Shanaowui Mashun MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Educational Content: Shanaowui Mashun

Overview:

“Shanaowui Mashun,” translating to “Shanao’s Wisdom” or “Shanao’s Advice,” is a cherished traditional folktale from the Tangkhul Naga community, primarily found in Manipur, India. This prose narrative centers around the character of Shanao, a wise woman known for her exceptional intellect, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of human nature and community dynamics. The stories often highlight her role as a benevolent figure who uses her wisdom to guide her village through various social and personal dilemmas, reinforcing ethical values and cultural norms.

Key Literary Themes:

• Wisdom and Intellect: Shanao embodies practical wisdom, demonstrating how insight and clever thinking can resolve complex issues without resorting to conflict or force. Her intelligence is depicted as a valuable community resource.
• Community Harmony: Many narratives show Shanao intervening to mend disputes, prevent misunderstandings, and promote cooperation among villagers. Her actions consistently aim at strengthening social bonds and ensuring the collective well-being.
• Moral and Ethical Guidance: The stories serve as didactic tools, imparting moral lessons such as fairness, patience, respect for elders, the importance of truth, and the consequences of greed or deceit. Shanao’s judgments often reflect the Tangkhul traditional ethical framework.
• Traditional Values: “Shanaowui Mashun” is a repository of Tangkhul traditional values, illustrating customs, social structures, and the importance of collective identity and responsibility within the community.
• Role of Women in Society: Shanao’s character challenges simplistic views by portraying a woman who holds significant influence and respect due to her intellectual prowess and moral authority, rather than physical strength or social status.

Explanation of Key Elements:

• Character of Shanao: She is not merely wise but also empathetic and just. Her solutions often involve creative thinking that considers all perspectives, leading to outcomes that benefit the entire community.
• Conflict Resolution: The stories often present a problem or conflict, which Shanao then analyzes and resolves using her unique approach, often surprising the villagers with her simple yet profound solutions. This demonstrates the power of sagacity over brute force or rigid rules.

Quick Revision:

• Genre: Tangkhul Folktale/Traditional Prose.
• Protagonist: Shanao, a wise woman.
• Focus: Wisdom, community harmony, moral lessons.
• Origin: Tangkhul Naga community (Manipur).
• Purpose: Transmit cultural values and ethical principles.

Table: Shanao’s Attributes and Impact

Extra Practice Questions:

1. What is a common setting for the narratives in “Shanaowui Mashun”?

   A) A bustling city
   B) A traditional Tangkhul village
   C) A royal palace
   D) A remote forest hermitage

   Answer: B) A traditional Tangkhul village

2. Shanao’s advice is generally sought after because it is considered:

   A) Always favorable to the rich
   B) Based on superstition
   C) Practical, insightful, and just
   D) Difficult to understand

   Answer: C) Practical, insightful, and just

3. How does Shanao typically resolve disputes?

   A) By imposing strict punishments
   B) Through thoughtful deliberation and creative solutions
   C) By challenging people to physical contests
   D) By consulting with shamans

   Answer: B) Through thoughtful deliberation and creative solutions

4. The teachings from “Shanaowui Mashun” are relevant for understanding:

   A) Ancient warfare tactics
   B) Tangkhul social ethics and cultural heritage
   C) Modern economic theories
   D) Scientific agricultural methods

   Answer: B) Tangkhul social ethics and cultural heritage

5. What quality allows Shanao to gain the trust and respect of her community?

   A) Her family lineage
   B) Her immense wealth
   C) Her consistent display of wisdom and fairness
   D) Her political power

   Answer: C) Her consistent display of wisdom and fairness