Fair Play Summary In English

Part I
Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry were good friends. Both were also greatly
respected in the village.

Jumman had an old aunt who had some property. She transferred it to Jumman. The
condition was that she would stay with Jumman. Jumman would look after her well.
For two years, the arrangement worked well. Then the situation changed. The
behaviour of Jumman and his family changed. Even the little food which was offered
to her was loaded with insults. At last her patience gave way. She realised that she
was not welcome in his house. She asked Jumman to give her a monthly allowance
to set up a separate kitchen. Jumman said that his wife knew best how to run the
house. She decided to take the case to the village Panchayat.

The old lady went to the villagers explaining her case. Some showed sympathy.
Some laughed at her. Others advised her to make it up with Jumman and his wife. At
last she went to Algu Chowdhry. He told the lady that he could not go against
Jumman as he was his best friend. At this she asked him, “But is it right, my son, to
keep mum and not to say what you consider Just and fair?”

Part II
The Panchayat was held under an old banyan tree. Jumman said, “Let my aunt
nominate the Panch. I will abide by her decision”. The old lady suggested the name
of Algu Chowdhry knowing well that he was a close friend of Jumman. This,
however, gladdened Jumman’s heart. He thought that as his best friend Algu could
not go against him. His happiness was only shortlived. Algu Chowdhry gave his
decision in favour of the old lady. She said that God lives in the heart of the Panch.
She meant that as Panch, one was bound to be just and fair. But Jumman was very
angry. The incident broke the bond of friendship. The two were not seen together
after the case. Jumman want revenge on Algu.

Part III
Algu found himself in a tight position after a few days. He had sold his bullock to
Samjhu Sahu. Samjhu Sahu had agreed to pay the price after a month.
Unfortunately, the bullock died before the date of payment. Sahu refused to pay. A
case came before the panchayat once again.

This time Sahu proposed the name of Jumman as Panch. Algu’s heart sank. He was
sure that Jumman would give his verdict against him but he accepted the proposal.
Though Jumman was burning with the desire for revenge, he could not do so sitting
in the seat of the judge. He gave the judgement in favour of Algu. Algu was
overjoyed. He cried that it was a victory of panchayat and justice. He said that God
lives in the heart of Panch.

Then the two friends embraced each other and wept. The tears had washed away
the dirt of misunderstanding between them.
Fair Play Summary In Hindi
Part I
जुम्मन शेख और अलगू चौधरी अच्छे मित्र थे। दोनोों का गााँव िें सम्मान भी बहुत था।
जुम्मन की एक बूढी बुआ थी, मजसके पास कुछ सोंपमि थी। उसने उस सोंपमि को जुम्मन के नाि कर
मदया। शतत थी मक वह जुम्मन के साथ रहेगी। जुम्मन उसकी अच्छी तरह दे ख-भाल करे गा। दो वर्त तक
सब कुछ ठीक-ठाक चलता रहा। मिर पररस्थथमत बदल गयी। जुम्मन और उसके पररवार का व्यवहार
बदल गया। जो थोडा बहुत खाना उसे मदया जाता था वह भी बडी बेइज्जती के साथ। आस्खर उसका
सब्र सिाप्त हो गया। उसे लगा मक अब वह उस (जुम्मन) के घर िें बोझ बन गयी थी। उसने जुम्मन से
कहा मक वह उसे प्रमतिास कुछ धन दे तामक वह अपना चूल्हा अलग कर सके। जुम्मन ने कहा मक
उसकी पत्नी ही घर को सवोिि ढों ग से चलाना जानती थी। उस (बुआ) ने िािले को ग्राि पोंचायत के
सािने लाने का मनर्तय कर मलया।

अपनी बात सिझाने के मलए बूढी िमहला गााँव वालोों के पास गयी। कुछ ने सहानुभूमत मदखाई। कुछ
उस पर हाँसे। दू सरोों ने कहा मक वह जुम्मन और उसकी पत्नी से बात कर िािला सुलझा ले। अोंत िें
वह अलगू चौधरी के | पास गयी। उसने वृद्धा से कहा मक वह जुम्मन के स्खलाि नहीों जा सकता था
क्ोोंमक वह उसका सवोिि मित्र था। इस पर उसने उससे पूछा, “पर िेरे बेटे, जो तुि सही और उमचत
सिझते हो, उसको न कहना क्ा ठीक है ?”

