{"id":17520,"date":"2017-11-15T09:50:17","date_gmt":"2017-11-15T09:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aplustopper.com\/?p=17520"},"modified":"2017-11-16T05:00:10","modified_gmt":"2017-11-16T05:00:10","slug":"icse-class-10-english-solutions-god-lives-in-the-panch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aplustopper.com\/icse-class-10-english-solutions-god-lives-in-the-panch\/","title":{"rendered":"ICSE Class 10 English Solutions God Lives in the Panch"},"content":{"rendered":"
Passage 1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Question 1.<\/span><\/strong> The friendship was not the outcome of any sudden impulse. It dated from the days of their childhood, when Alagu sat for his lessons at the feet of Jumman’s father, who had his own notions, on how to bring up a lad. ‘Don’t spare the rod, or you’ll spoil him: is what he used to say. He practised this precept in the case of his own son Jumman, with the result that there was none in the village to equal him either in drafting a petition or drawing up a deed. In course of time, Jumman was highly esteemed in the village and the neighbourhood for his scholarship and attainments. Alagu’s father held different views. He believed that your teacher’s blessing would transform you into a fine scholar, and there could be no surer way to his good grace than to keep his ‘hookah’ fresh and feed his ‘chillum’ regularly. Poor Alagu was never found wanting in this service. And if in the end he failed to acquire much learning, the fault was not his but that of the stars. So argued his old father.<\/p>\n Whose friendship is being referred to in the passage?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 2.<\/span><\/strong> The friendship was not the outcome of any sudden impulse. It dated from the days of their childhood, when Alagu sat for his lessons at the feet of Jumman’s father, who had his own notions, on how to bring up a lad. ‘Don’t spare the rod, or you’ll spoil him: is what he used to say. He practised this precept in the case of his own son Jumman, with the result that there was none in the village to equal him either in drafting a petition or drawing up a deed. In course of time, Jumman was highly esteemed in the village and the neighbourhood for his scholarship and attainments. Alagu’s father held different views. He believed that your teacher’s blessing would transform you into a fine scholar, and there could be no surer way to his good grace than to keep his ‘hookah’ fresh and feed his ‘chillum’ regularly. Poor Alagu was never found wanting in this service. And if in the end he failed to acquire much learning, the fault was not his but that of the stars. So argued his old father.<\/p>\n What notion did Jumman’s father have about bringing up a boy?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 3.<\/span><\/strong> The friendship was not the outcome of any sudden impulse. It dated from the days of their childhood, when Alagu sat for his lessons at the feet of Jumman’s father, who had his own notions, on how to bring up a lad. ‘Don’t spare the rod, or you’ll spoil him: is what he used to say. He practised this precept in the case of his own son Jumman, with the result that there was none in the village to equal him either in drafting a petition or drawing up a deed. In course of time, Jumman was highly esteemed in the village and the neighbourhood for his scholarship and attainments. Alagu’s father held different views. He believed that your teacher’s blessing would transform you into a fine scholar, and there could be no surer way to his good grace than to keep his ‘hookah’ fresh and feed his ‘chillum’ regularly. Poor Alagu was never found wanting in this service. And if in the end he failed to acquire much learning, the fault was not his but that of the stars. So argued his old father.<\/p>\n What effect did Mr Sheikh’s teachings have on Jumman how was it different from Alagu’s upbringing?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 4.<\/span><\/strong> The friendship was not the outcome of any sudden impulse. It dated from the days of their childhood, when Alagu sat for his lessons at the feet of Jumman’s father, who had his own notions, on how to bring up a lad. ‘Don’t spare the rod, or you’ll spoil him: is what he used to say. He practised this precept in the case of his own son Jumman, with the result that there was none in the village to equal him either in drafting a petition or drawing up a deed. In course of time, Jumman was highly esteemed in the village and the neighbourhood for his scholarship and attainments. Alagu’s father held different views. He believed that your teacher’s blessing would transform you into a fine scholar, and there could be no surer way to his good grace than to keep his ‘hookah’ fresh and feed his ‘chillum’ regularly. Poor Alagu was never found wanting in this service. And if in the end he failed to acquire much learning, the fault was not his but that of the stars. So argued his old father.<\/p>\n What thoughts did Alagu’s father have about learning and teachers?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Passage 2<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Question 1.