RBSE Solutions Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 7 Dead Men’s Path

RBSE Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 7 Textual Questions

Comprehension Questions

A. Choose The Correct Alternative:

 

Question 1. Obi and his wife were married for ............. years.
(a) five
(b) four
(c) two
(d) one
Answer: (c) two
In simple words: Obi and his wife had been married for two years when the events of the story took place. This length of time highlights their relatively new start together.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read carefully for specific numerical details in the passage to ensure the correct option is chosen.

 

Question 2. ............. was the name of Obi's wife.
Answer: Nancy
In simple words: Obi's wife was named Nancy, who shared his modern views and ambitions. Her name is confirmed through later parts of the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Sometimes, names are given indirectly through context or later questions; ensure you link all related information.

 

Question 3. ............. was the name of the school.
(a) Missionary School
(b) Ndume Central School
(c) Secondary School
(d) Onitsha School
Answer: (b) Ndume Central School
In simple words: The school where Obi became the headmaster was called Ndume Central School. This setting is central to the conflict in the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the names of key places or characters as they are central to the story.

 

Question 4. ............. died in the village.
(a) A little boy
(b) An old man
(c) A young woman
(d) A priest
Answer: (c) A young woman
In simple words: A young woman passed away in the village, which became a very important event in the story. This tragic event sparks a major conflict.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to events that trigger major conflicts or changes in the story.

B. Answer The Following Questions In 30 To 40 Words:

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर 30-40 शब्दों में दीजिये।

 

Question 1. Why was Obi given the responsibility of the Ndume Central School? ओबी को एनड्यूम सेंट्रल स्कूल की जिम्मेदारी क्यों दी गई?
Answer: Ndume Central School was not doing well. Michael Obi was a young man full of energy and new ideas. So, the authorities sent him to lead this school and make it better. His youth and enthusiasm made him a good choice for transforming the unprogressive school.
एनड्यूम सेन्ट्रल स्कूल अच्छा नहीं कर रहा था। माइकल ओबी एक युवा और ऊर्जावान व्यक्ति थे। इसलिए अधिकारियों ने उन्हें इस स्कूल की जिम्मेदारी दी ताकि वे इसकी हालत सुधार सकें। उनका युवा जोश और नए विचार उन्हें एक अच्छा विकल्प बनाते थे, ताकि वे स्कूल को बदल सकें।
In simple words: Obi was put in charge of Ndume Central School because it was struggling and he was an energetic, young man with fresh ideas.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering "why" questions, always identify the problem and the solution provided by the character or authority.

 

Question 3. What did the priest of Ani tell Obi about the path? एनी गाँव के पादरी ने ओबी को रास्ते के बारे में क्या बताया?
Answer: The village priest told Obi that the path had been used by villagers for a very long time, even before Obi and his father were born. He also made it clear that the path was extremely important for the villagers because it connected their ancestors and future generations, acting as a spiritual link.
गाँव के पादरी ने ओबी को बताया कि यह रास्ता ग्रामीणों द्वारा बहुत समय से उपयोग किया जा रहा था, यहाँ तक कि ओबी और उनके पिता के जन्म से भी पहले। उन्होंने यह भी स्पष्ट किया कि यह रास्ता ग्रामीणों के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण था क्योंकि यह उनके पूर्वजों और आने वाली पीढ़ियों को जोड़ता था, एक आध्यात्मिक कड़ी के रूप में कार्य करता था।
In simple words: The priest told Obi the path was very old and important to villagers for their dead family and new babies.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the historical and cultural significance of the path as explained by the priest.

 

Question 4. Why was the path very important for the villagers? गाँव वालों के लिए यह रास्ता बहुत ही महत्वपूर्ण क्यों था?
Answer: The path was very important for the villagers because their dead relatives used it to leave and their ancestors used it to visit. It was also believed to be the path for children yet to be born. It linked the village's holy place with their burial grounds, making it a sacred connection between the living and the dead.
यह रास्ता ग्रामीणों के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण था क्योंकि उनके मृत रिश्तेदार इसी रास्ते से जाते थे और उनके पूर्वज मिलने आते थे। इसे अभी पैदा होने वाले बच्चों का रास्ता भी माना जाता था। यह रास्ता गाँव के पूजा स्थल को उनके कब्रिस्तान से जोड़ता था, जिससे यह जीवित और मृत लोगों के बीच एक पवित्र संबंध बन गया।
In simple words: The path was important because it was used by dead relatives, visiting ancestors, and children yet to be born, connecting their sacred places.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining importance, mention all stated reasons from the text, especially those linking past, present, and future generations.

