Textbook Solutions: The Narayanpur Incident | Gul Mohar Class 8: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

Before You Read

While Reading

Q2. Even though the protest is silent, the atmosphere is
Ans: The atmosphere is tense and electric. The silence of the protestors, broken only by the sound of shuffling feet, created suspense and unease. The police presence along the road made it clear that violence could break out at any time, but the marchers’ discipline turned the silence into a strong, inspiring force. The onlookers felt the seriousness of the moment without a single word spoken.

Q3. Underline the sentence that tells us that the protesters, although silent, were dedicated to the cause.
Ans: “Their arms must have ached holding it up that way for so long but their faces were expressionless.”
This sentence shows the dedication of the protestors. Even though they felt physical pain and tiredness, they kept standing with determination. Their silence and expressionless faces proved that they valued the cause above comfort, showing extraordinary strength.

Q4. Why would a light be normal in the puja room but not elsewhere?
Ans:  A light is normal in the puja room because it represents divinity, purity, and the spiritual presence of God. It is a traditional custom for lamps to be kept burning before deities. In other rooms, however, a constantly burning light has no such symbolic meaning. It seems out of place and can even raise suspicion if someone notices it unexpectedly.

Q5. What was beginning?
Ans: The beginning referred to Babu’s entry into the freedom struggle. By helping with the cyclostyling machine that made secret copies of speeches and messages, he started taking an active role. This was his first step toward directly participating in the independence movement, moving beyond being only an observer. His involvement showed his courage and willingness to contribute, even as a young boy. Babu’s role symbolised how even children were drawn into the movement.

Q6. Why has the writer given us a step-by-step description of the man’s actions?
Ans: The step-by-step description is used to build suspense and make readers feel the same fear as the family. Each sound—the knock, the footsteps, the pause—intensifies the tension. It slows the scene deliberately, making us imagine the anxiety of waiting for discovery. This technique places the reader inside the scene, experiencing danger moment by moment with the characters.

Q7. Amma appears impatient because
Ans: Amma appears impatient since she is deeply anxious that the police may arrive at any moment. The presence of danger makes her urge Patil to speak quickly and directly without wasting time. Her restlessness comes from fear of discovery, but also from the responsibility of protecting her children. Her impatience is not anger, but nervous urgency in a tense situation.

Q8. Why does Amma decide to tell Patil the truth?
Ans:  Amma decides to tell Patil the truth because she knows hiding facts could create suspicion and risk their safety. She trusted Patil’s kindness and sensed his honesty. Revealing the truth gave her a chance to protect her children and gain support in a dangerous moment. By showing courage and honesty herself, she invited Patil to stand on the side of justice.

Q9. What do you think happens next, now that the cyclostyling machine and Suman are gone?
Ans: After the cyclostyling machine and Suman were taken away, the police soon arrived and searched the house thoroughly. However, they found nothing suspicious because everything had already been hidden. The family narrowly escaped arrest, their secret safe for the time being. They felt relieved but also aware of the constant danger surrounding their activities. This close call only strengthened their resolve to continue the freedom struggle.

Understanding the Text

A. Number these sentences in the correct order.

Ans:

1. The college students were taking out a procession.
2. Manju and Babu went to watch the procession.
3. They served a notice on the collector when they reached the gates.
4. After dinner, Suman came in with a boy who was carrying a cyclostyling machine.
5. Patil, the Sub-Inspector, came in to warn the family.
6. Patil took away the machine.
7. The police came to search the house.

