Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 1, Wit and Wisdom, opens NCERT’s 2026-27 Grade 8 English textbook with stories and poems celebrating sharp observation, humour and practical wisdom, starting in the Vijayanagara court of King Krishnadeva Raya and Tenali Ramakrishna.
What Class 8 English Unit 1 Covers
The Wit that Won Hearts tells how Tenali Rama uses a plate of paddy seeds on fertile soil to help King Krishnadeva Raya realise why Queen Thirumalambal yawned during his poem recital, restoring harmony in the palace.
Poem and Companion Reading continue the unit theme of wit, wisdom and perspective, paired with riddles, idioms, grammar and creative writing tasks.
Behind the story: the lesson is set in the Vijayanagara Empire under King Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509–29 CE), whose court had eight celebrated poets, the Ashtadiggajas, including Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna, known for his quick wit. A queen recounts how the king’s vague poem about the sun, moon and stars led to a quarrel that Tenali’s wit resolves.
Exercises in Unit 1
- Let us discuss and Let us think and reflect comprehension and extract-based questions.
- Let us learn (vocabulary & grammar), Let us listen, Let us speak, Let us write and Let us explore.
Read Class 8 English Unit 1 Online
More Chapters
- Next: Unit 2: Values and Dispositions
- All English chapters and the other Class 8 books: Class 8 NCERT books 2026-27
- All Class 1 to 12 NCERT Textbooks: NCERT Books PDF (Class 1–12)
FAQ
What is the first story in Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 1?
‘The Wit that Won Hearts’, a story set in the Vijayanagara Empire about King Krishnadeva Raya, Queen Thirumalambal and court poet Tenali Ramakrishna.
Who were the Ashtadiggajas mentioned in Unit 1?
The eight celebrated Telugu poets in the court of King Krishnadeva Raya, including Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna.
Who were the Ashtadiggajas?
The eight celebrated poets of King Krishnadeva Raya’s court, including Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna.