Answer :

1. Jumman and Algu were the best of friends——3. In the absence of one, the other took care of his family.
2. Jumman’s aunt transferred her property to him.——-4. The condition was that he would be responsible for her welfare.
3. The aunt decided to appeal to the panchayat ——-2. She wanted justice.
4. Algu was unwilling to support the Aunt. ——5. The bond of friendship between him and Jumman was very strong.
5. Jumman was very happy to hear Algu’s name as head Panch.———1. He believed that his friend would never go against him

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 panchayat. This is justice.”

Answer:

1. Jumman says 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.

Question 1. “Then the situation changed.” What is being referred to? (2)

Answer:- The situation being referred to is Jumman and his family’s behaviour towards his aunt. 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.

Question 2. When Jumman’s aunt realised that she was not welcome in his house, what arrangement did she suggest? (3)

Answer:- When Jumman’s aunt realised that she was not welcome in his house she suggested that Jumman should give her a monthly allowance, so that she could set up a separate kitchen for her.

Question 3. What was the villagers’ reaction when the aunt explained her case to them? (4)

Answer:- The villagers gave mixed reaction when the aunt explained her case to them. Some sympathised with her, others laughed at her and a few others advised her to make it up with her nephew and his wife.

Question 4. Why was Jumman happy over Algu’s nomination as head Panch? (6)

Answer:- Jumman was happy over Algu’s nomination as head Panch because Algu was his best friend and he knew that he would not give any judgement that went against him.

Question 5. “God lives in the heart of the Panch.” the aunt said. What did she mean? (6)

Answer:- The aunt meant that a person in the seat of a judge becomes fair and just like God. Everyone is equal for him. Hence, he cannot do injustice to anyone.

Question 6. What was Algu’s verdict as head Panch? How did Jumman take it? (7, 8)

Answer:- He asked Jumman to pay a monthly allowance to his aunt or else he would have to return her property back to her. Jumman was very upset at this judgement and he began to consider Algu as his enemy.

Question 7. Algu found himself in a tight spot. What was his problem? (9)

Answer:- Algu was worried because one of his fine pair of bullocks died and he sold the other to Samjhu Sahu. Sahu was supposed to pay the price of the bullock within a month, but he refused to pay as the bullock died within a month.

Question 8. Why was Algu upset over Jumman’s nomination as head Panch? (12, 13)

Answer:- Algu was upset because after Algu’s verdict in favour of Jumman’s aunt, Jumman was not his friend anymore. He knew that Jumman would take his revenge.

Question 9. What was Jumman’s verdict as head Panch? How did Algu take it? (14, 15)

Answer:- Jumman’s verdict was that Sahu should pay Algu the price of the bullock. He said that Algu could not be blamed for the bullock’s death. Algu was extremely happy at the verdict. He began to shout that it was the victory of the Panchayat.

Question 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:-  “Let no one deviate from the path of justice and truth for the sake of friendship or enmity.” This sums up the story best because the one who occupies the position of a judge becomes fair and free. He has to give fair judgement irrespective of his personal feelings.