Gujarat Board GSEB Solutions Class 9 English Second Language Chapter 4 Call of the Hills Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
GSEB Class 9 English Textbook Solutions Chapter 4 Call of the Hills (Second Language)
GSEB Class 9 English Call of the Hills Text Book Questions and Answers
(A) Recite the poem and try to understand it:
I had a dove, and the sweet dove died;
And I have thought it died of grieving (sorrow) :
O, what could it grieve for ? Its feet were tied
With a silken thread of my own hand’s weaving.
Sweet little red feet! Why should you die ?
Why should you leave me, sweet bird ? Why?
You lived alone in the forest tree,
Why, pretty thing! Would you not live with me ?
I kissed you oft and gave you white peas (peanuts) :
Why not live sweetly, as in the green trees ? – John Keats
Now say whether the statements are True or False.
(1) The dove was living a comfortable life. – False
(2) The dove was happy because it was tied with a silken thread. – False
(3) The poet took good care of the dove. – True
(4) The poet does not understand the reason of the dove’s sadness. – True
(5) The dove was stupid not to live with the poet. – False
(6) The dove was unhappy because it was not free. – True
(B) Complete the dialogue between the parrot in the cage and the parrot in the tree. Work in pairs.
You can begin like this…
Parrot in the cage : Hi. I am Mithu. Who are you ?
Parrot in the tree : I am a parrot. I don’t have a name.
Mithu : OK. I will call you Sweetu.
Sweetu : I don’t mind. But are you happy in this cage ?
Mithu : No. I do not like living in this small cage.
Sweetu : Will you come with me in the forest ?
Mithu : What will we do in the forest?
Sweetu : We will fly from tree to tree.
We will eat what we like. We will be free to live the way we want to.
Mithu: I am ready. Open the cage like this. (Shows the trick) Now what will happen ?
Sweetu opens the cage. Both the parrots fly away into the forest.
Vocabulary
1. Fill in the blanks in the paragraph.
(horizon, pretty, danger, thin, appetite, prison, attraction, hilltop)
Chandani was looking pretty with white fur. She wanted to go to the hill, quite unaware of the danger there. As her attraction for the hill grew more, she lost her appetite and grew thin. She felt that Abbu Khan’s small hut was not more than a prison for her. Finally she reached the hilltop where the big yellow sun was rising on the horizon.
2. Frame a sentence using all the words in each group. Change the order of the words if necessary.
(1) began – the villain – the hero – fight : The fight between the hero and the villain began.
(2) Bhagat Singh – fight – India – freedom : Bhagat Singh led the fight for India’s freedom.
(3) Nirali – tea – toast – soak : Nirali likes to soak her toast in tea.
(4) the sun – horizon – evening : The sun sets in the horizon in the evening.
(5) meadow – the cow – attract – fresh grass : The cow was attracted to the fresh grass in the meadow.
3. Write ‘Yes’ if the underlined word is properly used in the sentence. If not, correct the sentence without replacing that word.
(1) When Meera heard about her grandfather’s sudden death, she was in tears. – Yes
(2) Raju got his result and found that he had failed in two subjects. He was beaming with joy.
Raju got his result and found that he had stood first in the class. He was beaming with joy.
(3) There was a curfew in the city.
There was all stillness around.-Yes
(4) Everything from the hilltop looks very big.
Everything from the hilltop looks very small.
(5) I could see clearly in the faint light.
I could not see clearly in the faint light.
Comprehension
1. Arrange these sentences in a proper order. Write number in the boxes.
7 The wolf and Chandani fought throughout the night.
6 Chandani saw the wolf approaching her.
2 Chandani started loving the hills.
4 Abbu Khan shut Chandani in a small
8 The wolf attacked Chandani and killed her.
1 Abbu Khan fed Chandani with great love and care.
5 Chandani left Abbu Khan’s small hut and ran away towards the hills.
3 Chandani tried to run to the hills once but couldn’t.
2. Find out from the text sentences showing these meanings.
(1) There were tears in Abbu Khan’s eyes.
Poor Abbu Khan was almost in tears.
(2) Abbu Chacha was full of joy.
Abbu Chacha was beaming with joy.
(3) My Chandani will always live with me.
But my dear Chandani will never leave me.
(4) Chandani began to love the hills.
Chandani developed an attraction for the hills.
(5) Abbu Khan shut Chandani in a small room.
He pushed her into a small hut and shut the door.
(6) The sun rose in the east.
The big yellow sun was rising on the horizon.
(7) Some birds were discussing about the outcome of the fight.
It (flock of birds) was debating the result of the fight.
3. Arrange these sentences in the order of the happiness of Chandani. Write the number of each sentence from the bottom to the top in the brackets.
