RBSE Solutions Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 4 Drought

Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 4 Drought

RBSE Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 4 Textual Questions

Comprehension Questions

A. Choose the correct alternative:

 

Question 1. Who killed Mahesh?
(a) Tarak Ratna
(b) Shibu
(c) Gafur
(d) Amina
Answer: (c) Gafur
In simple words: Gafur killed Mahesh in a moment of extreme anger and frustration after the bull caused problems and hurt his daughter. This was a tragic outcome of his desperation.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering about key plot points, identify the character responsible and briefly state the main reason for their action to show understanding.

 

Question 3. The story took place in......
(a) April
(b) December
(c) May
(d) June
Answer: (d) June
In simple words: The events of the story happened in June. This is important because June is usually a monsoon month, but the drought made conditions very harsh.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to setting details like time of year, as they often hint at the story's atmosphere or conflict.

 

Question 4. Shibu is the name of the......
(a) bull
(b) zamindar
(c) priest
(d) tanner
Answer: (b) zamindar
In simple words: Shibu is the name of the landlord, the wealthy owner of the village. He represents authority and power in the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the names and roles of all main characters is crucial for understanding the plot and their interactions.

 

Question 5. Why did Gafur go to Fuller at the end?
(a) to sell Mahesh
(b) to attend a funeral
(c) to work at the jute mill
(d) to befool Amina
Answer: (c) to work at the jute mill
In simple words: Gafur left for Fuller to find work at the jute mill. He had no other options left in the village after the drought and the tragedy with Mahesh.

🎯 Exam Tip: The ending of a story often reveals the character's final desperation or hope, so always remember what happens to the main character.

 

Question 1. Explain why Gafur was forgiven multiple times by the landlord.
'कितनी ही बार जमींदार के द्वारा गफूर को माफी मिल गयी थी।' क्यों?
Answer: Mahesh, Gafur's bull, had often broken free and entered the landlord's garden or fields, eating his flowers. However, Gafur was usually forgiven for these incidents because he was a very poor man and would always beg for pardon. The landlord, despite his harsh nature, would sometimes show a small amount of leniency due to Gafur's humble pleas.
In simple words: Gafur was poor and always said sorry. So, the landlord often forgave him when his bull, Mahesh, ate flowers from the landlord's garden.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining character interactions, highlight the reasons behind actions, such as Gafur's poverty leading to forgiveness from the landlord.

 

Question 2. Describe the two times when Gafur lost self-control.
उन दो अवसरों का वर्णन कीजिए जब गफूर ने आत्म-नियंत्रण खो दिया था।
Answer: Gafur lost self-control on two main occasions. The first time was when he came home at noon after searching for work all day, only to find no food or water. This made him very angry and frustrated. The second time was when the landlord's messenger spoke to him very rudely. These situations pushed Gafur to his breaking point.
In simple words: Gafur lost his cool twice. First, when he came home hungry and thirsty after not finding work. Second, when the landlord's helper spoke to him very roughly.

🎯 Exam Tip: To describe moments of emotional intensity, pinpoint the exact triggers and the character's reaction clearly.

 

Question 3. What is penance? Why did Gafur think of doing it?
प्रायश्चित क्या होता है? गफूर ने प्रायश्चित करने की बात क्यों सोची?
Answer: Penance is an action taken to show that one is truly sorry for a wrong deed. Gafur thought of doing penance because he believed he was responsible for Mahesh's death. He felt a deep sense of guilt, especially because Mahesh was like a son to him, and he had killed a creature he loved.
In simple words: Penance is doing something to show you are sorry for a bad thing you did. Gafur wanted to do penance because he felt guilty for killing his bull, Mahesh.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define key terms like "penance" first, then explain the character's specific reasons for considering it, connecting it to their emotions.

 

Question 5. Why was there so much scarcity of water in the village?
गाँव में पीने के पानी की इतनी कमी क्यों थी?
Answer: There was a great scarcity of water in the village because of a severe drought. Two out of the three village tanks had completely dried up. Additionally, Shibu Babu's private tank, which still had some water, was not accessible for public use. This left the villagers with very few options for drinking water.
In simple words: There was little water in the village because of a drought. Two village ponds dried up, and Shibu Babu's private pond was not for everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining problems, list all contributing factors from the text (e.g., drought, dry tanks, restricted access) to provide a complete answer.

 

Question 6. Why did Gafur lose his temper and kill Mahesh? (Board Sample Paper 2018)
गफूर ने अपना आपा खो कर महेश की हत्या क्यों कर दी?
Answer: Gafur lost his temper and killed Mahesh after Mahesh knocked down Amina, Gafur's daughter, who shrieked loudly. Amina's pitcher tumbled, and Mahesh began to suck up the water flowing on the ground. Seeing this, Gafur, already frustrated by poverty and the drought, became furious and hit Mahesh on the head with his plough-head, killing him instantly. This was an act of extreme desperation and anger.
In simple words: Gafur got very angry and killed Mahesh because the bull knocked down his daughter Amina and drank the spilled water, which pushed Gafur past his limit.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the chain of events that leads to a character's extreme action, detailing the immediate cause and the underlying emotions like desperation or frustration.

 

Question 7. Write a character-sketch of Tarak Ratna.
तारकरत्न को चरित्र-चित्रण कीजिए।
Answer: Tarak Ratna is the family priest of Shibu Babu. He is portrayed as a cunning and opportunistic character. He often scolds Gafur while pretending to care about the bull's condition, but he refuses to help Gafur by lending any straw for Mahesh. He is quick to advise Shibu on how Gafur should pay for the penance after Mahesh's death, showing his self-serving nature and alignment with the landlord.
In simple words: Tarak Ratna is Shibu Babu's clever priest. He pretends to care but doesn't help Gafur. He also advises the landlord on how to punish Gafur.

🎯 Exam Tip: A character sketch needs both direct descriptions (e.g., "cunning") and examples of actions that support these traits (e.g., "refuses to lend straw").

 

Question 1. Giving examples from the story, comment on the relationship between Shibu and Gafur.
कहानी से उदाहरण प्रस्तुत करते हुए शिबू और गफूर के मध्य रिश्तों पर टिप्पणी कीजिए।
Answer: The relationship between Shibu, the landlord, and Gafur, his tenant, is that of a cruel ruler and a helpless subject. Shibu shows no sympathy for Gafur. For example, he takes all of Gafur's straw for last year's rent, leaving Gafur and Mahesh with little. When Gafur begs, Shibu only leaves enough paddy for two months, even knowing about the drought. He punishes Gafur harshly when his orders are not followed and seeks advice on how Gafur can pay for the penance after killing Mahesh, a sacred animal. This shows Shibu cares only about his own authority and profit, not Gafur's suffering.
In simple words: Shibu the landlord acts like a harsh ruler, and Gafur is a helpless tenant. Shibu takes Gafur's straw, gives him little food, and punishes him badly, showing no kindness.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to comment on relationships, identify the power dynamic and provide specific instances from the story to support your analysis.

 

Question 2. Draw a graphic picture of the Indian summer as depicted by the writer.
लेखक के द्वारा वर्णित भारतीय ग्रीष्म ऋतु का सजीव चित्रण कीजिए।
Answer: The writer describes the Indian summer as the most terrible of all seasons. Water sources dry up, and the scorching sun makes the sky intensely hot and blinding. The heat is relentless, without any sign of mercy. It seems impossible that the sky will ever change or become covered with soft, moisture-filled clouds. The whole sky appears to burn endlessly, and the fields crack into countless fissures, looking as if the Earth's lifeblood is escaping like smoke. This paints a picture of extreme drought and suffering caused by the harsh summer.
In simple words: The writer shows Indian summer as very hot and cruel. Water dries up, the sun burns the sky, and fields crack. It feels like the heat will never end.

🎯 Exam Tip: To create a vivid "graphic picture," use descriptive words and imagery from the text that appeal to senses like sight and feeling (e.g., "scorching sun," "fields break up").

 

Question 3. Describe the attitude of Shibu Babu towards the villagers.
ग्रामीणों के प्रति शिबू बाबू के दृष्टिकोण का वर्णन कीजिए।
Answer: Shibu Babu, the landlord of Kashipur village, is very cruel and heartless towards his villagers. His tenants dare not challenge him. Even during a famine, he shows little mercy in collecting his dues. Two of the three village ponds are dry, but he forbids villagers from taking water from his private pond. His priest, Tarak Ratna, also helps him in his harsh dealings. Shibu always looks for chances to extort money from the poor and even tries to profit from Gafur's desperate situation after Mahesh's death, demanding penance. This clearly shows he has no compassion for the villagers.
In simple words: Shibu Babu is a cruel landlord who treats villagers badly. He takes money even during hard times and stops them from using his water. He does not care about their suffering.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on actions and policies rather than just labels (e.g., "forbids villagers from taking water" is better than "is mean") to demonstrate the landlord's attitude.

