UP Board Solutions Class 12 English Chapter 2 An Astrologers Day

Story at a Glance

Once in a town on a busy crossing an astrologer used to sit under a tamarind tree from morning till evening. He was so dressed and with all his equipments spread before him that the people were attracted towards him in a large number. He also answered their questions in such a way that most of them were satisfied. One evening when the astrologer was ready to go home, a man came to him and pressured him to answer his questions. Under the pressure of his client he had to answer his questions. As soon as the man lit his cigar, the astrologer caught a glimpse of his face by the matchlight. The astrologer felt uncomfortable yet he gathered courage.

The man said, “Shall I succeed in my present search ?” The astrologer said, “You were left for dead. Am I right ?” “Ah, tell me more.” “A knife has passed through you once ?” said the astrologer. “Good fellow !” He bared his chest to show the scar. “What else ?” “And then you were pushed into a well near by in the field. You were left for dead.” “I should have been dead if some passer-by had not chanced to peep into the well.” exclaimed the other overwhelmed by enthusiasm. “When shall I get at him ?” he asked, clenching his fist. “In the next world,” answered the astrologer. “He died four months ago in a far off town. You will never see any more of him.” The other groaned on hearing it. The astrologer proceeded, “Guru Nayak….” “You know my name also !” the other said in a surprise.

“I know everything, Guru Nayak. Listen to me carefully. Your village is two days journey in the north. Take the next train and go away. There is a danger to your life if you go away from home. Take this sacred ash and rub it on your forehead and go home. Never travel southward again.” The astrologer also told him that his enemy was crushed under a lorry and died. Hearing this the man was delighted. He gave the astrologer a handful of coins and went away. Now it was too late. The astrologer picked up his articles and reached home. His wife was waiting for him anxiously. After dinner he told her the whole story how he misguided his enemy and assured him that his enemy was not alive. So, he left his search. In this way from that day he was the most carefree man.

कहानी पर एक दृष्टि

एक बार एक नगर में एक ज्योतिषी इमली के पेड़ के नीचे एक व्यस्त चौराहे पर सवेरे से शाम तक बैठा करता था। वह ऐसे वस्त्र पहनता था और अपना सारा सामान अपने सामने इस प्रकार फैला लेता था कि बड़ी संख्या में लोग उसकी ओर आकर्षित होते थे। वह उनके अधिकांश प्रश्नों के उत्तर भी इस प्रकार देता था कि उनमें से अधिकांश सन्तुष्ट हो जाते थे। एक दिन शाम को जब ज्योतिषी घर जाने को तैयार था, तब एक आदमी उसके पास आया और अपने प्रश्नों के उत्तर देने के लिए उस पर दबाव डाला। अपने ग्राहक के दबाव में उसके प्रश्नों के उत्तर उसे देने पड़े। ज्यों ही उस व्यक्ति ने अपना सिगार जलाया, माचिस की रोशनी में ज्योतिषी ने उस व्यक्ति के चेहरे की झलक देखी। ज्योतिषी परेशान हो गया किन्तु उसने साहस बटोरा। उस व्यक्ति ने कहा, “क्या मैं अपनी वर्तमान तलाश में सफल होऊँगा या नहीं?” ज्योतिषी ने कहा, “तुम मृतप्रायः छोड़ दिए गए थे। क्या मैं ठीक हूँ?”

