UP Board Solutions Class 12 English Chapter 1 A Girl With A Basket

Lesson at a Glance

William C. Douglas was a judge of the Supreme Court of America. He happened to be in India and was on his way to Ranikhet from Delhi. During this short journey he got a feel of the pulse of India. He was very much impressed by the attitude of a nine-year old girl.

When he was going to Barielly by train on his way to Ranikhet, he got down at a railway station. Immediately, he was surrounded by a group of refugee children and each of them wanted to sell baskets and fans to him. He purchased some baskets and fans from them.

A beautiful nine-year old girl felt disappointed as she was not lucky enough to sell something to the author. The author felt pity for her and put a few coins in one of her baskets. The child with all pride and grace refused to accept the money and returned it to the author. Now, the author had no option but to buy her basket.

The behaviour of the girl gave the author a glimpse of the child’s spirit. She showed exemplary passion for self-respect and self-reliance. The author admits that he had fallen in love with India on this account.

पाठ का हिन्दी अनुवाद

(1) I had left ............. and reports. दिल्ली से मैं हिमालय पर्वत की पहाड़ियों को देखने के लिए चला। मैं बरेली तक रेलगाड़ी से गया और रानीखेत तक कार से। रानीखेत अंग्रेजों की पुरानी सैनिक पहाड़ी है जो 6000 फुट लम्बी पर्वत-श्रृंखलाओं पर स्थित है और इसके सामने 120 मील लम्बा बर्फ से ढका हिमालय का भू-भाग है। रेलगाड़ी धीमी गति से जा रही थी और यह रास्ते के सभी स्टेशनों पर रुकी। गाड़ी के रुकने के प्रत्येक स्थान पर मैं अपने डिब्बे का दरवाजा खोलता था और प्लेटफॉर्म पर घूमता था। प्लेटफॉर्म लोगों की भीड़ से भरे हुए थे जिनमें सभी प्रकार के व्यक्ति सिख, मुसलमान, हिन्दू, सिपाही, व्यापारी, पुजारी, कुली, भिखारी और फेरीवाले थे। लगभग प्रत्येक व्यक्ति नंगे पैरों था और ढीले सफेद कपड़े पहने हुए था। तीन व्यक्तियों से बात करने पर मुझे एक ऐसा व्यक्ति मिला जो अंग्रेजी बोल सके। मैं सांसारिक मामलों पर प्रत्येक बड़े-से-बड़े विषय पर तथा प्रतिदिन के समाचारों पर बातचीत करता था। इस प्रकार मैं देश के लोगों की भावनाओं को जानने का प्रयत्न कर रहा था और सरकारी व्यवहार तथा खबरों के विरुद्ध मत को परखता था।

(2) The route lay ............. drab walls. रास्ता भारत के सर्वाधिक उपजाऊ क्षेत्रों में से एक क्षेत्र में होकर जाता था। यह ऊपरी गंगा नदी का मैदान था जो समुद्र स्तर से लगभग एक हजार फीट की ऊँचाई पर था, किन्तु गर्म था। गंगा भूरी मिट्टी से भरी हुई, बाढ़ के पानी से उमड़ी हुई थी और उसके बहाव ने हजारों एकड़ धान के खेतों को डुबो रखा था। इसके उत्तर में जंगल थे, जिनमें मनुष्य के सिर से ऊँची-ऊँची घास फैली हुई थी और कहीं-कहीं पेड़ों तथा झाड़ियों के झुरमुट थे जिनमें चीते, हाथी, अजगर और जहरीले साँपों के घर थे और सभी स्थानों पर समतल धरती आसमान को छूती हुई दिखाई देती थी, किन्तु कहीं पवित्र बरगद के पेड़ या पाखड़ के पेड़ों की कतारें थीं, जिनका आकार मोटे मुड़े हुए तनों वाले (elm) वृक्षों के समान था। दक्षिण-पश्चिम की ओर से गर्म नम हवा बह रही थी। स्टेशनों पर कुछ नर बन्दर तथा कुछ मादा बन्दर जिनसे उनके बच्चे चिपटे हुए थे और पेड़ पर चढ़े हुए थे, पेड़ों पर भोजन की तलाश में झूल रहे थे। जिन गाँवों में से हम गुजरे उनकी दीवारें पानी तथा गोबर मिली हुई मिट्टी की बनी थीं। उनकी नुकीली छतों पर छप्पर पड़े हुए थे और घास के गट्ठर उन बाँसों से बँधे हुए थे, जो ढालदार बल्लियों के ढाँचे पर फैले हुए थे। उस दिन कद्दू की बेलों पर, जो उन पर फैली हुई थीं, फल थे और ये बेलें नीरस दीवारों पर रंग-बिरंगी धारियों में फैली हुई थीं।

