The zakat quarrel, the move to the Kalmyk land and Barchin
Lessons 3–4 · 2 lessons · Q. Yo‘ldoshev, V. Qodirov, J. Yo‘ldoshbekov. Literature: textbook for Grade 9 of general secondary schools. Revised and expanded 4th edition. “O‘zbekiston” NMIU, Tashkent, 2019
4
“Alpomish”: the Kalmyk alps and Barchin’s answer
Textbook: pp. 17–21
GoalDescribe the Kalmyk alps coming to ask for Barchin, the attitudes of Boysari and Yartiboy, and Barchin’s wisdom and courage.
Seven years after the move to the Kalmyk land, Oybarchin grows into a beautiful young woman. The seven sons of old Surxayil – Ko‘kaldosh, Ko‘kaman, Ko‘kqashqa, Boyqashqa, Toyqashqa, Qo‘shquloq and the youngest, Qorajon – join the ninety alps in the Kalmyk king’s service and come asking for Barchin. Boysari cannot answer and asks for time until the next day. Yartiboy advises giving the girl, while Boysari is hurt and says his daughter must go to her equal. Barchin comforts her father and says she herself is ready to answer the alps. Her relatives, afraid of her boldness, move her tent to a lonely hilltop. Barchin tells the alps that Alpomish exists and that a “day of doom” awaits them; when Ko‘kaman tries to drag her out, she throws him to the ground. Then she asks Ko‘kaldosh for six months’ delay, making him think she has taken a liking to him, and gets it.
Worked examples
Example: Barchin tells her father not to weep and that the relatives should give their own daughters. These words show her love for her father and her firmness in deciding her own fate.
Example: by asking for six months Barchin gains time to send word to Alpomish. It shows she acts by wit, not strength: she answers force with cunning and patience.
Class activity
Two students act out Barchin’s talk with the alps in their own words (not reading from the text) and the class discusses how firmness is heard in her voice.
Practice
1
Name five of old Surxayil’s seven sons.
For example Ko‘kaldosh, Ko‘kaman, Ko‘kqashqa, Boyqashqa and Qorajon (also Toyqashqa and Qo‘shquloq).
2
Why did Boysari not answer the alps at once?
He did not want to give his daughter to the Kalmyks but also feared their power, so he asked for time until the next day.
3
How did Barchin overcome Ko‘kaman and what does it show?
When Ko‘kaman tried to drag her, Barchin lifted him and threw him down; it shows her physical strength and courage.
4
Why did Barchin ask for six months? How did this decision help her?
To send word to Alpomish and wait for him to come; the delay gave her time and safety.