<\/span><\/strong> Patience has its limits. One day, unable to bear this constant nagging and insult from his wife the aunt spoke, to Jumman. Jumman flatly refused to interfere in household affairs. He told her in effect that his wife knew best how to run the house. Crest-fallen, the old aunt tried to bear as well as she could her daily humiliation. But at length even her patience gave way. She called Jumman and said to him: ‘My son, it is clear there is no room for me in your house. You had better give me a small allowance so that I can set up a separate kitchen.’ Explain the first line of the extract with reference to context.<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 2.<\/span><\/strong> Patience has its limits. One day, unable to bear this constant nagging and insult from his wife the aunt spoke, to Jumman. Jumman flatly refused to interfere in household affairs. He told her in effect that his wife knew best how to run the house. Crest-fallen, the old aunt tried to bear as well as she could her daily humiliation. But at length even her patience gave way. She called Jumman and said to him: ‘My son, it is clear there is no room for me in your house. You had better give me a small allowance so that I can set up a separate kitchen.’ What was Jumman’s reaction to his aunt’s complaint?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 3.<\/span><\/strong> Patience has its limits. One day, unable to bear this constant nagging and insult from his wife the aunt spoke, to Jumman. Jumman flatly refused to interfere in household affairs. He told her in effect that his wife knew best how to run the house. Crest-fallen, the old aunt tried to bear as well as she could her daily humiliation. But at length even her patience gave way. She called Jumman and said to him: ‘My son, it is clear there is no room for me in your house. You had better give me a small allowance so that I can set up a separate kitchen.’ What did the aunt threaten to do? What was Jumman’s reaction to her threat?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 4.<\/span><\/strong> Patience has its limits. One day, unable to bear this constant nagging and insult from his wife the aunt spoke, to Jumman. Jumman flatly refused to interfere in household affairs. He told her in effect that his wife knew best how to run the house. Crest-fallen, the old aunt tried to bear as well as she could her daily humiliation. But at length even her patience gave way. She called Jumman and said to him: ‘My son, it is clear there is no room for me in your house. You had better give me a small allowance so that I can set up a separate kitchen.’ What was the reason for Jumman to behave inappropriately with his aunt? Read the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/p>\n Patience has its limits. One day, unable to bear this constant nagging and insult from his wife the aunt spoke, to Jumman. Jumman flatly refused to interfere in household affairs. He told her in effect that his wife knew best how to run the house. Crest-fallen, the old aunt tried to bear as well as she could her daily humiliation. But at length even her patience gave way. She called Jumman and said to him: ‘My son, it is clear there is no room for me in your house. You had better give me a small allowance so that I can set up a separate kitchen.’ What was the reason for Jumman to behave inappropriately with his aunt?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Passage 3<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Question 1.<\/span><\/strong> ‘Since you insist, I will come,’ said Alagu, ‘but you will have to excuse me if I don’t take any part in the proceedings.’ Why so, my son?’ ‘Because, as you know, Jumman is my old friend: I can ill afford to go against him.’ ‘But is it right, my son, that for his sake you should keep your mouth shut and not say what you feel, what you consider just?’ When our conscience is asleep we may not be conscious of the wrong we do unwittingly, but challenge your conscience, wake it up, and you will find that it puts up with nothing that is unfair. So it happened with Alagu. He did not reply, but the words of the old aunt kept ringing in his ears.<\/p>\n Who all did the old woman go to before approaching Alagu?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 2.<\/span><\/strong> ‘Since you insist, I will come,’ said Alagu, ‘but you will have to excuse me if I don’t take any part in the proceedings.’ Why so, my son?’ ‘Because, as you know, Jumman is my old friend: I can ill afford to go against him.’ ‘But is it right, my son, that for his sake you should keep your mouth shut and not say what you feel, what you consider just?’ When our conscience is asleep we may not be conscious of the wrong we do unwittingly, but challenge your conscience, wake it up, and you will find that it puts up with nothing that is unfair. So it happened with Alagu. He did not reply, but the words of the old aunt kept ringing in his ears.<\/p>\n Why did the old aunt go to Alagu? What did they speak?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 3.<\/span><\/strong> ‘Since you insist, I will come,’ said Alagu, ‘but you will have to excuse me if I don’t take any part in the proceedings.’ Why so, my son?’ ‘Because, as you know, Jumman is my old friend: I can ill afford to go against him.’ ‘But is it right, my son, that for his sake you should keep your mouth shut and not say what you feel, what you consider just?’ When our conscience is asleep we may not be conscious of the wrong we do unwittingly, but challenge your conscience, wake it up, and you will find that it puts up with nothing that is unfair. So it happened with Alagu. He did not reply, but the words of the old aunt kept ringing in his ears.<\/p>\n Why did Alagu not want to take part in the proceedings of the panchayat?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 4.<\/span><\/strong> ‘Since you insist, I will come,’ said Alagu, ‘but you will have to excuse me if I don’t take any part in the proceedings.’ Why so, my son?’ ‘Because, as you know, Jumman is my old friend: I can ill afford to go against him.’ ‘But is it right, my son, that for his sake you should keep your mouth shut and not say what you feel, what you consider just?’ When our conscience is asleep we may not be conscious of the wrong we do unwittingly, but challenge your conscience, wake it up, and you will find that it puts up with nothing that is unfair. So it happened with Alagu. He did not reply, but the words of the old aunt kept ringing in his ears.<\/p>\n Whose words kept ringing in Alagu’s ears?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Passage 4<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Question 1.<\/span><\/strong> ‘You know members of the panchayat, that three years ago I executed a deed in favour of my nephew Jumman, transferring all my property to him. Jumman on his part promised to maintain me. For a long time I have been subjected to abuse, insults and nagging from his wife without any help from Jumman. Things have now come to such a pass that it is no longer possible for me to live with him. I am denied food and clothes. I am a helpless widow, too poor to run to the courts for redress. All I can do is to appeal to you for justice. Please advise me what to do. Punish me if I am in the wrong; but if you find fault with Jumman correct him, I solemnly assure you that I shall faithfully carry out your orders.<\/p>\n Who is the speaker in the given extract?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 2.<\/span><\/strong> ‘You know members of the panchayat, that three years ago I executed a deed in favour of my nephew Jumman, transferring all my property to him. Jumman on his part promised to maintain me. For a long time I have been subjected to abuse, insults and nagging from his wife without any help from Jumman. Things have now come to such a pass that it is no longer possible for me to live with him. I am denied food and clothes. I am a helpless widow, too poor to run to the courts for redress. All I can do is to appeal to you for justice. Please advise me what to do. Punish me if I am in the wrong; but if you find fault with Jumman correct him, I solemnly assure you that I shall faithfully carry out your orders.<\/p>\n Describe the site where the village panchayat meeting was going to take place.<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 3.<\/span><\/strong> ‘You know members of the panchayat, that three years ago I executed a deed in favour of my nephew Jumman, transferring all my property to him. Jumman on his part promised to maintain me. For a long time I have been subjected to abuse, insults and nagging from his wife without any help from Jumman. Things have now come to such a pass that it is no longer possible for me to live with him. I am denied food and clothes. I am a helpless widow, too poor to run to the courts for redress. All I can do is to appeal to you for justice. Please advise me what to do. Punish me if I am in the wrong; but if you find fault with Jumman correct him, I solemnly assure you that I shall faithfully carry out your orders.<\/p>\n What was the complaint of the old woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 4.<\/span><\/strong> ‘You know members of the panchayat, that three years ago I executed a deed in favour of my nephew Jumman, transferring all my property to him. Jumman on his part promised to maintain me. For a long time I have been subjected to abuse, insults and nagging from his wife without any help from Jumman. Things have now come to such a pass that it is no longer possible for me to live with him. I am denied food and clothes. I am a helpless widow, too poor to run to the courts for redress. All I can do is to appeal to you for justice. Please advise me what to do. Punish me if I am in the wrong; but if you find fault with Jumman correct him, I solemnly assure you that I shall faithfully carry out your orders.<\/p>\n How was Jumman related to the old woman?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 5.<\/span><\/strong> ‘You know members of the panchayat, that three years ago I executed a deed in favour of my nephew Jumman, transferring all my property to him. Jumman on his part promised to maintain me. For a long time I have been subjected to abuse, insults and nagging from his wife without any help from Jumman. Things have now come to such a pass that it is no longer possible for me to live with him. I am denied food and clothes. I am a helpless widow, too poor to run to the courts for redress. All I can do is to appeal to you for justice. Please advise me what to do. Punish me if I am in the wrong; but if you find fault with Jumman correct him, I solemnly assure you that I shall faithfully carry out your orders.<\/p>\n Who all were present at the panchayat?