(3) At one station ............. my routine of talking to the people was interrupted. एक स्टेशन पर लोगों से बातचीत करने के मेरे कार्यक्रम में रुकावट पड़ गई। ज्यों ही मैं नीचे उतरा, छोटे बच्चों का एक समूह मेरे चारों ओर इकट्ठा हो गया। ये हाथ से बुनी हुई, सरकण्डे की साधारण रूप और आकार की टोकरियाँ बेच रहे थे। उन्होंने उन टोकरियों को अपने हाथों में ऊँचा पकड़ रखा था और जोर-जोर से चिल्ला रहे थे। मैं उनके शब्दों को नहीं समझ सका, किन्तु उनके शब्द मुझे उनकी इच्छा ठीक ही व्यक्त कर रहे थे।

ये शरणार्थी बच्चे थे। जब भारत और पाकिस्तान के विभाजन का आदेश हुआ, तो लाखों लोगों को विवश होकर अपने पूर्वजों के बसाये हुए मकानों और सामान को उठाना पड़ा। नब्बे लाख लोगों ने पाकिस्तान छोड़ा और धार्मिक भय के पागलपन से भारत आए। वहाँ से चलते समय वे बहुत गरीब व्यक्ति थे और जब उन्होंने अपनी लम्बी पैदल यात्रा की तब वे और अधिक गरीब हो गए, क्योंकि उनके पास थोड़ा-सा भोजन और थोड़ा-सा सामान था। शीघ्र ही उनका भोजन समाप्त

Question 4. The peasants …………… had seen
Answer: इन शरणार्थियों में जो किसान थे, वे अपने पूरे जीवन में बहुत थोड़े में ही गुजारा करने के अभ्यस्त थे, क्योंकि एक किसान की सालाना आमदनी औसत 100 डॉलर से अधिक नहीं है। साधारण श्रमिक की औसत आय प्रतिदिन 30 सैण्टे या प्रति सप्ताह दो डॉलर से भी कम थी। दिन भर में उन्हें एक बार भोजन मिलता था जिसमें एक प्याज, एक रोटी, एक कटोरा दाल तथा मट्ठा और शायद बकरी के दूध के पनीर का टुकड़ा होता था। चाय, कॉफी, चर्बी, मिठाइयाँ या मांस बिल्कुल नहीं मिलता था। सौ डॉलर प्रति वर्ष, एक सप्ताह में दो डॉलर भी नहीं होते, फिर इतनी छोटी-सी रकम गरीब लोगों को टोकरियाँ बेचकर कमाना बहुत कठिन है। निःसन्देह यही कारण है कि ये छोटे बच्चे मेरे ऊपर टिड्डी दल के समान टूट पड़े। बच्चों ने मेरे विषय में सोचा कि अमेरिकन होने के नाते मैं अवश्य ही एक धनी ग्राहक होऊँगा। यह उनकी विवशता और गरीबी को दर्शाता है।
In simple words: The poor farmers and laborers lived on very little money and simple food. Because they were extremely poor, their children rushed to sell baskets to the American visitor, hoping he would buy them.

🎯 Exam Tip: When translating or explaining passages, highlight key economic terms like average income and daily diet to show the contrast in living standards.

Question 5. Tbought one …………… any heart.
Answer: कुछ आनों में मैंने एक छोटी टोकरी खरीदी, दूसरी कुछ अधिक पैसों में फल की टोकरी, एक रुपये में एक सुन्दर टोकरी कूड़े के लिए, एक रुपये की एक सुन्दर सिलाई टोकरी, एक-एक या दो-दो आने के कुछ पंखे। मेरे हाथ भर गए और मैंने पचास सैण्ट भी खर्च नहीं किए। बच्चे अपने सामान के विषय में शोर मचाते हुए मेरे निकट आ गए। मैं एक कैदी के समान था, पूरी तरह से घिरा हुआ और हिलने-डुलने में भी असमर्थ। सबसे परिश्रमी तथा जोर देकर अपना माल बेचने वाली नौ वर्ष की एक बालिका ठीक मेरे सामने खड़ी थी। उसके पास एक सुन्दर हैण्डल वाली टोकरी थी और वह इसके लिए डेढ़ रुपया लगभग तीस सैण्ट चाहती थी। वह ईमानदारी से अपने सामान की प्रशंसा करने वाली थी। उसकी आँखों में आँसू थे। वह इस प्रकार अपने सामान की प्रशंसा कर रही थी और ऐसे स्वर में विनती कर रही थी कि प्रत्येक व्यक्ति के हृदय में दया जाग्रत हो जाएगी। उसकी इस दयनीय दशा ने लेखक के संवेदनशील हृदय को गहराई से छू लिया।
In simple words: The writer bought several small baskets and fans for very little money. He was surrounded by children selling things, including a poor nine-year-old girl who pleaded so earnestly with tears in her eyes that anyone would feel sorry for her.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the emotional description of the young girl, as examiners frequently ask questions about her character and behavior.