 

Question 4. Draw the character-sketch of Gafur.
गफूर का चरित्र-चित्रण कीजिए।
Answer: Gafur is a poor weaver who lives with his motherless daughter, Amina. His fields are badly affected by drought, making it hard to feed himself, Amina, and his bull, Mahesh. He loves Mahesh like his own son and doesn't want to sell him, even begging rice-water from neighbors for the bull. Although generally kind, his desperation sometimes makes him angry, like when he slaps Amina or tragically kills Mahesh. He immediately feels regret and deep sorrow for his actions. This shows he is a loving father and animal owner, burdened by circumstances beyond his control. He is ultimately a compassionate man driven to extremes by poverty and suffering.
In simple words: Gafur is a poor weaver and a loving father to Amina and his bull, Mahesh. Drought makes him struggle to feed them. He is kind but sometimes gets angry due to hardship, yet he always feels sorry afterwards.

🎯 Exam Tip: A good character sketch balances positive and negative traits and explains how circumstances influence a character's behavior, always backing up points with story examples.

D. State True/False:

 

Question 1. Gafur tilled eight bighas of land for the landlord.
Answer: False
In simple words: Gafur did not farm eight bighas of land for the landlord. The story mentions he only had four bighas.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to numbers and specific details mentioned in the text for True/False questions. Minor factual errors can lead to incorrect answers.

 

Question 2. It was Zamindar's elder son's birthday.
Answer: False
In simple words: It was not the zamindar's elder son's birthday. The story says it was his youngest son's birthday.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between similar details (e.g., elder vs. youngest) to avoid common traps in True/False questions.

 

Question 3. Amina informed Gafur that Mahesh was at Dariapur.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Amina told Gafur that Mahesh had gone to Dariapur.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember who says what and to whom, as communication between characters often drives the plot.

 

Question 4. Gafur left the brass plate behind as payment for penance.
Answer: True
In simple words: Gafur left his brass plate and drinking bowl behind as a way to show he was sorry.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep track of important objects and their symbolic meaning or use within the story.

 

Question 5. All the three tanks in the village had dried up.
Answer: False
In simple words: No, not all three tanks had dried up; only two of them had.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be precise with numerical details. A small difference in quantity can change a True/False answer.

 

Question. Imagine you have been invited to participate in a discussion on how to face scarcity of water during the drought. What suggestions would you give?
Answer: To deal with water scarcity during a drought, we must follow several water-saving methods:

• We should always check pipes and faucets for leaks.
• We should use water-saving showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators.
• We should turn off taps when not in use.
• We should reduce the use of the kitchen sink for waste disposal.
• We should use overflow water in gardens or lawns.
• We should not let water flow into gutters uselessly.
• We should not use hose pipes to wash vehicles; instead, use a bucket and washcloth or brush.
• We should take shorter showers.
• We should use a bucket and mug for bathing instead of a shower.

This helps conserve every drop of water, which is critical during dry periods.
In simple words: During a drought, we must save water. We should fix leaks, use less water from taps, reuse water, and use buckets instead of showers to save every drop.

🎯 Exam Tip: For practical questions, organize your points clearly, perhaps using a list, and make sure each suggestion is specific and actionable for water conservation.

RBSE Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 4 Additional Questions

A. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each:

 

Question 1. Who was Mahesh? How did Gafur feed him?
महेश कौन था? गफूर किस प्रकार उसे खिलाता था?
Answer: Mahesh was Gafur's bull, and Gafur loved him dearly, treating him like his own son. Due to the severe drought, Gafur had no paddy or straw to feed Mahesh. So, in his desperation, he would beg for rice-water from his neighbors and feed that to his beloved bull. This shows his deep affection for Mahesh despite his poverty.
In simple words: Mahesh was Gafur's bull, whom Gafur loved like a son. Because of the drought, Gafur had no food for Mahesh, so he asked neighbors for rice-water to feed him.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing characters and their relationships, mention both the identity and the emotional connection, supported by specific actions from the story.

 

Question 2. What did Tarak Ratna do at the landlord's house on his youngest son's birthday?
Answer: On the occasion of the landlord's youngest son's birthday, Tarak Ratna performed a puja (religious ceremony) at the landlord's house. In return for his services, the landlord gave him some rice and fruits. This highlights Tarak Ratna's role as a priest and his connection to the wealthy landlord.
In simple words: Tarak Ratna performed a religious ceremony at the landlord's house for his youngest son's birthday. The landlord gave him some rice and fruits.

