Question

Answer the following questions.

1. “Then the situation changed.” What is being referred to? (2)

2. When Jumman’s aunt realised that she was not welcome in his house, what arrangement did she suggest? (3)

3. What was the villagers’ reaction when the aunt explained her case to them? (4)

4. Why was Jumman happy over Algu’s nomination as head Panch? (6)

5. “God lives in the heart of the Panch.” the aunt said. What did she mean? (6)

6. What was Algu’s verdict as head Panch? How did Jumman take it? (7, 8)

7. Algu found himself in a tight spot. What was his problem? (9)

8. Why was Algu upset over Jumman’s nomination as head Panch? (12, 13)

9. What was Jumman’s verdict as head Panch? How did Algu take it? (14, 15)

10. Which of the following sums up the story best?

(i) “I also know that you will not kill your conscience for the sake of friendship.”

(ii) “Let no one deviate from the path of justice and truth for friendship or enmity.”

(iii) “The voice of the Panch is the voice of God.” Give a reason for your choice.

Answer 1

1. The situation being referred to is Jumman’s behaviour towards his aunt. Jumman’s aunt had transferred her property to him on the understanding that he would look after her. However, after a couple of years, Jumman and his family grew tired of her. He became as indifferent to her as his wife, who grudged even the little food that the old lady wanted everyday.

2. When Jumman’s aunt realised that she was not welcome in his house she suggested that Jumman should give her a monthly allowance so that she could set up a separate kitchen.

3. When the aunt explained her case to the villagers, some sympathised with her, others laughed at her and a few others advised her to make it up with her nephew and his wife.

4. Jumman was happy over Algu’s nomination as head Panch because Algu was his best friend and he knew that he would never go against him.

5. “God lives in the heart of the Panch.” By this, Jumman’s aunt meant that a Panch was always impartial. A Panch had neither a friend nor an enemy. Whatever justice he delivered, it was the justice delivered by God.

6. As head Panch, Algu’s verdict was that Jumman had to pay his aunt a monthly allowance, or else the property would go back to her.

Jumman did not take the verdict well. Algu and Jumman were seldom seen together from that day. The bond of friendship between them was broken. Jumman felt betrayed and became Algu’s enemy. All he wanted was to take his revenge upon Algu.

7. One of Algu’s fine pair of bullocks died, and he sold the other to Samjhu Sahu on the understanding that Sahu would pay the price of the bullock in a month’s time. The bullock died within a month and Sahu refused to pay Algu.

8. The bond of friendship between Algu and Jumman was broken after Algu had given a verdict in favour of Jumman’s aunt. Jumman was Algu’s enemy and wanted revenge. This was why Algu was upset over Jumman’s nomination as head Panch.

9. Jumman’s verdict as head Panch was that since the bullock did not suffer from any disability or disease when Sahu bought it, Algu could not be blamed for its death. Therefore, Sahu would have to pay Algu the price of the bullock.

When Algu heard Jumman’s decision, he could not contain his feelings of joy. He stood up and said loudly over and over again, “Victory to the panchayat. This is justice. God lives in the heart of the Panch.”

10. (ii) “Let no one deviate from the path of justice and truth for friendship or enmity.”

This sentence sums up the story best. In the story, we see justice being done in spite of friendship or enmity. Algu delivered a just judgment even though he was friends with Jumman, and Jumman did the same, although he had become Algu’s enemy.