Ch 02 – A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand: Complete Guide offers a comprehensive analysis of the story, covering a detailed summary, character sketches, and a line-by-line explanation in English, Hindi, and Urdu. This guide also includes insightful Q&As for better understanding, extract-based MCQs, and answers to frequently asked questions for CBSE Senior Secondary Examinations. Dive into the world of Mulk Raj Anand‘s satire as we explore the clash between tradition and change, represented through the humorous yet thought-provoking conflict over a pair of moustaches. Perfect for students studying Class 11 Elective English and those preparing for exams.
- Summary of A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand
- UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT (Q&A of A Pair of Mustachios)
- TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT (Q&A of A Pair of Mustachios)
- APPRECIATION (Q&A of A Pair of Mustachios)
- Character Sketch of Main Characters in A Pair of Mustachios
- Explanation of A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand in English
- Explanation of A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand in Hindi
- Explanation of A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand in Urdu
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand
- Ten Most Common Questions Asked from A Pair of Mustachios – CBSE Senior Secondary Examinations
Summary of A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand
In Mulk Raj Anand’s A Pair of Mustachios, the significance of facial hair as a marker of social hierarchy in Indian society is presented with humour and satire. The story begins by illustrating how different styles of moustaches denote various societal classes, from noblemen with tiger moustaches to shopkeepers with goat moustaches. These distinctions, though seemingly trivial, carry deep social and cultural connotations.
The narrative unfolds with a conflict between Khan Azam Khan, a proud but impoverished descendant of Afghan nobility, and Ramanand, a shrewd moneylender from the merchant class. Ramanand’s subtle upward twist of his goat moustache, mimicking the tiger style, offends Khan, who perceives this as an encroachment on the dignity associated with his lineage.
Khan demands that Ramanand alter his moustache back to its “proper” style, threatening violence if his request is ignored. Initially appeasing the Khan, Ramanand cleverly manages to keep one tip of his moustache raised, provoking further outrage. The tension escalates as Khan, driven by pride, sacrifices family heirlooms and ultimately his possessions to enforce his demands. However, Ramanand’s cunning and the community’s complicity leave Khan humiliated and destitute, even as he retains his symbolic moustache.
Through this seemingly light-hearted episode, Anand critiques rigid social structures, misplaced pride, and the triviality of disputes rooted in outdated conventions. The story cleverly juxtaposes humour with the underlying tragedy of human vanity and societal pretensions.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT (Q&A of A Pair of Mustachios)
1. What do you understand of the natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan from the episode described?
Answer (Short Answer Type):
Ramanand is practical, shrewd, and manipulative, as he skilfully uses his wit to benefit in situations. Azam Khan, on the other hand, is proud, impulsive, and deeply attached to his ancestry, prioritising symbolic pride over practical needs.
2. Identify instances in the story that show the business acumen of Ramanand.
Answer (Short Answer Type):
Ramanand exhibits business acumen by placating Khan Azam Khan initially to secure the pawned jewellery. He then cleverly maintains one end of his moustache upright to provoke Khan into parting with even more possessions, demonstrating his calculative and opportunistic nature.
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?
Answer (Long Answer Type):
Ramanand and Azam Khan are both rigid in their beliefs, but Ramanand’s cunning ensures his triumph. While Azam Khan clings to pride and honour, Ramanand uses these sentiments to manipulate Khan, acquiring valuable possessions in exchange for minor acts of compliance. The deed signed before witnesses cements his victory, leaving Khan destitute yet still entangled in his outdated notions of social prestige.
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT (Q&A of A Pair of Mustachios)
1. The episode has been narrated in a light vein. What social mores does the author seem to ridicule?
Answer (Long Answer Type):
The author ridicules rigid class distinctions, vanity, and the superficial markers of status, such as moustache styles. He highlights how trivial matters can escalate into significant disputes in a society steeped in outdated conventions. The satire underscores the futility of attaching undue importance to symbols of pride when societal dynamics are shifting.
2. What do you think are the reasons for the references made to the English people and the British monarchy?
Answer (Short Answer Type):
The references to the British monarchy and the English highlight the colonial influence on Indian society. They also mock the adoption of foreign customs while clinging to outdated indigenous hierarchies, drawing attention to the ironic coexistence of tradition and modernity.
3. What do you think is the message that the author seems to convey through the story?
Answer (Very Long Answer Type):
The story conveys the futility of social pretensions and misplaced pride. By presenting the absurdity of disputes over moustaches, the author critiques the rigid hierarchies that divide society. Anand illustrates how such distinctions, though symbolic, perpetuate conflict and limit progress. Ramanand’s victory underscores the pragmatic triumph of adaptability over rigid pride, while Azam Khan’s downfall warns against clinging to obsolete traditions.
