Question 31 of 36intermediate🔍 AnalyzeLong Answer5 marks

Why is the poem presented as a hymn?

Correct Answer

The poem is presented as a hymn because it is fundamentally a song of praise and devotion offered to divine forces during the harvest festival.

A hymn is a religious song expressing gratitude, reverence, and worship — exactly what this poem does.

The farmers offer their tribute to Surya (Sun), Varuna (Rain), Prithvi (Earth), and the Lord of the Universe, thanking them for the successful harvest.

The hymn format allows the poem to be sung collectively during celebrations, creating a sense of community and shared devotion.

The repetitive structure ('We praise thee, O...' in each stanza), musical references (cymbals, flute, pipe, drum), and rhythmic quality make it suitable for group recitation.

The hymn format elevates the harvest celebration from mere festivity to a spiritual act of acknowledging divine grace in providing sustenance and prosperity.

Exercise: Let us think and reflect | Q: II.7 | (Chapter: Page 7)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The title 'Harvest Hymn' explicitly identifies the poem as a hymn. The structure, language, and content all align with hymn traditions - addressing deities, offering praise, expressing gratitude, and using repetitive, musical patterns suitable for communal singing.

Solution Steps

  1. The poem is a song of praise and devotion offered to divine forces during the harvest festival

  2. A hymn is defined as a religious song expressing gratitude, reverence, and worship

  3. Farmers offer tribute to Surya (Sun), Varuna (Rain), Prithvi (Earth), and the Lord of the Universe for the successful harvest

  4. The hymn format enables collective singing during celebrations, fostering community and shared devotion

  5. Repetitive structure ('We praise thee, O...') and musical references (cymbals, flute, pipe, drum) make it suitable for group recitation

  6. The hymn format elevates the harvest celebration to a spiritual act of acknowledging divine grace