined word. '… she defied the Portuguese and established a hugely profitable trading relation with Arabia.' (defeated/disobeyed)
disobeyed
Choose the option that lists the qualities of Rani Abbakka, based on this extract. (i) bold (ii) thoughtful (iii) capable (iv) generous (v) determined A. (i), (ii), and (v) B. (ii), (iii), and (iv) C. (i), (iii), and (v) D. (ii), (iv), and (v)
C
Explanation
(1) The chapter establishes that Ullal had been captured by the Portuguese and had become a 'vassal' - they were required to pay a tribute to the colonial power. This was a form of economic exploitation and political subjugation. (2) The chapter shows Abbakka's strong sense of pride and independence. By declaring Ullal a sovereign country, she asserts that they have complete authority over their own territory and are not subject to foreign rule. (3) The envoy's words 'you will regret your stand' clearly indicate a threat of repercussions. This is further confirmed when the Portuguese later attack Ullal and capture Abbakka's commander's ship. (4) The word 'defied' in this context means to openly refuse to obey or comply with someone's authority. Rani Abbakka disobeyed the Portuguese by refusing to pay tribute and establishing independent trade relations. (5) Rani Abbakka demonstrates boldness by standing up to the Portuguese envoy, capability by establishing trade alliances with the Zamorin of Kozhikode and Arabia, and determination by refusing to be intimidated and taking concrete action against colonial power.