 

Question 5. What did the diviner suggest at the death of a young woman? एक युवती की मृत्यु पर शगुनियाँ ने क्या सलाह दी?
Answer: When a young woman died during childbirth, a diviner was called. The diviner suggested that heavy sacrifices were needed to calm the ancestors who were upset because Obi had blocked their path with a fence. This was believed to be the cause of her death and the community's misfortune.
जब एक युवती की बच्चे को जन्म देते समय मृत्यु हो गई, तो एक शगुनियाँ को बुलाया गया। शगुनियाँ ने सलाह दी कि पूर्वजों को शांत करने के लिए बड़े बलिदान देने होंगे, जो ओबी द्वारा उनके रास्ते को बाड़ लगाकर बंद करने से नाराज थे। ऐसा माना गया कि यही उसकी मृत्यु और समुदाय के दुर्भाग्य का कारण था।
In simple words: The diviner said that big sacrifices were needed to please the angry ancestors because Obi had closed their sacred path, which caused the young woman's death.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the diviner's role as an interpreter of supernatural events and the specific remedy prescribed to appease the spirits.

 

Question 6. Describe the report prepared by the white supervisor. गोरे निरीक्षक द्वारा तैयार की गई रिपोर्ट का वर्णन कीजिए।
Answer: The white supervisor's report lightly mentioned the school's physical state. More importantly, it focused on the conflict between the school and the village. This conflict arose because of the new headmaster's strong but misguided enthusiasm. He made the problem worse without understanding local customs, leading to administrative challenges.
गोरे निरीक्षक की रिपोर्ट में स्कूल के परिसर की स्थिति के बारे में कम लिखा गया था। अधिक महत्वपूर्ण बात यह थी कि उन्होंने स्कूल और गाँव के बीच हुए झगड़े पर ध्यान केंद्रित किया। यह झगड़ा नए प्रधानाध्यापक के गलत उत्साह के कारण शुरू हुआ था। उन्होंने स्थानीय रीति-रिवाजों को समझे बिना समस्या बढ़ा दी थी, जिससे प्रशासनिक चुनौतियाँ पैदा हुईं।
In simple words: The supervisor's report mainly talked about the fight between the school and village, blaming the headmaster's zeal more than the school's looks.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the report, emphasize the supervisor's main concern (the conflict) and the underlying cause (Obi's misplaced zeal).

C. Answer The Following Questions In 125 Words Each:

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर 125 शब्दों में दीजिये:

 

Question 1. Describe the condition of the Ndume Central School before and after Michael Obi. माइकल ओबी के पहले व बाद की एनड्यूम सेंट्रल स्कूल की स्थिति का वर्णन कीजिए।
Answer: Before Michael Obi arrived, Ndume Central School was very old-fashioned and undeveloped. It was behind in every way. Obi and his wife, Nancy, focused completely on making it better. Obi had two main goals: to improve teaching quality and make the school grounds beautiful. They worked hard, and with the rains, their dream gardens bloomed. Red hibiscus and yellow allamanda hedges now neatly separated the well-kept school area from the messy bushes nearby. He also blocked the path crossing the school by placing heavy sticks and barbed wire at both entry and exit points. This action, meant to modernize, unfortunately led to big problems with the villagers who cherished the old path.
माइकल ओबी के आने से पहले, एनड्यूम सेंट्रल स्कूल बहुत ही पुराना और अविकसित था। यह हर तरह से पिछड़ा हुआ था। ओबी और उनकी पत्नी, नैंसी, ने इसे बेहतर बनाने के लिए अपना पूरा ध्यान लगा दिया। ओबी के दो मुख्य लक्ष्य थे: शिक्षण की गुणवत्ता बढ़ाना और स्कूल परिसर को सुंदर बनाना। उन्होंने कड़ी मेहनत की, और बारिश के साथ उनके सपनों के बगीचे खिल उठे। लाल गुड़हल और पीले अलमान्डा के सुंदर बाड़ अब सुव्यवस्थित स्कूल क्षेत्र को आसपास की झाड़ियों से अलग दिखाते थे। उन्होंने स्कूल को पार करने वाले रास्ते को दोनों प्रवेश और निकास बिंदुओं पर भारी डंडे और कांटेदार तार लगाकर बंद कर दिया। आधुनिकीकरण के उद्देश्य से किया गया यह कार्य दुर्भाग्यवश ग्रामीणों के साथ बड़ी समस्याएँ उत्पन्न कर गया, जो पुराने रास्ते को बहुत महत्व देते थे।
In simple words: Before Obi, the school was old and neglected; after he came, he and his wife worked hard to improve teaching and beautify the campus, but he closed a village path, causing conflict.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure your answer clearly details both the "before" and "after" scenarios and links Obi's actions to the changes.

