RBSE Solutions Class 12 English Prudence Short Stories Chapter 6 The Cow of the Barricades

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Short Stories Chapter 6 Textual Questions

(A) Tick the correct alternative:

Question 1. Women and children were taken to the camps by field
(a) to have food together
(b) to save them from the attack of government army
(c) to make a plan to attack the enemies
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) to save them from the attack of government army
In simple words: Women and children were moved to safe camps. This was done to keep them safe from the government army's attacks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify the primary reason for an action in the story. In MCQs, choose the option that best explains the motive or cause.

Question 3. The workmen laid down their arms because
(a) the master was against violence
(b) they thought it was impossible to take on the enemy
(c) they felt uplifted, and felt that cow would somehow protect them.
(d) All of the options
Answer: (c) they felt uplifted, and felt that cow would somehow protect them.
In simple words: The workers stopped fighting because they felt inspired and believed the cow would keep them safe. They were filled with a sense of hope and protection.

🎯 Exam Tip: When characters' actions are driven by emotion or belief, identify the specific feeling (e.g., hope, fear, respect) and how it influenced their decisions.

(B) Answer the following questions in about 15-20 words each :

Question 1. Why does the author say that Gauri was not a dedicated cow? लेखक क्यों कहता है कि गौरी अर्पित (devotion was not aach: RMARK pat (देवता को चढ़ाई हुई) गाय नहीं थी?
Answer: Gauri was different from other cows. She was never caught eating gram from shopkeepers. Also, she was not seen hiding in a cattle pond like stray cows do. This showed her unique nature.
दूसरी गायों की तरह उसे कभी किसी दुकानदार ने चनों पर मुंह मारते नहीं पकड़ा था और ना ही वह किसी पोखर में दूसरी गायों के साथ सिमटकर बैठी हुई देखी गई।
In simple words: Gauri was unique because she never stole food from shops or huddled with other stray cows. She behaved differently from typical cows.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing unique characteristics, compare them to the general behavior of others in the same group to highlight the difference.

Question 2. What did Gauri do on appearing at the hermitage on Tuesday? मंगलवार को गौरी कुटिया पर दृष्टिगोचर होने के बाद क्या करती?
Answer: When Gauri appeared at the hermitage on Tuesday, she stood there and gently nibbled the master's hair. After that, she shook her head, walked around the master, and then disappeared into the bushes. She showed affection before leaving.
गौरी वहां खड़ी रहकर मालिक के बालों को कुतरती। सिर हिलाती हुई वह मालिक के चारों ओर परिक्रमा करती और झाड़ियों में जाकर ओझल हो जाती।
In simple words: Gauri would nibble the master's hair, walk around him, and then go into the bushes every Tuesday. It was her special routine.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to describe an action sequence, list the steps in the correct order to ensure clarity and completeness.

Question 4. What made the workmen furious? मजदूरों को किसने आग बबूला कर दिया?
Answer: Some workmen were hiding behind the barricades. Gauri, the cow, walked towards them. The workers became angry, saying, "People are sending a cow to help us instead of coming themselves." They expected human help, not an animal.
कुछ मजदूर सुरक्षा दीवार के पीछे थे। गौरी उनकी तरफ आई। वे यह कहते हुए गुस्सा हो गये कि लोगों ने हमारी मदद के लिये आने के बजाए एक गाय को भेज दिया है।”
In simple words: The workers got very angry when Gauri came towards them at the barricades. They felt people should have sent help, not just a cow.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the immediate cause and the resulting emotion when explaining why a character reacted in a certain way.

Question 5. What did Seth Jamnalal Dwarkachand do after buying two houses on either side of the barricades? सेठ जमनालाल द्वारकाचंद ने सुरक्षा दीवार के दोनों तरफ दो घर खरीदने के बाद क्या किया?
Answer: After buying two houses on both sides of the barricades, Seth Jamnalal Dwarkachand built a loop road that went through these two houses. In the middle of this new road, he placed a metal statue of Gauri. This honored the cow's memory.
दीवार के दोनों तरफ दो घर खरीदने के बाद सेठ जमनालाल द्वारकाचंद ने उन दो घरों के बीच घेरेनुमा सडक बनवाई और बीच में उन्होंने गौरी की एक धातु की मूर्ति स्थापित की।
In simple words: Seth Jamnalal Dwarkachand bought two houses near the barricades. He built a road connecting them and put up a metal statue of Gauri in the middle.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering questions about a sequence of events, describe each action clearly and chronologically to show the full process.