🎯 Exam Tip: Include all key details like who, what, where, and why to fully answer questions about specific events in the story.

 

Question 3. What did Tarak Ratna ask Gafur while returning from the landlord's house?
जमींदार के घर से लौटते समय तारकरत्न ने गफूर से क्या कहा?
Answer: While returning from the landlord's house, Tarak Ratna told Gafur to take good care of his bull and feed him properly. He also warned Gafur that if the bull died, its master would flay him alive, implying a severe punishment for Gafur if anything happened to Mahesh. Tarak Ratna showed little real concern, but emphasized the landlord's authority.
In simple words: Tarak Ratna told Gafur to feed the bull well. He warned Gafur that if the bull died, the landlord would punish him very harshly.

🎯 Exam Tip: When summarizing dialogue, capture the speaker's main message and any underlying tone or threat, as it often reveals character motives.

 

Question 4. Why was the bull hungry?
बैल भूखा क्यों था?
Answer: The bull, Mahesh, was hungry because of a severe drought. The paddy harvest was very poor, which meant there was almost no straw available for the bull to eat. Gafur, Mahesh's owner, was also too poor to buy any straw, leaving Mahesh constantly without proper food. This situation was a direct result of the harsh environmental conditions.
In simple words: The bull was hungry because of a drought. There was little paddy, so no straw was available to feed him, and Gafur could not afford any.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect cause and effect directly. The drought caused poor harvest, which caused lack of fodder, which caused the bull's hunger.

 

Question 5. What risk was involved in letting Mahesh loose?
महेश को खुला छोड़ने में क्या खतरा था?
Answer: Letting Mahesh loose involved a significant risk. If he wandered freely, he might poke his nose into someone else's paddy fields or eat their stored straw. Such actions would anger the villagers and, more importantly, the landlord, leading to severe consequences for Gafur, his owner. The result could be a heavy fine or even physical punishment.
In simple words: If Mahesh was let loose, he might eat other people's paddy or straw. This would cause problems for Gafur and lead to punishment from the landlord.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the potential consequences of a character's actions within the story's setting, especially how they affect others and lead to conflict.

 

Question 6. What was Tarakaratna's attitude towards the bull's condition, and what did he do?
Answer: Tarakaratna showed a lack of concern for the bull's poor condition. Even though Gafur's bull was starving, Tarakaratna refused to give even a small amount of straw or a handful of rice from his own bundle. This action highlights his selfish nature and indifference to the suffering of both Gafur and his animal, despite his spiritual role. He was not worried about the bull at all.
In simple words: Tarakaratna did not care about the bull's bad condition. He refused to give any straw or rice, showing he was not concerned about the starving animal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze what a character *doesn't* do, as often that reveals as much about their character as what they *do*. Inaction can be a strong indicator of attitude.

 

Question 7. What warning did Tarakaratna give Gafur regarding Mahesh?
तारकरत्न ने महेश के संबंध में गफूर को क्या चेतावनी दी?
Answer: Tarakaratna noticed that Mahesh, the bull, was not being fed properly. He warned Gafur that if the bull died, the landlord would skin him alive. This was a severe threat, emphasizing the dire consequences Gafur would face if he failed to take care of Mahesh, especially from the ruthless landlord.
In simple words: Tarakaratna warned Gafur that if the bull died because it was not fed, the landlord would flay Gafur alive.

🎯 Exam Tip: When recalling warnings, be precise about the threat and who would enforce it, as this shows the power dynamics in the story.

 

Question 8. How did Gafur get his bull released from the police pen?
गफूर ने अपने बैल को कांजी हाउस से कैसे छुड़वाया?
Answer: To get his bull, Mahesh, released from the police pen (kaanjihouse), Gafur needed to pay a fine. He had no money, so he borrowed a rupee from Banshi's shop. He put his brass plate down as security for the loan. With this rupee, he paid the fine and successfully secured Mahesh's release. This highlights Gafur's deep care for his bull and his desperate measures.
In simple words: Gafur borrowed a rupee from Banshi's shop by leaving his brass plate as security. He then used this money to pay the fine and free his bull from the police pen.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the step-by-step process a character undertakes to solve a problem, including any sacrifices or creative solutions they employ.

