This MCQ module is based on: The Poem — Harvest Hymn
TOPIC 15 OF 17
The Poem — Harvest Hymn
🎓 Class 8
English
CBSE
Theory
Ch 4 — The Cherry Tree
⏱ ~32 min
🌐 Language: [gtranslate]
🧠 AI-Powered MCQ Assessment
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Myaischool Lt English Assessment
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[myaischool_lt_english_assessment grade_level="class_8" difficulty="basic"]
Before We Read — Harvest Hymn
Activity I — Harvest Festivals of India
1. Name a harvest festival from your region. When is it celebrated?
Think: Pongal (Tamil Nadu, January), Baisakhi (Punjab, April), Onam (Kerala, August–September), Bihu (Assam, April), Makar Sankranti (January) ...
2. A hymn is a song of praise. Discuss: (i) To whom do we offer hymns? (ii) When? (iii) Why?
Think about gods, nature forces, and ancestors. Hymns are sung during prayers, festivals, and as expressions of gratitude.
Activity II — Archaic Words (Old English)
Some poets use old-fashioned words not used in modern speech. Match the archaic words with their modern meanings.
| Archaic Word | Modern Meaning |
|---|---|
| thou | you (subject) — "Thou art brave" = "You are brave" |
| art | are — "Thou art" = "You are" |
| thee | you (object) — "I trust thee" = "I trust you" |
| thy | your — "Thy kindness" = "Your kindness" |
| thine | yours — "Everything is thine" = "Everything is yours" |
Activity III — Vocabulary Preview
Match the underlined words to their meanings. (The answers are revealed below.)
"Under the golden radiance of the sun, villagers gathered to pay tribute to their cherished elder. His wise counsel guided generations. Known for his munificent spirit, he shared generously."
1. radiance → (ii) brilliance — the golden glow of sunlight
2. tribute → (i) respect — an act of gratitude or honour
3. cherished → (ii) loved — deeply cared for
4. counsel → (i) advice — wise guidance
5. munificent → (ii) generous — extremely liberal in giving
2. tribute → (i) respect — an act of gratitude or honour
3. cherished → (ii) loved — deeply cared for
4. counsel → (i) advice — wise guidance
5. munificent → (ii) generous — extremely liberal in giving
Prediction Question
The poem "Harvest Hymn" is divided into Men's Voices, Women's Voices, and All Voices. Why do you think the poet used three different voices? Who might they be praising?
The three voices represent the farming community's collective gratitude. Men praise Surya (Sun) and Varuna (Rain), Women praise Prithvi (Earth), and All Voices together praise Brahma (the Creator). Each voice honours a different force of nature essential for the harvest.
The Poem — Harvest Hymn
Read the full poem. Click "Explain this stanza" after each stanza to see its meaning and literary devices.
Harvest Hymn
Men's Voices:
Stanza 1 (Lines 1–8)
1Lord of the lotus, lord of the harvest,
2Bright and munificent lord of the morn!
3Thine is the bounty that prospered our sowing,
4Thine is the bounty that nurtured our corn.
5We bring thee our songs and our garlands for tribute,
6The gold of our fields and the gold of our fruit;
7O giver of mellowing radiance, we hail thee,
8We praise thee, O Surya, with cymbal and flute.
Meaning: The farmers (men) address Surya — the Sun God — as "Lord of the lotus and of the harvest." They thank him for making their crops grow and ripen. They offer him songs, flower garlands, and the golden grain as tokens of gratitude, praising him with music (cymbal and flute).
Key Devices: Repetition "Thine is the bounty" (lines 3–4) — emphasises Surya's generosity. "The gold of our fields" — ripe grain compared to gold. Imagery "mellowing radiance" — warm, ripening sunlight made vivid. Alliteration "garlands... gold... giver" — repeated 'g' sound creates musicality.
Symbol: Symbolism Surya (Sun) symbolises light, energy, and the source of all agricultural life.
Key Devices: Repetition "Thine is the bounty" (lines 3–4) — emphasises Surya's generosity. "The gold of our fields" — ripe grain compared to gold. Imagery "mellowing radiance" — warm, ripening sunlight made vivid. Alliteration "garlands... gold... giver" — repeated 'g' sound creates musicality.
Symbol: Symbolism Surya (Sun) symbolises light, energy, and the source of all agricultural life.