अरे, मुझे कुछ और बताओ।” एक बार तुम्हारे ऊपर चाकू से वार हुआ।” ज्योतिषी ने कहा। अच्छे व्यक्ति,” उसने अपने घाव दिखाने के लिए छाती खोली। और भी कुछ?” और फिर तुम्हें खेत में पास के कुएँ में धकेल दिया गया। तुम्हें मृतप्रायः छोड़ा गया।” यदि कुछ व्यक्ति जो उस रास्ते से जा रहे थे कुएँ में न झाँकते तो मैं मर गया होता।” दूसरा व्यक्ति चिल्लाया। वह आदमी जोश में भर गया। अपनी मुट्ठी मारते हुए उसने पूछा, “मैं उसे कब पकड़ पाऊँगा?” “अगले संसार में,” ज्योतिषी ने उत्तर दिया, “वह चार महीने पूर्व एक दूर के नगर में मर गया। तुम उसे अब कभी नहीं देख पाओगे।” यह सुनकर दूसरा व्यक्ति गुर्राया। ज्योतिषी ने आगे कहा — “गुरु नायक!”

आप मेरा नाम भी जानते हो!” दूसरे व्यक्ति ने आश्चर्य से कहा। “ऐ गुरु नायक, मैं सभी कुछ जानता हूँ। मेरी बात ध्यान से सुनो। तुम्हारा गाँव उत्तर की ओर है। यात्रा में दो दिन लगते हैं। अगली गाड़ी पकड़ो और यहाँ से चले जाओ। यदि तुम घर से बाहर जाओगे तब तुम्हारे जीवन को खतरा है। यह पवित्र राख लो और इसे अपने माथे पर मलो और घर जाओ। दक्षिण की ओर पुनः यात्रा मत करना।” ज्योतिषी ने यह भी बताया कि उसका शत्रु एक लॉरी के नीचे कुचल गया और मर गया।

Understanding the Text

Short Answer Type Questions

Answer Two of the Following Questions in Not More Than 30 Words Each:

Question 1. Who was this astrologer ? Why did he leave his house ? [2013, 15, 18]
(ज्योतिषी कौन था ? उसने अपना घर क्यों छोड़ा ?)
Answer: This astrologer was the son of a farmer. He had murdered a man. He was a convict. So he left his home without telling anybody. He sought to escape the consequences of his past actions by starting a completely new life elsewhere.
(यह ज्योतिषी एक किसान का बेटा था । उसने एक व्यक्ति की हत्या कर दी थी । अतः वह एक अपराधी था । इसलिए उसने बिना किसी को बताए हुए अपना घर छोड़ दिया ।)
In simple words: The astrologer was a farmer's son who ran away from home without telling anyone because he had killed a man.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state both parts of the question: who he was (a farmer's son) and why he left (he had committed a murder) to score full marks.

Question 2. Why did he choose this profession ?
(उसने यह व्यवसाय क्यों चुना ?)
Answer: He chose this profession so that he might not be traced out by his enemy. This disguise provided him with the perfect cover to blend into the crowd.
(उसने यह व्यवसाय इसलिए चुना ताकि उसका दुश्मन उसका पता न लगा सके।)
In simple words: He became an astrologer so that his enemy could not find him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use keywords like 'traced out' and 'enemy' to secure full marks for this answer.

Question 3. What place did he choose for it ? How was it a suitable place ?
(उसने इसके लिए कौन-सा स्थान चुना ? क्या यह एक उपयुक्त स्थान था ?)
Answer: He chose a place near a busy crossing under a tamarind tree. It was a suitable place because the people of all trades passed by that way. The bustling environment ensured a steady stream of potential clients throughout the day.
(उसने एक व्यस्त चौराहे के पास इमली के पेड़ के नीचे एक स्थान चुना। यह उपयुक्त स्थान था क्योंकि सभी व्यवसायों के व्यक्ति उस रास्ते से गुजरते थे।)
In simple words: He sat under a tamarind tree near a busy road because many different people walked past there every day, giving him many customers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention both the specific location (under a tamarind tree near a busy crossing) and the reason why it was suitable (high foot traffic from various trades).