APPRECIATION (Q&A of A Pair of Mustachios)
1. Comment on the way in which the theme of the story has been introduced.
Answer (Short Answer Type):
The theme is introduced through the cultural significance of moustaches as class markers. Anand uses humour and satire to depict the absurdity of such rigid societal norms, gradually building to the central conflict.
Answer (Long Answer Type):
The theme of A Pair of Mustachios is introduced through the cultural and symbolic significance of moustaches in Indian society. Anand uses satire to depict how these styles signify rigid class distinctions, setting the stage for the conflict between Ramanand and Khan Azam Khan. By describing various moustache styles in detail, Anand humorously establishes the absurdity of such markers as symbols of pride and identity. This vivid introduction helps the reader grasp the importance of moustaches in the story’s socio-cultural context, preparing them for the deeper commentary on outdated traditions and human vanity that follows.
2. How does the insertion of dialogue in the story contribute to its interest?
Answer (Short Answer Type):
The dialogues bring the characters to life, highlighting their personalities and the tension between them. They enhance the humour, making the social critique engaging while advancing the plot through witty exchanges.
Answer (Very Long Answer Type):
The dialogues in A Pair of Mustachios significantly enhance the story’s interest by vividly portraying the characters and their conflicting ideologies. Khan Azam Khan’s fiery declarations reflect his pride and obsession with lineage, while Ramanand’s calm, calculated responses reveal his cunning and opportunism. The humorous exchanges, such as Khan’s insistence on the proper alignment of Ramanand’s moustache tips, make the narrative engaging while subtly exposing the absurdity of their dispute.
Additionally, the dialogues maintain the story’s pace, transitioning from one event to another seamlessly. They also provide a direct glimpse into the socio-cultural norms and attitudes of the time, allowing readers to understand the stakes of seemingly trivial issues. Through dialogue, Anand achieves a balance of satire and storytelling, making the social critique entertaining and thought-provoking.
Character Sketch of Main Characters in A Pair of Mustachios
Character Sketch of Khan Azam Khan
Khan Azam Khan is a proud yet impoverished man who clings to his aristocratic heritage. He represents the old feudal order, where status and lineage were paramount. Despite losing his wealth and influence, he refuses to relinquish his pride, symbolised by his tiger moustache. His obsession with preserving his dignity leads him to make irrational choices, such as pawning family heirlooms and forfeiting his belongings to enforce his demands.
Khan’s impulsive and rigid nature reflects his inability to adapt to changing times. He is deeply rooted in outdated conventions and overly sensitive to perceived slights against his status. While his pride is admirable, it also highlights his tragic flaw—an unwillingness to embrace pragmatism. Through Khan, Anand critiques the futility of clinging to traditions that no longer hold value in a transforming society.
Character Sketch of Ramanand
Ramanand, the moneylender, is a shrewd and practical businessman who represents the emerging commercial bourgeoisie. He is resourceful and manipulative, using his wit and calm demeanour to gain the upper hand in conflicts. Ramanand’s goat moustache, which he styles provocatively, becomes a tool to provoke Khan Azam Khan while showcasing his adaptability and subtle defiance of rigid class boundaries.
Unlike Khan, Ramanand prioritises practicality over pride. His clever handling of situations, such as adjusting his moustache slightly to pacify Khan while still maintaining his stance, demonstrates his business acumen. He skilfully manipulates Khan’s pride to acquire valuable possessions, ultimately emerging as the victor. Through Ramanand, Anand highlights the pragmatism and opportunism of the rising merchant class, contrasting it with the rigid values of the feudal order.
Explanation of A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand in English
The Significance of Moustaches in Indian Society
The story begins with a humorous yet insightful description of how different styles of moustaches reflect class divisions in Indian society. From the grand tiger moustache of the aristocrats to the modest goat moustache of the merchants, each style symbolises the wearer’s place in the social hierarchy. Moustaches serve as markers of identity and pride, underscoring the deep-rooted traditions that define the characters in the story.
The Conflict Between Khan Azam Khan and Ramanand
Khan Azam Khan, an impoverished descendant of Afghan nobility, takes immense pride in his heritage. He is furious when Ramanand, a wealthy but socially lower moneylender, styles his goat moustache to resemble a tiger moustache. This small act of defiance challenges the rigid social norms, deeply offending Khan, who views it as an insult to his noble lineage.