(1) Chandani was on the top of the hills. [2]
(2) “How beautiful these hills are!” said Chandani. [1]
(3) She was overflowing with joy and wonder. [3]
(4) It was the happiest day in Chandani’s life. [6]
(5) Chandani felt as if she were meeting her mother after years. [4]
(6) That day she jumped and played and ate all around. [5]
4. Write at least five sentences from the text expressing Abbu Khan’s happiness / unhappiness. Put a proper smiley at the end of the sentence.
(1) Perhaps, I have lost her. – unhappiness
(2) Poor Abbu Khan was almost in tears. – unhappiness
(3) I am the happiest person, Govinda. – happiness
(4) Abbu Chacha was beaming with joy. – happiness
(5) Abbu Khan could sense what was happening to his dear Chandani. – unhappiness
5. Answer these questions in two or three sentences each.
Question 1.
Poor Abbu Khan was almost in tears. Why ?
Answer:
Abbu Khan’s goat had run away up the hill. He was sure that the wolf on the hilltop had killed her. Abbu Khan took good care of the goat and so he did not understand why she broke the string and ran away. So he was in tears.
Question 2.
Write about Abbu Khan’s new family member.
Answer:
Abbu Khan’s new family member was a pretty goat. She was white as snow, had two little horns and a pair of lovely bright red eyes. She had soft fur.
Question 3.
What did Abbu Khan keep telling Chandani ?
Answer:
Abbu Khan kept telling Chandani about how Kalua broke the string and ran away to the hills. He told her about the how Kalua was killed by the wolf on the hilltop.
Question 4.
How can you say that Abbu Khan’s darling hated to live with him ?
Answer:
Chandani was attracted to the hills. She hated being tied with a rope in Abbu Khan’s house. She lost interest in his stories. She stopped eating and grew thin.
Question 5.
Describe Chandani’s feelings after she escaped from Abbu Khan’s house.
Answer:
When Chandani escaped from Abbu Khan’s house, she was overflowing with joy and wonder. Chandani felt as if she were meeting her mother after years of separation. She jumped and played all around. It was the happiest day of her life.
Question 6.
What price did Chandani pay for her freedom ?
Answer:
Chandani lost her life for her freedom. She was killed by the wolf after a long fight.
Question 7.
How can you say that Chandani was the real winner ?
Answer:
Chandani was the real winner because she was a brave goat. She fought to save her life.
6. Fill in the blanks using appropriate responses for the underlined words.
(1) That devil must have killed her. Here ‘that devil’ refers to the wolf.
(2) But even then his only family member had left his house. Here ‘his only family member’ refers to Kalua, the goat.
(3) He saw Abbu Miyan talking to his family member. Here ‘he’ stands for Govinda.
(4) I saw you talking with your darling. Here ‘your darling’ stands for Chandani, the goat.
(5) He knew that this goat was also his food. Here ‘he’ stands for the wolf and ‘food’ stands for Chandani, the prey.
Language Practice
(A) Recite and enjoy this poem.
Lips have smiles and eyes have tears,
Pain has a cry and gain (reward) has cheers.
Thorns and flowers,
Sun and showers (rain),
I feel in Nature,
Sorrow (unhappiness) and pleasure (happiness).
Here I am cool and there you are angry.
Why is she sad and why is he happy ?
Time changes all,
Moods may differ.
Let’s be calm,
Peace do we prefer (to like more).
Lips have smiles and eyes have tears,
Pain has a cry and gain has cheers,
(B) Look the Emotional Wheel
Write the appropriate emotion words under the smileys.
(C) Read these expressions. Identify the emotions and write down the words which you have matched with the smileys.
(1) “I am telling you this seventh time.
Still you are not listening. Are you deaf ?”- Angry
(2) “Hurrah ! We have won the tournament.
Let’s have a great celebration.” – Happy
(3) “Oh God! It’s so dark over there.
I hear hissing. There might be a snake …” – Scared
(4) “Yuck ! How dirty this place
is ! Let’s clean it together right now.” – Disgusted
(5) “Oh! What a huge skeleton it
is ! I can’t think of such a giant whale.” – Surprised
(6) “Don’t shed tears… just smile. Everything will be OK.” – Sad
2. (A) Read these conversations and observe the underlined expressions :
Conversation 1 :
Rahim : Look, that’s Mehul over there !
Sunil: So he is ! Let’s call him. Mehul! Mehul! Ah! Now he has seen us. He’s coming here.
Mehul : Hello, you two ! What a surprise ! I thought you might have gone for the picnic with the rest of your class.
Rahim : No, Mehul. We couldn’t go. We didn’t register our names in the list in time.
We are sorry for that.