(C) Answer the following questions in about 50 words :

Question 1. What does the author say about the snake and rat playing under the master's bed? मालिक के पलंग के नीचे चूहे व सर्प के खेलने के बारे में लेखक क्या कहता है?
Answer: The author uses this image as a symbol. It means that people in the city are living happy and peaceful lives. They do not have to worry about anything. So, the phrase "the snake and the rat playing under the master's bed" clearly shows this idea of happiness and harmony. Even natural enemies are at peace.
In simple words: The author uses the snake and rat playing together as a symbol. It means that everyone in the city is living happily and without worries.

🎯 Exam Tip: For symbolic references, first explain the direct meaning, then connect it to the broader theme or message the author is trying to convey.

Question 2. Why did the workmen lay down their arms ? मजदूरों ने अपने हथियार नीचे क्यों गिरा दिये?
Answer: The workmen laid down their arms to show respect for Gauri, the cow. Before this, they were hiding behind the barricades. When Gauri approached them, they first felt angry. However, as she came closer, they dropped their weapons, folded their hands, and bowed down at her feet. This was a sign of their sudden reverence.
गौरी के सम्मान में, मजदूरों ने अपने हथियार नीचे । गिरा दिये। इससे पहले वे सुरक्षा दीवारे के पीछे थे। जब उन्होंने गौरी को अपनी तरफ आते देखा तो वे क्रोधित हो उठे। ज्योंहि गौरी और पास आई, मजदूरों ने गौरी के प्रति प्रेम और आदर प्रकट करने के प्रयोजन से अपने हथियार नीचे गिरा दिये और अपने हाथ जोड़ लिये और उसके चरणों में लेट गये।
In simple words: The workers put down their weapons to show respect for Gauri. They felt angry at first, but then they honored her by bowing and folding their hands.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a shift in character behavior, explain both the initial reaction and the change, along with the reason for it.

Question 3. Describe the march of Gauri to the barricades. गौरी के सुरक्षा दीवार की तरफ गमन का वर्णन करो।
Answer: People had strong faith in Gauri. The day she walked towards the barricades, her head was gently bowed, and her ears were laid back. She seemed like someone going to a temple to offer fruits and flowers to a goddess. Gauri walked calmly and did not tremble or run towards the barricades. She moved with purpose and dignity.
गौरी के प्रति लोगों के मन में गहरी आस्था थी। एक दिन गौरी सुरक्षा दीवार की तरफ अपना सिर हल्के से झुकाये हुए और अपने कानों को पीछे की तरफ चिपकाए हुए चली जा रही थी। वह ऐसी लगी मानो कोई मंदिर में देवी को फल व पुष्प अर्पित करने जा रहा हो। गौरी सुरक्षा दीवार की तरफ बढ़ती गई। वह न तो थरथराई और न ही सुरक्षा दीवार की ओर दौड़ी।
In simple words: Gauri walked calmly towards the barricades with her head bowed and ears back. She looked like she was going to a temple and showed no fear.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use descriptive language to portray the scene and character actions, focusing on details that reveal emotion or significance.

Question 4. How did the town's folk honour Gauri after her heroic death? गौरी की वीरतापूर्ण मौत के बाद नगर के लोगों ने उसका सम्मान किस प्रकार किया?
Answer: To remember Gauri's sacrifice forever, Seth Jamnalal Dwarka Chand built a metal statue of Gauri at the place where she died. People honored her by offering flowers, honey, fruits, sweets, and the first green grass of spring. Vendors at the railway station also sold small toy models of Gauri. Her memory lived on in many ways.
गौरी के बलिदान को लोगों के दिलों में हमेशा के लिये ताजा रखने के प्रयोजन से सेठ जमनालाल द्वारका चंद ने गौरी के मृत्यु स्थल पर उसकी धातु की मूर्ति स्थापित की। लोग गौरी को फूल, शहद, मिठाइयां और बसन्त की पहली हरी घास अर्पित करते। रेलवे स्टेशन पर
In simple words: People honored Gauri by building a statue and offering her flowers and sweets. Toy models of her were also sold, keeping her memory alive.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing how someone is honored, list the specific actions and tributes that were performed to show the extent of their respect.

