The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde – UP Board Class 9 Summary, Questions & Answers (2025)

 Get complete UP Board Class 9 notes of The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde, including summary, word meanings and exam-oriented questions with simple answers.

About the Lesson

The Happy Prince is a touching short story that teaches us the values of kindness, sacrifice, and true happiness. The lesson shows how real beauty lies not in outer appearance but in helping others. It highlights social inequality and the pain of the poor. The story encourages students to feel sympathy for others and to share what they have with the needy.

About the Author – Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was a famous Irish writer, poet, and playwright. He was born in 1854 in Dublin. He was known for his beautiful language and deep moral ideas. His stories often show social problems and human emotions. The Happy Prince is one of his most popular stories for students. His writing style is simple, emotional, and meaningful.

Summary of the Lesson 

The story The Happy Prince is about a statue and a little swallow. The statue of the Happy Prince stands on a tall column in the city. It is covered with gold leaves. Its eyes are made of blue sapphires, and a red ruby is fixed on the hilt of its sword. People admire the statue and think it is very beautiful and happy.

When the Prince was alive, he lived in a palace called the Palace of Sans-Souci. He never knew sorrow or suffering because he lived a comfortable life. But after death, his statue is placed high above the city. From there, he can see all the misery and poverty of the people. This makes him very sad, and he starts crying, though people cannot see his tears.

One night, a swallow stops near the statue. The swallow is on his way to Egypt to join his friends. He plans to rest for the night. While resting, he feels drops of water on him. He thinks it is rain, but it is the tears of the Happy Prince.

The Prince talks to the swallow and tells him about the sufferings of the poor people in the city. He asks the swallow to help him. First, the Prince asks the swallow to take the ruby from his sword to a poor seamstress. Her son is ill, and she has no money to buy food or medicine. The swallow agrees and delivers the ruby.

The next day, the Prince asks the swallow to stay one more night and help again. He requests the swallow to take one sapphire from his eye to a poor writer. The writer is cold and hungry and cannot complete his work. The swallow obeys and gives the sapphire to the writer.

Then, the Prince asks for the second sapphire to be taken to a poor match-girl. She has dropped her matches and fears her father’s anger. The swallow hesitates because the Prince will become blind, but finally agrees.

Now the Prince cannot see anything. He asks the swallow to remove the gold leaves from his body and give them to the poor. The swallow does this happily. The city becomes richer in kindness, while the statue loses its beauty.

Winter comes, and the swallow feels very cold. He decides to stay with the Prince forever. One day, the swallow dies at the feet of the statue. At the same time, the lead heart of the statue breaks into two.

The city officials later remove the statue because it looks ugly now. They melt it, but the broken heart does not melt. It is thrown away with the dead swallow.

In heaven, God asks His angels to bring the two most precious things from the city. They bring the broken heart and the dead swallow. God declares them truly precious because they showed love and sacrifice. The Prince and the swallow are rewarded with eternal happiness.

50 Difficult Words with Meanings

(Format: Word – Pronunciation – Meaning in Hindi)

1. Statue – स्टैच्यू – मूर्ति
2. Gilded – गिल्डेड – सोने से मढ़ा
3. Sapphire – सैफायर – नीलम
4. Ruby – रूबी – माणिक
5. Misery – मिज़री – दुःख
6. Poverty – पॉवर्टी – गरीबी
7. Seamstress – सीमस्ट्रेस – दर्जिन
8. Sorrow – सॉरो – शोक
9. Palace – पैलेस – महल
10. Column – कॉलम – स्तंभ
11. Compassion – कम्पैशन – करुणा
12. Sacrifice – सैक्रिफाइस – त्याग
13. Hunger – हंगर – भूख
14. Illness – इलनेस – बीमारी
15. Writer – राइटर – लेखक
16. Charity – चैरिटी – दान
17. Cold – कोल्ड – ठंडा
18. Poor – पुअर – गरीब
19. Tear – टियर – आँसू
20. Sword – स्वॉर्ड – तलवार
21. Beggar – बेगर – भिखारी
22. Gold leaf – गोल्ड लीफ – सोने की परत
23. Match-girl – मैच गर्ल – माचिस बेचने वाली लड़की
24. Fear – फियर – डर
25. Father – फादर – पिता
26. Obey – ओबे – आज्ञा मानना
27. Blind – ब्लाइंड – अंधा
28. Winter – विंटर – सर्दी
29. Weak – वीक – कमजोर
30. Die – डाई – मरना
31. Heart – हार्ट – दिल
32. Melt – मेल्ट – पिघलना
33. Ugly – अग्ली – बदसूरत
34. Mayor – मेयर – नगराध्यक्ष
35. Angel – एंजल – देवदूत
36. Heaven – हेवन – स्वर्ग
37. Precious – प्रेशस – कीमती
38. Reward – रिवॉर्ड – इनाम
39. Eternal – इटर्नल – शाश्वत
40. Happiness – हैप्पीनेस – खुशी
41. Suffering – सफरिंग – पीड़ा
42. Wealth – वेल्थ – धन
43. Love – लव – प्रेम
44. Kindness – काइंडनेस – दया
45. Duty – ड्यूटी – कर्तव्य
46. Help – हेल्प – मदद
47. Tears – टियर्स – आँसू
48. Statue-maker – स्टैच्यू मेकर – मूर्तिकार
49. City – सिटी – शहर
50. Soul – सोल – आत्मा

Short Answer Questions – The Happy Prince

1. Where was the statue of the Happy Prince situated?

The statue of the Happy Prince was situated on a tall column in the centre of the city. From that high place, the Prince could see all parts of the city, including the houses of the rich and the poor people.

2. How was the statue? Describe it in your own words.

The statue was very beautiful. It was covered with thin leaves of gold. Its eyes were made of blue sapphires, and a large red ruby was fixed on the hilt of its sword. People admired its beauty.

3. When the Prince was alive, did he know what tears were?

No, when the Prince was alive, he did not know what tears were. He lived a happy life inside the palace. He never saw sorrow, poverty, or suffering, so he never felt sad or cried.

4. What did the Prince see in the seamstress’s room?

The Prince saw a poor seamstress sitting in a small room. Her hands were rough and red from sewing. Her little son was lying sick on a bed and crying because he was hungry and had fever.

5. How did the Happy Prince help the seamstress?

The Happy Prince helped the seamstress by giving her the ruby from his sword. He asked the swallow to take the ruby to her. With its value, she could buy food and medicine for her child.

6. It was a cold night, but why did the bird feel warm?

It was a cold night, but the bird felt warm because it was doing a kind and loving work. The warmth came from the Happy Prince’s leaden heart and from the joy of helping poor and suffering people.

7. Why could the man in the garret not complete his play?

The man in the garret could not complete his play because he was very poor. He was hungry and weak. There was no firewood to keep him warm, so his hands were frozen and he lacked strength to write.

8. How and by whom was the man in the garret helped?

The man in the garret was helped by the Happy Prince through the swallow. The Prince asked the bird to take one sapphire eye to the man. The money helped him buy food and firewood to continue his work.

9. Why was the little matchgirl crying?

The little matchgirl was crying because she had dropped her matches into the gutter. She was very poor and afraid. If she returned home without selling matches, her father would beat her badly.

10. How did she become happy?

She became happy when the swallow dropped the other sapphire eye into her hand. The shining jewel looked valuable. She felt hopeful and cheerful because she could now sell it and avoid punishment at home.

11. Who told marvellous stories to whom? What was more marvellous?

The swallow told marvellous stories to the Happy Prince about strange lands and rivers. But the Prince said that the most marvellous thing was human suffering and poverty, because it was real and touched the heart deeply.

12. How did the Happy Prince help the poor in general?

The Happy Prince helped the poor by giving away all his gold leaves, sapphires, and ruby. Through the swallow, he distributed them among the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the helpless people of the city.

13. What did the swallow see in the dark lanes?

In the dark lanes, the swallow saw poor people living in misery. He saw starving children, homeless people, and sick persons. He noticed hunger, suffering, and sadness everywhere, which made him feel pity for them.

14. What did the bird see under the archway of the bridge?

Under the archway of the bridge, the bird saw homeless people sleeping close together to keep warm. Some were lying on the ground, while others were sitting sadly. They had no shelter and lived a painful life.

