CBSE Class 11 Woven Words NCERT Solutions: A Pair Of Mustachios

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 Woven Words presents the short story "A Pair of Mustachios," explored in detail through NCERT Solutions. This chapter delves into the contrasting personalities of Ramanand, a sharp and resourceful grocer and moneylender, and Azam Khan, a man swayed by ego and a quick temper. The solutions highlight Ramanand's cleverness as he skillfully manipulates a situation to his benefit, ultimately outwitting Azam Khan. The narrative employs a light-hearted tone to critique societal norms, particularly the absurd emphasis on social status, symbolized by moustaches. The author also comments on the enduring impact of British rule and the deep-seated social inequalities prevalent in India. The solutions examine the story's central themes, the effectiveness of its dialogue in engaging readers, and the overall literary techniques employed. This analysis aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the story's subtleties, facilitating their exam preparation.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	2. A Pair Of Mustachios - (Short Stories)

Chapter summary

Chapter 2, "A Pair of Mustachios," from CBSE Class 11 Woven Words, is explored through these NCERT Solutions. The solutions focus on understanding the characters of Ramanand and Azam Khan, their contrasting personalities, and the underlying social critique. Key aspects covered include Ramanand's business shrewdness, Azam Khan's false pride, and how Ramanand gains an advantage. The solutions also analyze the author's satirical portrayal of societal divisions based on class and symbols like moustaches, and the commentary on historical social disparities. The introduction of the theme and the role of dialogue in enhancing the story's interest are also discussed, providing a comprehensive understanding for students.

Learning outcomes

Understand the contrasting natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan.
Identify and analyze instances of business acumen in the story.
Explain how Ramanand outsmarts Azam Khan through cleverness.
Recognize the author's ridicule of social mores and class distinctions.
Analyze the author's commentary on social disparities and historical influences.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the story's theme introduction and dialogue.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character analysis of Ramanand
Character analysis of Azam Khan
Business acumen
False pride
Social class divisions
Satire and social commentary
Symbolism (moustaches)
Influence of British rule
Narrative techniques
Contribution of dialogue

Important topics

Character analysis: Ramanand and Azam Khan
Social commentary on class and pride
Ramanand's business strategy
Author's satirical intent
Symbolism of moustaches

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Questions and Solutions

Understanding The Text - Question 1

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

Solution: The episode reveals distinct personalities for Ramanand and Azam Khan. Ramanand, the grocer and moneylender, is portrayed as a shrewd and pragmatic individual. He possesses a keen understanding of human nature and situations, always seeking to maximize his benefit. His actions demonstrate that while he might appear to yield to provocation, his primary concern is his business and profit, rather than his personal pride. In contrast, Azam Khan is depicted as a victim of his own inflated ego and false pride. He becomes fixated on a trivial matter concerning moustaches, escalating it into a significant issue. His short-tempered nature suggests a lack of control and a tendency to be easily provoked, ultimately leading to his downfall in this particular encounter.

Understanding The Text - Question 2

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

Solution: Ramanand's business acumen is evident in several instances. He is depicted as a wise shopkeeper who understands how to navigate tricky situations to his advantage. A key example is when Azam Khan demands that Ramanand turn his moustache downwards. Ramanand agrees to this, but his compliance is not out of deference; it is a calculated move. He understands that by seemingly conceding to Azam Khan's demand, he can leverage the situation for personal gain, specifically to increase the value of his property. This shows his ability to make sound judgments and exploit circumstances to benefit himself, a hallmark of strong business sense.

Understanding The Text - Question 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?

Solution: It is true that both Ramanand and Azam Khan held rigid views, influenced by the social milieu that categorized people based on symbols like moustaches. This societal context created a fixed ideology for both characters. Ramanand, belonging to a supposedly lower social class ('goat class'), and Azam Khan, from a higher class ('tiger class'), both adhered to these ingrained beliefs. However, Ramanand ultimately scores over Azam Khan by demonstrating superior intelligence and foresight. Instead of letting his pride dictate his actions, Ramanand cleverly manages to turn his moustache upwards, a symbol associated with higher status. This strategic move not only resolves the immediate conflict but also leads to an increase in his property's value, signifying his victory in the situation.

Talking About The Text - Question 1

The episode has been narrated in a light vein. What social mores does the author seem to ridicule?

