CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Short Stories: A Pair of Mustachios - NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Short Stories, Chapter 2, titled 'A Pair of Mustachios'. It delves into the characters of Ramanand and Azam Khan, exploring their contrasting natures – Ramanand's shrewd business sense versus Azam Khan's pride and arrogance. The solutions highlight Ramanand's cleverness in exploiting Azam Khan's vanity to his business advantage. Furthermore, the text examines the author's satirical commentary on societal pride, class distinctions symbolized by moustaches, and the lingering influence of British rule. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the nuances of the story, analyze character motivations, and understand the underlying social critique, aiding in effective exam preparation.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectEnglish Woven Words Short Stories
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 2

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'A Pair of Mustachios' (Chapter 2) of Class 11 English Woven Words Short Stories. This chapter focuses on understanding the characters of Ramanand and Azam Khan, their contrasting personalities, and Ramanand's sharp business acumen. It also explores the author's critique of societal pride, class consciousness, and the impact of colonial references, offering insights into the story's satirical elements.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the contrasting natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan.
  • Identify instances of Ramanand's business acumen and strategic thinking.
  • Analyze the social commentary and satire present in the story.
  • Interpret the significance of symbols like moustaches in the narrative.
  • Discuss the author's critique of pride and class distinctions.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character analysis of Ramanand
  • Character analysis of Azam Khan
  • Ramanand's business acumen
  • Social commentary in short stories
  • Satire on pride and class
  • Symbolism of moustaches
  • Critique of societal norms
  • Influence of colonial references

Important topics

  • Character contrast: Ramanand vs. Azam Khan
  • Ramanand's business strategy
  • Author's social satire
  • Symbolism of moustaches
  • Critique of pride and vanity

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Questions and Solutions

1. What do you understand of the natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan from the episode described?

What do you understand of the natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan from the episode described?
Solution: The episode reveals contrasting personalities for Ramanand and Azam Khan. Ramanand, a grocer and moneylender, is depicted as a highly pragmatic and business-minded individual. His primary focus is on maximizing his profits, adhering to the principle that 'the customer is always right,' even if it means setting aside his own pride. He is portrayed as clever, cunning, and strategic, always prioritizing his business interests. In stark contrast, Azam Khan is characterized by his immense pride, arrogance, and short temper. His vanity and adherence to social status ultimately lead him to make rash decisions that result in the loss of all his possessions, highlighting his susceptibility to manipulation.

2. Identify instances in the story that show the business acumen of Ramanand.

Identify instances in the story that show the business acumen of Ramanand.
Solution: Ramanand's business acumen is vividly demonstrated in his interaction with Azam Khan. He proves himself to be a shrewd and calculating businessman by skillfully tricking Azam Khan into mortgaging all his properties. A key instance of his cleverness is his willingness to compromise on a minor detail – lowering one tip of his moustache – which he knows will provoke Azam Khan's temper and pride. This calculated move ensures that Azam Khan acts impulsively, benefiting Ramanand's business interests significantly. Ramanand consistently places the advantage of his business above personal pride or social conventions.

3. Both Ramanand and Azam Khan seem to have very fixed views. How does Ramanand score over Azam Khan towards the end of the story?

Both Ramanand and Azam Khan seem to have very fixed views. How does Ramanand score over Azam Khan towards the end of the story?
Solution: Both Ramanand and Azam Khan operate within a societal framework where moustaches signify distinct social classes and affiliations. Ramanand belongs to the shopkeeper class and sports a goat-like moustache, while Azam Khan identifies with the 'tiger' class, symbolized by his moustache. Ramanand ultimately gains the upper hand over Azam Khan by strategically exploiting this societal division and Azam Khan's inherent pride. By closely imitating Azam Khan's distinctive moustache, Ramanand provokes him, leading Azam Khan to mortgage all his properties in a fit of pique and pride.

1. Discuss the following in groups of three or four: The episode has been narrated in a light vein. What social mores does the author seem to ridicule?