Ramanand’s Clever Manipulation
Ramanand remains calm and accommodating, using his wit to outmanoeuvre Khan. He agrees to lower one tip of his moustache but leaves the other slightly raised, further provoking Khan. Each encounter becomes a battle of pride versus practicality. While Khan clings to his dignity, Ramanand cleverly manoeuvres him into giving away valuable possessions in exchange for trivial adjustments to his moustache.
The Tragic End of Khan Azam Khan
In the end, Khan Azam Khan’s pride leads to his downfall. He loses all his possessions, including family heirlooms, to ensure that Ramanand adheres to the proper “goat” style of moustache. Ramanand, however, triumphs by adhering to the agreement only superficially, exposing Khan’s inability to adapt to the changing social dynamics.
Anand’s Social Satire
The story uses humour to critique rigid social norms and the futility of pride based on outdated traditions. It highlights the absurdity of disputes over superficial symbols like moustaches while addressing the deeper issue of class conflict in a society undergoing change. Mulk Raj Anand’s narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to question the relevance of such conventions in modern life.
Explanation of A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand in Hindi
मूंछों का भारतीय समाज में महत्व
यह कहानी भारतीय समाज में मूंछों के सामाजिक महत्व पर आधारित है। लेखक ने बताया है कि अलग-अलग तरह की मूंछें लोगों की सामाजिक स्थिति को दर्शाती हैं। रईस वर्ग की शेर जैसी मूंछें उनकी शान को दिखाती हैं, जबकि दुकानदारों की बकरी जैसी मूंछें उनकी साधारणता का प्रतीक हैं। इन प्रतीकों से समाज के वर्ग विभाजन को हास्य के माध्यम से प्रस्तुत किया गया है।
खान आज़म खान और रमणंद के बीच का विवाद
कहानी में खान आज़म खान, जो कि एक पुराने कुलीन परिवार से हैं, अपनी शान पर बहुत गर्व करते हैं। दूसरी ओर, रमणंद एक चालाक दुकानदार है, जो अपनी बकरी जैसी मूंछों को हल्का ऊपर मोड़कर शेर जैसी मूंछों का रूप देता है। यह देखकर खान आज़म खान को लगता है कि उनकी पारंपरिक शान का अपमान हो रहा है।
रमणंद की चालाकी और बुद्धिमत्ता
रमणंद बड़े धैर्य से खान की बातों का जवाब देता है और अपनी मूंछों की स्थिति बदलकर उसे शांत करने की कोशिश करता है। लेकिन वह यह काम इतनी चालाकी से करता है कि हर बार खान को और ज़्यादा गुस्सा आ जाता है। अपनी इज़्ज़त को बचाने के चक्कर में खान रमणंद को अपने कीमती गहने और सामान गिरवी रख देता है।
खान आज़म खान की हार
आखिरकार, खान आज़म खान अपनी सारी संपत्ति खो देते हैं, लेकिन उनकी शान और गर्व उन्हें सच्चाई स्वीकारने नहीं देता। दूसरी तरफ, रमणंद अपनी चालाकी से न सिर्फ संपत्ति हासिल करता है, बल्कि समाज में अपने कद को भी बढ़ा लेता है।
कहानी का सामाजिक संदेश
यह कहानी पुराने सामाजिक नियमों और परंपराओं पर गहरा व्यंग्य करती है। लेखक ने दिखाया है कि कैसे छोटी-छोटी चीज़ें, जैसे मूंछों की शैली, समाज में बड़ा विवाद खड़ा कर सकती हैं। मुल्क राज आनंद ने बड़े सरल और हास्यपूर्ण तरीके से यह समझाने की कोशिश की है कि समय के साथ बदलना और व्यर्थ के गर्व को छोड़ना कितना ज़रूरी है।
Explanation of A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand in Urdu
ہندوستانی معاشرے میں مونچھوں کی اہمیت
کہانی میں مصنف نے ہندوستانی معاشرے میں مونچھوں کے ذریعے طبقاتی فرق کو اجاگر کیا ہے۔ مختلف قسم کی مونچھیں مختلف طبقات کی نمائندگی کرتی ہیں۔ اشرافیہ کے لوگ شیر جیسی بلند مونچھیں رکھتے ہیں، جو ان کی شان اور رتبے کا نشان ہیں، جبکہ دکانداروں کی بکری جیسی چھوٹی مونچھیں ان کی سادگی اور درمیانی حیثیت کو ظاہر کرتی ہیں۔
خان اعظم خان اور رمنند کے درمیان تنازع
خان اعظم خان، جو کہ ایک پرانے اور معزز خاندان کے فرد ہیں، اپنی مونچھوں اور خاندانی وقار پر بہت فخر کرتے ہیں۔ دوسری طرف، رمنند ایک ہوشیار اور چالاک دکاندار ہے، جو اپنی بکری جیسی مونچھوں کو اوپر اٹھا کر شیر جیسی مونچھوں کی شکل دیتا ہے۔ خان اعظم خان اسے اپنی شان پر حملہ سمجھتے ہیں اور یہ بات ان کے لیے ناقابل برداشت ہو جاتی ہے۔