(D) Answer the following questions in about 100 words each :

Question 1. Write a note on symbolism in “The Cow of the Barricades”. 'सुरक्षा दीवार वाली गाय' में प्रतीकवाद पर टिप्पणी लिखिये।
Answer: This story is set in the 1930s when Mahatma Gandhi started his non-violence movement against the British. The cow, Gauri, becomes a symbol of how old traditions and new changes can mix. The image of the sacred cow and how people worship her represents traditional values. When a British officer shoots Gauri, saving many lives, she becomes a martyr for India's freedom fight. This story truly shows India's culture and what people believed. It highlights the power of belief in a non-violent struggle.
यह कहानी बीसवीं शताब्दी के तीसवें दशक में स्थापित की गई जब गांधी जी ने अंग्रेजों के खिलाफ अपना अहिंसा आन्दोलन आरंभ किया था। गाय परम्पराओं का निर्वाह करने और समय परिवर्तन के अनुसार ढलने के बीच संयोजन का प्रतीक बन जाती है। पवित्र गाय की छवि और किस प्रकार लोग पशु की पूजा करते हैं, पारम्परारिक मूल्यों का द्योतक बन जाती है। जब अंग्रेज अधिकारी द्वारा गाय के सिर में गोली मारी जाती है तो वह भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संग्राम के पवित्र उद्देश्य हेतु शहीद बन जाती है और कई लोगों के प्राण बचाती है। लेखक ने भारत का वास्तविक शब्द चित्रण किया है, साथ ही लोग जो विश्वास पालते थे उनका भी (शब्द चित्रण किया है)।
In simple words: Gauri the cow is a symbol in the story. She represents old traditions, new changes, and India's fight for freedom. Her death makes her a hero for the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing symbolism, clearly state what the symbol represents, how it connects to the story's themes, and its significance within the broader context.

Question 2. How did people take the mysterious appearance of Gauri? गौरी की रहस्यमयी झलक को लोगों ने किस प्रकार स्वीकार किया?
Answer: Gauri would visit the Master and then mysteriously disappear. People saw her as a strange, special creature. They even believed she was Goddess Lakshmi. Different people came to her with various wishes, hoping she would fulfill them. The story takes place in the 1930s, a time when many people were not highly educated and were easily influenced. They were superstitious. Gauri's mysterious appearances and disappearances strengthened their belief in her as a holy being. This shows how strong faith and traditional beliefs were.
गौरी मालिक से मिलने आया करती थी। लोगों ने गाय को विचित्र प्राणी के रूप में मान लिया जो कि मिलने के बाद गायब हो जाया करती थी। लोगों ने उसे लक्ष्मी नामक देवी माना। तरह-तरह के लोग अपनी अपनी मुरादों को स्वीकार कराने और पूरा करने के लिये उसके पास आते। कहानी तीसवें दशक में लिखी गई जब लोग अधिक पढ़े लिखे नहीं थे। उन्हें किसी भी दिशा में मोड़ा जा सकता था। लोग अन्ध-विश्वासी थे। कहानी में गौरी को एक पवित्र जीव के रूप में चित्रित किया गया है। वहीं गौरी का रहस्यमय तरीके से प्रकट व गायब होना इस विश्वास को लोगों के मन में मजबूती के साथ स्थाई कर देता है।
In simple words: People saw Gauri's mysterious appearances as a sign that she was a special goddess, Lakshmi. They believed in her strongly and came with wishes, which made their faith even stronger.

🎯 Exam Tip: To describe public perception, explain what people believed, why they believed it, and how their beliefs influenced their actions or the outcome of events.