Part II
एक पुराने बरगद के पेड के नीचे पोंचायत लगी। जुम्मन बोला, िेरी बुआ पोंच को चुन ले। िैं उसकी बात
िान लूोंगा।” बूढी औरत ने यह जानते हुए भी मक अलगू चौधरी जुम्मन का पक्का दोस्त है, उसके नाि
का प्रस्ताव मकया। पर इस बात से जुम्मन का मदल खुश हो गया। उसने सोचा मक उसका सवोिि मित्र
होने के कारर् अलगू उसके स्खलाि नहीों जा सकता था। उसकी खुशी अमधक दे र न मटक सकी।
अलगू चौधरी ने बूढी औरत के पक्ष िें मनर्तय दे मदया। उस (औरत) ने कहा मक पोंच के मदल िें परिेश्वर
मनवास करता है। उसका ितलब था मक पोंच होने पर कोई भी व्यस्ि न्यायपूर्त और उमचत होने के
मलए बाध्य हो जाता है। परों तु जुम्मन बहुत नाराज हो गया। दोस्ती की डोर इस घटना से टू ट गयी। घटना
के बाद मिर दोनोों को साथ-साथ नहीों दे खा गया। जुम्मन अलगू से बदला लेना चाहता था।

Part III
कुछ मदनोों बाद अलगू के सािने एक कमठन सिस्या आ खडी हुई। उसने अपना बैल सिझू साहू को
बेचा था। सिझू साहू ने वादा मकया था मक वह एक िहीने बाद उसकी कीित अदा कर दे गा। दु भातग्य
से पैसे चुकाने की तारीख से पहले ही बैल िर गया। साहू ने पैसे दे ने से इों कार कर मदया। एक बार मिर
एक िािला पोंचायत के सािने था।

इस बार साहू ने पोंच के रूप िें जुम्मन के नाि का प्रस्ताव मकया। अलगू का मदल बैठ गया। उसे पक्का
मवश्वास था मक जुम्मन उसके स्खलाि मनर्तय दे गा। पर उसने प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कर मलया। हालाोंमक
जुम्मन बदला लेने की इच्छा िें जल रहा था, पर न्याय की कुसी पर बैठकर वह ऐसा नहीों कर सका।
उसने अपना मनर्तय अलगू के पक्ष िें मदया। अलगू की खुशी का मठकाना न था। वह मचल्ला कर बोला
मक यह पोंचायत और न्याय की जीत थी। उसने कहा मक पोंच के मदल िें परिेश्वर मनवास करता है।
मिर दोनोों दोस्त एक-दू सरे के गले मिले और रो पडे । आाँ सूओों ने उन दोनोों के बीच की गलतिहिी की
धूल को धो डाला।
Important Question and Answers

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

4. Algu was unwilling to support the aunt.

5. Jumman was very happy to hear Algu’s name as’head

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.

Ans:
 I II

1. In the absence of one, the

1. Jumman and Algu were the best of friends. other took care of his family.

2. Jumman’s aunt transferred her property to 2. The condition was that he

him. would be responsible for her

welfare.

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 3. She wanted justice.

as head Panch.
4. The bond of friendship

between him and Jumman was

very strong.

5. 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 This is justice.”

Ans:

1. Jumman speaks 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.

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

Ans:The situation changed 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.

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

Ans:Jumman’s aunt could not bear insults any more. She wanted to cook her food
separately. She demanded monthly allowance from her nephew.

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

Ans.The old woman went to several villagers to explain her case and get their
support. But some showed sympathy, and some laughed at her. A few advised her
to make peace with Jumman.

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

Ans:Algu and Jumman were fast friends. So Jumman hoped to get the verdict in his
favour. Naturally, he felt happy when the aunt named Algu to act as head Panch.
5. “God lives in the heart of the Panch”, the aunt said. What did she mean? (6)

Ans.The aunt meant that a person in the seat of a judge becomes fair and just like
God. He is not guided by his personal likes and dislikes. He can not do any injustice.
He is God’s representative.

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

Ans:Algu heard the case and gave a fair judgement. He asked Jumman either to
pay a monthly allowance to his aunt or transfer the property in her name. Jumman
was stunned. He became Algu’s enemy. He decided to take revenge on Algu.

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

Ans:Algu sold his bullock to Samjhu Sahu, a cartman. Sahu promised to pay the
price within a month. But during this period he took so much work from the animal
that it died. Sahu became dishonest. He refused to pay the money.

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

Ans:Algu was upset because Jumman was already annoyed with him. So he
thought Jumman would take his revenge.

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

Ans:Jumman’s verdict was that Sahu had to pay the price of bullock to Algu.
Because when Sahu purchased the bullock from Algu it was hale and hearty. This
was a genuine decision. Algu took it happily and said it was a victory of the
panchayat.

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 en- ,
mity.”
(iii)‘The voice of the Panch is the voice of God.”
Give a reason for your choice.