 

Question 2. Describe the character sketch of Obi. ओबी का चरित्र-चित्रण कीजिये।
Answer: Michael Obi was a handsome, young man with high ambitions, especially in education. He had a good secondary education and was known as a "pivotal teacher" in official records. He was seen as a distinguished headmaster and openly criticized the old-fashioned views of less-educated people. He disliked baseless and illogical beliefs common in society. Despite sometimes seeming weak, he had great energy. His deep, serious eyes showed his sharp mind. He was only twenty-six but looked older. He put much effort into Ndume Central School, aiming to change it based on his progressive goals, driven by a strong desire for modernization and improvement.
माइकल ओबी एक आकर्षक, युवा व्यक्ति था जिसकी शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में उच्च महत्वाकांक्षाएँ थीं। उसने अच्छी माध्यमिक शिक्षा प्राप्त की थी और उसे आधिकारिक रिकॉर्ड में एक "प्रमुख शिक्षक" के रूप में जाना जाता था। उसे एक प्रतिष्ठित प्रधानाध्यापक माना जाता था और वह कम पढ़े-लिखे लोगों के पुराने विचारों की खुलकर निंदा करता था। उसे समाज में फैली निराधार और अतार्किक मान्यताओं से नफरत थी। कभी-कभी कमजोर दिखने के बावजूद, उसमें बहुत ऊर्जा थी। उसकी गहरी, गंभीर आँखें उसकी तेज बुद्धि को दर्शाती थीं। वह केवल छब्बीस वर्ष का था लेकिन तीस या उससे अधिक का दिखता था। उसने अपने प्रगतिशील लक्ष्यों के अनुसार एनड्यूम सेंट्रल स्कूल को बदलने के लिए बहुत प्रयास किए, जो आधुनिकीकरण और सुधार की तीव्र इच्छा से प्रेरित था।
In simple words: Obi was a young, ambitious headmaster who wanted to modernize the school and criticized old beliefs, but his zeal sometimes caused problems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on Obi's key traits: ambition, modern outlook, energy, and his disapproval of traditional beliefs, as these drive the story's conflict.

 

Question 3. Why were the school building and hedges ruined? विद्यालय भवन तथा बाड़ को क्यों नष्ट कर दिया गया?
Answer: Headmaster Michael Obi closed the traditional path crossing the school compound. The village priest asked him to reopen it, but Obi refused, calling it a baseless old belief that the school aimed to remove. He would not let the path be used again. Three days later, a young woman in the village died during childbirth. A diviner was consulted, who said that huge sacrifices were needed to calm the ancestors, who were insulted by the fence. The next day, the beautiful hedges around the school were torn down, the flowers crushed, and one of the school buildings was pulled down by the angry villagers. This act of destruction was the villagers' way of appeasing their ancestors and showing their displeasure with Obi's actions.
प्रधानाध्यापक माइकल ओबी ने स्कूल के परिसर से गुजरने वाले पारंपरिक रास्ते को बंद कर दिया था। गाँव के पादरी ने उनसे रास्ता खोलने का अनुरोध किया, लेकिन ओबी ने इनकार कर दिया। उनका मानना था कि यह एक निराधार पुरानी मान्यता थी जिसे स्कूल खत्म करना चाहता था। उन्होंने रास्ते को फिर से खोलने की अनुमति नहीं दी। तीन दिन बाद, गाँव में एक युवा महिला की बच्चे को जन्म देते समय मृत्यु हो गई। एक शगुनियाँ से सलाह ली गई, जिसने बताया कि बाड़ से अपमानित पूर्वजों को शांत करने के लिए बड़े बलिदानों की आवश्यकता है। अगले दिन, स्कूल के चारों ओर की सुंदर बाड़ें तोड़ दी गईं, फूल कुचल दिए गए, और गाँव वालों ने स्कूल की एक इमारत को भी गिरा दिया। विनाश का यह कार्य ग्रामीणों द्वारा अपने पूर्वजों को खुश करने और ओबी के कार्यों के प्रति अपनी नाराजगी दिखाने का तरीका था।
In simple words: Obi closed a sacred path, which angered villagers after a young woman's death. A diviner said ancestors were insulted, so villagers destroyed school hedges and a building as a sacrifice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Trace the sequence of events clearly: Obi's action, the village reaction, the tragic event, the diviner's interpretation, and the villagers' destructive response.

D. State True Or False:

 

Question 1. Michael Obi was 30 years of age.
Answer: False
In simple words: Michael Obi was not 30 years old; he was 26, though he looked older.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to character details, especially age, as they can reveal aspects of their personality or experience.

 

Question 2. Nancy was the name of Obi's wife.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Nancy was Obi's wife, and she was equally enthusiastic about his modernizing mission.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember character names and their relationships to avoid confusion in the story.

 

Question 3. A young woman died in a road accident in the village.
Answer: False
In simple words: The young woman did not die in a road accident; she died during childbirth, a critical detail in the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between actual causes of death and traditional interpretations within the story.

