Textbook Solutions: The Piper of Manas | Gul Mohar Class 5: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

Understanding theText 

(A) Answer these questions in a sentence or two. 

1. He could not believe his eyesl
(i).
Ans: Dr Phukan saw the silhouette of a baby rhinoceros on the branch of a tree, barely above water level.

(ii).
Ans: Dr Phukan could not believe his eyes because he saw a baby rhinoceros wedged dangerously between the tree trunk and a branch, and it was at risk of being washed away by the floods.

2.
Ans: The floods in Kaziranga National Park were severe due to relentless heavy rains. The mighty Brahmaputra River swelled every monsoon, submerging the park and causing animals to be washed away as they tried to escape to higher ground.

3.
Ans: The baby rhinoceros was a few weeks old, lucky to be rescued from the floods in Kaziranga National Park. It had a little bump on its nose where the horn would eventually grow. Dr Phukan brought the rhino to Manas for care, and it needed close monitoring due to trauma and the absence of its mother.

4.
Ans: Dr Phukan was worried because the baby rhino was traumatized, possibly missing its mother. It refused to move or feed properly, posing a threat to its survival.

5.
Ans: Arnab and Radhika went to the stabilization centre to see the rhino calf. Arnab played the flute, and the rhino responded positively, moving closer to them and showing signs of enjoyment. Radhika also interacted with the rhino by stroking its back.

6.
Ans: Dr Phukan said this because the baby rhino responded positively to the flute played by Arnab and seemed to enjoy the music. This was unexpected and extraordinary, surpassing the fantastical elements of the Pied Piper story.

(B) Choose the correct answers to complete these sentences. 
1.
Ans: (a)
The baby rhino was wedged dangerously between the tree trunk and a branch.

2.

Ans: (c)
The baby rhino was just a few weeks old.

3.

Ans: (a)
Dr Phukan had come from Manas to Kaziranga for rescue operations, and he later took the rhino to Manas.

4.

Ans: (b)
Dr Phukan speculates that the mother of the rhino calf might have been washed away in the floods.

5.

Ans: (c)
The little bump on the rhino's nose is where the horn will grow.

6.

Ans: (c)
The rhino responded positively to Arnab playing the flute.

Appreciating the Text 

1. Go through the story again. 
(a).
Ans: 

• Assamese words used: "Deuta" (father), "morom lage" (he's so cute), "Baahi" (bamboo flute).
• The author uses Assamese words to add authenticity and a regional flavor to the story. It helps create a sense of place and culture. The use of Assamese may also reflect the characters' cultural identity and the setting of the story in Assam.

(b).
Ans: The translation of Assamese words depends on the reader's home language. In this case, "Deuta" (father) may be translatable into various languages, but "morom lage" (he's so cute) and "Baahi" (bamboo flute) might not have direct translations in certain languages.

2. The title of this story is similar to another popular Western folktale. It is also mentioned in the story.
(a).
Ans: The title of the folktale mentioned is "The Pied Piper."

(b).
Ans: The mention of "The Pied Piper" is made because the behavior of the baby rhino, Baahi, responding to Arnab's flute playing, is similar to the Pied Piper's ability to attract and lead animals with music. Both stories involve a magical or unexpected response to music.