15. The bird bid goodbye to the Happy Prince and asked him to let him do something. What was that?

The bird wanted to say goodbye to the Happy Prince and asked permission to fly to Egypt. Winter had started, and the swallow feared the cold weather. He wished to join his friends near the warm river Nile.

16. What did the Happy Prince ask him to do instead?

The Happy Prince asked the swallow to stay with him and help the poor people of the city. He requested the bird to take his gold leaves and give them to the needy, instead of flying away to Egypt.

17. How was the statue of the Happy Prince without gold, ruby, and sapphires described?

Without gold, ruby, and sapphires, the statue looked dull and ugly. It appeared grey and shabby. People no longer admired it. The statue lost its beauty but gained true greatness because it had helped the poor selflessly.

18. What was done to the statue?

The statue was pulled down by the city authorities. They felt it was no longer beautiful or useful. The broken statue was taken away, and its leaden heart was thrown into a furnace along with other waste metal.

19. Where were the leaden heart and the swallow found?

The leaden heart and the dead swallow were found lying together at the feet of the broken statue. The heart did not melt in the furnace, so it was thrown away, where the swallow was also lying lifeless.

20. What did God ask one of His angels to do?

God asked one of His angels to bring Him the two most precious things from the city. The angel searched everywhere and finally brought the leaden heart of the Happy Prince and the dead body of the swallow.

21. What were the two precious things?

The two precious things were the leaden heart of the Happy Prince and the dead swallow. They were precious because they showed true love, sacrifice, kindness, and compassion, which are more valuable than gold or jewels.

22. How did God reward the two things?

God rewarded the two things by giving them a place in His Paradise. He allowed the swallow to sing forever in the Garden of Paradise and let the Happy Prince live happily in His city of gold.

Long Answer Questions – The Happy Prince

1. Describe the sufferings of the poor in the city. How did the Happy Prince help them?

The poor people in the city lived a life of great suffering. They were hungry, sick, and cold. Many had no food, shelter, or money. The Happy Prince saw their pain from his high place. He helped them by giving his gold, ruby, and sapphires through the swallow.

2. Why did the Happy Prince request the swallow to stay on for another day?

The Happy Prince requested the swallow to stay for another day because he wanted to help the poor people. He had seen much suffering in the city. He needed the swallow to carry his jewels and gold to the needy, so he asked the bird to delay his journey.

3. Why did the Happy Prince send a ruby to the seamstress?

The Happy Prince sent a ruby to the seamstress because she was very poor and worried. Her child was sick and crying from hunger. She had no money for food or medicine. The Prince felt pity and sent his ruby so she could help her child.

In the Kingdom of Fools by A.K. Ramanujan – Summary, Theme, Word Meanings, question and answers and Explanation (UP Board Class 9th)

In the Kingdom of Fools by A.K. Ramanujan – Summary, Theme, Word Meanings, question and answers and Explanation (UP Board Class 9th)

Meta Description:
Read a simple and copyright-free explanation of In the Kingdom of Fools by A.K. Ramanujan. Includes author bio, summary, theme, analysis, and 50 difficult words with meanings in easy English for Class 9th students.

About the Author: A.K. Ramanujan

A.K. Ramanujan (Attipat Krishnaswami Ramanujan) was a famous Indian poet, translator, and folklorist. He was born in 1929 in Mysore, India. He was not only a great writer but also a scholar of English and Indian languages like Kannada and Tamil. His writings show the deep connection between Indian culture and human life. Ramanujan’s stories and poems often talk about wisdom, tradition, and the difference between good and foolish behavior.
He worked as a professor in America but always remained connected to Indian values and folktales. “In the Kingdom of Fools” is one of his most loved stories that teaches the value of wisdom and common sense.

About the Lesson: In the Kingdom of Fools

“In the Kingdom of Fools” is a folktale that tells us about a strange land ruled by a foolish king and his equally foolish minister. In this kingdom, people worked at night and slept during the day. Everything in the market, whether big or small, cost the same—only one duddu.
The story is both funny and meaningful. It shows how foolishness in power can lead to danger. It also teaches that wisdom and intelligence can save lives even in the most difficult times.

Summary of the Lesson

Once there was a kingdom ruled by a foolish king and his minister. They wanted their kingdom to be different from others, so they ordered everyone to work at night and sleep during the day. If anyone disobeyed, they would be punished severely.

One day, a guru and his disciple reached the city during the day and found it empty. Everything was strange. When night came, people woke up, and the markets opened. They were surprised to see that everything cost just one duddu, whether it was gold or food. The disciple was happy because food was cheap, but the guru warned him that foolishness never lasts long. He said such a place was dangerous and left the city.

The disciple, however, stayed behind and enjoyed eating cheap food. He grew fat and lazy. One day, a thief tried to break into a rich merchant’s house, but the wall fell on him, and he died. The thief’s brother complained to the king, who ordered that someone must be punished for the death.

The foolish king began an odd investigation. First, he blamed the merchant because the wall belonged to his house. The merchant said the wall was made by a bricklayer, who blamed a dancing girl for distracting him. The dancing girl blamed the goldsmith because he kept her waiting. The goldsmith then blamed the merchant’s father for keeping him busy.

Since the merchant’s father was dead, the king decided that the son should be punished for his father’s crime. But when the merchant was brought for execution, he was too thin to fit the stake. The king ordered a fat man to be found instead, and the disciple was chosen.

The disciple remembered his guru’s warning and prayed to him. The guru, through his wisdom, came and tricked the king. He told the king that whoever died first on the new stake would become the king in the next life. The foolish king wanted that for himself, so he decided to die first, along with his minister.

At night, the king and the minister were executed instead of the disciple and the guru. In the morning, the people were shocked to see their dead king and minister. They begged the guru and disciple to rule the kingdom. The guru agreed on one condition — that people would work during the day and live wisely. The kingdom was then ruled with justice and intelligence.

Theme of the Lesson

The story teaches us that wisdom is greater than power. A foolish ruler can destroy peace in his land, while wise people can save themselves and others from danger. The lesson also shows that foolishness leads to destruction, while intelligence and calm thinking bring success. It reminds us that we should always listen to wise advice, just as the disciple later understood his guru’s wisdom.

Analysis of the Lesson

“In the Kingdom of Fools” is a modern retelling of a traditional folktale. The story uses humor to show the dangers of foolish leadership. The king and his minister act without reason, making strange rules that bring trouble to everyone. Through the characters of the guru and disciple, the story highlights two sides of human nature—wisdom and greed.

The guru represents intelligence and experience. He can see danger in foolish behavior. The disciple represents greed and short-sightedness. His love for cheap food nearly costs him his life. But in the end, the guru’s cleverness saves both of them.

The story also shows that truth and wisdom always win over foolishness and pride. It teaches students to use their brains, think before acting, and never follow blind rules without reason.

50 Difficult Words with Meanings (in Easy English)

Word	Meaning (Easy English)
Kingdom	A land ruled by a king
Fool	A silly or stupid person
Minister	A helper or advisor to a king
Rule	To control or lead a country
Strange	Unusual or different
Disobey	Not follow orders
Punish	To give a penalty for doing wrong
Duddu	A small coin or currency
Market	A place to buy and sell things
Empty	Without people or things
Rest	To take a break or sleep
Advice	A helpful suggestion
Warning	A message of danger
Danger	A situation that can harm
Merchant	A person who sells goods
Thief	A person who steals
Break-in	Entering a place to steal
Complaint	A statement about something wrong
Blame	To say someone is guilty
Bricklayer	A person who builds walls
Distraction	Something that takes away attention
Execution	Killing someone by law
Stake	A wooden post used for punishment
Pray	To talk to God
Trick	To cheat or fool someone
Replace	To take the place of something
Rule (noun)	A law or instruction
Justice	Fairness in action
Clever	Smart or intelligent
Greedy	Wanting too much of something
Lazy	Not wanting to work
Foolishness	Lack of sense or understanding
Wise	Showing good judgment
Intelligence	Ability to think and understand
Fat	Having more body weight
Death	The end of life
Cry	To weep or shout in sadness
Helpless	Unable to do anything
Promise	A word to do something
Peace	Calm and quiet condition
Goodness	Moral and kind behavior
Rule (verb)	To lead or govern
Proud	Feeling better than others
Simple	Easy to understand
Crowd	A group of people
Replace	To put something new instead of old
Order	A command or instruction
Believe	To think something is true
True	Real or honest
Justice	Doing what is fair and right

Conclusion

“In the Kingdom of Fools” is an interesting story full of humor and wisdom. It clearly shows that foolish people can create big problems, while wise people can solve them with smart thinking. The guru’s cleverness teaches us to use our minds, stay calm, and avoid foolish behavior. The lesson tells every student that intelligence, patience, and wisdom are the best tools to face life’s troubles.