 

Question 4. Michael Obi and the priest of Ani had a heated discussion between them.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Obi and the priest had a strong argument because of their clashing views on tradition and progress.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize direct conflicts between characters as they often highlight core themes or disagreements.

 

Question 5. The White Supervisor wrote a good report of Obi's work in the school.
Answer: False
In simple words: The supervisor did not write a good report; he noted problems due to Obi's actions and the resulting conflict.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the supervisor's perspective, which often reflects an external or official view of the events.

E. Creative Writing:

 

Question 1. Extend the story and imaginatively create a new end of the story.
Answer: One possible ending could involve Obi realizing his mistake and working with the villagers to create a new, respected path that honors both tradition and progress. This could lead to the community helping rebuild the school, fostering a sense of unity. Such an ending would emphasize compromise and understanding between different viewpoints, showing that mutual respect can bridge cultural divides.
In simple words: Obi could learn from his error, work with villagers to build a new path, and together, they could rebuild the school, showing that old ways and new ideas can live side-by-side.

🎯 Exam Tip: For creative writing, focus on developing a clear plot, consistent character motivations, and a resolution that reflects themes of the original story.

RBSE Class 12 English Panorama Chapter 7 Additional Questions

A. Answer The Following Question In 30-40 Words Each:

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर 30-40 शब्दों में दीजिये।

 

Question 1. Why did Obi accept his new responsibility with enthusiasm? ओबी ने नयी जिम्मेदारी को उत्साह के साथ क्यों स्वीकार कर लिया?
Answer: Obi was a young, energetic man chosen to run a school. He had many great ideas and saw this as a perfect chance to put them into practice. So, he eagerly took on the responsibility, hoping to bring new methods and improvements to the school, driven by his passion for progress.
ओबी एक युवा और ऊर्जावान व्यक्ति थे जिन्हें एक स्कूल चलाने के लिए चुना गया था। उनके पास बहुत सारे शानदार विचार थे और उन्होंने इसे उन विचारों को अमल में लाने का एक शानदार अवसर देखा। इसलिए, उन्होंने उत्साह के साथ जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार की, उम्मीद थी कि वे स्कूल में नए तरीके और सुधार लाएंगे, जो उनकी प्रगति के जुनून से प्रेरित था।
In simple words: Obi was excited for the new job because he had many good ideas and saw a chance to use them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect Obi's personality (young, energetic, full of ideas) directly to his enthusiastic acceptance of the role.

 

Question 2. How can you say that Obi was outspoken? कैसे कहा जा सकता है कि ओबी एक स्पष्टवादी था?
Answer: Obi was outspoken because he openly disliked the narrow views of older and often less-educated people. He would directly criticize such individuals, showing his strong and clear opinions. He wasn't afraid to share what he thought was right, even if it meant challenging traditional beliefs.
ओबी स्पष्टवादी था क्योंकि वह खुले तौर पर बूढ़े और अक्सर कम पढ़े-लिखे लोगों के संकीर्ण विचारों को नापसंद करता था। वह ऐसे व्यक्तियों की सीधी आलोचना करता था, अपने मजबूत और स्पष्ट विचार दिखाता था। वह सही लगने वाली बात कहने से नहीं डरता था, भले ही इसका मतलब पारंपरिक मान्यताओं को चुनौती देना हो।
In simple words: Obi was outspoken because he openly criticized the old and uneducated people's narrow ideas.

🎯 Exam Tip: Support the claim of Obi being outspoken with specific examples of his behavior, like condemning narrow views.

 

Question 3. Was Nancy happy on hearing the news of Obi's promotion?
Answer: Yes, Nancy was happy. She told Obi they would try their best, create a beautiful garden, and make everything modern and pleasant. She also started seeing herself as the respected wife of the young headmaster, dreaming of her new social standing and role.
हाँ, नैंसी खुश थी। उसने ओबी से कहा कि वे पूरी कोशिश करेंगे, एक सुंदर बगीचा लगाएंगे और सब कुछ आधुनिक और सुखद बनाएंगे। उसने खुद को युवा प्रधानाध्यापक की प्रशंसनीय पत्नी के रूप में देखना भी शुरू कर दिया था, अपनी नई सामाजिक स्थिति और भूमिका के सपने देखते हुए।
In simple words: Yes, Nancy was happy and looked forward to making the school modern and being the respected headmaster's wife.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe Nancy's personal aspirations and how they align with Obi's professional advancements, adding depth to her character.

