Class-6, English (Honeysuckle) , Chapter -7 Fair Play Summary, Word Meanings, NCERT Solutions & Frequently Asked Questions

 English

(Honeysuckle)

Class -6, Chapter -7

Fair Play

Summary, Word Meanings, NCERT Solutions & Frequently Asked Questions  

-- Summary --

⭐Summary In English:-

Part I

Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry were good friends. Both were also greatly respected in the village.

Jumman had an old aunt who had some property. She transferred it to Jumman. The condition was that she would stay with Jumman. Jumman would look after her well. For two years, the arrangement worked well. Then the situation changed. The behaviour of Jumman and his family changed. Even the little food which was offered to her was loaded with insults. At last her patience gave way. She realised that she was not welcome in his house. She asked Jumman to give her a monthly allowance to set up a separate kitchen. Jumman said that his wife knew best how to run the house. She decided to take the case to the village Panchayat.

The old lady went to the villagers explaining her case. Some showed sympathy. Some laughed at her. Others advised her to make it up with Jumman and his wife. At last she went to Algu Chowdhry. He told the lady that he could not go against Jumman as he was his best friend. At this she asked him, “But is it right, my son, to keep mum and not to say what you consider Just and fair?”

Part II

The Panchayat was held under an old banyan tree. Jumman said, “Let my aunt nominate the Panch. I will abide by her decision”. The old lady suggested the name of Algu Chowdhry knowing well that he was a close friend of Jumman. This, however, gladdened Jumman’s heart. He thought that as his best friend Algu could not go against him. His happiness was only shortlived. Algu Chowdhry gave his decision in favour of the old lady. She said that God lives in the heart of the Panch. She meant that as Panch, one was bound to be just and fair. But Jumman was very angry. The incident broke the bond of friendship. The two were not seen together after the case. Jumman want revenge on Algu.

Part III

Algu found himself in a tight position after a few days. He had sold his bullock to Samjhu Sahu. Samjhu Sahu had agreed to pay the price after a month. Unfortunately, the bullock died before the date of payment. Sahu refused to pay. A case came before the panchayat once again.

This time Sahu proposed the name of Jumman as Panch. Algu’s heart sank. He was sure that Jumman would give his verdict against him but he accepted the proposal. Though Jumman was burning with the desire for revenge, he could not do so sitting in the seat of the judge. He gave the judgement in favour of Algu. Algu was overjoyed. He cried that it was a victory of panchayat and justice. He said that God lives in the heart of Panch.

Then the two friends embraced each other and wept. The tears had washed away the dirt of misunderstanding between them.

⭐Summary In Hindi:- 

Part I

जुम्मन शेख और अलगू चौधरी अच्छे मित्र थे। दोनों का गाँव में सम्मान भी बहुत था।

जुम्मन की एक बूढी बुआ थी, जिसके पास कुछ संपत्ति थी। उसने उस संपत्ति को जुम्मन के नाम कर दिया। शर्त थी कि वह जुम्मन के साथ रहेगी। जुम्मन उसकी अच्छी तरह देख-भाल करेगा। दो वर्ष तक सब कुछ ठीक-ठाक चलता रहा। फिर परिस्थिति बदल गयी। जुम्मन और उसके परिवार का व्यवहार बदल गया। जो थोड़ा बहुत खाना उसे दिया जाता था वह भी बड़ी बेइज्जती के साथ। आखिर उसका सब्र समाप्त हो गया। उसे लगा कि अब वह उस (जुम्मन) के घर में बोझ बन गयी थी। उसने जुम्मन से कहा कि वह उसे प्रतिमास कुछ धन दे ताकि वह अपना चूल्हा अलग कर सके। जुम्मन ने कहा कि उसकी पत्नी ही घर को सर्वोत्तम ढंग से चलाना जानती थी। उस (बुआ) ने मामले को ग्राम पंचायत के सामने लाने का निर्णय कर लिया।

अपनी बात समझाने के लिए बूढी महिला गाँव वालों के पास गयी। कुछ ने सहानुभूति दिखाई। कुछ उस पर हँसे। दूसरों ने कहा कि वह जुम्मन और उसकी पत्नी से बात कर मामला सुलझा ले। अंत में वह अलगू चौधरी के | पास गयी। उसने वृद्धा से कहा कि वह जुम्मन के खिलाफ नहीं जा सकता था क्योंकि वह उसका सर्वोत्तम मित्र था। इस पर उसने उससे पूछा, “पर मेरे बेटे, जो तुम सही और उचित समझते हो, उसको न कहना क्या ठीक है ?”

