Intro Para
Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to the lesson "Arjun" by Mahasweta Devi from the Class 8 Oxford Literary Reader? This blog delivers all you need: a simple story summary, complete solutions for every question, thoughtful inferences, and a Hindi summary. Whether you're preparing for school exams or revising for homework, you'll find extra practice questions and well-structured answers, all crafted uniquely and concisely for quick understanding.
Table of Content
- Summary of the Story Arjun by Mahasweta Devi
- Let's infer Arjun by Mahasweta Devi
- Let's discuss Arjun by Mahasweta Devi
- अर्जुन – कहानी का सारांश (हिंदी में)
- Extra Questions and Answers for "Arjun" (Class 8 Literary Reader)
Summary of the Story Arjun by Mahasweta Devi
Ketu, a poor member of the Shabar tribe, survives by cutting trees in Bandihi village. He often lands in jail but believes it's his destiny. One day, a powerful man named Bishal Mahato orders him to cut down the precious arjun tree, a source of shelter and faith for the tribals. When Ketu and his friends realize the tree’s deep importance, they come together, claiming it has become sacred, and organize a festival around it. Their unity and ingenuity prevent the tree’s destruction, teaching a lesson about community strength and the safeguarding of tradition.
Let's infer Arjun by Mahasweta Devi
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'Ketu did not ever question his predicament.'
a. What was Ketu's predicament?
ANSWER: Ketu was compelled to illegally cut trees for survival and faced repeated imprisonment.
b. Did he mind being in this situation? Why/Why not?
ANSWER: He accepted it as fate, believing Shabars were destined for such hardships. -
'The people will have to elect whoever I nominate, won't they?'
a. Who says this? To whom?
ANSWER: Bishal Mahato to Ketu.
b. What does this tell you about the speaker?
ANSWER: It reflects Mahato's confidence in his authority over the community. -
Bishal Mahato and Ram Haldar 'were two of a kind'. Why did Ketu and his friends think that the two men were quite similar?
ANSWER: Both men exploited the Shabars and used their power for personal advantage. -
'Haldar and Mahato too knew that the Shabars were indispensable.' This means that the two men believed that they could function without the help of the Shabars. True or False?
ANSWER: False. They realized they needed the Shabars for their work. -
Why do you think Bishal Mahato wanted the arjun tree to be cut down?
ANSWER: He wanted to benefit from its timber and strengthen his own interests. -
'Why should only the Shabars get trapped in a false case? I'm going to tell the others ...,' says Diga to his friends. Does this mean that the tribals finally realized that they were being treated most unfairly by Mahato and Haldar? How can you tell?
ANSWER: Yes. The tribals began to openly resist injustice, united the communities, and acted to protect the arjun tree, showing clear awareness of being mistreated. -
'Each one realized that their lives and fate were inextricably linked with that of the arjun.'
a. In what ways had the arjun tree been of help to the tribals?
ANSWER: The tree provided shelter, hope, and spiritual connection to their heritage.
b. Do you think Mahato and Haldar understood the special relationship that the tribals shared with the tree? Why do you think so?
ANSWER: No. They focused on their interests and did not respect or recognize the tree’s emotional and cultural value to the tribals. -
Haldar says: 'We'd thought these fellows were fools. But they have made fools of us, Mahato!' How did Ketu and his friends fool Haldar and Mahato and save the arjun tree?
ANSWER: By proclaiming the tree sacred and organizing a festival, making it untouchable and unremovable in public view. -
'Fear. An uncomprehending fear gripped him.' Was Mahato afraid that something unpleasant would happen? What did he think would happen?
ANSWER: Yes, Mahato became anxious, sensing the new resolve and unity among the tribals could threaten his control.
Let's discuss Arjun by Mahasweta Devi
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The Shabar men were frequently sent to jail. How did this affect the Shabar women?
ANSWER: Women were left to support the families alone, facing financial and emotional hardship. -
Exploitation is a situation in which a person treats another person in an unfair manner.
a. How were the Shabars exploited?
ANSWER: They were coerced into illegal work while the powerful enjoyed the profits.
b. Which of these words would you use to describe how they felt?
ANSWER: Unhappy, worried, miserable, hurt, anxious, wretched, harassed, upset.
अर्जुन – कहानी का सारांश (हिंदी में)
यह कहानी केतु नाम के एक शबर जनजाति के गरीब व्यक्ति की है, जो जीविका चलाने के लिए पेड़ काटता है और बार-बार जेल जाता है। एक दिन, सामर्थ्यशाली बिशाल महतो उसे अर्जुन पेड़ काटने का आदेश देता है, जो शबरों के लिए आस्था और यादों का प्रतीक है। केतु और उसके साथी पेड़ की महत्ता समझते हैं और उसे सुरक्षित रखने के लिए उसे पुजनीय घोषित कर एक उत्सव आयोजित करते हैं। सभी जनजातियाँ एकजुट होकर पेड़ को बचाती हैं, जिससे सामूहिकता और समझदारी की जीत होती है।
Extra Questions and Answers for "Arjun" (Class 8 Literary Reader)
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Why did Ketu accept his role in tree cutting?
ANSWER: He thought it was the unchangeable way of life for all Shabars. -
What importance did the arjun tree have for the villagers?
ANSWER: It acted as their shelter, a memory of the jungle, and a spiritual guardian. -
What change occurred in Ketu’s views as the story progressed?
ANSWER: He began to question unfairness and helped unite his friends for a cause. -
What strategy did they use to stop the tree’s removal?
ANSWER: They claimed the tree was sacred and held a village gathering around it. -
How did other tribal groups respond to the threat?
ANSWER: Everyone joined in the celebration, strengthening the movement and solidarity. -
What does the story say about power versus justice?
ANSWER: Powerful people often exploit the weak, but unity restores justice. -
Why is the arjun tree called a "mute symbol"?
ANSWER: It is the final trace of the lost forest, reminding tribals of their past. -
What impact did the tribals’ unity have on Mahato?
ANSWER: He grew fearful, recognizing the power of their collective stand. -
What does the narrative teach about bravery?
ANSWER: Even the marginalized can defend their rights when united and brave. -
How did women contribute to the community amid adversity?
ANSWER: When men were imprisoned, women shouldered burdens, revealing strength and endurance.