Question 6. Myarms were …………… soul of India,
Answer: मेरी दोनों भुजाएँ भरी हुई थीं। दूसरी टोकरी की न आवश्यकता थी और न स्थान था। अपनी टोकरियों तथा पंखों को बाईं भुजा पर साधते हुए मैंने अपने कोट की दाईं जेब में हाथ डाला और मुट्ठीभर रेजगारी निकाली। सम्भवतः कुल 15 सैण्ट होंगे। उसे मैंने टोकरी में रख दिया जिसे उस छोटी लड़की ने प्रार्थना की दृष्टि से मेरे सामने कर रखा था। मैंने उसे यह समझाने की कोशिश की कि मैं टोकरी नहीं खरीद सकता, किन्तु उसे खरीदने के स्थान पर मैं उसे एक उपहार दे रहा हूँ। मैंने तुरन्त अनुभव किया कि मैंने उसके साथ कितना अनुचित किया है। नौ वर्ष के बच्चे ने जो फटे-पुराने कपड़े पहने हुए था और भूख से मरने के निकट था, अपनी ठोड़ी ऊपर उठाई, अपना हाथ टोकरी में डाला और एक स्त्री में जो गौरव तथा लज्जा होती है, उसके साथ मेरा धन मुझे लौटा दिया। अब मैं केवल एक ही कार्य कर सकता था। मैंने टोकरी खरीद ली। उसने अपनी आँखें पोंछी, मुस्कुराई और प्लेटफार्म से नीचे कूद गई तथा घास-फूस की झोपड़ी की ओर चल दी जिसके सदस्यों को आज रात को कम-से-कम 30 सैण्ट तो मिलेंगे ही।

मैंने यह कहानी प्रधानमंत्री पं० जवाहरलाल नेहरू को सुनाई। मैंने उन्हें बताया कि यही एक कारण है जिससे मैं भारत से प्यार करने लगा।

मैंने भारत के लोगों को देखा, गाँव में रहने वालों को भी और ऊँचे पद वाले व्यक्तियों को भी, उनमें गौरव, शालीनता एवं उच्च नागरिकता की भावना थी। उनमें स्वतन्त्रता के प्रति बड़ी तीव्र इच्छा थी। इस सुन्दर बच्चे ने, जो गन्दे वातावरण और गरीबी में पैदा हुआ था तथा सही भाषा और आचरण से अनभिज्ञ था, मुझे भारत के लोगों की महान् भावना की झलक दे दी। यह घटना भारतीय संस्कृति की गरिमा को बखूबी बयां करती है।
In simple words: The writer had no space for more baskets, so he tried to give the young girl some money as a gift. However, her self-respect did not allow her to accept charity, so she returned the money, forcing him to buy her basket, which showed him the proud and noble spirit of India.

🎯 Exam Tip: This passage contains the core theme of the chapter—self-respect and dignity. Be sure to emphasize how the young girl's refusal of charity represents the pride of the Indian people.

Understanding The Text

Explanations

Explain One Of The Following Passages With Reference To The Context :

Question (1). The platforms were …………… spoke English.
Answer:
Reference: These lines have been taken from the lesson ‘A Girl with a Basket’ written by W.C. Douglas.
Context: During his visit of India, the writer travelled from New Delhi to Ranikhet by train. In this lesson he describes his journey and experiences during this visit.
Explanation: In these lines the writer talks about the wayside platforms and the people walking there. On the platforms there were people of all religions and professions. Generally they were barefooted and wearing loose, white garments. About 33% people could speak English. The writer talked with them on current and major topics. In doing so he wanted to know their feelings. This interaction allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the local public opinion and the general mood of the nation.
In simple words: The author describes the busy railway platforms in India, filled with diverse people wearing simple clothes. He chatted with English-speaking locals to understand their thoughts and feelings about their country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always write the name of the chapter and the author correctly in the reference section to secure full marks.

Question (2). At one station …………… their desire. [2009]
Answer:
Reference: These lines have been taken from the lesson ‘A Girl with a Basket’ written by W.C. Douglas.
Context: The writer was travelling from New Delhi to Ranikhet by train. He describes the scene of a railway station where the train halted.
Explanation: In these lines the writer says that the train stopped at a station. He was disturbed to talk with the people by a group of children who were selling their hand-woven baskets, fans, with simple designs and pattern. These children were of the people who had come from Pakistan after partition. They had no place to live and no business to earn living properly. They hold the baskets high, shouting words I did not know but understood their desire what they wanted. Their desperate selling efforts clearly reflected their urgent need to earn a livelihood in a new land.
In simple words: When the train stopped, a group of refugee children selling handmade baskets and fans surrounded the author. Even though he did not understand their language, their actions made it clear that they desperately wanted to sell their goods to survive.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the emotional state of the refugee children to make your explanation more impactful and complete.