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Short Stories Chapter 6 Additional Questions

Answer the following questions in about 50 words each :

Question 1. What was the master's opinion regarding the battle against red men? गोरे लोगों के खिलाफ युद्ध के बारे में मालिक की क्या राय थी?
Answer: The Master was a person who loved peace. He did not want to use violence to gain freedom. He told people to stop buying foreign goods, to leave British government jobs, and to refuse to pay taxes. The Master was against building barricades, even for peace, because he knew it would lead to a lot of bloodshed. He always preferred peaceful methods.
मालिक शान्तिप्रिय व्यक्ति था। वह आजादी के लिये हिंसा को पसन्द नहीं करता था। मालिक ने लोगों को राय दी कि वे वे विदेशी वस्तुओं का बहिष्कार करें, अंग्रेजी राज्य की नौकरी करना बन्द कर दें, और कर चुकाने से मना करें। मालिक शांति के नाम पर सुरक्षा दीवारें बनाने के विरुद्ध थे क्योंकि इससे अधिक रक्त बहेगा।
In simple words: The Master was a man of peace. He did not like violence and advised people to protest non-violently by boycotting goods and refusing taxes. He was against building barricades.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining a character's opinion, state their core belief and then list the actions or advice they gave that reflect this belief.

Question 2. How did people show their trust in Gauri as a goddess ? लोगों ने गौरी में देवी के रूप में अपनी आस्था किस प्रकार प्रकट की?
Answer: Everyone in the city liked, loved, and respected Gauri very much. They believed she was Goddess Lakshmi, who could help both rich and poor people. Many would come to her with different wishes, hoping they would be fulfilled. Because of this belief, every Tuesday, a grand procession of men and women would gather at the Master's hermitage to see Gauri. This showed their deep faith.
In simple words: People trusted Gauri as a goddess and believed she was Lakshmi. They would bring their wishes to her. Every Tuesday, many people would gather at the Master's hermitage to see her, showing their faith.

🎯 Exam Tip: To illustrate trust or faith, describe the specific ways people showed their belief, such as through worship, offerings, or gatherings.

Question 3. What were the after effects of Gauri's death in the city? गौरी की मृत्यु से नगर में पीछे होने वाले क्या प्रभाव देखे गये?
Answer: Gauri, the sacred cow, had special qualities and was highly respected, as she was part of an old Indian tradition. She was tragically killed by a British officer's bullet during the freedom riots. This act likely saved many lives in the city. Her death made her a martyr, a hero who sacrificed herself for India's freedom struggle. This event deeply affected the people's resolve and patriotism.
वह पवित्र गाय विशेष गुणों से युक्त थी। इसलिये गौरी के साथ आदरपूर्ण व्यवहार किया गया। वह भारतीय परम्परा का एक हिस्सा थी। गौरी एक अंग्रेज अधिकारी की गोली से आजादी के दंगों के दौरान मारी गई थी। इससे शायद नगर के कई लोगों की जान बची थी। भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संघर्ष के नाम पर वह एक शहीद थी।
In simple words: Gauri's death, caused by a British officer during the riots, turned her into a martyr. This event likely saved lives and deepened people's commitment to India's freedom fight.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing 'after effects', focus on both the immediate outcomes (like saving lives) and the long-term impact (like becoming a symbol or martyr).

Question 4. How does this story depict India's Freedom Movement ? यह कहानी भारत के स्वतंत्रता आन्दोलन का चित्रण किस प्रकार करती है?
Answer: This story shows India's struggle for independence, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. In the story, the Master represents Mahatma Gandhi. He is in the background, guiding people. Gauri, the cow, symbolizes Mother India herself. The Master's advice to the people reflects Gandhi's principles of non-violent resistance and self-reliance. This allegorical representation helps readers understand the emotional and spiritual aspects of the freedom movement.
यह कहानी आजादी के लिये महात्मा गाँधी के नेतृत्व में भारत के संघर्ष का चित्र प्रस्तुत करती है। कहानी में मालिक और कोई नहीं बल्कि महात्मा गांधी हैं। महात्मा गांधी पृष्ठ भूमि पर है, और लोगों को सलाह देने वाला मालिक उनका प्रतिनिधि है। गौरी नामक गाय भारत माता का प्रतिनिधित्व कर रही है।
In simple words: The story uses characters and symbols to show India's freedom struggle. The Master is like Mahatma Gandhi, guiding people, and Gauri the cow represents Mother India.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about historical depictions in literature, identify the symbolic characters and events, and explain how they relate to the real historical context.