 

Question 4. How was Nancy inspired by her husband Michael? नैंसी अपने पति माइकल से किस प्रकार से प्रेरित हुई।
Answer: In their two years of marriage, Nancy was greatly inspired by Michael's strong belief in "modern methods." She was also influenced by his criticism of old-fashioned and retired people in the teaching field. She admired his progressive thinking and drive for change, seeing him as a visionary leader.
शादीशुदा जीवन के अपने दो वर्षों में, नैंसी माइकल के "आधुनिक तरीकों" में दृढ़ विश्वास से बहुत प्रेरित हुई। वह शिक्षण क्षेत्र में पुराने ख्यालों और सेवानिवृत्त लोगों की उनकी आलोचना से भी प्रभावित हुई। उसने उनकी प्रगतिशील सोच और बदलाव की इच्छा की सराहना की, उन्हें एक दूरदर्शी नेता के रूप में देखा।
In simple words: Nancy was inspired by Michael's modern ideas and how he criticized old ways of thinking in education.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the specific aspects of Michael's character or philosophy that Nancy found inspiring.

 

Question 5. What made Nancy anxious? नैंसी किस बात से चिंतित हो गई?
Answer: Nancy initially thought she would be the admired wife of the young headmaster and the "queen" of the school. But suddenly, it worried her that there might not be other wives in that area to envy her position. This lack of competition or comparison made her anxious, as she had expected to enjoy her elevated status among peers.
नैंसी ने पहले सोचा था कि वह युवा प्रधानाध्यापक की प्रशंसनीय पत्नी और स्कूल की "रानी" होगी। लेकिन अचानक उसे चिंता हुई कि उस क्षेत्र में ऐसी कोई अन्य पत्नियाँ नहीं हो सकतीं जो उसकी स्थिति से ईर्ष्या करेंगी। प्रतिस्पर्धा या तुलना की कमी ने उसे चिंतित कर दिया, क्योंकि उसे अपने साथियों के बीच अपनी ऊँची स्थिति का आनंद लेने की उम्मीद थी।
In simple words: Nancy got worried because she thought there would be no other wives to envy her high position as the headmaster's wife.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight Nancy's initial high expectations and how a small detail (lack of social competition) could shift her mood to anxiety.

 

Question 6. Why could Nancy not remain sad for a long time? नैंसी ज्यादा देर तक दुःखी क्यों नही रह पाई?
Answer: Nancy felt sad for a short while because she was unsure about the new school. However, she could not stay sad for long. This was likely because her excitement about her husband's promotion and her new role as the headmaster's wife quickly replaced her doubts, making her feel positive again and eager for the future.
नैंसी कुछ समय के लिए दुःखी थी क्योंकि उसे नए स्कूल के बारे में अनिश्चितता थी। हालाँकि, वह ज्यादा देर तक दुःखी नहीं रह पाई। ऐसा इसलिए था क्योंकि उसके पति के पदोन्नति और प्रधानाध्यापक की पत्नी के रूप में उसकी नई भूमिका के प्रति उसका उत्साह जल्दी ही उसके संदेहों को दूर कर गया, जिससे वह फिर से सकारात्मक महसूस करने लगी और भविष्य के लिए उत्सुक हो गई।
In simple words: Nancy couldn't stay sad because her excitement about Obi's new job and her own important role as his wife quickly made her feel better.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect Nancy's brief sadness to her initial doubts about the school, and her quick recovery to her ambition and excitement for her new social status.

 

Question 7. Describe the carefully tended school compound'. 'परिश्रमपूर्वक सजाए-सँवारे गए क्द्यिालय-परिसर' का वर्णन कीजिए।
Answer: The school compound became vibrant with blooming hedges of beautiful hibiscus and allamanda flowers. These colorful hedges made the school distinct from the wild, overgrown bushes nearby. It showed that much effort was put into making the area neat and attractive, reflecting Obi's dedication to modernizing the school environment.
स्कूल का परिसर सुंदर गुड़हल और अलमांडा के फूलों से खिले हुए बाड़ों से जीवंत हो उठा था। ये रंगीन बाड़ स्कूल को पास की जंगली, उगी हुई झाड़ियों से अलग दिखाते थे। यह दर्शाता था कि इस क्षेत्र को साफ और आकर्षक बनाने में बहुत प्रयास किया गया था, जो स्कूल के माहौल को आधुनिक बनाने के लिए ओबी के समर्पण को दर्शाता है।
In simple words: The school compound looked lively with blooming hibiscus and allamanda hedges, making it stand out from the messy wild bushes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use descriptive language to convey the visual appeal and the effort put into maintaining the school grounds.