Stanza 2 (Lines 9–16)
9Lord of the rainbow, lord of the harvest,
10Great and beneficent lord of the main!
11Thine is the mercy that cherished our furrows,
12Thine is the mercy that fostered our grain.
13We bring thee our thanks and our garlands for tribute,
14The wealth of our valleys, new-garnered and ripe;
15O sender of rain and the dewfall, we hail thee,
16We praise thee, Varuna, with cymbal and pipe.
Meaning: The men now praise Varuna — the God of Rain — as "Lord of the rainbow." They thank him for providing rain and dew which nourished their fields and helped grain grow. They offer freshly harvested crops as tribute, praising him with cymbal and pipe.
Key Devices: Repetition "Thine is the mercy" (lines 11–12) — parallel to stanza 1, creating a hymn-like rhythm. Imagery "wealth of our valleys, new-garnered and ripe" — a lush visual of freshly harvested fields. Alliteration "rainbow... rain... ripe" — soft 'r' sounds create fluidity. Symbolism Varuna (Rain) symbolises mercy, nourishment, and fertility essential for farming.
Key Devices: Repetition "Thine is the mercy" (lines 11–12) — parallel to stanza 1, creating a hymn-like rhythm. Imagery "wealth of our valleys, new-garnered and ripe" — a lush visual of freshly harvested fields. Alliteration "rainbow... rain... ripe" — soft 'r' sounds create fluidity. Symbolism Varuna (Rain) symbolises mercy, nourishment, and fertility essential for farming.
Women's Voices:
Stanza 3 (Lines 17–24)
17Queen of the gourd-flower, queen of the harvest,
18Sweet and omnipotent mother, O Earth!
19Thine is the plentiful bosom that feeds us,
20Thine is the womb where our riches have birth.
21We bring thee our love and our garlands for tribute,
22With gifts of thy opulent giving we come;
23O source of our manifold gladness, we hail thee,
24We praise thee, O Prithvi, with cymbal and drum.
Meaning: The women of the farming community address Prithvi — the Earth Goddess — as "Queen of the gourd-flower." They thank her as an all-powerful, nurturing mother whose body (bosom/womb) feeds and creates all their wealth. They offer love and garlands, praising her with drum beats.
Key Devices: Personification Earth is given human qualities — "bosom," "womb," "mother" — presented as a life-giving woman. "womb where our riches have birth" — the earth's soil is compared to a womb that gives birth to crops. Imagery "plentiful bosom," "opulent giving" — sensory images of abundance and nourishment. Symbolism Prithvi (Earth) symbolises fertile land, motherhood, and the origin of all life.
Key Devices: Personification Earth is given human qualities — "bosom," "womb," "mother" — presented as a life-giving woman. "womb where our riches have birth" — the earth's soil is compared to a womb that gives birth to crops. Imagery "plentiful bosom," "opulent giving" — sensory images of abundance and nourishment. Symbolism Prithvi (Earth) symbolises fertile land, motherhood, and the origin of all life.
All Voices:
Stanza 4 (Lines 25–32)
25Lord of the Universe, Lord of our being,
26Father eternal, ineffable Om!
27Thou art the Seed and the Scythe of our harvests,
28Thou art our Hands and our Heart and our Home.
29We bring thee our lives and our labours for tribute,
30Grant us thy succour, thy counsel, thy care.
31O Life of all life and all blessing, we hail thee,
32We praise thee, O Brahma, with cymbal and prayer.
Meaning: The entire community — men and women together — addresses Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. He is "beyond words" (ineffable Om) and is the very beginning and end of all life (Seed = creation, Scythe = harvest/death). They offer their entire lives and toil as tribute, and ask for his support, wisdom, and care. The poem ends on a note of collective surrender and devotion.
Key Devices: "Thou art the Seed and the Scythe" — Brahma is both the creator (seed) and the destroyer (scythe), encompassing the full cycle of life. "Thou art our Hands and our Heart and our Home" — every aspect of human life (work, emotion, shelter) is attributed to the divine. Alliteration "Hands... Heart... Home" — repeated 'H' sound with capitalisation creates a solemn, powerful effect. Repetition "Thou art... Thou art" — emphasises Brahma's all-encompassing presence. Symbolism Seed (creation/beginning), Scythe (harvest/end) — the full cycle of agricultural and cosmic life.