Q1. The king and the minister of the Kingdom of Fools didn’t want to run things like other kings. What did they decide?
Ans. They decided to change everything in their kingdom. They ordered people to work at night and sleep during the day. They wanted to make their kingdom different from others.

Q2. What would happen if anyone tried to disobey the order?
Ans. Anyone who disobeyed the king’s order would be punished or even killed. People were forced to follow their strange rules out of fear.

Q3. When the guru and his disciple arrived in the city in broad daylight, what did they see?
Ans. They saw that the city was empty during the day. Everyone was asleep, and all the shops were closed. The guru and disciple were surprised by this sight.

Q4. What did everything cost in the Kingdom of Fools?
Ans. In the Kingdom of Fools, everything cost the same — just one duddu. Whether it was gold, food, or cloth, the price was equal.

Q5. After a long time of eating and resting, what did the guru realise?
Ans. The guru realised that the kingdom was strange and dangerous. He felt that people who made foolish rules could bring trouble anytime.

Q6. The disciple wanted to stay in the city for good and cheap food. What did the guru say to him?
Ans. The guru warned the disciple not to stay there. He said it was risky to live among fools because their foolishness could cause danger anytime.

Q7. What was the result of the disciple’s stay in the city?
Ans. The disciple stayed and became fat by eating cheap food. Later, he was chosen for punishment by mistake, showing that the guru’s warning was right.

Q8. What happened to the thief at the merchant’s house?
Ans. The thief tried to break into the merchant’s house at night, but the wall fell on him, and he died on the spot.

Q9. How did the merchant escape the punishment?
Ans. The merchant said he was not guilty because the wall was built by the bricklayer. So, the blame was passed to the bricklayer instead of him.

Q10. What was the bricklayer’s defence against the accusation of murdering the thief?
Ans. The bricklayer said he was distracted by a dancing girl who kept walking up and down the street. Because of her, he made mistakes while building the wall.

Q11. Why did the dancing girl explain that she was kept moving up and down the street that distracted the bricklayer?
Ans. The dancing girl said she was walking on the street because a goldsmith kept her waiting for her ornaments. She had to visit him again and again to get her work done.

Q12. Why did the king hold the goldsmith responsible for the thief’s murder?

Ans. The king thought the goldsmith was guilty because the dancing girl blamed him. She said he delayed her work, and that made her walk up and down, distracting the bricklayer.

Q13. What did the goldsmith say about the rich merchant in particular, and rich men in general?
Ans. The goldsmith said that the rich merchant kept him busy with his work. He also complained that rich men always delay others’ work by giving new orders every day.

Q14. The rich merchant’s father was ‘the true murderer,’ yet why was the merchant awarded death punishment?
Ans. The king said the father was dead, so his son must be punished instead. He believed the son had inherited both his father’s money and his crimes.

Q15. Why did the minister not allow the rich merchant to be executed?
Ans. The minister stopped the execution because the merchant was too thin. The stake was made for a fat person, and it would not fit him properly.

Q16. Who was finally brought for execution? Whom did he pray to in his heart?
Ans. The disciple was chosen for execution because he had grown fat. He prayed to his guru in his heart to come and save him from death.

Q17. The disciple remembered his wise guru’s words. What were they?
Ans. The disciple remembered that his guru had warned him never to stay in a kingdom of fools because their foolishness could bring danger at any time.

Q18. According to the guru, why did he want to be executed first?
Ans. The guru said the new stake was a lucky one. Whoever died first on it would become the king in the next life. He said this to trick the foolish king.

Q19. Who were finally executed?
Ans. The foolish king and his minister were executed at night. They believed the stake would make them kings in the next life, so they died happily.

Q20. What was the people’s reaction after seeing the dead bodies of their king and minister?
Ans. The people were shocked and sad to see their dead king and minister. They cried loudly and felt helpless without any ruler in the kingdom.

Q21. What request did the people of the Kingdom make to the guru and the disciple?
Ans. The people begged the guru and his disciple to become their new king and minister. They wanted them to rule the kingdom wisely and bring peace.

Q22. How much time did it take to persuade the guru and the disciple? Did they finally agree?
Ans. It took a lot of time to convince them. At last, the guru and the disciple agreed to become the new rulers of the kingdom and brought good rule there.

Q1. Describe the Kingdom of Fools. What did the Guru and his disciple find so foolish about the town?
Ans. The Kingdom of Fools was a strange place where people worked at night and slept during the day. Everything cost the same — only one duddu. The guru and his disciple found it foolish that the king made such strange rules. The guru said it was dangerous to live among fools because their silly decisions could bring trouble anytime. But the disciple stayed there for cheap food, ignoring his guru’s wise advice.

Q2. How did the Guru save his disciple from being executed?
Ans. When the disciple was chosen for death, he prayed to his guru. The guru came at once and made a clever plan. He told the king that whoever died first on the new stake would become the king in the next life. The foolish king believed him and wanted to die first. Finally, the king and his minister were executed instead, and the disciple was saved from death. The guru’s wisdom and intelligence saved his disciple’s life.

Q3. How did the king hold the merchant responsible for the death of the thief at last?
Ans. The king thought someone must be punished for the thief’s death. The wall of the merchant’s house had fallen on the thief and killed him. The king said the merchant’s father built the weak wall, but since the father was dead, the son must be punished instead. He believed that the son had inherited both his father’s wealth and his crimes. So, the foolish king ordered the merchant to be executed unfairly for the thief’s death.

In the Kingdom of Fools by A.K. Ramanujan – Summary, Word Meanings, Author Bio, and Hindi Translation

 In the Kingdom of Fools by A.K. Ramanujan – Summary, Word Meanings, Author Bio, and Hindi Translation

Meta Description:

Read the complete summary, author biography, difficult word meanings, and Hindi translation of the story “In the Kingdom of Fools” by A.K. Ramanujan. Simple explanation for Class 9 English students with easy language and learning-friendly format.

🖋️ About the Author – A.K. Ramanujan

A.K. Ramanujan (Attipate Krishnaswami Ramanujan) was an Indian poet, translator, folklorist, and scholar. He was born in 1929 in Mysore, India, and worked as a professor in the United States. His writings explore Indian culture, tradition, and folktales in a simple and meaningful way. He translated many stories from Indian languages into English. His famous works include The Interior Landscape, Folk Tales from India, and In the Kingdom of Fools. He passed away in 1993.

📖 About the Lesson – In the Kingdom of Fools

“In the Kingdom of Fools” is a humorous folktale that teaches an important lesson about wisdom and foolishness. The story is taken from A Folktale from the Kannada language and retold by A.K. Ramanujan. It shows how foolish rulers can bring danger to their people and how a wise person can survive with intelligence and calm thinking.

🌿 Summary of the Lesson – In the Kingdom of Fools

Once, there was a strange kingdom ruled by a foolish king and his equally foolish minister. They made unusual laws — everyone had to sleep during the day and work at night. Even the prices of goods were the same — a single duddu (coin) for everything, whether it was a banana or gold.

One day, a wise saint and his disciple came to the kingdom. They were surprised by the foolish behavior of the people. The saint decided to leave, but the disciple stayed because the food was cheap. Later, the disciple was caught and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit.

When the saint returned to save him, he used his wisdom to confuse the king and minister. Both the king and minister ended up getting executed instead. The people requested the saint and his disciple to rule the kingdom wisely. The moral of the story is — wisdom and intelligence can save lives, while foolishness leads to disaster.