Question 4. What are the equipments of an astrologer which he took with him ?
(ज्योतिषी का क्या सामान था जिसे उसने अपने साथ रखा ?)
Answer: He took with him a dozen cowrie shells, a square of cloth with obscure mystic charts on it, a note book and a bundle of palmyra writings. These items helped him create an aura of mystery and wisdom to attract gullible customers.
(उसने अपने पास एक दर्जन कौड़ी, एक चौकोर कपड़े का टुकड़ा जिस पर अस्पष्ट गहन चार्ट बने हुए थे, एक नोट बुक तथा खजूर की पत्तियों पर लिखे हुए कुछ लेख रखे।)
In simple words: He carried cowrie shells, a cloth with mysterious charts, a notebook, and palm leaf writings to look like a real astrologer.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all four items clearly: cowrie shells, mystic charts on cloth, a notebook, and palmyra writings to get full marks.

Question 5. How did he look like an astrologer ?
(वह एक ज्योतिषी की भाँति कैसे दिखाई पड़ता था ?)
Answer: He looked like an astrologer because he had rubbed pious dust and vermilion on his forehead, a saffron coloured turban on his head, dark and long whiskers with all the equipments of an astrologer spread before him. His striking appearance immediately commanded respect and curiosity from passersby.
(वह एक ज्योतिषी की भाँति मालूम पड़ता था क्योंकि...)
In simple words: He looked like an astrologer because he wore sacred ash and vermilion on his forehead, a saffron turban, and had long whiskers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe his physical appearance details like the forehead (dust and vermilion), head (saffron turban), and face (whiskers) to write a complete answer.

Question 6. What did his clients find in his eyes? How did they feel? (उसके ग्राहक उसकी आँखों में क्या पाते थे? वे कैसा अनुभव करते थे?)
Answer: His clients found a prophetic light in his eyes. They felt comforted. (उसके ग्राहक उसकी आँखों में एक भविष्यवक्ता का प्रकाश पाते थे। उन्हें आराम मिलता था।) This look was actually just a product of continuous searching for customers, but it worked wonders on people.
In simple words: People who came to the astrologer saw a special, wise shine in his eyes. This made them feel safe, calm, and hopeful about their future.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the phrase 'prophetic light' as it is a key term from the story that examiners look for.

Question 7. Could he satisfy his customers? How? (क्या वह अपने ग्राहकों को सन्तुष्ट कर देता था? कैसे?)
Answer: He satisfied his customers because he had studied about the general problems of the people. He had much experience. He had a good common sense. He gave such answers as satisfied all. (वह अपने ग्राहकों को सन्तुष्ट कर देता था क्योंकि उसने लोगों की सामान्य समस्याओं का अध्ययन किया था। उसे काफी अनुभव था। उसे सामान्य ज्ञान भी था। वह ऐसे उत्तर देता था जो सभी को सन्तुष्ट कर देते थे।) His sharp understanding of human nature helped him win their trust easily.
In simple words: The astrologer was very good at making his customers happy because he understood common human struggles like money and marriage. He used his experience and common sense to give them comforting answers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention 'common sense' and 'study of general problems' to explain how he successfully dealt with his clients.

Question 8. What trick did he use in making a guess of the problems of his client? (अपने ग्राहकों की समस्याओं का अनुमान लगाने में वह किस युक्ति का प्रयोग करता था?)
Answer: In making a guess of the problems of his clients, he let them speak first as much as they could. He listened to them patiently and guessed about their problems. (अपने ग्राहकों की समस्याओं का अनुमान लगाने में वह पहले उन्हीं को बोलने देता था जितना वे बोल सकें। वह उन्हें ध्यान से सुनता था और उनकी समस्याओं का अनुमान लगाता था।) This silence gave him enough time to gather clues and formulate his advice.
In simple words: The astrologer's trick was to let his clients talk without interrupting for at least ten minutes. By listening quietly, he gathered enough information to easily guess what was troubling them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the 'ten-minute rule' of silence as his primary tactic for gathering information before speaking.