Question (3). They were poor …………… where they let. [2012, 14,16]
Answer:
Reference: These lines have been taken from the lesson ‘A Girl with a Basket’ written by W.C. Douglas.
Context: The writer was travelling from New Delhi to Ranikhet. At every stop he alighted and talked with the people on current topics. But at one station he was surrounded by some children selling baskets. These were refugee children.
Explanation: In these lines he is telling about these refugee children. The parents of these refugee children had to come to India at the time of partition due to religious fanaticism. When they started their journey, they were very poor and they had very little food and some other items. But their journey was very long and soon their food was exhausted. Now, they were hungry and became very weak. Due to weakness they fell on the way side and died. This tragic loss of life highlights the immense human cost and suffering associated with the partition.
In simple words: The author explains that these refugee children and their families fled to India during partition with very little food. Because of the long and difficult journey, many ran out of food, grew extremely weak, and tragically died along the way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use key terms like 'partition' and 'religious fanaticism' to accurately explain the background of the refugees.

Question (4). The children selling baskets …………… overcrowded.
Answer:
Reference: These lines have been taken from the lesson ‘A Girl with a Basket’ written by W.C. Douglas.
Context: On his way to Ranikhet by train the writer was surrounded at a station by some children who were selling baskets and fans. The parents of these children were refugees who had to come to India from Pakistan at the time of partition.
Explanation: In these lines, the author describes how he was immediately surrounded by refugee children selling handmade baskets and fans. These children, whose families had migrated during partition, were trying to earn a living in overcrowded conditions. The platforms and refugee camps were packed with people struggling to survive. Their resilience in the face of such extreme hardship deeply moved the author during his journey.
In simple words: The author describes being surrounded by refugee children selling baskets at a crowded station. These children and their families lived in highly congested areas, struggling daily to make ends meet after leaving Pakistan.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining passages about overcrowding, emphasize the difficult living conditions of the refugees to show a complete understanding of the text.

Explanation: In these lines the writer says that the children selling baskets were the sons and daughters of these refugees. These people were very poor. So they gathered in the cities for earning some money. They put the wooden stalls on both sides of the roads. They made simple articles and sold them in the market. There were already many shops. Yet they earned some money for their living by selling their articles cheaper.

Question 5. One hundred dollar …………… market they had seen. [2014]
Answer: Context: On a platform the writer was surrounded by children selling baskets. These were the sons and daughters of refugees who had come to India from Pakistan at the time of partition. They were very poor and earned some money by selling simple articles made by their own hands.
Explanation: In these lines the writer has estimated the income of these children and wonders how they could meet the expenses of their living. Their income was not more than two dollars a week and that was by selling the hand-made baskets. The buyers of these baskets were also poor people living there. The writer was a foreigner, an American. So the children thought him a good customer of their articles and so they surrounded him on all sides like locusts to sell their articles. This vivid description highlights the desperate struggle for survival faced by these young children.
In simple words: The writer calculated that these poor children made very little money, less than two dollars a week. Since he was an American, they crowded around him like locusts, hoping he would buy their handmade baskets.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between the 'Context' (the background of the refugees) and the 'Explanation' (the analysis of their income and behavior) to score full marks.

Question 6. I was a prisoner …………… any heart. [2009, 11,17,18]
Answer: Context: At one station the writer was surrounded with many children selling baskets and fans. These were refugee children. The writer liked these baskets very much. He bought a tiny basket, a fruit basket, a waste paper basket, sewing basket and few fans.
Explanation: At one of the stations many children surrounded the writer. They were selling baskets and fans. The writer felt as if he were a prisoner. He could not move because every child was pressing him to purchase his basket. Among these children there was a beautiful girl of nine years. She had a beautiful basket and demanded a rupee and a half for it. She was very sincere but looked very miserable. Everybody would have felt pity on her. Her dignified yet pleading manner made a deep impression on the author's mind.
In simple words: The writer was surrounded by so many children selling baskets that he felt trapped like a prisoner. Among them, a poor but beautiful nine-year-old girl earnestly begged him to buy her basket.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use keywords like 'prisoner' and 'miserable' to describe the writer's situation and the girl's appearance as highlighted in the passage.

