CBSE Class 8 It So Happened: The Treasure Within NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter, 'The Treasure Within,' from the CBSE Class 8 'It So Happened' textbook, delves into the life and career of architect Hafeez Contractor. The NCERT Solutions provide detailed answers to questions about his early life, academic struggles, and eventual success. Students will explore his nightmares about mathematics exams, the influential words of his principal, and his passion for activities beyond traditional studies, like playing games and creating distractions. The solutions also cover his transition into architecture, highlighting key advice from teachers and relatives, and his unique definition of mathematics. These solutions are designed to help students understand the narrative, analyze the character's motivations, and prepare effectively for their exams by clarifying the chapter's core themes and events.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 8
Subject	It So Happened
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	4. The Treasure Within

Chapter summary

Chapter 4, 'The Treasure Within,' focuses on the life of architect Hafeez Contractor. The NCERT Solutions cover his early academic challenges, including his fear of mathematics and his principal's motivational words. It details his playful nature, his eventual realization of his potential in architecture, and the advice he received from teachers and family. The solutions also touch upon his unconventional definition of mathematics and his experiences as a schoolboy, offering insights into his journey towards becoming a successful architect.

Learning outcomes

Understand the early life and academic challenges faced by Hafeez Contractor.
Analyze the factors that influenced Hafeez Contractor's career choice.
Identify Hafeez Contractor's unique perspective on mathematics.
Explain the importance of recognizing and nurturing individual talents.
Discuss the role of teachers and family in shaping a student's future.
Evaluate the concept of success beyond traditional academic performance.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Hafeez Contractor's early life
Nightmares about mathematics
Principal's influence
Studying vs. playing
Creating distractions
Career choices (Police Force, Architecture)
Advice from teachers (Mrs. Gupta)
Architectural talent
Definition of mathematics
Schoolboy pranks and rule-breaking
Problem-solving skills
Nurturing individual talents

Important topics

Hafeez Contractor's journey to architecture
The role of influential figures (Principal, Mrs. Gupta)
Hafeez's unconventional approach to learning and problem-solving
The definition of 'treasure within' and identifying one's potential
Overcoming academic challenges
The importance of practical skills and creativity

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Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check - Q1

What did Hafeez Contractor have nightmares about?

Solution: Hafeez Contractor used to experience intense nightmares related to appearing for a mathematics examination. In these dreams, he felt completely unprepared and unaware of the subject matter, highlighting his deep-seated anxiety about mathematics.

Comprehension Check - Q2

What did the Principal say to him, which influenced him deeply?

Solution: When Hafeez was in the eleventh standard, his Principal addressed him directly. The Principal noted that Hafeez had been a good student but had never truly studied. He emphasized that while the school had supported him, it was time for Hafeez to take responsibility for his own future, acknowledging his mother's hard work and sacrifices. The Principal urged him to rise to the occasion and dedicate himself to his studies. This heartfelt and direct advice profoundly impacted Hafeez.

Comprehension Check - Q3

"... that year I did not step out onto the field." What was he busy doing that year?

Solution: That particular year, Hafeez Contractor was intensely focused on his studies. He significantly reduced his outdoor activities, including playing on the field. His routine largely consisted of going for prayers, eating, and studying diligently, indicating a major shift in his priorities.

Comprehension Check - Q4

(i) What "distraction" did Hafeez Contractor create one day? (ii) Would you have liked to participate in the "distraction" had you been with him?

Solution: (i) One day, Hafeez Contractor decided he did not want to study. To avoid it, he created a "distraction" by organizing and playing the game 'chor-police' (thief-police) with his classmates for an entire hour.

(ii) Whether one would have liked to participate depends on their personal inclination. If you enjoy games and playful activities, participating in 'chor-police' might have been fun. However, if you prioritize studies or prefer different kinds of activities, you might not have joined in.

Comprehension Check - Q5

Hafeez Contractor wanted to join the police force. Why didn't he?

Solution: Hafeez Contractor's aspiration to join the police force was ultimately put aside because his mother advised him against it. She encouraged him to complete his graduation instead, influencing his decision to pursue higher education.

Comprehension Check - Q6

In the architect's office, Hafeez Contractor was advised to drop everything and join architecture. Why?

Solution: Hafeez Contractor was advised to pursue architecture after he demonstrated an innate talent for it in an architect's office. He observed someone drawing a window detail and pointed out that the drawing was incorrect, stating the window wouldn't open. When asked to draw a window and then design a house, he completed these tasks effectively, impressing those present with his potential and clear aptitude for architecture.

Question 7

(i) What was Mrs. Gupta's advice to Hafeez Contractor? (ii) What made her advise him so?