رمنند کی چالاکی اور حکمت عملی
رمنند خان کے غصے کو ٹھنڈا کرنے کے لیے اپنی مونچھوں کی شکل تھوڑی بدل دیتا ہے، لیکن وہ یہ کام اس انداز سے کرتا ہے کہ خان کو مزید غصہ آتا ہے۔ خان اعظم خان اپنی عزت اور روایتی فخر کو بچانے کے لیے اپنے قیمتی زیورات اور سامان رمنند کے پاس گروی رکھ دیتے ہیں، لیکن رمنند اپنی عقل مندی سے ہمیشہ برتری حاصل کرتا ہے۔
خان اعظم خان کی شکست
آخر میں، خان اعظم خان اپنی تمام جائیداد کھو بیٹھتے ہیں، لیکن ان کا خاندانی غرور انہیں حقیقت کو تسلیم کرنے نہیں دیتا۔ دوسری طرف، رمنند اپنی ہوشیاری سے نہ صرف مال و دولت حاصل کرتا ہے بلکہ اپنے طبقے میں اپنی حیثیت بھی مضبوط کر لیتا ہے۔
کہانی کا سبق
یہ کہانی پرانی روایات اور سماجی رسم و رواج پر ایک طنز ہے۔ مصنف نے مونچھوں جیسے چھوٹے مسئلے کے ذریعے یہ دکھایا ہے کہ معاشرے میں طبقاتی فرق اور فخر کتنی بڑی مشکلات پیدا کر سکتا ہے۔ ملک راج آنند نے بڑے ہلکے پھلکے انداز میں یہ پیغام دیا ہے کہ وقت کے ساتھ بدلنا اور بے معنی فخر کو ترک کرنا کتنا ضروری ہے۔
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand
Objective Questions (MCQs):-
- What is the primary theme of A Pair of Mustachios?
a) The importance of lineage
b) The absurdity of class distinctions
c) The value of material possessions
d) The history of moustaches
Answer: b - What does Khan Azam Khan’s tiger moustache symbolise?
a) His financial wealth
b) His connection to the British
c) His noble lineage and pride
d) His desire for modernity
Answer: c - What type of moustache does Ramanand wear initially?
a) Sheep moustache
b) Goat moustache
c) Mouse moustache
d) Tiger moustache
Answer: b - Why does Khan Azam Khan object to Ramanand’s moustache?
a) It resembles a tiger moustache, reserved for nobility.
b) It is completely shaved.
c) It is styled like an Englishman’s.
d) It is longer than his own.
Answer: a - Which literary device is most prominent in the story?
a) Symbolism
b) Hyperbole
c) Personification
d) Irony
Answer: d - How does Ramanand manipulate Khan Azam Khan?
a) By agreeing to his demands and provoking him further
b) By outright denying his requests
c) By physically overpowering him
d) By publicly humiliating him
Answer: a - What does Khan Azam Khan pawn to enforce his demands?
a) His turban
b) His wife’s gold nose-ring
c) His house
d) His ancestral land
Answer: b - How does the story reflect the changing social order?
a) By showing how traditions empower people
b) By depicting the rising power of merchants over aristocrats
c) By highlighting the merging of classes
d) By glorifying the past social system
Answer: b - What is the tone of the story?
a) Tragic
b) Humorous and satirical
c) Solemn
d) Optimistic
Answer: b - What is the significance of the moustache styles in the story?
a) They denote the age of a person.
b) They symbolise class distinctions and pride.
c) They are used to show rebellion.
d) They are irrelevant to the plot.
Answer: b - What does the landlord’s role in the story signify?
a) Neutrality amidst conflict
b) Blind support for Khan Azam Khan
c) The decline of traditional authority
d) His ambition to imitate the British
Answer: a - What causes Khan Azam Khan’s downfall?
a) His misplaced pride and rigidity
b) Ramanand’s physical dominance
c) The villagers’ betrayal
d) His lack of material wealth
Answer: a - What message does Mulk Raj Anand convey through the story?
a) Clinging to outdated traditions leads to loss and stagnation.
b) Modernity must be avoided at all costs.
c) Pride is the ultimate source of strength.
d) Social mobility is impossible in a rigid system.