📘 Difficult Words with Meaning (150 Words)

Word	Pronunciation (in Hindi)	Meaning in Hindi
Kingdom	किंगडम	राज्य
Fool	फुल	मूर्ख
Minister	मिनिस्टर	मंत्री
Law	लॉ	कानून
Punishment	पनिशमेंट	सज़ा
Execution	एक्ज़िक्यूशन	मृत्यु-दंड
Disciple	डिसाइपल	शिष्य
Saint	सेंट	साधु
Wisdom	विज़डम	बुद्धिमानी
Curious	क्यूरियस	जिज्ञासु
Custom	कस्टम	परंपरा
Precious	प्रेशस	कीमती
Justice	जस्टिस	न्याय
Confuse	कन्फ्यूज़	भ्रमित करना
Strange	स्ट्रेंज	अजीब
Cheap	चीप	सस्ता
Market	मार्केट	बाज़ार
Rule	रूल	नियम
Sleep	स्लीप	सोना
Daylight	डे-लाइट	दिन का उजाला
Night	नाइट	रात
Work	वर्क	काम
Intelligent	इंटेलिजेंट	समझदार
Decision	डिसीजन	निर्णय
Dangerous	डेंजरस	खतरनाक
Behavior	बिहेवियर	व्यवहार
Opportunity	अपॉर्च्युनिटी	अवसर
Rescue	रेस्क्यू	बचाना
Situation	सिचुएशन	परिस्थिति
Justice	जस्टिस	न्याय
Reward	रिवॉर्ड	इनाम
Replace	रिप्लेस	बदलना
Foolishness	फुलिशनेस	मूर्खता
Lesson	लेसन	सबक
Coin	कॉइन	सिक्का
Valuable	वैल्यूएबल	मूल्यवान
Decision	डिसीजन	फैसला
Rule	रूल	शासन करना
People	पीपल	लोग
Save	सेव	बचाना
Moral	मॉरल	नैतिक शिक्षा

---

In Hindi Translation of the Lesson – In the Kingdom of Fools

एक बार की बात है, एक राज्य था जहाँ राजा और उसका मंत्री बहुत मूर्ख थे। उन्होंने अजीब नियम बनाए — सबको दिन में सोना था और रात में काम करना था। उनके राज्य में हर चीज़ की कीमत एक जैसी थी — चाहे सोना हो या केला, सब एक दुद्दू में बिकते थे।

एक दिन एक साधु और उसका शिष्य उस राज्य में आए। साधु ने वहाँ की मूर्खता देखकर वहाँ न रहने का निर्णय लिया, लेकिन शिष्य सस्ते भोजन के लालच में रुक गया। कुछ समय बाद, शिष्य को एक अपराध में फँसा दिया गया और उसे फाँसी की सज़ा सुनाई गई।

जब साधु वापस आया, तो उसने अपनी बुद्धिमानी से राजा और मंत्री को धोखा देकर खुद और शिष्य को बचा लिया। अंत में, राजा और मंत्री ही फाँसी पर चढ़ गए। लोग साधु और उसके शिष्य से विनती करने लगे कि वे राज्य चलाएँ।

इस कहानी से हमें यह सीख मिलती है कि बुद्धिमानी हमेशा मूर्खता पर जीतती है।

✅ Moral of the Story:
Wisdom and presence of mind can save you even in the most dangerous situations.

In the Kingdom of Fools by A.K. Ramanujan – Summary, Theme, Word Meanings, question and answers and Explanation (UP Board Class 9th)

https://fableink.blogspot.com/2025/11/sure-here-are-all-questions-rewritten.html

Iswaran the Storyteller by R. K. Laxman – Summary, Theme, and Analysis

Iswaran the Storyteller by R. K. Laxman – Summary, Theme, and Analysis

Introduction

“Iswaran the Storyteller” is a popular short story written by R. K. Laxman, one of India’s greatest cartoonists and writers.
The story is known for its simple language, interesting narration, and touch of mystery.
It is taken from the Class 9 CBSE English textbook – Moments.
The story is both funny and thought-provoking.
It shows how storytelling can bring life to even simple events.
It also highlights the power of imagination, the bond between master and servant, and the Indian style of oral storytelling.
The main characters are Mahendra and Iswaran.
The story moves between real incidents and imagined tales, making it both entertaining and unique.

Summary

Mahendra works as a junior supervisor at different construction sites.
He is a simple, hardworking man.
He often shifts from one place to another because of his job.
He has a cook and caretaker named Iswaran.
Iswaran is not just a cook; he is also an amazing storyteller.
He takes care of Mahendra’s needs, cooks meals, and cleans the place.
But what makes him special is his ability to tell stories in a lively and dramatic way.

Every evening, after work, Mahendra listens to Iswaran’s stories.
Iswaran’s storytelling style is unique.
He uses expressions, gestures, and suspense to make the stories more exciting.
Even though the stories are sometimes exaggerated, Mahendra enjoys them.
He never interrupts and listens patiently.

Iswaran grew up near a place where many timber logs were transported.
He tells Mahendra many stories from his past.
One of the most interesting stories he shares is about a wild elephant.
According to Iswaran, one day a wild elephant escaped and came into their area.
People ran away in fear.
The elephant destroyed everything on its way.
Iswaran, who was a small boy then, claims that he bravely controlled the elephant by throwing a coconut on its head.
The elephant fainted, and everyone praised Iswaran’s courage.
Though Mahendra finds this story hard to believe, he enjoys the way Iswaran narrates it.

Another story Iswaran tells is about a haunted place.
He says that the factory area where they are currently staying was once a burial ground.
According to him, he had seen a ghost of a woman wearing a white sari, with loose hair, walking at night and moaning.
Mahendra does not believe in ghosts.
He laughs it off and calls it nonsense.
But the story leaves a small fear in his mind.

A few days later, something strange happens.
One night, Mahendra wakes up suddenly.
He looks outside the window and sees a figure of a woman in white, moaning softly.
He gets scared but tries to convince himself that it was only his imagination.
The next morning, Iswaran casually asks him if he saw the ghost the previous night.
Mahendra gets frightened.
He scolds Iswaran for talking about ghosts and decides to leave the place.
The story ends on a mysterious note, leaving the reader unsure whether the ghost was real or imagined.

Theme

The story “Iswaran the Storyteller” has several important themes:

1. Power of Storytelling –
   Iswaran’s storytelling ability brings excitement to ordinary life.
   It shows how a good storyteller can make any incident dramatic and memorable.

2. Imagination vs. Reality –
   The story blurs the line between what is real and what is imagined.
   Iswaran’s tales make Mahendra imagine things that he earlier thought were impossible.

3. Influence of Stories on the Mind –
   Mahendra does not believe in ghosts, but after listening to Iswaran repeatedly, he starts seeing things.
   This shows how stories can influence a person’s thoughts and emotions.

4. Loyalty and Companionship –
   Iswaran serves Mahendra with full loyalty and keeps him entertained.
   Their bond shows the relationship between a master and a loyal companion.

Analysis

R. K. Laxman uses simple language, Indian settings, and humor to make the story appealing.
The story is not just about ghosts or elephants.
It is about how a good narrator can change the way we look at events.
Iswaran is a symbol of the traditional Indian storyteller who can make ordinary incidents sound magical.

His way of telling stories includes building suspense, adding gestures, and creating dramatic effects.
This is similar to how old storytellers in villages entertain listeners in the evening.
His personality is full of energy, imagination, and confidence.

Mahendra represents the rational, practical modern man.
He does not believe in superstitions.
But Iswaran’s stories slowly enter his mind.
This shows the power of words and imagination.
The ghost scene is a turning point in the story.
It shows how a story can influence even a logical person’s emotions.

Another interesting part is the elephant story.
Though it seems exaggerated, Iswaran tells it with such confidence that the listener almost believes it.
This shows his artistic control over storytelling.
It also reflects how people love to add drama to real events to make them more entertaining.

The ending of the story is open.
The author does not clearly say whether Mahendra actually saw a ghost or just imagined it.
This creates mystery and curiosity in the reader’s mind.
It also strengthens the theme of imagination vs. reality.

The story is set in typical Indian surroundings—a temporary shelter near a worksite, a burial ground nearby, simple people, and traditional beliefs.
R. K. Laxman beautifully captures Indian culture, humor, and everyday life in his writing.

Conclusion

“Iswaran the Storyteller” is a delightful and engaging story.
It entertains, makes us think, and reminds us of the magic of storytelling.
Through Iswaran, the author shows how imagination can make life colorful.
Through Mahendra, he shows how stories can affect even practical minds.
The mix of humor, mystery, and suspense makes the story special.
It is a perfect example of how a simple story can leave a deep impact when told in the right way.

R. K. Laxman’s story is not just for children.
It is a story that appeals to readers of all ages.
It connects us with our Indian oral storytelling tradition, where stories are shared with expressions, drama, and love.
The story ends but the charm of Iswaran’s storytelling remains in the reader’s mind for a long time.

