NCERT Class 8 English It So Happend: Chapter 1 — How the Camel got his hump
This chapter, 'How the Camel Got His Hump,' from NCERT's Class 8 English book 'It So Happend,' introduces the concept of the camel's hump. In the beginning, when the world was new and animals worked for humans, there was a lazy camel living in the desert who refused to work. Whenever asked to do anything by the Horse, Dog, or Ox, the camel would only respond with 'Humph!' This laziness angered the other animals and the Man, who had to work double-time. The chapter sets the stage for the camel's eventual encounter with the Djinn, who is in charge of all deserts and possesses magical powers, hinting at how the camel's characteristic hump might have come into being as a consequence of his idleness. This story helps students understand the importance of work and responsibility.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | It So Happend |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — How the Camel got his hump |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 370 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of laziness and its consequences.
- Identify the characters and their roles in the story.
- Learn about the initial state of the world and animal-human relationships.
- Appreciate the importance of contributing to work and responsibilities.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Djinn | A spirit that has strange powers and can assume any form, human or an animal. |
| Prickles | Sharp points on a plant, like thorns. |
| Wit's end | A point beyond which one cannot go; a limit. |
| Trot | To run at a moderate pace, with each diagonal pair of legs moving at the same time. |
| Fetch | To go for and then bring back (someone or something). |
| Carry | Support and move (someone or something) from one place to another. |
| Plough | To turn over (earth) with a plough, especially to prepare for sowing. |
| Panchayat | A council or assembly of five members, typically of a village, for settling disputes. |
| Cud | Partly digested food returned from the first stomach of ruminant animals to the mouth for further chewing. |
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Practice questions
- Where did the camel live and why? Answer: The camel lived in the middle of a Howling Desert because he did not want to work.
- What did the camel say whenever anyone spoke to him? Answer: Whenever anyone spoke to him, the camel said only 'Humph!'
- Who came to the camel on Monday morning, and what did he ask? Answer: The Horse came to the camel on Monday morning and asked him to come out and trot like the rest of them.
- What did the Man decide because the camel would not work? Answer: The Man decided to leave the camel alone and asked the Horse, Dog, and Ox to work double-time to make up for it.
- Who was in charge of all deserts? Answer: The Djinn was in charge of all deserts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of 'How the Camel Got His Hump'?
The main theme is the consequence of laziness and the importance of contributing to work.
Who are the main characters in the beginning of the story?
The main characters are the Camel, the Horse, the Dog, the Ox, and the Man.
What does 'Djinn' mean?
A Djinn is a spirit with strange powers that can assume any form.
Why were the Horse, Dog, and Ox angry with the camel?
They were angry because the camel refused to work, forcing them to do double the work.
What did the camel eat in the desert?
The camel ate sticks, thorns, and prickles.
Who is responsible for the deserts in the story?
The Djinn is responsible for all deserts.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 English — It So Happend — Chapter 1 — How the Camel got his hump. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.