Question 7. My arms were full …………… back to me.
Answer: Context: At one station the writer was surrounded by many little children who were selling hand-woven baskets and fans. These were refugee children. He bought a tiny basket, a fruit basket, a waste paper basket, a lovely sewing basket and a few fans. His hands were filled. Just then a beautiful girl of nine came and stood before him. She had a lovely basket and wanted a rupee and a half for it. She begged the author to buy it.
Explanation: The writer did not want to buy any more basket as his hands were already full. In order to get rid of the girl, he took out a handful of change (coins) and dropped into the basket of the girl as a gratuity. He tried to convince the girl that he could not buy any more basket. But the writer soon realised that he had done a great offence. The girl had a great sense of self-respect. She took it as an insult. She did not take the money as gift. She was poor and dressed in rags. She was on the point of starvation. Despite her poverty, she kept up her dignity, and returned the money to the writer. This proud gesture showed that her self-esteem was far more valuable to her than charity.
In simple words: The writer had no space for more baskets, so he gave a young girl some coins as charity instead of buying her basket. Feeling insulted by this free handout, the proud girl returned the money to him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the girl's self-respect and dignity in your explanation, as this is the central theme of the passage.

(8) I realized at once …………… that night.
Context: Among the little children selling the baskets, there was a nine year old beautiful girl. She had a lovely basket with a handle. She wanted a rupee and a half for it. But the writer had no need of any more basket. So, he put about 15 cents in her basket as a substitute. But soon the writer realised that he had done a great offence.
Explanation: The writer was not in need of any more basket. So, he gave her fifteen cents as a gratuity. But soon the writer felt that he had done a great mistake. The child was wearing torn clothes and was almost starving. But she did not lose her dignity and self-respect. She at once returned the money to the writer. The writer guessed the matter and purchased the basket. This little child was infact the symbol of grace and dignity of the people of India. The writer was very much impressed by the high character of Indians.

(9) I told this story …………… and citizenship.
Context: A little girl wanted to sell a basket to the writer which he did not need. But just to oblige the girl he put some coins in the basket of that girl which she did not accept and returned with pride and grace.
Explanation: The author narrated the story of the little basket girl to Pt. Nehru, the Prime Minister of India. The author admits that the sense of pride and graciousness displayed by the little girl had charmed him and he started loving India on that account. The writer further admits that Indian people at large, from the simple villager to the person working in big office, have displayed self-respect and flair for brisk fairness and citizenship.

(10) The people I …………… soul of India.
Context: Some small children at a station were selling baskets and fans. The writer bought some baskets from them. Now he needed no more basket. At the same time a nine-year old girl pressed him to buy her basket also. But the writer gave her fifteen cents as gratuity. That girl returned it to the writer. The writer was much impressed by her grace and dignity.
Explanation: In these lines the writer sums up his views about Indians. The writer noted that Indians had a high sense of self-respect, dignity and citizenship. They were sincere, honest and hard working. He found these qualities in the people of rural as well as urban areas. The Indians were very anxious for their independence also. Even the poor people were honest. They earned money only by working hard. The little girl was the symbol of all these things.

Short Answer Type Questions

Answer one of the following questions in not more than 30 words:

Question 1. Where was the writer going ? From where did he start ? How did he travel ? (लेखक कहाँ जा रहा था ? वह कहाँ से चला ? उसने कैसे यात्री की ?)
Answer: The writer was going from New Delhi to Ranikhet, a hill station on the Himalayas. He travelled upto Bareilly by train and then by car to Ranikhet. This scenic route allowed him to observe the local people and countryside closely. (लेखक नई दिल्ली से रानीखेत जा रहा था जो हिमालय पर्वत का एक पहाड़ी स्थान है। वह बरेली तक रेलगाड़ी से और फिर रानीखेत तक कार से गया ।)
In simple words: The writer was traveling from New Delhi to a mountain town called Ranikhet. He took a train to Bareilly first, and then drove the rest of the way by car.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly mention both modes of transport (train and car) and the starting and destination points to secure full marks.

Question 2. Give a brief description of the train W. C. Douglas was travelling by.
Answer: The train by which W. C. Douglas was travelling was a slow moving train and stopped at all the way stations. This slow pace allowed him to observe the countryside and interact with people at every platform.
In simple words: The train was very slow and stopped at every single station along the route. This gave the writer plenty of time to look around and talk to people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention both key characteristics of the train: its slow speed and its stops at all stations to secure full marks.

Question 3. What did the writer do to get a feel of the pulse of the nation? Or What did the writer do at every stoppage? Why?
Answer: William C. Douglas got down from his compartment at every stoppage. He talked to the people of every class to get a feel of the pulse of the nation. By doing this, he wanted to understand the real attitude and feelings of the Indian public.
In simple words: At every station, the writer got off the train and spoke with all kinds of people. He did this to understand what the people of India were really thinking and feeling.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering 'why', clearly state that his goal was to understand the true feelings and attitudes of the general public.

Question 4. Describe the things and scenes the writer saw on his way from New Delhi to Ranikhet.
Answer: On his way from Delhi to Ranikhet the writer saw platforms over-crowded with the people of all castes and trades, the rich plains of Ganga, deep thick forests with wild animals and houses made of mud walls. These diverse sights provided him with a vivid picture of rural and natural India.
In simple words: On his journey, the writer saw crowded railway stations, the fertile plains of the Ganga river, thick jungles filled with wild animals, and simple mud houses.