 

Question 9. In what way are Gafur, Tarakaratna and Shibu Babu related?
गफूर, तारकरत्न और शिबू बाबू आपस में किस प्रकार संबंधित हैं?
Answer: Gafur is a poor tenant farmer in Shibu Babu's village, meaning Shibu Babu is Gafur's landlord. Tarakaratna is the village priest and also serves as Shibu Babu's family priest, acting as an advisor and often supporting Shibu Babu's cruel actions. Therefore, Shibu Babu holds power over both Gafur (as landlord) and Tarakaratna (as employer), while Tarakaratna acts as an intermediary who often sides with the powerful against the vulnerable Gafur. The relationships are based on hierarchy and power dynamics.
In simple words: Shibu Babu is the landlord, Gafur is his tenant. Tarakaratna is Shibu Babu's priest. Tarakaratna often helps Shibu Babu, so he is connected to both in a way that often goes against Gafur.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about character relationships, describe their individual roles and how those roles connect them, especially in terms of power or social standing.

 

Question 10. Who was Amina? Why did Gafur slap her?
अमीना कौन थी? गफूर ने उसे थप्पड़ क्यों मारा?
Answer: Amina was Gafur's ten-year-old daughter who had lost her mother. Gafur, upon returning home hungry and extremely thirsty, found no food or water. This desperate situation, combined with his exhaustion and frustration, enraged him. In a moment of uncontrolled anger, he slapped Amina, regretting it immediately afterwards. His love for her was overshadowed by his overwhelming despair.
In simple words: Amina was Gafur's ten-year-old daughter who had no mother. Gafur slapped her because he came home very hungry and thirsty, found no food or water, and got very angry due to desperation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both the character's identity and the underlying emotional and situational reasons for their actions to give a complete answer.

 

Question 11. Why did Gafur not sell Mahesh at the cattle market?
गफूर ने महेश को पशु-बाजार में क्यों नहीं बेचा?
Answer: Gafur did not sell Mahesh at the cattle market because animals sold there were usually meant for slaughter, for their flesh and skin. Gafur loved his bull Mahesh deeply, treating him like his own son. The thought of selling Mahesh to such a fate was unbearable for him, even in his extreme poverty. His emotional attachment was stronger than his need for money.
In simple words: Gafur did not sell Mahesh because animals at the market were killed for meat and skin. Gafur loved Mahesh like his son and could not let him go to such a fate.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the character's emotional motivations and moral dilemmas, as these often drive their choices more than practical needs.

 

Question 12. Why did Shibu beat Gafur?
शिबू ने गफूर को क्यों पीटा?
Answer: Shibu beat Gafur for two reasons. First, Gafur's bull had caused trouble in Shibu's compound, creating a nuisance. Second, and more importantly, instead of begging for pardon, Gafur defiantly claimed that he paid his rent and was not Shibu's slave. This assertion of independence and refusal to humble himself was too much for Shibu, the landlord, to tolerate, leading to the beating. Shibu saw it as a direct challenge to his authority.
In simple words: Shibu beat Gafur because Gafur's bull caused problems, and Gafur refused to beg for forgiveness. Instead, Gafur said he paid rent and was not a slave, which made Shibu very angry.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining conflicts, identify both the direct triggers (e.g., bull causing nuisance) and the deeper reasons (e.g., defiance against authority) for a comprehensive answer.

 

Question 14. What were the articles Gafur left for the penance for Mahesh?
महेश की मृत्यु का प्रायश्चित करने हेतु गफूर ने कौन-कौन सी चीजें छोड़ दीं?
Answer: After Gafur killed Mahesh, he decided to leave his village to escape the landlord's wrath and seek work. As a form of penance for Mahesh's death, he left behind his drinking bowl and his brass plate. These were among his few valuable possessions, symbolizing his deep regret and sorrow for his actions and offering his most cherished items as a sacrifice.
In simple words: When Gafur left the village after killing Mahesh, he left his drinking bowl and brass plate. He did this to show he was sorry for what he had done to Mahesh.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note items left behind by characters, especially in significant moments, as they often carry symbolic meaning or represent a character's emotional state.

 

Question 15. Why had Gafur declined to go to Fuller?
गफूर ने फूलबेड़े जाने से क्यों इन्कार कर दिया था?
Answer: Gafur had previously declined to go to Fuller, where there was a jute mill, because he believed that Fuller lacked religion, respect, and privacy for womenfolk. He felt that the environment there would be morally unsuitable, especially for his daughter, Amina. His traditional values made him resistant to moving to such a place, despite the potential for work.
In simple words: Gafur did not want to go to Fuller because he felt there was no religion, respect, or privacy for women there. He thought it was not a good place for his daughter.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining a character's refusal, delve into their values, beliefs, or concerns, as these often reveal their core personality or cultural background.