Question 9. What fee did he charge from his clients? (अपने ग्राहकों से वह कितनी फीस लेता था?)
Answer: He charged three pies per question from his clients. (अपने ग्राहकों से वह तीन पैसे प्रति प्रश्न लेता था।) This was a standard rate that suited his humble clientele.
In simple words: The astrologer charged a very small amount of money, which was three pies, for every question he answered.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the exact amount 'three pies per question' to secure full marks in short-answer questions.

Question 10. What was the usual time which he devoted to his profession? (वह अपने व्यवसाय में साधारणतः कितना समय लगाता था?)
Answer: Usually he started his profession at mid-day and continued till late in the evening. (साधारणतः वह अपना व्यवसाय दोपहर के समय आरम्भ करता था और देर शाम तक जारी रखता था।) He worked under the flickering light of neighboring shops since he had no municipal lighting of his own.
In simple words: The astrologer would begin his work around noon and keep working until late at night when it got dark.

🎯 Exam Tip: State both the starting time (mid-day) and closing time (late evening) clearly to get full marks.

Question 11. Who happened to come to him one day when he was ready to go home? (जब एक दिन वह घर जाने के लिए तैयार था तब कौन आया?)
Or
What happened one evening when the astrologer was preparing to go home? [2013] (एक दिन शाम को जब ज्योतिषी घर जाने की तैयारी कर रहा था तब क्या हुआ?)
Or
Why did the astrologer feel very uncomfortable in the presence of the stranger? [2011] (आगन्तुक की उपस्थिति में ज्योतिषी ने बेचैनी का अनुभव क्यों किया?)
Answer: One day, when the astrologer was preparing to go home, a stranger named Guru Nayak came to him. The astrologer felt very uncomfortable in his presence because he recognized him as the man he had stabbed and left for dead many years ago in his village. This unexpected encounter forced him to face his dark past.
In simple words: Just as the astrologer was packing up to go home, a stranger arrived. The astrologer got very nervous because this stranger was actually a man from his past whom he had once tried to kill.

🎯 Exam Tip: For this question, identify the stranger as Guru Nayak and explain that the astrologer's discomfort arose from recognizing a man he had once tried to kill.

Question. What made the astrologer feel uncomfortable? [2017]
Answer: One day when he was ready to go home, a man named Guru Nayak came to him in the dark. He was the astrologer’s enemy and he was in search of him. So he felt very uncomfortable in his presence. This unexpected encounter filled him with deep anxiety and fear.
In simple words: The astrologer felt uncomfortable because his old enemy, Guru Nayak, suddenly appeared in front of him in the dark.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the name 'Guru Nayak' and explain that he was the astrologer's enemy to secure full marks.

Question 12. Who recognised whom and who did not recognise?
Answer: The astrologer recognised the man but the man did not recognise the astrologer. The darkness and the astrologer's disguise made it impossible for the man to see his true identity.
In simple words: The astrologer knew who the stranger was, but the stranger had no idea he was talking to the man he was looking for.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep this answer short and precise, clearly stating who recognized whom.

Question 13. How did the astrologer behave with him?
Answer: The astrologer behaved with him like a client. He did not let him know about himself. He maintained his professional composure to hide his fear.
In simple words: The astrologer treated the stranger like any other customer and kept his own identity a secret.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the word 'client' or 'customer' to describe the astrologer's professional behavior.

Question 14. Did the astrologer answer his questions willingly? How?
Answer: The astrologer did not answer his questions willingly. First of all, he refused him. At this the man held his wrist and threatened him that he would not let him go home until he answered his questions. Then, the astrologer agreed to answer his questions. This physical confrontation forced the astrologer to comply.
In simple words: No, the astrologer did not want to answer. He only agreed after the stranger grabbed his wrist and threatened to keep him there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state 'No' or 'not willingly' first, then describe the physical threat of holding the wrist to explain 'how'.