Solution: (i) Mrs. Gupta, who had been Hafeez Contractor's teacher in the second and third grades, advised him to become an architect when he grew up.

(ii) She advised him this because she observed that Hafeez was generally not very good at most things academically. However, she consistently noticed that his sketches were always exceptionally good. Recognizing this specific talent, she felt architecture would be the most suitable career path for him.

Question 8

How did he help fellow students who had lost a button?

Solution: When a fellow student lost a button, Hafeez Contractor ingeniously helped by using a blade to cut a makeshift button from a piece of chalk. This demonstrated his practical problem-solving skills even at a young age.

Question 9

Which rules did he break as a school boy?

Solution: As a schoolboy, Hafeez Contractor often broke rules and prioritized activities other than academics. He was more interested in games and practical, imaginative pursuits, such as thinking about building dams when it rained. He also engaged in playing pranks and jokes. Academically, he admitted to copying during exams because he struggled to remember what was taught, and he would try to get hold of the exam papers beforehand to study them.

Question 10

(i) What is Hafeez contractor's definition of mathematics? (ii) How would you want to define mathematics? Do you like the subject?

Solution: (i) Hafeez Contractor offered a unique definition of mathematics, stating that it involves integrating design, construction, psychology, and sociology, and then creating a sketch from these elements.

(ii) This part requires a personal response. You might define mathematics as the study of numbers, patterns, and space, or perhaps as a tool for problem-solving in various fields. Reflect on whether you enjoy the subject and why, considering its different aspects.

Exercise - Q1

Is it likely that someone who is original and intelligent does not do very well at school? Should such a learner be called a failure? If not, why not?

Solution: Yes, it is quite possible for someone who is original and intelligent to not perform exceptionally well in a traditional school setting. School systems often focus on specific types of intelligence and learning styles, and may not always cater to diverse talents or unconventional thinking. Originality and intelligence can manifest in ways not easily measured by grades or standardized tests, such as creativity, problem-solving in practical situations, or unique perspectives.

Such a learner should not be called a failure. Labeling them as such would be inaccurate and discouraging. Failure implies a lack of ability or effort, whereas these individuals might possess significant intelligence and creativity that is simply not being channeled or recognized effectively within the school environment. Their potential might lie in areas outside the conventional curriculum, like art, innovation, entrepreneurship, or hands-on skills. Recognizing and nurturing these diverse talents is crucial for their development and future success, proving that success can be achieved through various paths, not just academic excellence.

Common mistakes

Assuming that poor performance in academics equates to a lack of intelligence or potential.
Underestimating the impact of a single piece of advice from a mentor or teacher.
Defining mathematics solely by its traditional academic form, ignoring practical applications.
Viewing 'distractions' or non-academic activities solely as negative influences.

Revision tips

Read through the solutions to grasp the chronological flow of Hafeez Contractor's life.
Focus on the key conversations and advice Hafeez received, as these are often pivotal.
Consider Hafeez's definition of mathematics and compare it to your own understanding.
Reflect on the question about failure and how it applies to individuals with different strengths.
Summarize the main turning points in his journey from a struggling student to a successful architect.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What subject caused Hafeez Contractor to have nightmares?

Q2. What did Hafeez's Principal tell him in the eleventh standard?

Q3. What 'distraction' did Hafeez create one day?

Q4. Why did Hafeez Contractor not join the police force?

Q5. What was Hafeez's unique definition of mathematics?

Q6. How did Hafeez help a fellow student who lost a button?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Treasure Within'?

The main theme is about discovering one's hidden talents and potential, as exemplified by the life journey of architect Hafeez Contractor, who found success by pursuing his true calling despite academic struggles.

Why did Hafeez Contractor have nightmares about mathematics?

Hafeez Contractor had nightmares about mathematics examinations because he felt he did not know the subject well and feared failing, indicating his academic struggles in that area.

What advice did Hafeez Contractor receive that changed his career path?

He received crucial advice from his Principal to study seriously and later from his cousin's husband and teacher Mrs. Gupta, who recognized his talent for design and encouraged him to pursue architecture.

How does the chapter define 'mathematics' in an unconventional way?

Hafeez Contractor defines mathematics as the integration of design, construction, psychology, and sociology, culminating in a sketch, highlighting a practical and creative application of the subject.

Can a student who doesn't perform well in school be considered a failure?

The chapter suggests that academic performance is not the sole measure of intelligence or success. Students like Hafeez Contractor, who excel in other areas like creativity and practical skills, should not be labeled as failures.

How can these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand the chapter's narrative, analyze the character's development, and prepare effectively for exams by clarifying key concepts and events.

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