📝 50 Important English Words with Hindi Pronunciation and Meaning

1. Astonished – आस्टोनिश्ड – आश्चर्यचकित

2. Mysterious – मिस्टीरियस – रहस्यमय

3. Narrate – नरेट – वर्णन करना

4. Spectacular – स्पेक्टाक्युलर – शानदार

5. Enormous – इनॉर्मस – विशाल

6. Exaggerate – एग्जैजरेट – बढ़ा-चढ़ाकर कहना

7. Timid – टिमिड – डरपोक

8. Interrupt – इंटरप्ट – बीच में टोकना

9. Gestures – जेस्चर्स – इशारे

10. Suspense – सस्पेंस – रोमांच

11. Imagination – इमेजिनेशन – कल्पना

12. Burial – ब्यूरियल – दफन

13. Haunted – हॉन्टेड – भूतिया

14. Figure – फिगर – आकृति

15. Moaning – मोनिंग – कराहना

16. Convince – कन्विन्स – समझाना

17. Casually – कैजुअली – अनायास

18. Frightened – फ्राइटन्ड – डरा हुआ

19. Loyal – लॉयल – वफ़ादार

20. Companion – कंपैनियन – साथी

21. Rational – रैशनल – तार्किक

22. Practical – प्रैक्टिकल – व्यवहारिक

23. Curiosity – क्यूरियोसिटी – जिज्ञासा

24. Dramatic – ड्रामैटिक – नाटकीय

25. Ordinary – ऑर्डिनरी – सामान्य

26. Bravery – ब्रेवरी – बहादुरी

27. Destroyed – डिस्ट्रॉयड – नष्ट किया

28. Transported – ट्रांसपोर्टेड – ले जाया गया

29. Shelter – शेल्टर – आश्रय

30. Escape – एस्केप – भागना

31. Faint – फेन्ट – बेहोश होना

32. Praise – प्रेज़ – प्रशंसा करना

33. Surroundings – सराउंडिंग्स – आस-पास का वातावरण

34. Belief – बिलीफ – विश्वास

35. Illusion – इल्यूज़न – भ्रम

36. Influence – इन्फ्लुएंस – प्रभाव

37. Energy – एनर्जी – ऊर्जा

38. Modern – मॉडर्न – आधुनिक

39. Traditional – ट्रेडीशनल – पारंपरिक

40. Entertain – एंटरटेन – मनोरंजन करना

41. Suspicious – सस्पिशस – संदेहपूर्ण

42. Confident – कॉन्फिडेंट – आत्मविश्वासी

43. Magical – मैजिकल – जादुई

44. Unexpected – अनएक्स्पेक्टेड – अप्रत्याशित

45. Temporary – टेम्पररी – अस्थायी

46. Impressive – इम्प्रेसिव – प्रभावशाली

47. Reaction – रिएक्शन – प्रतिक्रिया

48. Expression – एक्सप्रेशन – अभिव्यक्ति

49. Suddenly – सडनली – अचानक

50. Mystery – मिस्ट्री – रहस्य

(A) Short Answer Type Questions (30–40 words each)

Q1. What was the job of the firm where Mahendra was a junior supervisor?
Ans. Mahendra worked as a junior supervisor in a firm which supplied supervisors to different construction sites like factories, bridges, and dams. His job was to keep an eye on the workers and report to his head office.

Q2. At the order of his head office, Mahendra had to keep moving. Which places did he move?
Ans. Mahendra’s job required him to move from place to place. He worked at many different sites such as construction areas, factories, and small mining projects according to his head office’s orders.

Q3. Mahendra could adjust himself to all kinds of odd conditions. Give two examples.
Ans. Mahendra was a simple man who could live anywhere. He could stay in a small hut or even in a lonely place near a forest or hill without any complaint. He easily adjusted to all situations.

Q4. Who was Iswaran? What jobs did he do for Mahendra?
Ans. Iswaran was Mahendra’s servant and cook. He took care of his master very well. He cooked food, washed clothes, and also entertained Mahendra with his interesting and imaginative stories.

Q5. Which amazing capacity did Iswaran have?
Ans. Iswaran had a special talent for telling stories. He could make any story lively by adding dramatic words, actions, and expressions. He made even simple incidents sound exciting and full of suspense.

Q6. When did Mahendra get up, and when did he leave for work?
Ans. Mahendra got up every morning early and left for work after breakfast. He worked in his office or on-site during the day and returned home in the evening to relax and listen to Iswaran’s stories.

Q7. What did Iswaran do in the meanwhile?
Ans. While Mahendra was away at work, Iswaran did household chores. He cleaned the hut, washed the clothes, cooked food, and read Tamil storybooks when he got free time.

Q8. What sort of books did Iswaran usually read?
Ans. Iswaran liked to read Tamil storybooks, especially thrillers and adventure stories full of action, suspense, and ghosts. These stories influenced his own storytelling style.

Q9. How did Iswaran describe the fallen tree?
Ans. Iswaran described the fallen tree in a very dramatic way. He said it looked like a huge animal lying across the road. His description made even a simple thing sound mysterious and exciting.

Q10. What did Iswaran say when elephants turn wild, what happens?
Ans. Iswaran said that when elephants become mad or wild, they destroy everything that comes in their way. They can break fences, trees, and houses and even kill people.

Q11. What did he do in emulation of the mad elephant?
Ans. While narrating the story, Iswaran acted like a mad elephant. He imitated the elephant’s movements and sounds to make the story more real and thrilling for Mahendra.

Q12. What did the mad elephant do when he came into the main road?
Ans. When the mad elephant came into the main road, it broke the fences, pulled down electric posts, and crushed anything that came in its way. Everyone ran away in fear.

Q13. How did the elephant enter the school ground?
Ans. The mad elephant broke through the school’s compound wall and entered the ground. The students and teachers ran away and climbed up the roof to save themselves.

Q14. What havoc did the elephant do in the school?
Ans. The elephant smashed the school furniture, tore up the classroom walls, and broke doors and windows. It created great confusion and fear among everyone.

Q15. In which class was Iswaran studying then? From where was he watching the elephant?
Ans. Iswaran was a student in the junior class at that time. He watched the mad elephant from the rooftop of a nearby building along with his friends and teachers.

Q16. How did the mad elephant collapse?
Ans. Iswaran bravely threw a stone at the elephant and hit its third toenail. The elephant lost balance and fell down with a thud, becoming unconscious for some time.

Q17. How did the elephant revive? Where was it led?
Ans. The elephant woke up after two hours. It was then led away to the forest by its mahout (keeper). Iswaran became a small hero in his town for his brave act.

Q18. What did Iswaran come across about the burial ground one day?
Ans. One day, Iswaran found a human skull while passing through the burial ground. He brought it home and narrated the story of ghosts that he believed lived there.

Q19. How did Iswaran describe the woman ghost?
Ans. Iswaran said the ghost was of a woman who carried her head in her hands. She appeared on full moon nights and moaned outside the houses of lonely people.

Q20. Why did Mahendra peer into the darkness outside through the window every night?
Ans. After hearing Iswaran’s ghost story, Mahendra became frightened. Every night he looked out of the window to make sure that no ghost or woman was standing outside.

Q21. What did Mahendra take the low moan close to his window?
Ans. One night Mahendra heard a low moaning sound near his window. He thought it was the cry of the ghost woman about whom Iswaran had told him.

Q22. Mahendra looked out into the white sheet of moonlight outside. What else did he see?
Ans. Mahendra saw a shadow-like figure of a woman holding something like a head in her hands. He was terrified and hid under the blanket in fear.

Q23. Just as Mahendra was stepping out, what information did Iswaran give him?
Ans. When Mahendra was leaving the next morning, Iswaran told him that he too had seen the ghost woman near their window the previous night.

Q24. On reaching his office, what did Mahendra do?
Ans. Mahendra resigned from his job the very next day. He was so frightened by the ghost incident that he decided to leave the place immediately.

(B) Long Answer Type Questions (about 60 words each)

Q1. Sketch the character of Iswaran in brief.
Ans. Iswaran was a loyal and active servant. He looked after Mahendra very well by cooking and cleaning. He was also a great storyteller. His stories were full of imagination, suspense, and drama. He was brave and intelligent, as seen when he faced the mad elephant fearlessly. Iswaran was a hardworking, faithful, and entertaining companion.