🎯 Exam Tip: List at least three distinct sights (like crowded platforms, Ganga plains, and mud houses) to write a complete answer.

Question 5. What disturbed the continuity of the writer’s conversation at one of the stations?
Answer: At one of the stations a group of young refugee children, who were selling hand-made baskets and fans, disturbed the continuity of the writer’s conversation. They surrounded him clamoring to sell their simple wares.
In simple words: The writer's conversation was interrupted when a group of young refugee children gathered around him to sell their handmade baskets and fans.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the children specifically as 'refugee children' and mention what they were selling to get full marks.

Question 6. Who were these children selling baskets? What information does the writer give you about them?
Answer: These children selling baskets were refugee children. They were the sons and daughters of the people who were compelled to run away from Pakistan at the time of partition. They had lost their homes and had to earn a living by selling handmade items.
In simple words: These children were refugees who had to flee from Pakistan during the partition of India. They were selling baskets to help their families survive.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly connect the children to the historical event of the partition of India and Pakistan.

Question 7. What was the pitiable condition (plight) of the refugees? What were they doing for a living?
Answer: The condition (plight) of refugees was very pitiable. For a living they were making simple articles and selling them in the market. They had very little food and lived in temporary shelters along the streets.
In simple words: The refugees lived in very poor and difficult conditions. To survive, they made simple handmade goods like baskets and sold them in local markets.

🎯 Exam Tip: Address both parts of the question: describe their poor living conditions and explain how they earned money.

Question 8. What facts did the writer discover about the peasant refugees?
Answer: The writer discovered that the income of the peasant refugees was very low. They could hardly earn one square meal a day. Their agricultural background did not provide them with enough resources in these new, crowded environments.
In simple words: The writer found out that the farming refugees were extremely poor. They struggled to earn enough money to buy even one proper meal a day.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the phrase 'one square meal a day' as it is a key expression from the text that examiners look for.

Question 9. What is an average annual income of an agricultural family as given by William C. Douglas? [2016]
Answer: According to William C. Douglas, the average annual income of an agricultural family was not more than 100 dollars. This extremely low income highlighted the deep poverty faced by these farming communities.
In simple words: An average farming family earned less than 100 dollars in a whole year, which made it very hard for them to survive.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the exact figure of 100 dollars and attribute it to William C. Douglas to secure full marks.

Question 10. Why did the refugee children descend like locusts on the writer? [2015, 18]
Answer: The refugee children thought that the writer was a rich man. He would buy articles of many children. So they descended on him like locusts. They saw him as a ray of hope to earn some money for their families.
In simple words: The children thought the writer was wealthy and would buy their handmade goods, so they crowded around him all at once.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the metaphor 'like locusts' to describe how the children gathered around the writer in large numbers.

Question 11. What things did the author William C. Douglas buy from the refugee children so that his arms were full?
Answer: The author William C. Douglas bought from the refugee children many articles as a sewing basket, a wastepaper basket, a fruit basket and few fans, etc. So, his arms were full. These items were simple but beautifully crafted by the young children.
In simple words: The author bought different kinds of baskets and fans from the children until he could not carry any more.

🎯 Exam Tip: List at least three specific items bought by the author, such as the sewing basket, wastepaper basket, and fans, to show detailed knowledge.

Question 12. Which vendor among the children drew the writer’s attention most and why?
Answer: A nine year old beautiful girl drew the writer’s attention most because she was earnestly pleading and begging with tears in her eyes. Her pride and dignity, despite her poor condition, made her stand out from the rest.
In simple words: A nine-year-old girl caught the writer's attention because she was pleading sincerely with tears to sell her basket.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight both her age (nine years old) and her emotional state (tears and earnest pleading) to answer both parts of the question.

Question 13. What made the writer realise that he had given offence by extending the gratuity to the girl as a substitute for not buying the basket?
Answer: The girl returned the gratuity. So the writer felt that the girl was hard-working and self-respecting. So, he realised that he had given offence by extending the gratuity to the girl as a substitute for not buying the basket. Her refusal to accept charity without working for it showed her immense self-esteem.
In simple words: When the girl returned the money he gave her as charity, the writer realized he had hurt her self-respect by offering money instead of buying her basket.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the keyword 'self-respecting' or 'pride' to explain why the girl returned the money.

Question 14. What forced the writer to buy the little girl’s basket? [2012, 18]
Answer: The little girl returned the gratuity given by the writer. So he was forced to buy her basket. He realized that buying her basket was the only respectful way to help her.
In simple words: The girl refused to take free money and returned it, which forced the writer to buy her basket so she could earn the money honestly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that the girl's refusal to accept charity (gratuity) left the author with no choice but to buy her basket.

