NCERT Solutions for Class 6 English Honeysuckle - Chapter 7 - Fair Play

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 panchayat.
 4. Algu was unwilling to support the aunt.
 5. Jumman was very happy to hear Algu’s name as head Panch.

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.

 B. Who says this to whom and why?

1.“My wife knows best how to run the house.” 
Ans: Jumman said this to his aunt because he was shameless and had grown tired of her. she had asked him for a monthly allowance to set up a separate kitchen, but he didn't want to give her money.

2. “But is it right, my son, to keep mum and not say what you consider just and fair?”
Ans: Jumman’s aunt said this to Algu. She had gone to Algu for help but Algu had politely refused her plea. He did not want to go to the panchayat because Jumman was his friend and he could not go against him. 

3.“What have you to say in your defence?”
Ans: Algu said this to Jumman because he was made the head Panch. He was keen to do justice by the aunt and asked Jumman if he had anything to say in his defence.

4.“I can’t pay you a penny for the wretched beast you sold me.” 
Ans: Samjhu Sahu said this to Algu because Algu demanded payment for the bullock he had sold to Samjhu. The bullock died due to Sahu overworking and underfeeding it. When Algu asked for his payment, Sahu dishonestly refused to give him any money.

5. “Victory to the panchayat. This is justice.” 
Ans: Algu said this over and over again in front of the village because he was happy that Jumman had not deviated from the path of justice in spite of the bitterness between them.

C. Answer the following questions. 

1. “Then the situation changed.” What is being referred to? (2)
Ans: The situation being referred to is Jumman and his family’s behaviour towards his aunt. Jumman's aunt had transferred her property to him on the understanding that he would look after her. The arrangement worked well for a couple of years but after a couple of years, Jumman and his family grew tired of her. He became as indifferent to her and his wife did not take care of the aunt properly, such as giving her enough food and tending to her daily needs.

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

3. What was the villagers’ reaction when the aunt explained her case to them? (4)
Ans: When the aunt explained her case to the villagers, some sympathised with her, others laughed at her and a few others advised her to make it up with her nephew and his wife.

4. Why was Jumman happy over Algu’s nomination as head Panch? (6)
Ans: Jumman was happy over Algu's nomination as head Panch because Algu was his best friend so he would never go against him.

5. “God lives in the heart of the Panch.” the aunt said. What did she mean? (6)
 Ans: She meant that a Panch was always unbiased and would not kill his conscience for the sake of friendship. Everybody is equal before him. The justice delivered was the justice delivered by God.

6. What was Algu’s verdict as head Panch? How did Jumman take it? (7, 8) 
Ans: Algu's verdict as head Panch was that Jumman had to pay his aunt a monthly allowance, or else the property would go back to her. Jumman felt betrayed and became Algu's enemy.

7. Algu found himself in a tight spot. What was his problem? (9)
Ans: One of Algu's fine pair of bullocks died, and he sold the other to Samjhu Sahu on the understanding that Sahu would pay the price of the bullock in a month's time. The bullock died within a month and Sahu refused to pay Algu.

8. Why was Algu upset over Jumman’s nomination as head Panch? (12, 13)
Ans: Algu was upset because he was his friend no more after Algu had given a verdict in favour of Jumman's aunt. Jumman was Algu's enemy and wanted revenge.

9. What was Jumman’s verdict as head Panch? How did Algu take it? (14, 15)
Ans: Jumman's verdict as head Panch was that that since the bullock did not suffer from any disability or disease when Sahu bought it, although the death was unfortunate Algu could not be blamed for it. Therefore, Sahu would have to pay Algu the price of the bullock. Algu could not contain his feelings on the verdict. He stood up and said loudly over and over again, "Victory to the panchayat. This is justice. God lives in the heart of the Panch."

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.

Ans: (ii) “Let no one deviate from the path of justice and truth for friendship or enmity.” This sentence sums up the story best because boht Algu and Jumman gave verdict without keeping any friendship nor enimity.