Part II

एक पुराने बरगद के पेड़ के नीचे पंचायत लगी। जुम्मन बोला, मेरी बुआ पंच को चुन ले। मैं उसकी बात मान लूंगा।” बूढी औरत ने यह जानते हुए भी कि अलगू चौधरी जुम्मन का पक्का दोस्त है, उसके नाम का प्रस्ताव किया। पर इस बात से जुम्मन का दिल खुश हो गया। उसने सोचा कि उसका सर्वोत्तम मित्र होने के कारण अलगू उसके खिलाफ नहीं जा सकता था। उसकी खुशी अधिक देर न टिक सकी। अलगू चौधरी ने बूढी औरत के पक्ष में निर्णय दे दिया। उस (औरत) ने कहा कि पंच के दिल में परमेश्वर निवास करता है। उसका मतलब था कि पंच होने पर कोई भी व्यक्ति न्यायपूर्ण और उचित होने के लिए बाध्य हो जाता है। परंतु जुम्मन बहुत नाराज हो गया। दोस्ती की डोर इस घटना से टूट गयी। घटना के बाद फिर दोनों को साथ-साथ नहीं देखा गया। जुम्मन अलगू से बदला लेना चाहता था।

Part III

कुछ दिनों बाद अलगू के सामने एक कठिन समस्या आ खड़ी हुई। उसने अपना बैल समझू साहू को बेचा था। समझू साहू ने वादा किया था कि वह एक महीने बाद उसकी कीमत अदा कर देगा। दुर्भाग्य से पैसे चुकाने की तारीख से पहले ही बैल मर गया। साहू ने पैसे देने से इंकार कर दिया। एक बार फिर एक मामला पंचायत के सामने था।

इस बार साहू ने पंच के रूप में जुम्मन के नाम का प्रस्ताव किया। अलगू का दिल बैठ गया। उसे पक्का विश्वास था कि जुम्मन उसके खिलाफ निर्णय देगा। पर उसने प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कर लिया। हालांकि जुम्मन बदला लेने की इच्छा में जल रहा था, पर न्याय की कुर्सी पर बैठकर वह ऐसा नहीं कर सका। उसने अपना निर्णय अलगू के पक्ष में दिया। अलगू की खुशी का ठिकाना न था। वह चिल्ला कर बोला कि यह पंचायत और न्याय की जीत थी। उसने कहा कि पंच के दिल में परमेश्वर निवास करता है।

फिर दोनों दोस्त एक-दूसरे के गले मिले और रो पड़े। आँसूओं ने उन दोनों के बीच की गलतफहमी की धूल को धो डाला।

-- Word Meanings --

• Looked after - देखभाल की

• Grudged - गुस्से से / अनिच्छा से

• Sympathized - सहानुभूति के साथ 

• Agreement - समझौता 

• Nominate - चुनाव करना / नियुक्त करना 

• Abide - पालन करना 

• Cross-examined - दुबारा जांच करना 

• Seldom - शायद ही कभी

• Wretched - मनहूस / बेकार

• Ruin - बर्बाद होना / विनाश होना 

• Embrace - अपनाना 

• Deviate - भटक जाना 

• Announced - घोषणा करना

• Victory - जीत 

 

-- NCERT Solutions --

Working With the Text (Page 91)

A.- Match the sentences under I with those under II.

I 

1. Jumman and Algu were the best of friends.

2. Jumman’s aunt transferred her property to him.

3. The aunt decided to appeal to the

4. Algu was unwilling to support the aunt.

5. Jumman was very happy to hear Algu’s name as’head

II

1. He believed that his friend would never go against him.

2. She wanted justice.

3. In the absence of one, the other took care of his family.

4. The condition was that he would be responsible for her welfare.

5. The bond of friendship between him and Jumman was very strong.

Answer:- 

B. Who says this to whom and why?

1.- “My wife knows best how to run the house.”

2.- “But is it right, my son, to keep mum and not say what you consider just and fair?”

3.- “What have you to say in your defence?”

4.- “I can’t pay you a penny for the wretched beast you sold me.”

5.- “Victory to the This is justice.”

Answer:- 

1.- Jumman speaks these words to his aunt. He wanted to get rid of his aunt. He did not want to give her any allowance.

2.- The old aunt says these words to Algu Chowdhry. Algu was unwilling to give his judgement against his best friend.

3.- Algu said these words to Jumman when he occupied the seat of the head He was keen to do justice.

4.- Sahu said this to Algu Chowdhry. Algu had sold his bullock to Samjhu Sahu. The bullock died because Sahu overworked and underfed the animal. When Algu demanded his money, Algu dishonestly refused to pay him a penny.

5.- Jumman was the head He could easily give his verdict against Algu. But the seat of panch made him fair and just. He asked Sahu to pay the money to Algu. At this Algu shouted with joy and welcomed the fair judgement.

C. Answer the following questions.

1.- “Then the situation changed.” What is being referred to?

Answer:- The situation changed after the transfer of property. Jumman forgot his prom­ise to look after his old aunt. He as well as his wife began to ill-treat her.