Question 15. Why did millions of people leave Pakistan for India? [2012, 14, 17] Or What misery did partition between India and Pakistan bring?
Answer: Millions of people left Pakistan for India at the time of partition due to the fear of religious fanaticism. They were forced to leave their homes and properties behind, facing extreme poverty, hunger, and misery on their long journey. This mass migration resulted in one of the largest and most painful displacements of people in human history.
In simple words: Millions of people left Pakistan for India because they were afraid of religious violence during the partition, leaving everything they owned behind.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the key phrase 'fear of religious fanaticism' as it is the exact reason mentioned in the text.

Question. What difficulties did the partition of India and Pakistan cause to the people? [2016]
Answer: At the time of partition millions of people left Pakistan for India due to fear of religious fanaticism. They became homeless and penniless. This sudden displacement caused immense suffering and trauma to countless families.
In simple words: During the partition, millions of people had to leave their homes in Pakistan and move to India because of religious violence, leaving them with no homes or money.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention key terms like "religious fanaticism", "homeless", and "penniless" to secure full marks.

Question 16. Why did the writer fall in love with India? [2013, 18]
Answer: The writer found that the people of India were proud and gracious even in poverty. This was the reason he loved India. Their resilience and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on his heart.
In simple words: The writer loved India because its people, even though they were poor, had great self-respect and were very polite.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the words "proud", "gracious", and "poverty" as these are the exact keywords from the text.

Question 17. What did the writer think about the people of India? What picture of our country and the people as a whole did he carry back in his mind? [2013] Or What does the writer W. C. Douglas say in praise of the people of India? (2011)
Answer: The writer thought that the people of India were self-respecting and very gentle. They preferred starvation to begging. He admired their high moral character and dignity under difficult circumstances.
In simple words: The writer saw Indians as polite and full of self-respect, choosing to go hungry rather than beg for money.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state both qualities: "self-respecting" and "gentle", and mention their preference of starvation over begging.

Question 18. What was the story told to the Prime Minister by William C. Douglas? [2013]
Answer: The story of the nine year old child who handed the money back to the author was told to the Prime Minister. This moving incident perfectly illustrated the pride and self-respect of the Indian people.
In simple words: The writer told the Prime Minister about a nine-year-old girl who returned his money because she did not want charity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep the answer concise by focusing on the age of the child (nine years old) and her act of returning the money.

Vocabulary

Choose the Most Appropriate Word or Phrase That Best Completes the Sentence:

Question 1. I would ask at least three people before I could find one who ______ English.
(a) knew
(b) understood
(c) spoke
(d) liked
Answer: (c) spoke
In simple words: The writer had to talk to several people before finding someone who could speak English with him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read the sentence carefully to understand the context of communication; "spoke" is the correct verb for language interaction here.

Question 2. In this way I was trying to get a feel of the pulse of the nation, checking opinion ______ official attitudes and reports.
(a) for
(b) about
(c) in favour of
(d) against
Answer: (d) against
In simple words: The writer wanted to compare what ordinary people thought with what official government reports were saying.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrase "checking opinion against..." is a standard idiom meaning to compare or verify one thing with another.

Question 3. That day the pumpkin vines that grew over them were in bloom ______ streaks of yellow over drab walls…
(a) trailing
(b) following
(c) moving
(d) running
Answer: (a) trailing
In simple words: The flowering pumpkin vines looked like long yellow lines hanging down the dull, plain walls.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Trailing" is the most appropriate participle here as it describes vines hanging or spreading loosely over a surface.

Question 4. At one station my routine of talking with the people was ______
(a) checked
(b) interrupted
(c) disturbed
(d) ended
Answer: (b) interrupted
In simple words: The writer's regular habit of talking to people at every station was stopped or broken into by a group of children.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Interrupted" is the precise word used in the chapter to describe how his conversation routine was temporarily stopped.

Question 5. Nine million people left Pakistan and came to India driven by the fear of religious ______
(a) feelings
(b) madness
(c) fanaticism
(d) enthusiasm
Answer: (c) fanaticism
In simple words: Millions of people fled their homes because they were terrified of extreme religious hatred and violence.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Fanaticism" is a key vocabulary word from this lesson; memorize its spelling and meaning for fill-in-the-blank questions.

Question 6. I, an American, was ______ the most promising market they had seen. [2018]
(a) doubtless
(b) certainly
(c) necessarily
(d) definitely
Answer: (a) doubtless
In simple words: The writer, being from America, was without a doubt the best potential customer the young sellers had ever encountered.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Doubtless" is the exact adverb used by the author to express certainty about being a promising customer.