 

Question 8. What did Mr Obi notice one evening? एक शाम को श्रीमान ओबी ने क्या देखा?
Answer: One evening, while admiring his work, Obi was shocked to see an old woman from the village. She was hobbling right across the school compound, walking through a marigold flowerbed and the hedges. This sight deeply disturbed him because it violated the boundaries he had carefully set for the school.
एक शाम, जब ओबी अपने काम की प्रशंसा कर रहे थे, तो वे गाँव की एक वृद्ध महिला को देखकर चौंक गए। वह लंगड़ाते हुए स्कूल के परिसर, गेंदे के फूलों के बिस्तर और बाड़ों के बीच से गुजर रही थी। इस दृश्य ने उन्हें बहुत परेशान किया क्योंकि इसने स्कूल के लिए उनके द्वारा सावधानीपूर्वक तय की गई सीमाओं का उल्लंघन किया था।
In simple words: One evening, Obi saw an old woman limping through his beautiful school garden, crossing the flowerbed and hedges, which upset him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on Obi's immediate reaction (shocked, scandalized) to the sight, as it sets the stage for the conflict.

 

Question 9. How did the new headmaster come to know about the path? नये प्रधानाध्यापक को रास्ते के बारे में कैसे पता चला?
Answer: The new headmaster, Obi, learned about the path when he saw an old woman from the village walking directly across the school compound, through a marigold flowerbed and hedges. When he went to investigate, he found faint signs of an almost unused path leading from the village across the school grounds to the bush on the other side. This discovery solidified his decision to close it.
नए प्रधानाध्यापक, ओबी, को रास्ते के बारे में तब पता चला जब उन्होंने गाँव की एक वृद्ध महिला को सीधे स्कूल परिसर से, गेंदे के फूलों के बिस्तर और बाड़ों के बीच से चलते हुए देखा। जब वह जाँच करने गए, तो उन्हें गाँव से स्कूल के मैदान को पार कर दूसरी तरफ की झाड़ी तक जाने वाले एक लगभग अप्रयुक्त रास्ते के हल्के निशान मिले। इस खोज ने उसे इसे बंद करने के उसके निर्णय को पुख्ता कर दिया।
In simple words: Obi learned about the path when he saw an old woman crossing the school grounds and then found faint traces of an old path.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the direct observation that led Obi to discover the path, not just general awareness.

 

Question 11. What happened when the school teachers attempted to close the path? जब विद्यालय के शिक्षकों ने मार्ग बन्द करने का प्रयास किया तो क्या हुआ?
Answer: When the school teachers tried to close the path, the village priest came to the headmaster, Obi. He argued with Obi, asking him to reopen the path. The priest explained that it was wrong to close it because it was a very important and sacred path for the villagers, used for generations to connect with their ancestors and future. The priest's strong appeal highlighted the deep cultural significance of the path.
जब स्कूल के शिक्षकों ने रास्ता बंद करने की कोशिश की, तो गाँव के पादरी प्रधानाध्यापक ओबी के पास आए। उन्होंने ओबी से बहस की, और उनसे रास्ता फिर से खोलने का अनुरोध किया। पादरी ने समझाया कि इसे बंद करना गलत था क्योंकि यह ग्रामीणों के लिए एक बहुत ही महत्वपूर्ण और पवित्र रास्ता था, जिसका उपयोग पीढ़ियों से अपने पूर्वजों और भविष्य से जुड़ने के लिए किया जाता था। पादरी की इस प्रबल अपील ने रास्ते के गहरे सांस्कृतिक महत्व को उजागर किया।
In simple words: When teachers tried to close the path, the village priest came to Obi and argued that it was a sacred and important path for the villagers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the main actors (teachers, priest, Obi) and the core arguments each presented regarding the path.

 

Question 12. Draw a character sketch of the village priest. गाँव के पादरी का चरित्र-चित्रण कीजिए।
Answer: The old village priest was not driven by logic or reason; he deeply believed only in customs and traditions. He often tapped his heavy walking stick on the floor to strongly emphasize his statements, which showed his rough manners. He was the guardian of the village's ancient ways and was determined to protect them, viewing any deviation as an affront to their heritage.
गाँव के बूढ़े पादरी तर्क या बुद्धि से नहीं चलते थे; उनका गहरा विश्वास केवल रीति-रिवाजों और परंपराओं में था। वह अक्सर अपनी भारी लाठी फर्श पर मारकर अपनी बातों पर जोर देते थे, जो उनके कठोर तौर-तरीकों को दर्शाता था। वह गाँव के प्राचीन तरीकों के संरक्षक थे और उन्हें बचाने के लिए दृढ़ थे, किसी भी विचलन को अपनी विरासत का अपमान मानते थे।
In simple words: The priest was a traditional man who believed in old customs, not logic, and used his stick to emphasize his points, showing his rough manner.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the priest's adherence to tradition, his lack of rationality from Obi's perspective, and his assertive manner.