Key Devices: "Thou art the Seed and the Scythe" — Brahma is both the creator (seed) and the destroyer (scythe), encompassing the full cycle of life. "Thou art our Hands and our Heart and our Home" — every aspect of human life (work, emotion, shelter) is attributed to the divine. Alliteration "Hands... Heart... Home" — repeated 'H' sound with capitalisation creates a solemn, powerful effect. Repetition "Thou art... Thou art" — emphasises Brahma's all-encompassing presence. Symbolism Seed (creation/beginning), Scythe (harvest/end) — the full cycle of agricultural and cosmic life.
Theme Web — Harvest Hymn
Click any theme node to explore how the poem develops it.
Major Themes in "Harvest Hymn"
Gratitude to Sun & Rain
Stanzas 1 and 2 express the farmers' thanks to Surya (Sun) and Varuna (Rain) — the two cosmic forces without which no harvest is possible. The sun's warmth ripens grain while rain fills the fields. The poem portrays gratitude not as mere ritual but as deep spiritual recognition of dependence on nature.
Earth as Nurturing Mother (Prithvi)
Stanza 3 presents the Earth (Prithvi) as a mother figure with a "plentiful bosom" and "womb" — language of nourishment and birth. This reflects the ancient Indian concept of Bhu Mata (Mother Earth) who is omnipotent yet gentle, giving life to all creatures through her soil and seasons.
The Dignity of Human Labour
The farmers offer not just songs and garlands but their very "lives and labours" as tribute. This elevates hard agricultural work to a sacred act. The poem celebrates the farmer's toil as inseparable from worship — every act of ploughing, sowing, and reaping is presented as an offering to the divine.
Unity of the Community
The poem is structured as three voices — Men's, Women's, All Voices — that gradually merge into one collective prayer. This structure mirrors the harmony of a farming village where all members — young and old, men and women — unite in gratitude. The chorus in stanza 4 represents this coming together of all people.
The Divine Power of Brahma
Stanza 4's address to Brahma (the Creator) as "ineffable Om" places the entire poem within a cosmic framework. Brahma is "the Seed and the Scythe" — the beginning and end of the agricultural cycle, and of all existence. This stanza elevates a harvest celebration into a meditation on the nature of creation itself.
Vocabulary — Word Power
Key Words from "Harvest Hymn"
munificentadjective
Extremely generous; willing to give more than is expected or necessary.
"The munificent harvest gave the farmers enough grain for the whole year."
bountynoun
Abundance of something good, especially food; generous giving.
"The valley's bounty included wheat, millet, and vegetables."
tributenoun
Something given or done as a mark of respect, gratitude, or admiration.
"They laid flowers as tribute at the feet of the deity."
radiancenoun
Light or heat as emitted or reflected by something; a warm, glowing brightness.
"The radiance of the morning sun warmed the harvested fields."
omnipotentadjective
Having unlimited or very great power; all-powerful.
"Earth is called omnipotent because she sustains all living beings."
ineffableadjective
Too great or extreme to be expressed in words; beyond description.
"The beauty of the mountains at dawn was utterly ineffable."
succournoun/verb
Assistance and support in times of hardship and distress; help.
"The farmers prayed for divine succour during the long drought."
counselnoun
Advice, especially formal advice on a serious matter; guidance.
"The elders' wise counsel helped the village navigate difficult times."
beneficentadjective
Generous and kind; resulting in good; doing good to others.
"The beneficent rains arrived just as the crops were about to wither."
Literary Devices — Deep Dive
Poetic Techniques in "Harvest Hymn"
Repetition — The Hymn Pattern
"Thine is the bounty..." / "Thine is the mercy..." / "Thine is the plentiful bosom..."
Each stanza opens with "Thine is the..." to create a chant-like, prayer-like effect. This pattern mirrors real hymns sung in worship. The poet's purpose: repetition unifies the poem's voice, builds emotional intensity, and emphasises that all blessings belong to the divine forces of nature.
Alliteration — Musical Sound
"Bright and munificent lord of the morn" | "lives and our labours"
Repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of nearby words create a musical quality that suits the hymn format. Alliteration in "lives and labours" creates a sense of effort and determination in the farmers' offering.