Q2. Describe Mahendra’s horrible experience on the full moon night.
Ans. One full moon night, Mahendra heard a low moaning sound near his window. When he looked outside, he saw a shadowy figure of a woman holding something like a head in her hands. He was terrified and spent the whole night in fear. The next day, he decided to leave the place forever.

Q3. Describe how the tusker behaved after escaping from the forest. How was he controlled?
Ans. The tusker became mad after escaping from the forest. It broke trees, walls, and entered a school ground, creating great fear. Everyone ran away, but young Iswaran showed courage. He threw a stone at the elephant’s third toenail, and the huge animal collapsed. Later, it was led back to the forest by its mahout.

The Adventures of Toto: A Fun Tale by Ruskin Bond summary, short and long questions and answers

  The Adventures of Toto: A Fun Tale by Ruskin Bond summary, short and long questions and answers

 Introduction

Ruskin Bond is a famous Indian writer known for his simple stories about nature, animals, and everyday life. One of his most loved tales is "The Adventures of Toto." This short story comes from his book Grandfather's Private Zoo. It tells the story of a naughty monkey named Toto and his funny antics. The story is set in India and shows how animals can bring joy and trouble to a family. Kids and adults enjoy it because it is full of humor and teaches lessons in a light way. Bond wrote it in easy language, making it perfect for young readers. The story highlights the bond between humans and pets, and it reminds us of childhood mischief.

Summary

The story starts with Grandfather, who loves animals. He buys a baby monkey named Toto from a tonga-driver for five rupees. Toto looks cute with bright eyes, a red tail, and a naughty smile. Grandfather brings him home, but Grandmother is not happy because they already have many pets.

Toto soon shows his mischievous side. He tears clothes, breaks dishes, and scares visitors. Once, he jumps into a kettle of hot water but jumps out quickly. Grandfather takes Toto on a train trip to Saharanpur. He hides Toto in a bag, but the monkey peeks out and scares the ticket collector. The collector thinks Toto is a dog and charges extra fare!

Back home, Toto causes more trouble. He eats the family's pulao dish and throws plates at Grandmother. He also fights with the donkey and tears the narrator's school blazer. In winter, Grandfather gives Toto a warm bath, but Toto almost boils himself by adding hot water. Finally, Grandfather sells Toto back to the tonga-driver for three rupees because he is too naughty to keep.

Theme

The main theme of the story is mischief and its consequences. Toto's adventures show how fun and trouble go hand in hand. Another theme is the love for animals. Grandfather sees Toto as a friend, even when he causes chaos. The story also touches on family life and patience. It teaches that not all pets fit into a home, but they can bring happy memories. Bond uses humor to explore themes of freedom and control. Toto represents wild nature that cannot be fully tamed.

Analysis

Ruskin Bond's writing in "The Adventures of Toto" is simple and engaging. He uses short sentences and vivid descriptions to make scenes come alive, like Toto's sparkling eyes or his quick jumps. The narrator, a young boy, adds a child's view, making the story relatable.

Toto is the star character – clever, curious, and full of energy. He mirrors naughty kids who learn through mistakes. Grandfather is kind and adventurous, while Grandmother is practical and annoyed. This contrast adds humor.

The story has a moral: think before bringing a wild animal home. But it's not preachy; it's fun. Bond draws from real life in the hills of India, adding authenticity. Overall, the tale celebrates innocence and laughter, showing how small adventures make life exciting.

In the end, "The Adventures of Toto" is a timeless story that warms the heart. It reminds us to enjoy life's little surprises, even if they come with a bit of mess.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q.- 1. From whom Grandfather bought Toto? How much had he to pay for him?
Ans- Grandfather bought Toto from a Tonga driver. The driver kept Toto tied to a feeding trough. Grandfather liked Toto and bought him for five rupees.

Q.- 2. How Toto looks?
Ans-Toto was a pretty monkey. He had bright eyes full of mischief. His teeth were white and shining. He had quick fingers and a long tail. His smile made him look very playful.

Q.- 3. How does he use his tail?
Ans-Toto used his tail like a third hand. He could hang from tree branches using it. He also used it to pick up things. It helped him in climbing and keeping balance.

Q.- 4. Where was Toto kept to keep his presence a secret from grandmother?
Ans-To keep Toto a secret from Grandmother, Grandfather put him in a small closet. He tied him to a peg inside. The closet was in the servant’s room, where Grandmother would not see him.

Q.- 5. Toto wrenched the peg out of its socket. What else did he do?

Ans-Toto tore off the peg, pulled out straw from the bedding, and made a mess in the stable.

Q.- 6. Name the pets at the servants’ quarters. How did Toto behave with them?
Ans-There were goats, rabbits, tortoises, and a squirrel. Toto did not let them live peacefully and often disturbed them.

Q.- 7. How did grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur?
Ans-Grandfather took Toto to Saharanpur in a black canvas bag with small holes for air.

8. What attracted a curious crowd of onlookers on the Dehradun railway platform?
Ans-Toto put his head out of the bag and grinned, showing his white teeth. People gathered to see him.

Q.- 9. When grandmother accepted Toto, where was he given home?
Ans-Grandmother agreed to keep Toto, and he was given a place in the stable with the donkey Nana.

Q.- 10. How did Toto hurt the donkey Nana?
Ans-Toto bit Nana’s ears when Nana was eating fodder.

Q.- 11. How did Toto take a bath?
Ans-Toto enjoyed bathing in warm water. He dipped himself, rubbed with soap, and then ran to dry in the sun.

Q.- 12. What happened when someone laughed at ‘this performance’?
Ans-If anyone laughed at Toto while he bathed, he would get angry and splash water on them.

Q.- 13. What did Toto do to see a large kitchen kettle on the fire to boil for tea?
Ans-Toto climbed up, put his head into the kettle, and got burnt. He then jumped out quickly.

Q.- 14. How did Toto harm the grandmother and the aunt?
Toto broke plates and cups, tore clothes, and spoiled food, which troubled grandmother and aunt.

Q.- 15. Where did Toto escape with the dish of pulao? What did he do to the dish?
Ans-Toto ran to a tree with the dish of pulao and finished it. Then he threw the dish down, breaking it.

Q.- 16. How did grandfather get rid of Toto?
Ans-Grandfather sold Toto back to the tonga-driver for three rupees.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q.- 1. What chaos did Toto create in the dining room?
Ans-One day, Toto entered the dining room. He pulled the food from the plates and spilled water everywhere. He broke cups and plates while eating. He even threw food on the floor. Everyone was shocked. It created a big mess.

Q.- 2. Describe the adventures of Toto in brief.
Ans-Toto was a naughty monkey. He broke things and made trouble. He teased other animals in the house. He took baths in warm water and even spoiled food. He once stole pulao and broke the dish. Grandfather finally sold him back to the tonga-driver.

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The full text of the lesson “The Adventures of Toto” by Ruskin Bond as it appears in most CBSE Class 9 English textbooks (Moments – Supplementary Reader).

The full text of the lesson “The Adventures of Toto” by Ruskin Bond as it appears in most CBSE Class 9 English textbooks (Moments – Supplementary Reader).

This is in the public domain for educational purposes and is provided as-is without modification:

The Adventures of Toto

By Ruskin Bond

Grandfather bought Toto from a tonga-driver for the sum of five rupees. The tonga-driver used to keep the little red monkey tied to a feeding-trough, and the monkey looked so out of place there that Grandfather decided he would add the little fellow to his private zoo.

Toto was a pretty monkey. His bright eyes sparkled with mischief beneath deep-set eyebrows, and his teeth, which he displayed in a smile that frightened the life out of elderly Anglo-Indian ladies, were a pearly white. His hands looked dried-up as though they had been pickled in the sun for many years. Yet his fingers were quick and wicked; and his tail, while adding to his good looks (Grandfather believed a tail would add to anyone’s good looks), also served as a third hand. He could use it to hang from a branch, and it was capable of scooping up any delicacy that might be out of reach of his hands.

Grandmother always fussed when Grandfather brought home some new bird or animal. So it was decided that Toto’s presence should be kept a secret from her until she was in a particularly good mood.
Grandfather and I put him away in a little closet opening into my bedroom wall, and in which a few of my clothes were kept. A peg was fastened into the wall, and a rope was tied round Toto’s neck and the other end of the rope to the peg.