Question 15. What was the load that the astrologer had been keeping in his mind and, how did he get rid of it?
Or
How did the astrologer in the story ‘An Astrologer’s Day’ get freedom from fear of revenge and punishment? [2010, 12]
Answer: The astrologer had been carrying the heavy burden of thinking he had killed a man in his youth during a silly brawl. He got rid of this load when he met Guru Nayak in person and realized that the man had survived the knife attack. By successfully convincing Guru Nayak that his attacker had already died under a crushing vehicle, the astrologer ensured he would never be hunted down for revenge. This clever lie completely freed him from his lifelong guilt and fear.
In simple words: The astrologer felt guilty because he thought he had killed a man years ago. He felt relieved when he saw that the man was still alive, and he tricked him into believing the attacker was already dead.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both parts of the question: first, the 'load' (thinking he killed a man), and second, how he got rid of it (seeing him alive and tricking him).

Question. What was the advice astrologer gave the stranger? Or How could the astrologer get rid of the stranger?
Answer: The astrologer had murdered a man. So, he was always in fear of being caught. One day his enemy came before him in the dark of evening as his customer. The astrologer recognised him. So by his clever trick he made him assure that his enemy had died long before. So, he should leave his search and return home. Thus, he got rid of the load which he had been keeping in his mind. He also warned him never to travel southward again to ensure his safety.
In simple words: The astrologer saved himself by pretending he didn't know the stranger, telling him that the man he wanted to kill was already dead, and advising him to go back home.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering this character-based question, highlight the astrologer's presence of mind and his clever warning to the stranger to never return to the south.

Question 16. How much amount did the man give to the astrologer?
Answer: The man gave the astrologer all the money that he had. This was a handful of coins that the stranger surrendered after losing the bet.
In simple words: The stranger gave all the money he had in his pocket to the astrologer.

🎯 Exam Tip: State clearly that the stranger gave "all the money" he had, as this shows he lost the challenge completely.

Question 17. When did the astrologer reach home? Whom did he see at the door?
Answer: The astrologer reached home at mid-night. He saw his wife at the door waiting for him anxiously because he was much later than usual.
In simple words: The astrologer arrived home at midnight and found his wife waiting anxiously for him at the door.

🎯 Exam Tip: Make sure to answer both parts of the question: the time (midnight) and the person waiting (his wife).

Question 18. What did the astrologer do when his wife asked him the explanation of being late?
Answer: When his wife asked him the explanation of being late, he piled a lot of money before her. He did this to surprise her and ease her anger about his late arrival.
In simple words: To explain why he was late, he simply showed her the large pile of coins he had earned.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the action of throwing or piling the coins before her as his immediate response to her question.

Question 19. What was its reaction on his wife?
Answer: Seeing so much money his wife was overjoyed. She felt relieved and happy because they could now afford to buy things they needed.
In simple words: His wife was extremely happy and excited when she saw all the money.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the word "overjoyed" as it directly reflects her emotional reaction in the story.

Question 20. What plan did his wife make to spend the money?
Answer: His wife decided to buy some jaggery and coconut to prepare some nice sweets for their child, who had been asking for them for many days.
In simple words: She planned to buy coconut and jaggery to make sweet treats for their daughter.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the specific ingredients (jaggery and coconut) and the child's desire for sweets to write a complete answer.

Question 21. When did the astrologer tell his wife the reason of his being late ? (ज्योतिषी ने अपनी पत्नी को देरी होने का कारण कब बताया ?)
Or
What did the astrologer tell her wife after dinner ? [2017, 18] (रात्रि के भोजन के बाद ज्योतिषी ने अपनी पत्नी से क्या कहा ?)
Answer: After taking dinner, the astrologer told his wife the reason of his being late. (रात्रि का भोजन करने के बाद ज्योतिषी ने अपनी पत्नी को देरी होने का कारण बताया ।) He felt a great sense of relief after sharing this deep secret with her.
In simple words: The astrologer waited until they finished eating dinner to explain to his wife why he returned home so late.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the specific timing (after dinner) clearly as it is the key detail the examiner looks for.