2.- When Jumman’s aunt realised that she was not welcome in his house, what arrangement did she suggest?

Answer:- Jumman’s aunt could not bear insults any more. She wanted to cook her food separately. She demanded monthly allowance from her nephew.

3.- What was the villagers’ reaction when the aunt explained her case to them? 

Answer:- The old woman went to several villagers to explain her case and get their support. But some showed sympathy, and some laughed at her. A few advised her to make peace with Jumman.

4.- Why was Jumman happy over Algu’s nomination as head Panch?

Answer:- Algu and Jumman were fast friends. So Jumman hoped to get the verdict in his favour. Naturally, he felt happy when the aunt named Algu to act as head Panch.

5.- “God lives in the heart of the Panch”, the aunt said. What did she mean? 

Answer:- The aunt meant that a person in the seat of a judge becomes fair and just like God. He is not guided by his personal likes and dislikes. He can not do any injustice. He is God’s representative.

6.- What was Algu’s verdict as head Panch? How did Jumman take it?

Answer:- Algu heard the case and gave a fair judgement. He asked Jumman either to pay a monthly allowance to his aunt or transfer the property in her name. Jumman was stunned. He became Algu’s enemy. He decided to take revenge on Algu.

7.- Algu found himself in a tight spot. What was his problem?

Answer:- Algu sold his bullock to Samjhu Sahu, a cartman. Sahu promised to pay the price within a month. But during this period he took so much work from the animal that it died. Sahu became dishonest. He refused to pay the money.

8.- Why was Algu upset over Jumman’s nomination as head Panch?

Answer:- Algu was upset because Jumman was already annoyed with him. So he thought Jumman would take his revenge.

9.- What was Jumman’s verdict as head Panch? How did Algu take it?

Answer:- Jumman’s verdict was that Sahu had to pay the price of bullock to Algu. Because when Sahu purchased the bullock from Algu it was hale and hearty. This was a genuine decision. Algu took it happily and said it was a victory of the panchayat.

10.- Which of the following sums up the story best?

(i)“I also know that you will not kill your conscience for the sake of friend­ship.”

(ii)“Let no one deviate from the path of justice and truth for friendship or enmity.”

(iii)‘The voice of the Panch is the voice of God.”

Give a reason for your choice.

Answer:- I think the second statement sums up the story best because the person in the seat of a judge becomes fair and just.

-- SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS --

1.- How did Algu and Jumman treat each other?

Answer:- Algu and Jumman were fast friends. But they became enemies when Algu decided the case in favour of the old aunt. Jumman also got a chance to take revenge. But as head Panch he also acted as fair and just. They became friends again.

2.- How did Jumman treat his old aunt?

Answer:- Jumman got his aunt’s property transferred in his name. He promised to support her. But soon they were tired of her. His wife insulted their aunt when she gave her little food.

3.- How did the old aunt get justice?

Answer:- The old aunt presented her case before the village panchayat. She had faith in the honesty of Algu. So she named Algu the head Panch. Algu ignored his friendship with Jumman for the sake of truth and justice.

4.- What were the common characteristics between Algu and Jumman?

Answer:- Algu and Jumman belonged to two different faiths. Yet both valued their friendship equally. Both had a clean conscience. Neither allowed his personal feelings to affect their love for truth and justice.

5.- What decisions were given by Algu and Jumman as head Panch?

Answer:- ‘ Algu told Jumman either to pay his aunt a monthly allowance or transfer her property to her. Jumman as head Panch gave the verdict that Sahu should pay Algu the price of the bullock

-- LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS --

1.- Why did Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry, the two good friends, become sworn enemies?

Answer:- Jumman and Algu were fast friends. They trusted each other blindly. But an incident broke them apart. Jumman had got the property of his old aunt. But after some duration he began to ignore and ill treat her. She demanded a monthly allowance or the return of her land. The panchayat was called to hear the case. Algu as the head Panch decided the case in favour of the old aunt. The two friends became sworn enemies.

2.- How did Jumman and Algu get over their bitterness and become friends again?

Answer:- Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry broke up when Algu gave his verdict in favour of Jumman’s aunt. Algu heard the voice of his conscience and did justice. But Jumman waited for his turn to take revenge. He got that chance soon. Algu was being cheated by Sahu. Hence, a panchayat was held. Sahu named Jumman as head Panch. But as soon as Jumman occupied that seat of responsibility, he too decided the case on facts and merit. His verdict in favour of Algu brought them closer once again.

3.- Which is more desirable-friendship or enmity? When does a person hear strongly the voice of his conscience?

Answer:- It goes without saying that friendship is based on goodwill and respect for one another. Enmity is created by hatred and ill-will. Friendship is definitely far better than enmity. Every person has a weakness for friends. But the moment he occupies the seat of judgement, he hears the voice of his conscience and gives a fair verdict.

- By Durgesh Pandey