 

Question 13. What, according to the new headmaster, was the purpose of the school? नये प्रधानाध्यापक के अनुसार विद्यालय का उद्देश्य क्या था?
Answer: According to the new headmaster, Obi, the school's purpose was to remove baseless and irrational beliefs from children's minds. He believed it was their duty to teach children to laugh at such foolish ideas, encouraging them to adopt modern, logical thinking. He saw the school as a tool for progress, meant to enlighten the young generation and steer them away from superstitions.
नए प्रधानाध्यापक, ओबी के अनुसार, स्कूल का उद्देश्य बच्चों के मन से निराधार और अतार्किक विश्वासों को दूर करना था। उनका मानना था कि उनका कर्तव्य बच्चों को ऐसी मूर्खतापूर्ण बातों पर हँसना सिखाना था, उन्हें आधुनिक, तार्किक सोच अपनाने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करना। उन्होंने स्कूल को प्रगति के एक उपकरण के रूप में देखा, जिसका उद्देश्य युवा पीढ़ी को प्रबुद्ध करना और उन्हें अंधविश्वासों से दूर करना था।
In simple words: Obi believed the school should teach children to stop believing in old, illogical ideas and instead think in modern, sensible ways.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state Obi's reformist vision for education, highlighting his desire to replace superstition with rationality.

 

Question 14. What was the suggestion of the priest? पादरी की सलाह क्या थी?
Answer: The priest suggested that the villagers should continue their ancestral practices. He believed that if Obi reopened the path, they would have no reason to argue. He also requested Obi to "let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch," meaning everyone should be allowed to follow their own traditions peacefully, respecting each other's ways.
पादरी ने सुझाव दिया कि ग्रामीणों को अपने पूर्वजों की प्रथाओं का पालन करना जारी रखना चाहिए। उनका मानना था कि यदि ओबी रास्ता फिर से खोल देता, तो उनके पास झगड़ा करने का कोई कारण नहीं होता। उन्होंने ओबी से "बाज को बैठने दो और चील को भी बैठने दो" का अनुरोध भी किया, जिसका अर्थ था कि सभी को अपनी परंपराओं का शांतिपूर्वक पालन करने की अनुमति मिलनी चाहिए, एक-दूसरे के तरीकों का सम्मान करते हुए।
In simple words: The priest advised that villagers should keep their old ways and that if Obi reopened the path, there would be no more fights, allowing everyone to live peacefully.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the priest's call for respecting tradition and his plea for peaceful coexistence through the analogy of the hawk and eagle.

B. Answer The Following Questions In 125 Words Each:

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर 125 शब्दों में दीजिये:

 

Question 1. Compare and contrast Michael with the village priest. माइकल और गाँव के पादरी की समानताएँ और विरोधाभास बताइये।
Answer: Both Michael Obi and the village priest strongly supported their generation's values and held important positions in society, expected to guide people. However, their beliefs were very different. Michael was educated and polite, while the priest was uneducated and had rough manners. Michael did not believe in illogical ideas and wanted to get rid of them, but the priest wanted to keep them. When a young woman died in childbirth, the priest consulted a diviner. Based on the diviner's advice, he had the school's beautiful hedges torn down near the path and a school building destroyed. This highlights their contrasting views on progress versus tradition and the deep cultural clash.
माइकल ओबी और गाँव के पादरी दोनों ही अपनी-अपनी पीढ़ी के मूल्यों के प्रबल समर्थक थे और समाज में महत्वपूर्ण स्थान रखते थे, जिनसे लोगों को मार्गदर्शन की उम्मीद की जाती थी। हालाँकि, उनके विचार बहुत भिन्न थे। माइकल पढ़ा-लिखा और विनम्र था, जबकि पादरी अनपढ़ और अशिष्ट था। माइकल अतार्किक विचारों में विश्वास नहीं करता था और उन्हें खत्म करना चाहता था, लेकिन पादरी उन्हें बनाए रखना चाहता था। जब एक युवती की बच्चे को जन्म देते समय मृत्यु हो गई, तो पादरी ने एक शगुनियाँ से सलाह ली। शगुनियाँ की सलाह पर, उसने स्कूल के पास की सुंदर बाड़ें तोड़वा दीं और एक स्कूल की इमारत भी गिरवा दी। यह प्रगति बनाम परंपरा पर उनके विपरीत विचारों और गहरे सांस्कृतिक टकराव को दर्शाता है।
In simple words: Obi and the priest both held important roles and believed in their ways, but Obi was educated and wanted to change old, illogical beliefs, while the priest was traditional and wanted to keep them, leading to conflict.

🎯 Exam Tip: Organize your answer by first stating the similarities and then clearly outlining the points of contrast, such as education, rationality, and approach to tradition.