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Passage 5<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Question 1.<\/span><\/strong> My son, fear God. The panch knows neither friend nor enemy. If’ you don’t trust anyone, don’t propose any name. But what do you say to Alagu Chowdhari?’ Jumman was not prepared for this good luck. Hiding his secret joy, he replied: ‘Very well. If you must have him, have him. It is all the same to me whether you nominate Alagu Chowdhari or Ramadhan Misra.’ Alagu, who did not wish to be dragged into the dispute, now demurred, and said: ‘Aunt, you are not unaware or my relations with Junkman.’ ‘I know them well, my son,’ she replied, ‘but I also know that you will not kill your conscience for the sake of friendship. Allah lives in the heart of the panch, and his voice is the voice of God.<\/p>\n Explain ‘The panch knows neither friend nor enemy’.<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 2.<\/span><\/strong> My son, fear God. The panch knows neither friend nor enemy. If’ you don’t trust anyone, don’t propose any name. But what do you say to Alagu Chowdhari?’ Jumman was not prepared for this good luck. Hiding his secret joy, he replied: ‘Very well. If you must have him, have him. It is all the same to me whether you nominate Alagu Chowdhari or Ramadhan Misra.’ Alagu, who did not wish to be dragged into the dispute, now demurred, and said: ‘Aunt, you are not unaware or my relations with Junkman.’ ‘I know them well, my son,’ she replied, ‘but I also know that you will not kill your conscience for the sake of friendship. Allah lives in the heart of the panch, and his voice is the voice of God.<\/p>\n Whose name did the old aunt propose as the head of the panchayat? Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 3.<\/span><\/strong> My son, fear God. The panch knows neither friend nor enemy. If’ you don’t trust anyone, don’t propose any name. But what do you say to Alagu Chowdhari?’ Jumman was not prepared for this good luck. Hiding his secret joy, he replied: ‘Very well. If you must have him, have him. It is all the same to me whether you nominate Alagu Chowdhari or Ramadhan Misra.’ Alagu, who did not wish to be dragged into the dispute, now demurred, and said: ‘Aunt, you are not unaware or my relations with Junkman.’ ‘I know them well, my son,’ she replied, ‘but I also know that you will not kill your conscience for the sake of friendship. Allah lives in the heart of the panch, and his voice is the voice of God.<\/p>\n What did Jumman think after the nominee’s name was announced?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 4.<\/span><\/strong> My son, fear God. The panch knows neither friend nor enemy. If’ you don’t trust anyone, don’t propose any name. But what do you say to Alagu Chowdhari?’ Jumman was not prepared for this good luck. Hiding his secret joy, he replied: ‘Very well. If you must have him, have him. It is all the same to me whether you nominate Alagu Chowdhari or Ramadhan Misra.’ Alagu, who did not wish to be dragged into the dispute, now demurred, and said: ‘Aunt, you are not unaware or my relations with Junkman.’ ‘I know them well, my son,’ she replied, ‘but I also know that you will not kill your conscience for the sake of friendship. Allah lives in the heart of the panch, and his voice is the voice of God.<\/p>\n What was the reaction of people who disliked Jumman after the nominee’s name was announced?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Passage 6<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Question 1.<\/span><\/strong> Jumman was stunned. The words fell on his ears like a thunderbolt. He could not understand. The friend on whom he relied so much had suddenly turned into a bitter foe! It was only in crucial moments like this that friendship was tested! ‘Kaliyuga’ had indeed come for deceit and treachery were synonymous with friendship. No wonder that plague and, cholera were ravaging the country! It was different with Ramadhan Misra and other members of the panchayat. No praise was now too high for Alagu and his sense of fairness and Justice. ‘This is the true panchayat.’ ‘Alagu has divided truth from falsehood as a swan separates.<\/p>\n Why was Jumman stunned?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 2.<\/span><\/strong> Jumman was stunned. The words fell on his ears like a thunderbolt. He could not understand. The friend on whom he relied so much had suddenly turned into a bitter foe! It was only in crucial moments like this that friendship was tested! ‘Kaliyuga’ had indeed come for deceit and treachery were synonymous with friendship. No wonder that plague and, cholera were ravaging the country! It was different with Ramadhan Misra and other members of the panchayat. No praise was now too high for Alagu and his sense of fairness and Justice. ‘This is the true panchayat.’ ‘Alagu has divided truth from falsehood as a swan separates.<\/p>\n What was the panchayat’s final judgement?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 3.<\/span><\/strong> Jumman was stunned. The words fell on his ears like a thunderbolt. He could not understand. The friend on whom he relied so much had suddenly turned into a bitter foe! It was only in crucial moments like this that friendship was tested! ‘Kaliyuga’ had indeed come for deceit and treachery were synonymous with friendship. No wonder that plague and, cholera were ravaging the country! It was different with Ramadhan Misra and other members of the panchayat. No praise was now too high for Alagu and his sense of fairness and Justice. ‘This is the true panchayat.’ ‘Alagu has divided truth from falsehood as a swan separates.<\/p>\n Was Alagu’s friendship tested during the panchayat meeting?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Question 4.<\/span><\/strong> Jumman was stunned. The words fell on his ears like a thunderbolt. He could not understand. The friend on whom he relied so much had suddenly turned into a bitter foe! It was only in crucial moments like this that friendship was tested! ‘Kaliyuga’ had indeed come for deceit and treachery were synonymous with friendship. No wonder that plague and, cholera were ravaging the country! It was different with Ramadhan Misra and other members of the panchayat. No praise was now too high for Alagu and his sense of fairness and Justice. ‘This is the true panchayat.’ ‘Alagu has divided truth from falsehood as a swan separates.<\/p>\n What was the reaction of Ramadhan Mishra and the panchayat?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong> Passage 7<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Question 1.<\/span><\/strong> There lived in the village one Samjhu Sahu, a cart-driver, who carried on his business between the village and the town. He used to take the village commodities to the town, and with the proceeds of their sale he brought back to the village, such ……, goods as found already market there. He thought to himself that if he could get Alagu’s bullock he would be able to make at least three or four trips daily to the town and back, and thus swell his profits. At present all he could do was to make one or two trips to the town market. With this purpose he negotiated for the purchase of Alagu’s bullock; and ultimately after trial, purchased it on the understanding that he would pay the price in a month’s time.<\/p>\n Who was Samjhu Sahu and what did he want?<\/strong><\/p>\n Answer:<\/span><\/strong>
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe passage refers to the friendship of Jumman Sheikh and Alagu Chowdhari. Their friendship was such that they not only tilled their lands together but also took care of each other’s households when anyone was away.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nJumman’s father had his own notions about bringing up a boy. He was of the opinion that one should be strict with boys because if you spared the rod you would spoil the boy.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nJumman’s father practised his precept of strict upbringing with his son right from the start. The result was such that there was no one in the village who could draft a petition or draw up a deed like Jumman could. On the other hand, Alagu’s father believed getting one’s teacher’s blessings by keeping him happy was the only way of succeeding in life. Alagu did not gain much learning by this approach.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAlagu’s father thought that a teacher’s blessing could transform the student into a fine scholar and that there was no better way of getting his good grace than by keeping his ‘hookah’ fresh and feeding his ‘chillum’ regularly.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDoes money grow on trees?’ replied Jumman tartly.
\n‘Of course not. But how am I to live?’ pleaded the aunt.
\n‘Who said that you had conquered death?’ taunted Jumman gravely. This exasperated the aunt. She threatened to take her case before the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nJumman had a maternal aunt who transferred her property to him by a deed with an understanding that he would look after her well. However, Jumman and his wife started ill-treating her after receiving the property. Jumman’s wife abused and humiliated her frequently. Finally, the aunt lost her patience and spoke to Jumman about the behaviour of his wife.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDoes money grow on trees?’ replied Jumman tartly.
\n‘Of course not. But how am I to live?’ pleaded the aunt.
\n‘Who said that you had conquered death?’ taunted Jumman gravely. This exasperated the aunt. She threatened to take her case before the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nJumman refused to believe his aunt when she told him that his wife was not looking after her well. He remained passive and even refused to give her an allowance so that she could set up her own kitchen in the house.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDoes money grow on trees?’ replied Jumman tartly.
\n‘Of course not. But how am I to live?’ pleaded the aunt.
\n‘Who said that you had conquered death?’ taunted Jumman gravely. This exasperated the aunt. She threatened to take her case before the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nJumman’s aunt threatened to go to the panch to seek justice if he refused to treat her well. Jumman thought her to be ridiculous when she made this threat as he thought that the panch would surely pass the judgement in his favour. There was no one in the village whom he had not done a favour.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDoes money grow on trees?’ replied Jumman tartly.