Question 7. She pleaded and begged in tones that would …………… any heart. [2012, 15, 18]
(a) wring
(b) move
(c) melt
(d) affect
Answer: (a) wring
In simple words: The girl begged so desperately and sadly that it would make anyone feel deep pain and pity for her.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the exact vocabulary used in the textbook chapter to fill in blanks correctly.

Question 8. …………… baskets and fans on my left arm, I reached into my right coat pocket and got a handful of change.
(a) Keeping
(b) Hanging
(c) Balancing
(d) Putting
Answer: (c) Balancing
In simple words: Since the author was holding many baskets and fans on his left arm, he had to keep them steady and balanced.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for clues in the sentence; "on my left arm" suggests holding multiple items, which requires "balancing".

Question 9. Imploringly means ……………
(a) sincerely
(b) earnestly
(c) honestly
(d) requestingly
Answer: (b) earnestly
In simple words: "Imploringly" means asking or begging for something in a very serious, sincere, and emotional way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the synonyms and vocabulary words from the glossary of each chapter as they are frequently asked in exams.

Question 10. She wiped her eyes, smiled and …………… down the platform, headed for some grass hut that would have at least thirty cents the night.
(a) jumped
(b) ran
(c) dashed
(d) fell
Answer: (c) dashed
In simple words: After receiving the money, the little girl wiped her tears and quickly ran or rushed down the platform.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Dashed" means ran very fast, which shows her excitement and hurry to go home. Keep this specific action verb in mind.

Question 11. The children selling baskets were sons and daughters of these …………… [2015, 16]
(a) refugees
(b) labourers
(c) peasants
(d) prisoners
Answer: (a) refugees
In simple words: The children selling baskets at the station were the children of refugees who fled to India during partition.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the historical background of the chapter helps you easily answer context-based questions.

Question 12. The people of India have a …………… for independence. [2015, 17, 18]
(a) desire
(b) idea
(c) passion
(d) wish
Answer: (c) passion
In simple words: The author observed that the people of India had a strong, deep love and passion for their freedom.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Passion" is a stronger word than "desire" or "wish", reflecting the intense feelings of the Indian people for self-rule.

Question 13. I was going as far as Bareilly …………… train. [2018]
(a) buy
(b) by
(c) bye
(d) bay
Answer: (b) by
In simple words: We use the preposition "by" to show the mode of transport we are using to travel.

🎯 Exam Tip: Do not confuse homophones like "by", "buy", and "bye" in grammar-based fill-in-the-blanks.

Question 14. It was a …………… porter giving me a hint that this was my station.
(a) healthy
(b) handsome
(c) friendly
(d) cruel
Answer: (c) friendly
In simple words: A kind and helpful porter let the author know that his station had arrived.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read the chapter carefully to remember the specific adjectives used to describe minor characters.

Question 15. The most …………… , aggressive vendor was a beautiful girl of nine right in front of me. [2010, 18]
(a) lazy
(b) diligent
(c) intelligent
(d) carefree
Answer: (b) diligent
In simple words: The nine-year-old girl was very hardworking and earnest, which is what "diligent" means.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pair up adjectives like "diligent" and "aggressive" as they are used together in the text to describe the young girl.

Question 16. That, no doubt is the reason these little children descended on me like …………… [2010]
(a) clouds
(b) birds
(c) locusts
(d) flies
Answer: (c) locusts
In simple words: The children swarmed around the American author like a swarm of locusts because they saw him as a wealthy buyer.

🎯 Exam Tip: This simile ("like locusts") is a key literary device used in the chapter to describe the crowd of children.

Question 17. My arms were …………… and I had not spent fifty cents. [2014, 16, 18]
(a) tied
(b) filled
(c) empty
(d) vacant
Answer: (b) filled
In simple words: The author had bought so many baskets and fans that his arms were completely full, even though he spent very little money.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Filled" is the exact word from the text describing the author's physical state of holding too many items.

Question 18. I bought one …………… basket for a few annas. [2014]
(a) small
(b) great
(c) big
Answer: (c) big
In simple words: The author bought a large basket to help the young girl and carry his items.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always double-check option letters in the exam to ensure you mark the correct bubble or write the correct letter.

Question 19. The average …………… labourer makes thirty cents a day or less than two dollars a week. [2016, 18]
(a) unskilled
(b) diligent
(c) trained
(d) aggressive
Answer: (a) unskilled
In simple words: An untrained or unskilled worker at that time earned a very low daily wage of around thirty cents.

🎯 Exam Tip: Economic facts mentioned in the chapter, like the earnings of an unskilled labourer, are highly important for objective questions.

Question 20. I realized at once what …………… I had given. [2018]
(a) favour
(b) reward
(c) insult
(d) offence
Answer: (d) offence
In simple words: The author realized that offering money as charity without buying the basket was seen as an insult or offence by the proud young girl.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the cultural pride of the characters; the girl preferred to sell her work rather than accept free charity.