Question 22. What reason did he tell her ? (उसने उसे क्या कारण बताया ?)
Answer: He told her that a client came to him when he was ready to come home. (उसने उसे बताया कि जब वह घर आने को तैयार था तभी एक ग्राहक आ गया ।) This unexpected visitor delayed his departure for the evening.
In simple words: He explained that just as he was packing up to go home, a last-minute customer arrived and took up his time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep the answer concise and directly address the reason for his delay, which was the late client.

Question 23. Where is the climax of the story ? How does the story end ? (कहानी की चरम सीमा कहाँ है ? कहानी का अन्त कैसे होता है ?)
Answer: The climax of the story is when the client returns fully satisfied. The story ends in a happy mood. (कहानी की चरम सीमा वहीं पर होती है जहाँ ग्राहक पूर्ण सन्तुष्ट होकर लौट जाता है। कहानी का आनन्द के वातावरण में अन्त होता है।) This resolution brings a peaceful and satisfying closure to the suspenseful plot.
In simple words: The most exciting part of the story is when the customer leaves completely satisfied, and the story ends on a happy and peaceful note.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly divide your answer into two parts: first describe the climax, and then describe the ending mood of the story.

Question 24. What did the astrologer tell Guru Nayak about his enemy’s death ? (ज्योतिषी ने गुरु नायक को उसके दुश्मन की मृत्यु के विषय में क्या बताया ?)
Or
What advice did the astrologer give the stranger ? [2012, 17, 18] (ज्योतिषी ने उस अनजान व्यक्ति को क्या शिक्षा दी ?)
Answer: The astrologer told Guru Nayak that his enemy had died long before. So he should leave his search and return home. (ज्योतिषी ने गुरु नायक को बताया कि उसका शत्रु काफी समय पहले मर गया है। अतः उसे तलाश छोड़ देनी चाहिए और घर लौट जाना चाहिए।) He also warned him never to travel in this direction again to avoid danger.
In simple words: The astrologer told Guru Nayak that the man he was searching for was already dead, so he should stop looking and go back to his village.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to include both the news about the enemy's death and the specific advice given to Guru Nayak to return home.

Question 25. How did the astrologer earn his living ? Why was he forced to hide his identity? [2009, 18] (ज्योतिषी अपनी जीविका कैसे कमाता था ? वह अपनी पहचान क्यों छिपाता था ?)
Answer: The astrologer had a saffron turban on his head. He applied sandal paste on his forehead. Thus he hide his identity and began to sit under a tamarind tree. He answered the queries of his clients to earn his livelihood and escape his past. (ज्योतिषी अपनी जीविका चलाने के लिए माथे पर चंदन और सिर पर केसरिया पगड़ी पहनकर इमली के पेड़ के नीचे बैठता था और लोगों के सवालों के जवाब देता था।)
In simple words: The astrologer dressed up with a turban and sacred ash on his face to look like a wise fortune-teller, sitting under a tree to earn money and hide from his past.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe his physical appearance (saffron turban, sandal paste) as these details explain how he successfully disguised himself.

Question 26. Why did the astrologer advise the stranger never to travel southward? [2009,12] (ज्योतिषी ने अजनबी को दक्षिण दिशा में यात्रा न करने की क्यों सलाह दी ?)
Answer: The astrologer advised stranger never to travel southward because he lived in this direction himself. And he was his enemy. He wanted to ensure their paths would never cross again. (ज्योतिष में अजनी को दक्षिण दिशं की यात्रा न करने की सलाह दी क्योंकि वह स्वयं उस दिशा में रहता था और क्ह उसका शत्रु था ।
In simple words: The astrologer told the stranger not to travel south because that was where the astrologer lived. He wanted to make sure they would never meet again so his past would remain hidden.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state that the astrologer's advice was a clever trick to keep his enemy far away from his home town.