— Seed and Scythe
"Thou art the Seed and the Scythe of our harvests"
Brahma is compared to both the seed (symbol of beginning, creation, planting) and the scythe (symbol of harvest, endings, reaping). Together, these two tools represent the full cycle of agricultural life — and, by extension, the full cycle of existence: birth and death, creation and dissolution.
Personification — The Earth as Mother
"Sweet and omnipotent mother, O Earth! / Thine is the plentiful bosom that feeds us"
The Earth is given human (and divine) qualities — she is a "mother" with a "bosom" and a "womb." This personification reflects the ancient Indian tradition of Bhu Mata, treating the earth not as an inanimate resource but as a living, nurturing being deserving of love and respect.
Imagery — The Gold of Harvest
"The gold of our fields and the gold of our fruit"
The colour gold creates a vivid visual image of ripe wheat, paddy, and fruit at harvest time — golden fields glowing in sunlight. The repetition of "gold" amplifies the sense of abundance and prosperity. The visual imagery connects the physical richness of the harvest with the spiritual richness of gratitude.
Symbolism — Three Gods, Three Forces
Surya (Sun) · Varuna (Rain) · Prithvi (Earth) · Brahma (Creator)
Each deity symbolises a specific force of nature critical to agriculture:
• Surya = light, warmth, and energy
• Varuna = rain, mercy, and nourishment from the sky
• Prithvi = fertile soil, motherhood, and sustenance
• Brahma = the cosmic creative force that underlies all three
• Surya = light, warmth, and energy
• Varuna = rain, mercy, and nourishment from the sky
• Prithvi = fertile soil, motherhood, and sustenance
• Brahma = the cosmic creative force that underlies all three
Extract-Based Questions (CBQ Format)
Extract 1 — Stanza 1 (Men's Voices: Surya)
We bring thee our songs and our garlands for tribute,
The gold of our fields and the gold of our fruit;
O giver of mellowing radiance, we hail thee,
We praise thee, O Surya, with cymbal and flute. — Sarojini Naidu, "Harvest Hymn" (Men's Voices, Stanza 1)
The gold of our fields and the gold of our fruit;
O giver of mellowing radiance, we hail thee,
We praise thee, O Surya, with cymbal and flute. — Sarojini Naidu, "Harvest Hymn" (Men's Voices, Stanza 1)
i. What does bringing songs and garlands as tribute reveal about the people's relationship with Surya? L2 Understand
Option B: They have a deep sense of reverence and gratitude towards the divine. Bringing songs and garlands — things of beauty and joy — as tribute shows that their relationship with Surya is one of love, not fear. They celebrate him as the giver of prosperity rather than appeasing him out of dread.
ii. What does "the gold of our fields and the gold of our fruit" symbolise? L4 Analyse
The word "gold" is used as a metaphor for ripe, sun-kissed crops — golden grain fields and yellow/golden fruits at harvest time. It symbolises both material wealth (the richness of a good harvest) and the spiritual bounty that Surya's warmth has created. The repetition of "gold" also suggests purity and value.
iii. How does "O giver of mellowing radiance" help us understand Surya's role in the harvest? L3 Apply
"Mellowing radiance" means the gentle, warm sunlight that gradually ripens crops. The word "mellowing" (becoming softer and riper) suggests that Surya's light is not harsh but nurturing — it slowly brings crops to maturity. This phrase makes Surya's role clear: he is the gentle ripener of harvests, not merely a source of light.
iv. What is the significance of using "cymbal and flute" at the end of the stanza? L4 Analyse
Cymbal and flute are musical instruments associated with festivity and celebration. Their use signals "joy and celebration" rather than solemn ritual. The poet uses this musical imagery to create a joyful, vibrant atmosphere at harvest time, and also to suggest that the farmers' praise is exuberant and heartfelt — a song of happiness, not merely religious duty.
Extract 2 — Stanza 4 (All Voices: Brahma)
Lord of the Universe, Lord of our being,
Father eternal, ineffable Om!
Thou art the Seed and the Scythe of our harvests,
Thou art our Hands and our Heart and our Home. — Sarojini Naidu, "Harvest Hymn" (All Voices, Stanza 4)
Father eternal, ineffable Om!