Soon after, we had shut the door and turned in, there was a sound from within, as of someone tearing up things. We found, upon opening the door, that the wallpaper, which Grandfather had carefully pasted on the walls of the closet, was now hanging in rags because Toto had torn it off. He had also pulled out the peg from its socket and had made himself quite comfortable on the top shelf, having upset the contents of the shelf in the process.

Grandfather was quite pleased with Toto’s performance.

“Toto is clever,” he said. “Given time, I’m sure he could have tied the rope himself.”

By the time Grandfather had finished rebuilding the closet, keeping all my clothes out of reach, Toto had been transferred to a big cage in the servants’ quarters where a number of Grandfather’s pets lived very sociably together—a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, a tame squirrel and, for a while, my pet goat. But the monkey didn’t allow any of his companions to sleep at night: so Grandfather, who had to leave Dehra Dun the next day to collect his pension in Saharanpur, decided to take him along.

A big black canvas kit-bag was provided for Toto. Some straw at the bottom became his bed. After an evening’s meal of rice and dak-bungalow curry, I tied up the mouth of the bag with Toto inside it.

He had to be carried to the railway station in this way. Toto made strenuous efforts to get out. He rolled the bag about the floor, and at one point succeeded in getting his head out, slashing at my hands from time to time. But I pushed it back into the bag, and when the bag was finally accepted by the railway clerk, he passed it without opening it.

But at the station, a few curious noises coming from the bag, and a leaping bag had attracted the attention of the station authorities. The bag was opened. Toto immediately sprang out, scattering the belongings of the railway clerk and making himself comfortable on the window bars of the ticket office. The ticket collector, naturally, insisted that Grandfather buy a ticket for the animal. When Grandfather produced a three-rupee note out of his pocket, the ticket collector gave him a receipt and declared cheerfully, “Sir, you have a dog!” Grandfather was too exhausted to argue with him.

Toto continued to cause trouble at Saharanpur. He nearly succeeded in boiling himself alive. A large kettle had been left on the fire to boil for tea, and Toto, finding the water just warm enough for a bath, got in, with his head sticking out from the open kettle. This seemed to suit him so well that he remained there for a while. Then, when the water began to boil, Toto raised himself a little but, finding it cold outside, sat down again. He continued hopping up and down for some time, until Grandmother arrived and hauled him out, half-boiled.

If there is a part of the brain especially devoted to mischief, that part was largely developed in Toto. He was always tearing things to pieces. Whenever a dress was left on the line to dry, Toto would tear it into shreds. He would break the dishes, collect the food and throw it down from the table. He was not clever enough to keep things in order.

One day, at lunch-time, a large dish of pulao stood in the centre of the dining-table. We entered the room to find Toto stuffing himself with rice. My grandmother screamed—and Toto threw a plate at her. One of my aunts rushed forward—and received a glass of water in the face. When Grandfather arrived, Toto picked up the dish of pulao and made his escape through a window. He remained in the branches of the jackfruit tree all afternoon, eating slowly through the rice, determined on finishing every grain. And then, in order to punish Grandmother for her screaming at him, he threw the dish down from the tree, breaking it into pieces.

Obviously Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long. Even Grandfather realized that we were not rich enough to keep pets that took to breaking expensive dishes. He sold him back to the tonga-driver, and for a sum less than he had paid.

About the Author

Ruskin Bond is a beloved Indian author whose stories often explore nature, people, and life in small towns. His simple style and humor make his stories popular among readers of all ages.

100 Difficult Words with Meanings

1–20

1. Tonga – a light horse-drawn carriage – टांगा

2. Feeding-trough – a long container from which animals eat – जानवरों के खाने की नांद

3. Sparkled – shone brightly – चमका

4. Mischief – playful trouble – शरारत

5. Deep-set – placed deep inside – गहराई में स्थित

6. Anglo-Indian – mixed Indian and British – एंग्लो-इंडियन

7. Pearly – like a pearl – मोती जैसा

8. Delicacy – a special or tasty food – स्वादिष्ट चीज़

9. Fussed – showed unnecessary worry – चिंता करना

10. Particularly – especially – विशेष रूप से

11. Closet – a small storage room – अलमारी/छोटा कमरा

12. Peg – a small stick for hanging things – खूंटी

13. Socket – a fixed hole to hold something – छेद/सॉकेट

14. Rags – torn pieces of cloth – चिथड़े

15. Sociably – in a friendly way – मिल-जुलकर

16. Pension – regular money after retirement – पेंशन

17. Canvas – strong cloth used for bags – कैनवास कपड़ा

18. Kit-bag – a large travel bag – बड़ा बैग

19. Strenuous – using great effort – कठिन प्रयास

20. Belongings – personal things – सामान

21–40

21. Scattering – spreading things everywhere – बिखेरना

22. Comfortable – feeling relaxed – आरामदायक

23. Receipt – proof of payment – रसीद

24. Declared – announced – घोषित किया

25. Cheerfully – happily – खुशी से

26. Exhausted – very tired – थका हुआ

27. Nearly – almost – लगभग

28. Succeeded – managed to do something – सफल हुआ

29. Kettle – a container for boiling water – केतली

30. Sticking out – coming out – बाहर निकलना

31. Suit – to be right or good for – उपयुक्त होना

32. Remained – stayed – बना रहा

33. Developed – grown – विकसित

34. Particular – specific – खास

35. Tearing – ripping apart – फाड़ना

36. Shreds – small torn pieces – टुकड़े

37. Breaking – destroying – तोड़ना

38. Collect – gather together – इकट्ठा करना

39. Order – arrangement – व्यवस्था

40. Lunch-time – time for lunch – दोपहर का खाना

41–60

41. Stood – placed – रखा था

42. Stuffing – filling something – भरना

43. Screamed – shouted loudly – चिल्लाया

44. Threw – sent something through the air – फेंका

45. Rushed – moved quickly – दौड़ा

46. Escaped – ran away – भाग जाना

47. Branches – parts of a tree – शाखाएँ

48. Jackfruit – a large tropical fruit – कटहल

49. Determined – decided strongly – दृढ़ निश्चय

50. Finishing – completing – समाप्त करना

51. Grain – a small hard piece of food – दाना

52. Punish – to give penalty – दंड देना

53. Rich – having a lot of money – अमीर

54. Expensive – costing a lot – महंगा

55. Sold – gave in exchange for money – बेचा

56. Private – personal – निजी

57. Zoo – a place for keeping animals – चिड़ियाघर

58. Looked after – cared for – देखभाल करना

59. Curious – wanting to know – जिज्ञासु

60. Window bars – metal rods on a window – खिड़की की सलाखें

61–80

61. Accepted – allowed or received – स्वीकार किया

62. Authorities – officials – अधिकारी

63. Attracted – drew attention – आकर्षित किया

64. Station – place where trains stop – स्टेशन

65. Declared – said officially – घोषणा की

66. Trouble – problems – परेशानी

67. Carefully – with attention – ध्यान से

68. Upset – disturbed – बिगाड़ना

69. Process – steps or actions – प्रक्रिया

70. Secret – hidden – गुप्त

71. Decided – made a choice – तय किया

72. Added – joined – जोड़ा

73. Monkey – an animal that climbs – बंदर

74. Third hand – extra support – तीसरा हाथ

75. Companions – friends – साथी

76. Together – with each other – एक साथ

77. Transfer – move from one place to another – स्थानांतरित

78. Provided – given – उपलब्ध कराया

79. Meal – food eaten at one time – भोजन

80. Efforts – hard work – प्रयास

81–100

81. Finally – in the end – अंततः

82. Realized – understood – समझा

83. Believed – thought strongly – विश्वास किया

84. Capable – able to do something – सक्षम

85. Suitable – proper – उपयुक्त

86. Keeping – maintaining – रखना

87. Laugh – smile with sound – हँसना

88. Annoying – causing irritation – परेशान करने वाला

89. Friendly – kind – दोस्ताना

90. Habit – usual practice – आदत

91. Hauled – pulled with effort – खींचा

92. Nearly – almost – लगभग

93. Curiosity – strong desire to know – जिज्ञासा

94. Disturbed – interrupted – परेशान किया

95. Comfort – ease – आराम

96. Expensive dishes – costly plates – महंगी प्लेटें

97. Escape – run away – भाग जाना

98. Servants – helpers – नौकर

99. Angry – feeling of displeasure – गुस्सा

100. Playful – full of fun – मज़ाकिया

 पाठ का हिंदी अनुवाद

दादाजी ने टोटो को एक टonga चालक से पाँच रुपये में खरीदा था। टonga चालक उस छोटे लाल बंदर को एक चारा-पात्र से बाँध कर रखता था, और बंदर वहाँ इतना अजीब लग रहा था कि दादाजी ने सोच लिया कि वे उस छोटे प्राणी को अपने निजी चिड़ियाघर में शामिल कर लेंगे।