\n‘Of course not. But how am I to live?’ pleaded the aunt.
\n‘Who said that you had conquered death?’ taunted Jumman gravely. This exasperated the aunt. She threatened to take her case before the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nDoes money grow on trees?’ replied Jumman tartly.
\n‘Of course not. But how am I to live?’ pleaded the aunt.
\n‘Who said that you had conquered death?’ taunted Jumman gravely. This exasperated the aunt. She threatened to take her case before the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nJumman always wanted to get hold of his aunt’s property. Before she signed the deed, he was a dotting nephew and anticipated and carried out her every wish. However, the moment the papers were signed, he turned indifferent to the old woman. He wanted the property but he was not ready to shoulder the responsibility of the old woman. He and his wife were disgruntled with the little food the aunt ate and found it impossible to keep her well.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe old woman went from villager to villager leaning on her poor staff telling about her miserable condition to anyone sparing her some time. Although her old age and weak body made it difficult for her to move around, she was on a mission to make her woes known to everyone before she approached the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nShe wanted Alagu to attend the panchayat when her matter came up. Alagu told her that he would attend the panchayat but wouldn’t participate in the proceedings owing to his relations with Jumman. At this, the old lady advised him to act as his conscience would deem appropriate.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAlagu had very good relations with Jumman. He thought that if he attended the panchayat and said anything that was not in favour of Jumman then their friendship would suffer.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nJumman’s aunt said to Alagu that when his conscience is challenged and woken up, he would find out that it puts up with nothing that is unfair. These words of the old woman kept ringing in his ears.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe speaker in the given extract is Jumman’s maternal aunt.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe place where the panchayat was going to be held presented a strange sight. The panchayat was going to be held in the evening and Jumman welcomed the guests as they came one by one. A carpet was spread and a good supply was provided of pan, elaichi and hookahs. Live charcoal was kept glowing in one corner to feed the ‘chillums’ as it was constantly demanded by the guests.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe old woman, Jumman’s maternal aunt, had transferred her property to Jumman three years ago. In return Jumman had promised to take care of her. However, for a long time, she was being subjected to abuse, insults, and nagging by his wife apart from being denied basic necessities like food and clothing. Jumman too, had become indifferent to her. The old aunt therefore pleaded for justice in front of the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nJuman was the nephew of the old woman.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nApart from the members of the panch, Alagu, who stood at the far end of the scene and several people who nursed a grievance against Jumman were present at the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe above words are uttered by Jumman’s aunt at the panchayat when Jumman comes across as an egotistical fool. The aunt tries to explain to him that the village panchayat is non-biased and its voice is the voice of God. Everyone is equal in front of the panch and that its decision will be in the best interest of everyone.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe Aunt proposed Alagu as her nominee to be the head panch because she knew that Alagu had a strong conscience that would never falter or crumble under pressure.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWhen Alagu’s name was announced as the nominee by the old aunt, Jumman couldn’t believe his luck. Since Alagu was his very good friend, he assumed that he would obviously favour him before the panchayat.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWhen Alagu was chosen as the aunt’s nominee, Ramadhan Mishra and the others who were opposed to Jumman cursed the old woman for her folly in their heart of hearts.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nJumman was stunned because he was shocked to find Alagu, his friend talking in favour of his aunt instead of him. He had expected the decision of the panchayat to be in his favour as he and Alagu were close friends.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAlagu and the other members of the panchayat came to the conclusion that Jumman was liable to pay his aunt a fixed monthly allowance out of the realization from her property. Alagu further said that if Jumman failed to oblige by the judgement, the deed which transferred the aunt’s property to him would be deemed void.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAlagu’s friendship was tested during the panchayat meeting. Both Alagu and Jumman were friends since childhood. Jumman had considered his case already won when he realised that Alagu was chosen as the nominee by his aunt. However, he hadn’t imagined that Alagu would go against him and pass a judgement against him. In doing so, however, Alagu proved that justice was above everything else.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWhen they heard the panchayat’s decision, Ramadhan Mishra and the other members of the panchayat couldn’t stop praising Alagu for his sense of fairness and justice.<\/p>\n
\nRead the extract and answer the questions that follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n