Thou art the Seed and the Scythe of our harvests,
Thou art our Hands and our Heart and our Home. — Sarojini Naidu, "Harvest Hymn" (All Voices, Stanza 4)
i. In the phrase "Lord of our being," what does "being" most likely mean? L2 Understand
Option B: Our entire existence. "Being" here refers to the totality of human existence — physical, emotional, and spiritual. Brahma is not just lord of one aspect of life but of everything that makes us who we are. This makes the phrase a declaration of complete surrender to the divine.
ii. Is it true or false that "the Seed and the Scythe" symbolises Brahma's role as both creation and harvest of the agricultural cycle? L4 Analyse
True. The Seed symbolises the beginning — planting, creation, and new life. The Scythe symbolises the end — harvesting, cutting down, and completion. Together, they represent the full cycle: Brahma is both the origin and the conclusion of all existence, mirroring the cycle of birth and death in the cosmos.
iii. Why are the letters H capitalised in "Hands," "Heart," and "Home"? What effect does this create? L5 Evaluate
The capitalisation elevates these ordinary words to sacred, divine qualities. "Hands" = the physical labour of farmers (God resides in their work), "Heart" = love and devotion (God is within every emotion), "Home" = belonging and shelter (God is the ultimate home/refuge). The capitalisation suggests that God resides in every dimension of human life — our work, our love, and our dwelling place.
iv. How do we know the last stanza is sung by the entire community, not just men or women? L3 Apply
The stage direction "All Voices:" tells us this stanza is a chorus sung by everyone. The content also confirms this — instead of addressing a specific aspect of nature (sun/rain/earth), this stanza addresses Brahma, the universal Creator who encompasses all of these forces. The use of "our lives and our labours" as tribute suggests a collective offering from the entire community.
Comprehension — Let Us Discuss
Exercise I — Stanza Identification
Match each main idea with the correct stanza number.
| Main Idea | Stanza # |
|---|---|
| The speakers recognise the lord's kindness and praise him for nourishing the field. | Stanza 2 (Varuna) |
| The speakers praise the generosity of the creator of the universe who ensures a rich harvest. | Stanza 4 (Brahma) |
| The speakers devote their lives and work as a mark of respect and seek his support, wisdom, and care. | Stanza 4 (All Voices) |
| The speakers pay homage to the Earth and appreciate her role in supporting life. | Stanza 3 (Prithvi) |
Exercise II — Fill in the Blanks
1. The setting of the poem is a rural landscape, possibly during a ________ festival. L2 Understand
harvest festival. The entire poem centres on crops, farmers, rain, and sun — all associated with agricultural harvest rather than purely religious ceremony.
2. The tone of the poem is respectful and celebratory because it praises ________. L2 Understand
nature and the Lord with deep respect and gratitude. The poem addresses divine forces of nature (Sun, Rain, Earth, Creator) with reverence, while also celebrating the joy of a successful harvest.
3. The letter 'H' is capitalised in "Hands," "Heart," and "Home" because ________. L4 Analyse
God resides in them — the poet elevates these human qualities to divine status, suggesting that Brahma is present in every act of work (Hands), every emotion (Heart), and every place of belonging (Home).
Exercise III — Answer the Following Questions
1. Why do the farmers hail the God of Rain (Varuna)? L1 Recall
The farmers praise Varuna because his rain and dewfall nurtured their grain and cherished their furrows (ploughed rows). Without rain, no crop can grow. They offer the "wealth of our valleys, new-garnered and ripe" as tribute, recognising that Varuna's mercy made their harvest possible.
2. What is "wealth of our valleys" referring to? Why? L2 Understand
"Wealth of our valleys" refers to the freshly harvested crops — the grain, cereals, and produce grown in the valley fields. It is called "wealth" because for farmers, a good harvest is their greatest treasure. It ensures food security, income, and survival for the entire year.
3. Why do the women refer to Earth as the "source of manifold gladness"? L3 Apply
The Earth provides countless ("manifold") types of happiness — food, shelter, beauty, and abundance. She feeds every living being from her "plentiful bosom." The women, who are often the primary caregivers, feel a special kinship with the Earth-as-mother who nourishes all. Every harvest, every flower, every tree is a new source of gladness from the Earth.