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each :

Question 1. How can you say that people had blind faith in Gauri? आप किस प्रकार कह सकते हैं कि लोगों में गौरी के प्रति अन्धश्रद्धा थी?
Answer: Gauri, a key figure in the story, appeared in different places at various times. Everyone liked, loved, and respected her as a holy animal. People believed she was Goddess Lakshmi, who helped both the rich and the poor. They would come to her with many wishes, hoping they would come true. Students wished for good marks, girls for kind husbands, widows for purity, and childless couples for children. Because of this, every Tuesday, a well-organized procession of people would gather at the Master's hermitage. This widespread belief, even for personal wishes, shows their blind faith.
लोग अपनी – अपनी मुरादें लेकर उसके पास स्वीकार कराने व पूरा करने के लिये आते थे- विद्यार्थी सफल होने के लिए, लड़कियां सुन्दर पतियों के लिये, विधवाएं पवित्रता के लिये, निस्संतान संतानों के लिये आते थे। इसलिए हर मंगलवार को मालिक की कुटिया पर सुसज्जित जुलूस बन जाता। किन्तु गौरी उन लोगों के पास होकर गुजर जाती मानो कोई पवित्र महिला लोगों के मध्य हो।
In simple words: People had blind faith in Gauri because they believed she was Goddess Lakshmi and could grant wishes. They would gather in processions every Tuesday, seeking her blessings for everything from good grades to children.

🎯 Exam Tip: To show "blind faith," provide examples of unreasonable or superstitious beliefs and the extensive rituals or practices people undertake because of them.

Question 2. Describe the wavering mental state of people between violence and non-violence. लोगों की हिंसा व अहिंसा के बीच की अस्थिर मानसिक अवस्थाओं का वर्णन कीजिए।
Answer: This story clearly shows that people who are not educated can easily be swayed in any direction. They often struggle to understand true realities and tend to follow the majority. The "red man's" government was determined to rule India at any cost. While the town was tense with barricades, Gauri walked through the crowds, and some people began to worship her, asking for peace. However, the leader of the "red men" shot Gauri, killing her instantly. A rich man later built a metal statue of Gauri where she died, and people continued to worship it. This shows how people's minds kept changing between wanting to use violence and seeking peace.
यह कहानी स्पष्ट रूप से बताती है कि लोग यदि शिक्षित नहीं है तो उन्हें किसी भी दिशा में आसानी से बहकाया जा सकता है। वे वास्तविकताओं को समझने में सक्षम नहीं होते और अधिकांश जैसा करते हैं वैसा ही सोचना वे करना शुरू कर देते हैं। गौरे लोगों की सरकार किसी भी कीमत पर भारत में शासन करना चाहती थी। पूरा शहर जब तनाव में था और सुरक्षा दीवारों से घिरा था तब लोगों से घिरी हुई गौरी आई। लोगों में से कुछ ने उसे पूजना शुरू कर दिया और उससे शांति एवं मोक्ष की याचना की। गोरे लोगों के मुखिया ने गोली चला दी जिससे गौरी की उसी स्थान पर मृत्यु हो गई। एक अमीर आदमी ने गौरी की धात्विक मूर्ति उस स्थान पर स्थापित कराई और लोग उसकी पूजा करने लगे। इस तरह वे हिंसा व अहिंसा के बीच भ्रामक मानसिक स्थिति में थे।
In simple words: People's minds kept changing between violence and non-violence. They were easily influenced and would worship Gauri for peace, but then also allow for violent acts like her killing.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a "wavering mental state," provide contrasting examples of behavior or beliefs that demonstrate the back-and-forth nature of their thoughts.

Question 3. Where does the main turning point lie in the story? Describe. कहानी में मुख्य निर्णायक क्षण कहां है? वर्णन कीजिए।
Answer: The main turning point in the story happens when Gauri arrives at the barricades. Most people in the city were peaceful, but some still believed in violence. The Master had to resign because the workers insisted on fighting and refused to be non-violent. Both sides—the military and the armed people—were ready for a fight. When Gauri finally appeared, everyone expected her to save the day. People cheered "Vande Mataram," confusing the soldiers who wondered if it was a sign of peace. Her presence at this critical moment, and the reactions it caused, marks the story's key turning point.
In simple words: The main turning point is when Gauri arrives at the barricades during a tense standoff. Everyone expects her to save the situation, changing the mood and confusing the soldiers.

🎯 Exam Tip: A turning point is a moment of significant change. Clearly identify the event and explain how it shifts the plot, character decisions, or overall tension in the narrative.