B. Answer these questions.

b. Do you think the silent march was effective?
Ans: The silent march was very effective because silence spoke louder than words in that situation. The discipline and unity of the marchers created a powerful impression on both the police and the onlookers. Without raising slogans, they communicated strength, patience, and fearlessness. The absence of noise showed their self-control and determination, making the protest memorable and inspiring without provoking unnecessary violence from the authorities.

c. Why was the march silent?
Ans: The march was silent to avoid provoking the police and to maintain the principle of non-violence taught by Gandhiji. The participants knew that any shouting or aggression could lead to violence, arrests, or attacks. By keeping quiet, they demonstrated both courage and discipline. Silence also gave their protest a solemn and serious tone, showing their readiness to endure hardships peacefully for the freedom struggle. Silence turned into a shield that protected the marchers and upheld Gandhiji’s ideals.

Q2. “Why did you go back so quietly? Were you scared of what the police would do?” (para 14)
a. Why does Babu ask Mohan why they went back quietly? What do you think was Babu’s idea of a ‘protest’?
Ans: Babu asked this question because he believed that a protest should be loud, full of slogans, and defiance. His young mind associated courage with shouting and fighting. He could not understand that quiet discipline could also be a powerful form of resistance. Babu’s idea of a protest reflected inexperience, but also his eagerness to stand boldly against injustice like the adults around him. His view shows how children equate protest with outward noise and action.

b. Why does Mohan seem pleased with himself?
Ans:Mohan seemed pleased because he had successfully delivered the message without being caught by the police. He felt proud of his courage and smartness in completing an important task for the movement. His satisfaction came from knowing he had played a meaningful role in supporting the struggle. Though still a boy, his small act made him feel strong and responsible, boosting his confidence.

c. Why do you think Mohan says later “But we are not prepared to go to jail”?
Ans: Mohan admitted that while he was proud of helping bravely, he and other children were not yet ready for the extreme sacrifice of imprisonment. Jail meant hardship, suffering, and danger which he could not face. His words show a mixture of courage and childlike honesty. He was aware of his limits but still wanted to help the freedom struggle in safer ways.

Q3. “They were speaking of a cyclostyling machine. It seems you people are making copies of the Mahatma’s speech.” (para 41)
a. Why do you think they were making copies of Mahatma Gandhi’s speech?
Ans: Copies of Gandhiji’s speech were made so that his words could reach ordinary people across towns and villages. The British government tried to silence national leaders, so spreading his message secretly kept the spirit of independence alive. By reading those speeches, people gained courage and clarity about the freedom struggle. It was a way of fighting oppression with words and inspiring people to stand united.

b. Why was it illegal to do so?
Ans: It was illegal because the British government banned any material that encouraged Indians to join the freedom struggle. Printing or distributing Gandhiji’s speeches was considered an act of rebellion. Such writings inspired people to disobey colonial laws, so the British treated them as crimes. Anyone caught with them faced punishment, arrest, or imprisonment, showing how fearful the rulers were of spreading truth.

c. How do you think the ‘sahebs’ knew about the cyclostyling machine?
Ans: The ‘sahebs’ likely learned about the cyclostyling machine through spies, informers, or local collaborators. The British kept strict watch on freedom fighters and immediately became suspicious of any unusual activity. Machines used secretly for copying were difficult to hide for long. Their discovery showed how closely the colonial authorities monitored people and tried to break even the smallest acts of resistance.

Appreciating the Text

• Mohan: Shows courage by leading protests and carrying messages.
• Amma: Protects the family’s secret work and trusts the right ally at great risk
• Manju and Babu: Act as lookouts, bravely helping despite their young age.
• Suman: Helps operate the cyclostyling machine and even goes into hiding.
• Patil: Though a policeman, risks his job to warn the family. Together, their actions highlight bravery, sacrifice, and love for freedom.

Q2. Amma, Mohan, Babu and Manju were taking a huge risk… Give at least two examples of how the writer creates a sense of danger and tension in the story.
Ans: The writer builds tension through detailed description and suspense. 

• One example is the step-by-step account of a stranger approaching the house at night, where every sound increased fear. 
• Another is the hurried hiding of the cyclostyling machine just before the police arrived. The loud knocking and sudden search made the danger feel real. These techniques made readers share the family’s fear and anxiety.