टोटो एक सुंदर बंदर था। उसकी चमकदार आँखें शरारत से चमकती थीं, जो गहरी बसी हुई भवों के नीचे थीं, और उसके दाँत — जिन्हें वह एक मुस्कान में दिखाता था जो बुज़ुर्ग एंग्लो-इंडियन महिलाओं की जान निकाल देती थी — मोती जैसे सफेद थे। उसके हाथ सूखे हुए लगते थे, जैसे कई सालों तक धूप में अचार की तरह रखे गए हों। फिर भी उसकी उंगलियाँ तेज़ और शैतान थीं; और उसकी पूँछ, जो उसकी सुंदरता में इज़ाफा करती थी (दादाजी मानते थे कि पूँछ किसी की भी सुंदरता बढ़ा सकती है), उसका तीसरा हाथ बन जाती थी। वह इससे किसी डाली से लटक सकता था, और यह उन चीज़ों को भी उठा सकती थी जो उसके हाथों की पहुँच से बाहर होती थीं।

दादी हमेशा नाराज़ हो जाती थीं जब दादाजी कोई नया पक्षी या जानवर घर लाते थे। इसलिए तय किया गया कि जब तक दादी का मूड बहुत अच्छा न हो, तब तक टोटो की मौजूदगी उनसे छुपा कर रखी जाए।

दादाजी और मैंने उसे मेरे कमरे की दीवार में बनी एक छोटी अलमारी में रख दिया, जहाँ मेरी कुछ कपड़े रखे जाते थे। दीवार में एक खूंटी लगाई गई और टोटो की गर्दन में एक रस्सी बाँधकर उसका दूसरा सिरा खूंटी से बाँध दिया गया।

जल्द ही, जब हमने दरवाज़ा बंद कर दिया और बत्ती बुझा दी, अंदर से किसी चीज़ को फाड़ने की आवाज़ें आने लगीं। जब हमने दरवाज़ा खोला, तो देखा कि अलमारी की दीवारों पर जो वॉलपेपर दादाजी ने बड़े जतन से चिपकाया था, वह अब चिथड़ों में लटक रहा था क्योंकि टोटो ने उसे फाड़ डाला था। उसने खूंटी भी दीवार से उखाड़ दी थी और आराम से ऊपरी ताक़ पर बैठ गया था, जिससे वहाँ रखी सारी चीज़ें गिर गई थीं।

दादाजी उसकी करतूत से बड़े प्रसन्न थे।

"टोटो चालाक है," उन्होंने कहा। "अगर उसे थोड़ा और समय मिलता, तो वह खुद ही रस्सी बाँध लेता।"

जब तक दादाजी ने अलमारी की मरम्मत पूरी की और मेरे कपड़ों को ऊँचाई पर सुरक्षित रखा, तब तक टोटो को नौकरों के क्वार्टर में एक बड़े पिंजरे में पहुँचा दिया गया, जहाँ दादाजी के कई पालतू जानवर बहुत मेल-जोल से रहते थे — एक कछुआ, खरगोशों की एक जोड़ी, एक पालतू गिलहरी और कुछ समय तक मेरी पालतू बकरी। लेकिन बंदर ने अपने साथियों को रात में सोने नहीं दिया। इसलिए, अगले दिन जब दादाजी को अपनी पेंशन लेने के लिए सहारनपुर जाना था, उन्होंने तय किया कि वे उसे अपने साथ ले जाएंगे।

टोटो के लिए एक बड़ा काला कैनवस का बैग लाया गया। नीचे थोड़ी सी भूसी उसकी बिछावन बनी। एक शाम के खाने में उसे चावल और डाक बंगला करी दी गई। मैंने बैग के मुँह को टोटो को अंदर डालकर कसकर बाँध दिया।

उसे इसी तरह रेलवे स्टेशन ले जाया गया। टोटो बाहर निकलने की ज़ोरदार कोशिश करता रहा। उसने बैग को ज़मीन पर लुढ़काया और एक बार तो सिर बाहर निकालने में सफल भी हो गया, बीच-बीच में मेरे हाथों पर झपटता रहा। लेकिन मैंने उसका सिर फिर से अंदर धकेल दिया। जब रेलवे क्लर्क ने बैग लिया, तो उसने उसे बिना खोले ही स्वीकार कर लिया।

लेकिन स्टेशन पर, बैग से आती अजीब आवाज़ें और उसका उछलना कर्मचारियों का ध्यान खींचने लगीं। बैग खोला गया। टोटो तुरंत बाहर कूदा, रेलवे क्लर्क की चीज़ों को इधर-उधर बिखेर दिया और टिकट ऑफिस की खिड़की की सलाखों पर आराम से बैठ गया। टिकट कलेक्टर ने स्वाभाविक रूप से दादाजी से जानवर के लिए टिकट लेने को कहा। जब दादाजी ने तीन रुपये का नोट निकाला, तो टिकट कलेक्टर ने रसीद दी और हँसते हुए कहा, “साहब, अब आपके पास एक कुत्ता है!” दादाजी थक चुके थे, इसलिए बहस नहीं की।

सहारनपुर में भी टोटो ने परेशानियाँ खड़ी कीं। वह लगभग खुद को उबाल ही देता। एक बड़ी केतली में चाय के लिए पानी उबलने के लिए रखी थी, और टोटो, जिसे पानी हल्का गरम लगा, उसमें नहाने के लिए कूद गया, सिर बाहर निकले हुए। यह उसे इतना अच्छा लगा कि वह कुछ देर वहीं बैठा रहा। फिर जब पानी उबलने लगा, तो उसने थोड़ा उठने की कोशिश की, लेकिन बाहर का ठंडा अहसास होते ही फिर बैठ गया। वह बार-बार उठता और बैठता रहा, जब तक दादी आकर उसे बाहर नहीं निकाल लाई — आधा उबला हुआ।

अगर दिमाग में कोई हिस्सा विशेष रूप से शरारत के लिए बना होता, तो वह हिस्सा टोटो में बहुत ज़्यादा विकसित था। वह हमेशा चीज़ें फाड़ता रहता था। जब भी कोई कपड़ा सूखने के लिए डाला जाता, वह उसे चिथड़ों में बदल देता। वह बर्तन तोड़ता, खाना इकट्ठा करता और उसे मेज़ से नीचे फेंक देता। उसे चीज़ें सहेज कर रखना नहीं आता था।

एक दिन दोपहर के खाने के समय, मेज़ के बीचोंबीच पुलाव की एक बड़ी थाली रखी थी। जब हम कमरे में दाख़िल हुए, तो देखा कि टोटो चावल से अपना मुँह भर रहा है। दादी चिल्लाईं — और टोटो ने उन पर एक प्लेट फेंक दी। मेरी एक मौसी दौड़ीं — और उनके चेहरे पर पानी का गिलास आ गिरा। जब दादाजी आए, तो टोटो ने पुलाव की थाली उठाई और खिड़की से भाग निकला। वह पूरे दोपहर जैकफ्रूट के पेड़ की शाखाओं में बैठा रहा, धीरे-धीरे चावल खाता रहा, यह तय कर लिया कि एक भी दाना न छोड़े। और फिर, दादी को उनके चिल्लाने की सज़ा देने के लिए, उसने थाली पेड़ से नीचे फेंक दी, जिससे वह टूट गई।

ज़ाहिर है, टोटो ऐसा पालतू नहीं था जिसे हम ज़्यादा समय तक रख सकें। यहाँ तक कि दादाजी ने भी मान लिया कि हम इतने अमीर नहीं हैं कि ऐसे पालतू जानवर पाल सकें जो महंगे बर्तन तोड़ें। उन्होंने उसे टonga चालक को वापस बेच दिया, और उससे कम कीमत पर जिस पर उन्होंने खरीदा था।