 

Question 16. What did Gafur ask God to do?
गफूर ने ईश्वर से क्या करने को कहा?
Answer: Gafur sought punishment from God for his terrible act of killing Mahesh. In addition, he prayed to God not to forgive the guilt of those who had prevented Mahesh from eating grass and drinking water that Gafur had provided. This shows his deep sense of justice and his pain over Mahesh's suffering and death, attributing blame to others' cruelty as well as his own.
In simple words: Gafur asked God to punish him for killing the bull. He also asked God not to forgive those who stopped Mahesh from eating grass and drinking water.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing prayers or appeals, identify both the personal confession and any broader pleas for justice, as they reveal a character's moral perspective.

 

Question 1. Calamities hurt human relationships. Explain on the basis of:
(a) Gafur - Amina
(b) Gafur - Mahesh
(c) Gafur - other villagers
आपदाएँ मानवीय संबंधों को नुकसान पहुँचाती हैं। निम्नलिखित आधार पर व्याख्या करें:
(a) गफूर – अमीना
(b) गफूर – महेश
(c) गफूर – दूसरे ग्रामवासी
Answer: Human relationships are greatly affected by good or bad circumstances. Calamities like drought put immense strain on people, damaging their connections:

• (a) Gafur - Amina: Despite loving his motherless daughter Amina deeply, Gafur curses and slaps her without fault when he is exhausted, hungry, and frustrated by the drought. Later, he repents and feels very sorry, showing how despair can temporarily break even the strongest bonds.
• (b) Gafur - Mahesh: Gafur loves his bull, Mahesh, like a son and refuses to sell him to a butcher. However, in an uncontrollable fit of anger and desperation caused by Mahesh's actions and the drought's impact, he tragically kills the bull. This highlights how extreme pressure can lead to actions contrary to deep affection.
• (c) Gafur - other villagers: When Gafur leaves the village due to his misfortunes, he does not feel the need to meet any other villager. This indicates that the harsh conditions and his suffering have isolated him, leaving him feeling like he has no one truly close to him in the village.

Thus, calamities expose the fragility of human connections under extreme stress.
In simple words: Difficult times hurt how people get along. Gafur, though he loved Amina, hit her when he was upset. He also killed Mahesh, whom he loved like a son, because of his anger and hard life. In the end, he felt alone and left without saying goodbye to anyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: For analytical questions with sub-parts, address each part separately, providing specific examples from the text to illustrate how the main theme applies to each relationship.

 

Question 2. How was the financial condition of Gafur?
Answer: Gafur was a very poor weaver living in Kashipur. He owned only four bighas of land, and his house, located at the end of the village road, had crumbling mud walls. He was so poor that he had to cover his roof with palm leaves to protect against rain. He struggled to feed himself, his daughter, and his bull. During the drought, he had no paddy for Mahesh. He even had to borrow money from Bansi by mortgaging his household items. His financial state was dire, marked by extreme poverty and desperation.
In simple words: Gafur was very poor. He had little land, a crumbling house, and struggled to feed his family and bull. He had to borrow money often to survive.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a character's condition, provide specific details from the story (e.g., "four bighas of land," "crumbling mud walls," "borrowed money") to paint a clear picture.

 

Question 3. How can it be said that Mahesh was the cause of worry for Gafur?
कैसे कहा जा सकता है कि महेश गफूर के लिये परेशानी का कारण था?
Answer: Several incidents show that Mahesh was a constant source of worry for Gafur. During the famine, Gafur had no fodder for Mahesh, which made him very sad and helpless. He couldn't let Mahesh loose, as the bull might damage others' crops or eat their straw, leading to trouble with the landlord. Gafur even lacked rice to make rice-water for Mahesh. When Mahesh broke loose, ate the landlord's flowers, scattered drying corn, and hurt his daughter, Gafur was badly beaten. Finally, Gafur's fury at Mahesh drinking spilled water led him to kill the bull. Each incident highlights Mahesh as a burden and a cause of significant stress for Gafur.
In simple words: Mahesh caused Gafur much worry. Gafur had no food for him and could not let him loose because he would damage other people's crops. Mahesh also caused Gafur to be beaten and finally, Gafur killed him in anger.

🎯 Exam Tip: To show a cause-and-effect relationship, list multiple instances where the "cause" (Mahesh's actions or needs) directly led to "worry" (Gafur's problems or suffering).

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