1.How did the owner's lifestyle change after the arrival of the old man ?
After the arrival of the old man, the lifestyle of the plantation owner changed drastically. The garden began to prosper as thefts stopped, agricultural practices improved, and the income increased. The plantation, which was once just ten acres, expanded far beyond their imagination. With the old man managing everything efficiently, the owner gradually became lethargic and avoided hard work. Wealth and social prestige rose, and he gained many new friends both in his village and in the nearby town. His life, though free of real responsibilities, became crowded with colourful events and pleasures. However, this change also brought negative effects, as his wife grew worried about his indulgence in adultery and other vices, which made their life seem unstable.
2.A note on the old man.
The old man was a tall and striking figure with several distinct physical features. His eyes were suffused with strange memories. He had a long, beak-like nose and strong muscular arms.His hair had turned grey with age, but it only enhanced his commanding presence. He often carried a spade in his hand, used to tend coconut trees, showing his connection to agriculture and hard work. A newspaper tucked under his arm. He was a labourer, overseer and philosopher, all rolled into one.
3.Suggestions given by Tammanna's supporters .
Tammanna’s supporters gave him several suggestions to get back his land from Basavaiah. They told him that he could approach the court of law and file a legal case to reclaim his property. They also suggested that he could take recourse to the police for help in resolving the dispute. Apart from these legal ways, they pointed out that there were a number of people ready to attack Basavaiah and forcibly recover the land.
4.Tammanna's reaction to Basavaiah's encroachment of land .
Tammanna did not react in any direct way to Basavaiah’s encroachment of his land. Instead of fighting back or trying to reclaim it, he completely ignored Basavaiah’s actions. For Tammanna, art had become the very purpose of his life. He channelled his energy into composing ballads that highlighted Basavaiah’s cruelty and meanness. These songs brought him fame and recognition, as scholars of folklore collected his works, critics analysed and translated them, and his reputation spread far and wide. Tammanna was even felicitated as the best poet of his times. While Basavaiah was consumed by anger and kept grabbing more land, Tammanna rose above material possessions and found fulfilment in his creativity and poetic expression.
5.Basavaiah tried to overcome his humiliation.
Basavaiah, who was shrunk in humiliation, tried to fill the emptiness in his life with material wealth. He built a grand mansion and adorned himself with gold, diamonds, and other precious stones. To boost his ego, he even employed people solely to praise him. Yet, despite all this, his house felt lifeless and dull. Visitors pointed out that the absence of Tammanna's books made the place feel empty and devoid of meaning. Realizing this, Basavaiah shifted his focus from mere wealth to culture and knowledge. He began inviting scholars, poets, and musicians to his home, enriching it with learning, art, and meaningful interactions.
