Page 109 - Lavender-B-3

Now, read the play.

Characters

• the Cuckoo

• the Crow

• King Rudra Singha of Assam

• Narrator

Narrator: Many, many years ago, Assam was ruled by the Ahom Kings. They
1
were very brave warriors and won many battles. The people in their kingdom felt

very safe. Once such king was Rudra Singha. He was known for his kindness and
love for music and poetry.

Musicians and poets came from all over the kingdom to sing and recite poetry in

his court. He gave them gold coins and land as rewards.

One year in April, during Bohag Bihu the king held a singing competition.
2
Hundreds of messengers were sent far and wide to inform the people of the

kingdom about the competition.

Within weeks, thousands of singers gathered before the king’s palace and waited
for their turn. The animals and birds of the kingdom had also heard about the

competition. They too came in
large numbers to participate in the

competition. One after the other the
singers sang, but the king was not
happy.

King Rudra Singha (roaring
angrily): I am disappointed. No

one in my kingdom can sing one
melodious song. I am closing this
competition and there is

no winner.

Narrator: Just then, a cuckoo flew in
through the window.

1 belonging to the Ahom Dynasty that was founded in the thirteenth century in the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam
2 the chief festival celebrated in Assam, that marks the Assamese New Year

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