NCERT Class 5 English Santoor: Chapter 8 — The Decision of the Panchayat
This chapter from NCERT Class 5 English Santoor, titled 'The Decision of the Panchayat', introduces a story about a farmer who buys a well for his fields. The cunning neighbour who sold the well then tries to cheat the farmer by claiming ownership of the water. The farmer, distressed by this, seeks help from the village chief. A Panchayat meeting is convened under the banyan tree, bringing together the farmer, the neighbour, and the villagers to resolve the dispute. The narrative sets the stage for a traditional village justice system to address the conflict, highlighting themes of fairness and problem-solving within a community setting. This chapter helps students understand conflict resolution and the importance of community councils.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Santoor |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — The Decision of the Panchayat |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 213 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of a Panchayat and its role in resolving disputes.
- Identify the characters and their motivations in the story.
- Analyze the conflict between the farmer and the neighbour.
- Appreciate the importance of fairness and justice in a community.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| prospered | became successful or wealthy |
| cunning | having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion |
| cheat | act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage |
| belong | be owned by; be in the possession of |
| worried | feeling or showing anxiety about actual or potential problems |
| chief | a leader or head of a tribe or community |
| fixed | arranged or decided on a date or time |
| Panchayat | a council of five villagers, traditionally one from each of the village's clans, that makes decisions in a village |
| gathered | came together; assembled |
| summoned | authoritatively or urgently called someone to be present |
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Practice questions
- What did the farmer buy after he prospered? Answer: He bought another field.
- Why did the neighbour refuse to let the farmer take water from the well? Answer: The neighbour claimed he sold only the well, not the water, so the water still belonged to him.
- Who did the farmer go to for help? Answer: He went to the village chief.
- Where did the Panchayat members gather for the meeting? Answer: They gathered under the banyan tree in the centre of the village.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main conflict in NCERT Class 5 English Santoor Chapter 8?
The main conflict is between a farmer and his neighbour over the ownership of water from a well that the farmer bought.
Who tries to cheat the farmer in this chapter?
The farmer's neighbour, who sold him the well, tries to cheat him by claiming the water still belongs to him.
What is a Panchayat?
A Panchayat is a council of villagers who gather to make decisions and resolve disputes within the community.
Where does the Panchayat meeting take place in the story?
The Panchayat meeting takes place under the banyan tree in the centre of the village.
What does the farmer do when his neighbour refuses him water?
The farmer goes to the village chief to report the problem.
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Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 English — Santoor — Chapter 8 — The Decision of the Panchayat. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.