State one reason why the women refer to the Earth as a 'source of manifold gladness'.
Women refer to Earth as a 'source of manifold gladness' because the Earth provides food, sustenance, and all resources needed for life.
The Earth is described as having 'plentiful bosom that feeds us' and 'womb where our riches have birth.' As a mother figure, Earth nurtures life, enables crops to grow, and provides the foundation for all prosperity and happiness in the community.
Explanation
In the third stanza, Women's Voices address Prithvi (Earth) as 'Queen of the gourd-flower, queen of the harvest, Sweet and omnipotent mother, O Earth!' and praise her as the 'source of our manifold gladness' because she provides nourishment and gives birth to all riches.
Solution Steps
Earth provides food, sustenance, and all resources needed for life
Earth is poetically described as having 'plentiful bosom that feeds us' and 'womb where our riches have birth'
Earth as a mother figure nurtures life, enables crops to grow, and provides foundation for prosperity and happiness in the community