 

Question 3. What do you mean by 'Superstitions'? Discuss some of the Superstitions described in the story. Do you find such superstitions in your society? अन्धविश्वासों से आप क्या समझते हैं? कहानी में वर्णित कुछ अन्धविश्वासों का वर्णन कीजिए। क्या आपके समाज में ऐसे अन्धविश्वास मिलते हैं?
Answer: Superstitions are irrational beliefs, meaning they are not based on reason or scientific evidence. Long ago, when people didn't know what caused diseases, they thought it was evil spirits or magic. In the story, one superstition is that dead people use a special path, which ancestors also use to visit, and future children come by it. Villagers believed ancestors get angry if this path is closed. So, when a young woman died in childbirth, they thought it was because Obi had blocked the path. Yes, even today, similar superstitions exist in our society; for instance, some people believe a cat crossing their path brings bad luck and might delay their journey, showcasing the persistence of such beliefs.
अंधविश्वास अतार्किक धारणाएँ हैं, जिसका अर्थ है कि वे तर्क या वैज्ञानिक प्रमाण पर आधारित नहीं हैं। बहुत समय पहले, जब लोग बीमारियों के कारणों को नहीं जानते थे, तो वे सोचते थे कि यह बुरी आत्माओं या जादू टोने के कारण था। कहानी में, एक अंधविश्वास यह है कि मृत लोग एक विशेष रास्ते का उपयोग करते हैं, जिससे पूर्वज मिलने आते हैं, और भविष्य के बच्चे भी उसी रास्ते से आते हैं। ग्रामीणों का मानना था कि अगर यह रास्ता बंद कर दिया जाए तो पूर्वज नाराज हो जाते हैं। इसलिए, जब एक युवा महिला की बच्चे को जन्म देते समय मृत्यु हो गई, तो उन्होंने सोचा कि यह ओबी द्वारा रास्ता बंद करने के कारण हुआ था। हाँ, आज भी हमारे समाज में ऐसे ही अंधविश्वास मौजूद हैं; उदाहरण के लिए, कुछ लोग मानते हैं कि अगर एक बिल्ली उनका रास्ता काट दे तो दुर्भाग्य आता है और वे अपनी यात्रा में देरी कर सकते हैं, जो ऐसी मान्यताओं की निरंतरता को दर्शाता है।
In simple words: Superstitions are beliefs without reason. In the story, villagers believed dead people and ancestors used a path, and closing it made spirits angry, causing bad events. Yes, similar strange beliefs are still found today.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define superstition clearly, provide specific examples from the story, and then offer a relevant modern-day example from your society.

 

Question 4. 'Dead men do not require footpaths.' Explain on the basis of the story. 'मृत लोगों को पगडंडियों की आवश्यकता नहीं होती है। कहानी के आधार पर व्याख्या कीजिए।
Answer: There was a nearly unused path across the school grounds that connected the village shrine to their burial place. Villagers believed their dead relatives used this path to depart and visit, and children yet to be born would also come by it. The village priest wanted the headmaster, Obi, to accept this belief and reopen the path. However, Obi argued that dead men do not need paths. He called it an absurd idea that children should be taught to laugh at. He suggested building another path around the school premises, assuring that ancestors would not find this small detour difficult. This showed Obi's modern, logical view against the village's traditional beliefs and his determination to eradicate superstition.
स्कूल के मैदान को पार करते हुए एक लगभग अप्रयुक्त रास्ता था जो गाँव के पूजा स्थल को कब्रिस्तान से जोड़ता था। ग्रामीणों का मानना था कि उनके मृत रिश्तेदार इस रास्ते से जाते और आते थे, और अभी पैदा होने वाले बच्चे भी इसी रास्ते से आते थे। गाँव का पादरी चाहता था कि प्रधानाध्यापक ओबी इस विश्वास को स्वीकार करें और रास्ता खोल दें। हालाँकि, ओबी ने तर्क दिया कि मृत लोगों को रास्तों की आवश्यकता नहीं होती। उन्होंने इसे एक बेतुका विचार बताया जिस पर बच्चों को हँसना सिखाया जाना चाहिए। उन्होंने स्कूल परिसर के चारों ओर एक वैकल्पिक रास्ता बनाने का सुझाव दिया, यह कहते हुए कि पूर्वजों को यह छोटा-सा चक्करदार मार्ग मुश्किल नहीं लगेगा। यह गाँव की पारंपरिक मान्यताओं के विरुद्ध ओबी के आधुनिक, तार्किक दृष्टिकोण और अंधविश्वास को मिटाने के उनके दृढ़ संकल्प को दर्शाता है।
In simple words: Obi said dead people don't need paths, calling it a silly belief. He wanted to teach kids to laugh at such ideas and suggested a new path around the school for villagers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain Obi's rationalist stance, contrast it with the villagers' traditional beliefs, and include his suggested alternative to resolve the conflict.

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