4. Why does everyone offer their "labours for tribute" in the final stanza? L4 Analyse
Offering one's "labours" means dedicating all the hard work of farming — ploughing, sowing, watering, harvesting — as an act of worship. Unlike songs or garlands, labour represents the highest and most personal offering. This reflects the Indian concept of karma yoga: working without selfish desire, offering all effort to the divine. The community acknowledges that even their toil is only possible because of Brahma's grace.
5. Why has the poet presented the poem as three voices (Men, Women, All)? L5 Evaluate
The three voices create a sense of collective, community-wide gratitude. Men (who typically plough and plant) thank the sky forces (Sun and Rain). Women (who nurture, cook, and are associated with fertility) thank the Earth-mother. All voices together praise the cosmic Creator. This structure reflects the division of roles in a farming community and shows that gratitude transcends gender — the entire community worships together. It also creates a musical quality, like a choir building up to a final chorus.
6. How does the poet create a joyous atmosphere of rural India at harvest time? L5 Evaluate
The poet uses several techniques to create joy and festivity: (i) Musical instruments (cymbal, flute, pipe, drum) create a sense of celebration; (ii) Rich imagery ("gold of our fields," "wealth of our valleys") evokes abundance; (iii) Community voices — men, women, and all singing together — reflect a village celebration; (iv) Repetition of "we hail thee, we praise thee" creates a chant-like rhythm that mimics a real harvest festival song. Together, these elements bring alive the sounds, sights, and feelings of harvest time in rural India.
7. Why is the poem presented as a hymn (rather than a regular poem)? L5 Evaluate
A hymn is a song of praise addressed to a deity. Presenting the poem as a hymn is appropriate because: (i) It is addressed to divine figures (Surya, Varuna, Prithvi, Brahma); (ii) It uses archaic, formal language (thou, thine, thee) typical of sacred songs; (iii) It has a regular rhythmic pattern suited for communal singing; (iv) Each stanza ends with "we hail thee, we praise thee" — the classic refrain of devotional hymns. The hymn form elevates the farmers' gratitude to a sacred, spiritual act, showing that for them, harvesting is not just economic but deeply religious.
Grammar Workshop
I — Archaic Words in "Harvest Hymn"
Sarojini Naidu used old-fashioned (archaic) English words to give the poem a sacred, timeless quality. Match each archaic word to its modern equivalent.
| Archaic (Poem) | Modern English | Example from Poem |
|---|---|---|
| thou | you (subject) | "Thou art the Seed..." |
| art | are | "Thou art our Hands..." |
| thee | you (object) | "We bring thee our songs..." |
| thy | your | "Grant us thy succour..." |
| thine | yours | "Thine is the bounty..." |
More Archaic Words — Look These Up
1. morrow — the following day (modern: tomorrow/next day)
2. hither — to this place (modern: here)
3. quoth — said (modern: said/spoke)
4. betwixt — between (modern: between)
5. yonder — over there (in that direction)
II — Farming Implements (Word Building)
The poem mentions "Seed" and "Scythe." Identify and complete the names of these farming tools.
| # | Use | Implement Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collects hay or leaves (long handle, metal teeth) | RAKE |
| 2 | Cuts tall grass (long-curved blade, long handle) | SCYTHE |
| 3 | Harvests crops (curved blade, short handle) | SICKLE |
| 4 | Turns over soil for seeds (pulled by oxen) | PLOUGH |
| 5 | Digs soil (flat rectangular blade, long handle) | SPADE |
| 6 | Digs shallow furrows (small hand tool) | TROWEL |
III — Synonyms in Context
Choose the correct synonym from the box for each underlined word. Circle the context clue that helped you.
Word Bank: generous | help | brightness | indescribable | kind
1. The king was beneficent to the poor because he took good care of them. → kind
2. He was munificent towards the needy and donated a lot for their health care. → generous
3. All his friends gave him succour by supporting him with money. → help
4. When the sun's rays came in, the whole room was full of radiance. → brightness
5. The little girl was speechless with ineffable joy when she got her gift. → indescribable
IV — Silent Letters (Pronunciation)
The Word "Hymn" — Silent Letters
In the word hymn, the letter 'n' is silent (not pronounced). This happens when 'n' appears with 'm' at the end of a word.
Other words with silent 'n' after 'm': column, autumn, solemn, condemn
Words with silent 'b' after 'm': womb, tomb, bomb, climb, comb
Practice saying these aloud: hymn /hɪm/, womb /wuːm/, column /ˈkɒləm/
Writing Workshop — Slogan Writing
Creative Slogan for Farmers
Your school wishes to express gratitude to the farmers who provide food on our plates. Draft a creative slogan for the school notice board.