Ans:I think the second statement sums up the story best.

The person in the seat of a judge becomes fair and just.

Working with Language

A. Replace the italicised portion of each sentence below with a suitable phrase
from the box. Make necessary changes, wherever required.
 look after, swallow, make it up, keep mum, go into ease one’s
conscience,
as ill luck would have it,a tight spot, take chances, my heart sank

1. The best way to avoid an unnecessary argument is to remain silent

2. Unfortunately, the train I was trying to catch was cancelled.
3. He has been told not to take risks while driving a car through a crowded
street.
4. The patient needs to be properly taken care of.
5. Why don’t the two of you end your quarrel by shaking hands?
6. I was in a difficult situation till my friends came to my rescue.
7. When I saw a pile of dirty dishes, I felt very disappointed.
8. I will examine the matter carefully before commenting on it.
9. They criticised him in the meeting but he accepted without protest all the
criticism.
10. It will free me from worry to know that I had done nothing wrong.

Ans.

1. The best way to avoid an unnecessary argument is to keep

2. As ill luck would have it; the train I was trying to catch was cancelled.
3. He has been told not to take chances while driving a car through a crowded street.
4. The patient needs to be properly looked after.
5. Why don’t the two of you make it up by shaking hands?
6. I was in a tight spot till my friends came to my rescue.
7. When I saw a pile of dirty dishes, my heart sank.
8. I will go into the matter carefully before commenting on it.
9. They criticised him in the meeting but he swallowed all the criticism.
10. It will ease my conscience to know that I had done nothing wrong.

B. Look at the following phrases and their

meanings. Use the phrases to fill in the blanks in the
sentences given below.
set up — put in place or start
set aside — save or keep for a particular purpose
set down — write or record
set out — start on a journey
set in _ begin and seem likely to continue

1. Why don’t you________________ your ideas on paper?

2. A fund has been_________________ for the soldiers’ families.
3. We should________________ a little money every month.
4. You should buy some woollens before winter___________________
5. They______________ on the last stage of their journey.
Ans:
set down
set up
set aside
sets in
set out.

I.SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. How did Algu and Jumman treat each other?

Ans:Algu and Jumman were fast friends. But they became enemies when Algu
decided the case in favour of the old aunt. Jumman also got a chance to take
revenge. But as head Panch he also acted as fair and just. They became friends
again.

2. How did Jumman treat his old aunt?

Ans:Jumman got his aunt’s property transferred in his name. He promised to

support her. But soon they were tired of her. His wife insulted their aunt when she
gave her little food.

3. How did the old aunt get justice?

Ans:The old aunt presented her case before the village panchayat. She had faith in
the honesty of Algu. So she named Algu the head Panch. Algu ignored his friendship
with Jumman for the sake of truth and justice.

4. What were the common characteristics between Algu and Jumman?

Ans:Algu and Jumman belonged to two different faiths. Yet both valued their
friendship equally. Both had a clean conscience. Neither allowed his personal
feelings to affect their love for truth and justice.

5.What decisions were given by Algu and Jumman as head Panch?

Ans:‘ Algu told Jumman either to pay his aunt a monthly allowance or transfer her
property to her. Jumman as head Panch gave the verdict that Sahu should pay Algu
the price of the bullock

II.LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Why did Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry, the two good friends, become
sworn enemies?
Ans:Jumman and Algu were fast friends. They trusted each other blindly. But an
incident broke them apart. Jumman had got the property of his old aunt. But after
some duration he began to ignore and ill treat her. She demanded a monthly
allowance or the return of her land. The panchayat was called to hear the case. Algu
as the head Panch decided the case in favour of the old aunt. The two friends
became sworn enemies.

2. How did Jumman and Algu get over their bitterness and become friends
again?

Ans:Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry broke up when Algu gave his verdict in
favour of Jumman’s aunt. Algu heard the voice of his conscience and did justice. But
Jumman waited for his turn to take revenge. He got that chance soon. Algu was
being cheated by Sahu. Hence, a panchayat was held. Sahu named Jumman as
head Panch. But as soon as Jumman occupied that seat of responsibility, he too
decided the case on facts and merit. His verdict in favour of Algu brought them
closer once again.

3.Which is more desirable-friendship or enmity? When does a person hear

strongly the voice of his conscience?

Ans:It goes without saying that friendship is based on goodwill and respect for one
another. Enmity is created by hatred and ill-will. Friendship is definitely far better
than enmity. Every person has a weakness for friends. But the moment he occupies
the seat of judgement, he hears the voice of his conscience and gives a fair verdict.