Solution: The author uses a light-hearted narrative to ridicule the deeply ingrained social mores related to class consciousness and false pride. The story highlights how society often categorizes individuals based on superficial symbols, such as the style of one's moustaches, associating upward-turned moustaches with a higher class. The author satirizes the ideology of people who derive their pride solely from their perceived social status, rather than from their intellect or character. It points out the irony that these supposedly 'higher class' individuals can be easily outsmarted by those from 'lower classes,' exposing the hollowness of such distinctions and the self-imposed traps of social vanity.

Talking About The Text - Question 2

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 as a commentary on India's historical context of colonial rule and its impact on social structures. The author likely uses these references to draw a parallel between the social hierarchies prevalent in India and the class distinctions observed during British rule. It suggests that Indians, even when under foreign domination, often took pride in their association with the ruling class or in the privileges afforded to those who served them (like the 'babus' under the British). This highlights a recurring theme in Indian society where pride is often linked to status and association, even if it implies a form of subservience, mirroring the story's critique of class-based pride.

Talking About The Text - Question 3

What do you think is the message that the author seems to convey through the story?

Solution: The central message the author conveys through the story is the need to move beyond outdated social differences and superficial distinctions. The narrative encourages readers to shed the burden of false pride associated with social class or status. As society progresses, it should focus on growth and new opportunities rather than clinging to rigid, antiquated notions of superiority or inferiority. The story advocates for valuing intelligence and substance over outward appearances and social labels.

Appreciation - Question 1

Comment on the way in which the theme of the story has been introduced.

Solution: The theme of the story is introduced in a subtle and engaging manner, primarily through the seemingly light-hearted example of moustaches used to differentiate social classes. Initially, the reader might perceive this as a simple anecdote about social customs. However, as the narrative unfolds, the significance of these distinctions and the underlying critique of social hierarchy become apparent. The introduction effectively sets the stage for exploring deeper themes of pride, intelligence, and social commentary, demonstrating how seemingly minor details can carry profound thematic weight. The story cleverly uses this introduction to highlight that true distinction comes from intelligence, not just social standing.

Appreciation - Question 2

How does the insertion of dialogue in the story contribute to its interest?

Solution: The insertion of dialogue significantly contributes to the story's interest by bringing the characters and their interactions to life. Through direct conversations, the reader gains immediate access to the characters' thoughts, emotions, and personalities. Dialogues allow for the direct expression of their viewpoints, conflicts, and the nuances of their arguments, making the narrative more dynamic and engaging. The spoken words carry more weight and impact than mere narration, enhancing the dramatic tension and allowing the reader to connect more deeply with the characters and the unfolding events. It makes the story feel more immediate and real.

Common mistakes

Confusing Ramanand's cleverness with genuine kindness.
Overlooking the satirical elements and focusing only on the plot.
Misinterpreting the symbolism of moustaches and social classes.
Failing to connect the story's commentary to broader social issues.

Revision tips

Focus on the character sketches of Ramanand and Azam Khan, noting their key traits and motivations.
Identify specific examples from the text that illustrate Ramanand's business sense and Azam Khan's pride.
Consider the author's satirical intent and the social issues being critiqued.
Pay attention to how dialogue enhances the story's engagement and character development.
Summarize the main message of the story in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is Ramanand's primary profession mentioned in the story?

Q2. Which character is described as living with false pride?

Q3. What social symbol is used in the story to represent class divisions?

Q4. How does Ramanand ultimately score over Azam Khan?

Q5. The author uses the story to ridicule which societal aspect?

Frequently asked questions

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

The main theme revolves around the critique of social divisions and false pride, showing how superficial distinctions like moustaches are used to categorize people, and how intelligence can overcome such artificial barriers.

Who are the main characters in 'A Pair of Mustachios' and what are their key traits?

The main characters are Ramanand, a shrewd grocer and moneylender known for his business acumen, and Azam Khan, a victim of his own false pride and short temper.

How does Ramanand demonstrate his business intelligence in the story?

Ramanand cleverly uses Azam Khan's fixation on moustaches to his own advantage, ultimately increasing the value of his property by adopting a certain style of moustache.

What social issues does the author seem to be ridiculing?

The author ridicules the societal tendency to create divisions and hierarchies based on superficial factors like class and symbols, highlighting the absurdity of false pride associated with such distinctions.

What is the significance of the references to English people and the British monarchy?

These references draw a parallel between the social disparities in India and the colonial era, suggesting a historical tendency among Indians to take pride in subservience or social hierarchies, even under foreign rule.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the story's characters, themes, and literary devices, helping students understand the text deeply and answer questions related to comprehension, analysis, and interpretation effectively.

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