Answer: a - What is Khan Azam Khan’s ultimate sacrifice to uphold his pride?
a) His dignity
b) His family’s jewellery and possessions
c) His ancestral title
d) His relationship with the community
Answer: b - What does the story critique most strongly?
a) British colonial rule
b) Blind adherence to tradition
c) The lack of respect for elders
d) The influence of the merchant class
Answer: b - Why does Ramanand agree to lower his moustache initially?
a) To defuse the situation temporarily
b) To demonstrate humility
c) To win over the villagers
d) To assert his superiority
Answer: a - How is the humour in the story created?
a) Through exaggerated descriptions of characters and their actions
b) By focusing on physical comedy
c) By mocking British customs
d) Through dark and serious dialogues
Answer: a - What is the symbolic significance of Khan Azam Khan’s house?
a) A representation of his undying pride despite ruin
b) A mark of modernity
c) A place for community gatherings
d) An indicator of his financial success
Answer: a - What role do the villagers play in the story?
a) Passive observers who comment on the events
b) Active participants in the conflict
c) Mediators between the two parties
d) Instigators of the dispute
Answer: a - How does the ending highlight the contrast between Khan Azam Khan and Ramanand?
a) By showing Khan’s dignity intact but material loss, while Ramanand gains wealth and power
b) By resolving the conflict amicably
c) By restoring traditional social norms
d) By punishing Ramanand for his cunning
Answer: a
Ten Most Common Questions Asked from A Pair of Mustachios – CBSE Senior Secondary Examinations
1. What is the significance of moustaches in the story?
Answer (Short Answer Type):
In the story, moustaches symbolise class distinctions in Indian society. Different styles, like tiger and goat moustaches, represent varying levels of social hierarchy, pride, and identity.
2. How does Mulk Raj Anand use humour to address serious social issues?
Answer (Long Answer Type):
Mulk Raj Anand employs humour and satire to critique rigid societal norms. By presenting the conflict over moustaches in a light-hearted manner, he highlights the absurdity of class distinctions. Through exaggerated characters and their trivial disputes, Anand subtly exposes the futility of clinging to outdated traditions and the clash between the old feudal system and the emerging merchant class.
3. Describe the contrasting characteristics of Khan Azam Khan and Ramanand.
Answer (Long Answer Type):
Khan Azam Khan represents pride and adherence to feudal traditions. He values honour over practicality, often making impulsive decisions. Ramanand, on the other hand, is shrewd, adaptable, and opportunistic. He uses his wit to manipulate Khan and gain material benefits, symbolising the rise of the merchant class and the decline of feudalism.
4. What role do the villagers play in the story?
Answer (Short Answer Type):
The villagers act as passive observers, reflecting the larger societal norms and silently upholding class distinctions. Their reactions provide humour and a realistic backdrop to the conflict.
5. How does Ramanand outsmart Khan Azam Khan?
Answer (Short Answer Type):
Ramanand uses Khan’s obsession with his tiger moustache to manipulate him. By provoking Khan with subtle defiance and feigned compliance, he acquires valuable possessions and secures his position.
6. How does the story reflect the socio-economic changes in Indian society?
Answer (Long Answer Type):
The story portrays the decline of feudal values through Khan Azam Khan, who clings to his outdated pride, and the rise of the merchant class represented by Ramanand. Khan’s downfall and Ramanand’s triumph symbolise the shift towards pragmatism and the erosion of rigid class structures in a transforming society.
7. What is the central conflict in the story?
Answer (Short Answer Type):
The central conflict is between Khan Azam Khan’s pride in his noble lineage and Ramanand’s subtle challenge to traditional class distinctions through his moustache style, representing a clash of ideologies.
8. Explain the significance of the title A Pair of Mustachios.
Answer (Short Answer Type):
The title highlights the absurd yet symbolic importance of moustaches in the story. It reflects how a trivial matter, like the shape of moustaches, escalates into a serious conflict, symbolising deeper societal issues.
9. How does the story critique the idea of pride and honour?
Answer (Long Answer Type):
The story critiques misplaced pride by showing how Khan Azam Khan’s rigid adherence to honour leads to his downfall. His obsession with the symbolic tiger moustache blinds him to reality, making him lose everything. In contrast, Ramanand’s pragmatic approach highlights the futility of such traditional notions in a changing world.
10. What is the message conveyed by the story?
Answer (Very Long Answer Type):
The story conveys that clinging to outdated traditions and misplaced pride can lead to personal and societal stagnation. Through humour and satire, Anand critiques rigid class distinctions and shows the inevitability of change. Ramanand’s victory reflects the adaptability needed to thrive in a modernising society, while Khan Azam Khan’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale against holding onto obsolete values. The narrative ultimately advocates for pragmatism and flexibility in the face of social transformation.
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