Tips for Writing an Effective Slogan
Focus:Express one clear, strong message
Language:Use simple, memorable words
Length:Concise — ideally one or two lines
Techniques:Rhyme, alliteration, or repetition make slogans memorable
Emotion:Gratitude, respect, appreciation
Examples:"Go Green by Keeping the Planet Clean" / "Learn, Grow, Succeed"
Write your slogan, keeping in mind the farmers' hard work and dedication. You may decorate it on chart paper.
Sample Slogans — Gratitude to Farmers
- "From their soil to our plate — farmers are truly great!"
- "Every grain tells a story of toil — honour the farmer, honour the soil."
- "Farmers sow hope, we reap joy — thank the hands that feed us!"
- "No farmer, no food — no food, no future."
- "Respect the hand that feeds you; it begins in the field."
- "Surya shines, Varuna rains, Prithvi gives — and the farmer toils so you live."
Choose a slogan that resonates with you, or create your own inspired by these examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
About "Harvest Hymn"
What is the significance of offering music (cymbal, flute, drum, pipe) to each deity?
Each stanza ends with a specific instrument of praise: cymbal and flute for Surya, cymbal and pipe for Varuna, cymbal and drum for Prithvi, and cymbal and prayer for Brahma. The cymbal appears in all stanzas — it is a common instrument at Indian festivals, symbolising communal celebration. The different second instruments represent the unique qualities of each deity: the flute is melodic and joyful (like sunlight), the pipe is associated with rain and water, the drum is deep and earthly (like the ground), and prayer replaces an instrument for Brahma, suggesting that the supreme creator is beyond physical sound.
Why does Sarojini Naidu use archaic English (thou/thee/thine) rather than modern English?
Archaic language was common in hymns, religious texts (like the Bible and prayer books), and classical English poetry. By using this register, Naidu gives the poem a timeless, sacred quality — it sounds like an ancient prayer that has been sung for generations. It also creates a formal distance between the worshippers and the divine, emphasising the reverence and humility of the farmers before the powerful forces of nature.
What makes this poem an example of Indian poetry in English?
The poem is distinctly Indian in its content while using the English language and form. It references Indian deities (Surya, Varuna, Prithvi, Brahma), Indian agricultural practices (furrows, jowar, millet, harvest festivals), and the Indian spiritual tradition of karma yoga (offering one's labour to the divine). The concept of Bhu Mata (Mother Earth) is central to Stanza 3. Naidu synthesised Western poetic forms (the hymn structure, iambic rhythm) with Indian spiritual content — making this a landmark example of Indian writing in English.
How does "Harvest Hymn" relate to environmental awareness today?
The poem presents a worldview in which farmers are deeply grateful to — and dependent upon — nature. Sun, rain, and earth are not resources to exploit but divine forces to revere. This attitude of gratitude and respect is the foundation of sustainable living. If we viewed the earth as "omnipotent mother" and treated every raindrop as Varuna's mercy, we would be far less likely to pollute, over-farm, or destroy natural ecosystems. The poem implicitly argues for ecological balance through spiritual reverence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4 about in NCERT English?
Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4 is a lesson from the NCERT English textbook that covers important literary and language concepts. The lesson includes vocabulary, literary devices, comprehension exercises, and writing tasks aligned to the CBSE curriculum.
What vocabulary is important in Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4?
Key vocabulary words from Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4 are highlighted throughout with contextual meanings, usage examples, and interesting facts. Click any highlighted word to see its full definition and example sentence.
What literary devices are used in Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4?
Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4 uses various literary devices including imagery, symbolism, and figurative language. These are identified with coloured tags throughout the text for easy recognition and understanding by students.
What exercises are included for Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4?
Exercises include extract-based comprehension questions in CBSE board exam format, grammar workshops connected to the passage, vocabulary activities, and creative writing tasks with model answers provided.
How does Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4 help in board exam preparation?
Harvest Hymn — Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 4 includes CBSE-format extract-based questions, long answer practice with model responses, and grammar exercises that mirror board exam patterns. All questions follow Bloom's Taxonomy levels L1-L6.
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English Class 8 — Poorvi
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