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This blog on NCERT solutions for Class 11 Woven Words Chapter 2 A Pair of Mustachios offers clear answers to the exercise questions. It helps students to understand the themes of pride, social hierarchy and satire in this short story. These solutions help students in effective exam preparation and understanding of the narrative’s humorous elements. You can also download the free PDF of the solutions for quick revision.
Contents
Explore Notes of Class 11 English Woven Words
| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 |
NCERT Solutions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 2: A Pair of Mustachios
Here are the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 2: A Pair of Mustachios, designed to support effective revision and understanding of the story’s themes and characters.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
- What do you understand of the natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan from the episode described?
Solution: In “A Pair of Mustachios,” Ramanand, the moneylender, is depicted as cunning, opportunistic, and adaptable. His shrewd nature is evident in how he manipulates situations to his advantage, particularly in his dealings with Azam Khan. Despite his lower social status, Ramanand is quick-witted and uses his intelligence to outsmart others. Azam Khan, a proud Pathan and self-proclaimed Nawab, is portrayed as rigid, prideful, and deeply tied to his notions of honor and tradition, particularly regarding his “tiger mustache.” His arrogance and obsession with maintaining his social image make him vulnerable to Ramanand’s schemes. The episode highlights Ramanand’s pragmatic and calculating nature against Azam Khan’s inflexible pride, showcasing their contrasting personalities.
- Identify instances in the story that show the business acumen of Ramanand.
Solution: Ramanand’s business acumen is evident in several instances in “A Pair of Mustachios.” First, he cleverly extends credit to Azam Khan, knowing the Pathan’s pride will ensure repayment, thus securing his financial hold over him. Second, when Azam Khan’s financial situation deteriorates, Ramanand seizes the opportunity to demand the land as repayment, demonstrating his ability to exploit vulnerabilities. Finally, in the climactic confrontation, Ramanand manipulates Azam Khan’s pride in his mustache by challenging him to lower it, knowing it will force Azam Khan to comply to save face, thereby securing the land deal. These actions reflect Ramanand’s sharp business sense and strategic thinking.
- 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 hold rigid views, Ramanand on his business interests and Azam Khan on his pride and social status, symbolised by his “tiger mustache.” However, Ramanand scores over Azam Khan by exploiting the latter’s inflexible pride. In the story’s climax, Ramanand challenges Azam Khan to lower his mustache, knowing that Azam Khan’s honour will compel him to agree to the land deal rather than compromise his symbol of prestige. Ramanand’s adaptability and cunning allow him to manipulate Azam Khan’s rigid beliefs to his advantage, securing the financial outcome he desires while Azam Khan is left defeated by his own pride.
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT
- The episode has been narrated in a light vein. What social mores does the author seem to ridicule?
Solution: In “A Pair of Mustachios,” Mulk Raj Anand uses a humorous and satirical tone to ridicule social mores such as rigid class distinctions, exaggerated pride, and the obsession with superficial symbols of status. The story mocks the hierarchical mindset of Indian society, where Azam Khan’s pride in his “tiger mustache” reflects an outdated attachment to caste and social prestige. Similarly, Ramanand’s cunning manipulation highlights the hypocrisy and opportunism that often underlie social interactions. The author critiques the absurdity of valuing appearances over substance, as seen in Azam Khan’s downfall due to his mustache obsession. In groups, students can discuss how these social mores persist in modern contexts, such as the emphasis on status symbols or rigid social hierarchies.
- 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 in “A Pair of Mustachios” serve to highlight the colonial context and its influence on Indian society. Anand uses these references to satirise the tendency of some Indians, like Azam Khan, to emulate British customs or claim superiority through association with colonial symbols, such as specific mustache styles. These references also underscore the absurdity of rigid social hierarchies, as Azam Khan’s pride in his “tiger mustache” mirrors the colonial elite’s obsession with status. Additionally, they reflect the cultural tensions of the time, where colonial influence shaped local identities. Students can discuss in groups how these references critique the impact of colonialism on Indian social structures.
- What do you think is the message that the author seems to convey through the story?
Solution: Through “A Pair of Mustachios,” Mulk Raj Anand conveys the message that rigid adherence to pride and outdated social norms can lead to personal downfall, while adaptability and pragmatism often triumph. The story critiques the absurdity of valuing superficial symbols, like Azam Khan’s mustache, over practical realities, as his pride leads to his financial ruin. Anand also highlights the manipulative dynamics of power, showing how Ramanand’s cunning outwits Azam Khan’s rigidity. The broader message is a call for self-awareness and flexibility in navigating societal changes. In groups, students can compare views on how this message applies to contemporary issues, such as the pursuit of status or resistance to change.
APPRECIATION
- Comment on the way in which the theme of the story has been introduced.
Solution: The theme of “A Pair of Mustachios” is introduced through a humorous and vivid description of different mustache styles and their associated social statuses, setting the stage for the story’s satirical exploration of pride and hierarchy. By opening with a detailed classification of mustaches, such as the “lion mustache” or “tiger mustache,” Anand immediately establishes the absurdity of judging individuals based on superficial symbols. This light-hearted introduction foreshadows the central conflict between Azam Khan’s pride in his mustache and Ramanand’s cunning, effectively engaging readers while subtly critiquing societal obsession with status and appearance.
- How does the insertion of dialogue in the story contribute to its interest?
Solution: The insertion of dialogue in “A Pair of Mustachios” significantly enhances the story’s interest by bringing characters to life and driving the narrative’s humour and conflict. The exchanges between Ramanand and Azam Khan, particularly in the climactic confrontation over the mustache, are sharp and witty, highlighting their contrasting personalities, Ramanand’s cunning and Azam Khan’s prideful defiance. The dialogue also adds authenticity to the cultural setting, with colloquial and dramatic expressions that reflect the characters’ emotions and social dynamics. This conversational interplay makes the satire more engaging, as readers witness the absurdity of the situation unfold through lively and revealing interactions.
Also Read: NCERT Solutions Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1: The Portrait of a Lady (Free PDF)
Download NCERT Solutions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 2: The Pair of Mustachios
You can download the free PDF of NCERT Solutions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 2: The Pair of Mustachios
Download more NCERT Solutions of Class 11 English ‘Woven Words’ here!
| Chapter 1: The Lament Solution |
| Chapter 3: The Rocking-horse Winner Solution |
| Chapter 4: The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Solution |
| Chapter 5: Pappachi’s Moth Solution |
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