NCERT Class 6 English Poorvi: Chapter 1 — Fables and Folk Tales
This chapter, "A Bottle of Dew," from NCERT Class 6 English Poorvi, introduces Rama Natha, the son of a rich landlord who inherits vast lands. Instead of managing his inheritance, Rama Natha becomes obsessed with finding a magic potion to turn objects into gold. His wife, Madhumati, worries about his wasteful spending and the potential loss of their wealth. A sage named Mahipati tells Rama Natha about a difficult method to create the potion: collecting morning dew from a banana plant and storing it. Once five litres are collected, the sage will chant magic words to transform it. The chapter highlights Rama Natha's gullibility and his wife's practical concerns, setting the stage for the story's unfolding events and lessons on diligence and true wealth.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Poorvi |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — Fables and Folk Tales |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 412 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of a magic potion and its allure.
- Recognize the importance of managing resources wisely.
- Identify the contrast between a character's obsession and practical concerns.
- Learn new vocabulary related to wealth, magic, and nature.
- Discuss personal experiences of hard work and its outcomes.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| landlord | a person who owns land and rents it to others |
| tracts of land | large areas of land |
| magic potion | a liquid with magical properties |
| cheated | deceived or tricked |
| give up | stop trying |
| worried | feeling anxious or troubled |
| sage | a wise person |
| surprise | an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, etc. |
| dew | small drops of water on leaves that form during the night |
| chant | to repeat or sing a word or phrase |
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Practice questions
- Who was Rama Natha and what did his father leave him? Answer: Rama Natha was the son of a rich landlord. His father left him large tracts of land.
- What was Rama Natha's funny idea? Answer: He believed there was a magic potion that could turn any object into gold.
- Why was Madhumati worried? Answer: She was worried because Rama Natha was spending a lot of money on finding the magic potion and feared they would soon be without money.
- Who was Mahipati and what did he tell Rama Natha? Answer: Mahipati was a famous sage. He told Rama Natha about a difficult way to make a magic potion by collecting dew from a banana plant.
- What did Rama Natha have to do to make the potion? Answer: He had to plant a banana plant, water it regularly, collect the morning dew from its leaves, and store it in a bottle until he had five litres.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'A Bottle of Dew'?
The chapter introduces a character obsessed with finding a magic potion, highlighting themes of gullibility, the importance of practical thinking, and the contrast between dreams and reality.
Who are the main characters in the beginning of 'A Bottle of Dew'?
The main characters introduced are Rama Natha, who is seeking a magic potion, and his wife Madhumati, who is worried about his actions.
What did Rama Natha believe could make him rich?
Rama Natha believed in a magic potion that could turn any object into gold.
What advice did the sage Mahipati give Rama Natha?
The sage told Rama Natha that he could make a magic potion by collecting five litres of morning dew from a banana plant and bringing it to him.
What does 'dew' mean in the context of the chapter?
Dew refers to the small drops of water that form on leaves during the night.
Why is Madhumati worried about Rama Natha?
Madhumati is worried because Rama Natha is spending all his time and money searching for a magic potion instead of looking after his inherited land, and she fears they will become poor.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 English — Poorvi — Chapter 1 — Fables and Folk Tales. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.