Discuss the following in groups of three or four: The episode has been narrated in a light vein. What social mores does the author seem to ridicule?
Solution: The author employs a light-hearted narrative style to satirize deeply ingrained societal norms and attitudes. The story ridicules the excessive pride and short-sightedness prevalent in society, where individuals become so blinded by their social standing or past glory that they lose all sense of reason. Azam Khan serves as a prime example, willing to gamble away his entire fortune merely to uphold his pride and perceived status. In contrast, Ramanand represents a more evolved perspective, rising above these societal conventions to prioritize his business interests. The author uses this contrast to critique the absurdity of clinging to outdated notions of honor and class.

2. Discuss the following in groups of three or four. What do you think are the reasons for the references made to the English people and the British monarchy?

Discuss the following in groups of three or four. What do you think are the reasons for the references made to the English people and the British monarchy?
Solution: The references to the English people and the British monarchy serve to underscore a poignant observation about the Indian psyche during the colonial era and its lingering effects. The author implies that Indians often took undue pride in their association with or subservience to the British monarchy. This is subtly conveyed when the story mentions that the 'lion moustache' style, associated with power and prestige, was adopted by Indian rulers (maharajas and nawabs) as well as British army generals. The inclusion of these references highlights how Indians continued to hold the English in high esteem, even while they were under foreign rule, suggesting a complex dynamic of admiration and perhaps a subtle critique of this continued deference.

3. Discuss the following in groups of three or four.

Discuss the following in groups of three or four.
Solution: This question appears to be incomplete in the provided source. However, based on the context of the chapter 'A Pair of Mustachios,' a discussion could focus on the author's satirical portrayal of social hierarchies, the consequences of pride and vanity, or the character development of Ramanand and Azam Khan. Students might be prompted to analyze how the author uses humor and exaggeration to comment on societal norms and individual behavior, particularly concerning status symbols like moustaches and the impact of colonial influences.

Common mistakes

  • Overlooking Ramanand's cunning business strategies.
  • Misinterpreting Azam Khan's pride as mere stubbornness.
  • Failing to connect the moustache symbolism to social hierarchy.
  • Not recognizing the author's satirical intent regarding societal norms.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the character sketches of Ramanand and Azam Khan, noting their key traits.
  • List specific examples of Ramanand's business dealings and Azam Khan's reactions.
  • Analyze the author's use of satire to critique social customs and pride.
  • Consider the symbolic meaning of different moustache styles mentioned in the story.
  • Review the discussion points about societal values and colonial references.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is Ramanand's primary characteristic as depicted in the story?

Q2. Which character is described as short-tempered and arrogant?

Q3. What does Ramanand exploit to gain an advantage over Azam Khan?

Q4. The author uses the different moustache styles primarily to represent:

Q5. What societal aspect does the author seem to ridicule through the episode?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'A Pair of Mustachios'?

The main theme revolves around the critique of excessive pride, class consciousness, and the exploitation of vanity for personal gain, as exemplified by Ramanand's dealings with Azam Khan.

How does Ramanand demonstrate his business skills?

Ramanand shows his business acumen by cleverly provoking Azam Khan's pride, leading him to mortgage his properties. He prioritizes business interests over personal pride.

What do the different moustache styles symbolize in the story?

The moustache styles, like the 'goat' and 'tiger' moustaches, symbolize different social classes and the pride individuals associate with their perceived status within society.

What social issues does the author address in this story?

The author addresses issues such as the irrationality driven by pride, the rigid social hierarchies, and the tendency of people to cling to past glory or social status, often at their own expense.

Why are references to the British monarchy included?

The references to the British monarchy and English people highlight the tendency of some Indians to still hold the colonizers in high regard, even after independence, suggesting a lingering sense of subservience or admiration.

How can these NCERT solutions help Class 11 students?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the characters, plot, and themes, helping students understand the story's nuances, analyze its social commentary, and prepare effectively for their English exams.

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