Mehul: Oh dear ! What a pity !
Sunil: Well, it’s our own fault, Mehul. We won’t be late next time.
Mehul: Cheer up ! I have an idea.
Let’s all go for a swim now!
Rahim : What a good idea ! Come on !
Conversation 2 :
Sakshi: Do you want to go out for dinner tonight ?
Rina:Sure. It’s a great idea. What would you prefer ?
Sakshi: Well, what do you think of Punjabi food?
Rina : I love it, but sorry for today.
Sakshi: It’s OK. In fact, it’s a bit spicy and heavy.
Rina : Hmm. What about Gujarati food ?
Sakshi: Oh, I like it a lot.
Rina: So do I. And I know a nice Gujarati dining hall ‘Aatithya’.
Sakshi: Yes, we visited it once. It’s indeed wonderful. Let’s go !
Conversation 3 :
Udit: Oh Nupur, you are beaming with joy today. What’s the matter ?
Nupur :Yes, Udit, I am. Today is my birthday.
Udit: Oh, really ! Many many happy returns of the day. My chocolate ?
Nupur : Thank you so much. Here you are.
Udit:Well, what about celebration?
Nupur : It is there. Come to my house at 6.30 p.m. We’ll have a party and great fun.
Udit: Sure, I will. Thank you for the invitation.
Nupur : See you, bye.
(B) Read aloud the underlined expressions in conversations 1, 2 and 3 and note down some more expressions like these.
(1) How beautiful!
(2) How sad !
(3) Congratulations !
(4) You’re welcome !
(5) What a wonderful news !
(6) That’s great!
(7) How disgusting this is !
(8) I love it !
(9) Your face is glowing !
(10) Hurrah !
(11) Best of Luck !
(12) God bless you !
3. Read the expressions for appreciation and complete the dialogues choosing the suitable expressions. Work in pairs.
(That sounds good! / I like it a lot! /It’s indeed a great idea /// really wonder about it!/What a beautiful scene !/How nice of you ! /How cool! / That’s great!/Wow! /Lovely! /Awesome ! / Oh, I love it!)
(1) Shailam : Let’s go for a picnic, Taslim.
Taslim : That sounds good !
(2) Sneha : Look there. The sun is setting.
Vishva : What a beautiful scene !
(3) Rucha : Hey, Rubi! I have prepared a working model of a space shuttle. Look at this.
Rubina : That’s great!
(4) Ninad : I have some chocolates for you. Enjoy them.
Keval: How nice of you !
(5) Vedant: Have you ever tasted Rasgulla ?
Prapti: Oh, I love it!
(6) Surja : That shop has new fancy T-shirts on sale. Let’s buy some.
Krupal: It’s indeed a great idea !
Now read aloud the dialogue with your partner.
4. (A) Match the expressions with the situations. Write the brackets. Work in pairs appropriate letters in the brakets. works in pairs.
| Situations | Expressions |
| (1) Wishing your brother before examination [c] (2) Your neighbour is sick. [d] (3) Your uncle is going abroad. [g] (4) The gift was presented by your friend. [h] (5) To the players who have just lost the final match. [f] (6) Your cousin has passed the Board Exam with 90 %. [i] (7) You axe meeting a new friend. [a] (8) You stepped on someone’s foot unknowingly. [b] (9) A person is helping you in lifting a heavy bag. [j] (10) You have been declared the winner in an essay competition. [e] |
a. Nice to meet you b. I’m very sorry c. Best of luck d. Get well soon e. Oh! I can’t believe it. f. Bad luck g. Happy journey h. Thank you very much. j. Congratulations j. So nice of you |
Answer:
1 – (c) , 2 – (d), 3 – (g) , 4 – (h), 5 – (f), 6 – (i), 7 – (a), 8 – (b), 9 – (j) , 10 – (e).
(B) Complete these sentences with the suitable words indicating emotions from the brackets and say it aloud with your classmates.
(disgusted, joyous, excited, sad, happy)
(1) I feel happy when there is rain.
(2) I feel sad when someone is crying.
(3) I feel excited at the fun fair.
(4) I feel joyous to greet new people.
(5) I feel disgusted when someone lies.
(C) Observe the suggestions and fill in the blanks.
(hungry, boring, funny, thirsty, tired, cold)
(1) It’s really funny – You will also laugh at it when I share with you.
(2) I am really thirsty – Could you bring a glass of water ?
(3) You look tired – Why don’t you take rest ?
(4) It’s very cold – Put on your woollen jacket.
(5) I am hungry – Let’s go and get some snacks.
(6) The show is boring – at’s go outside and move around.
6. (A) Read the passage aloud to your classmate. Ask him / her to underline the expressions showing emotions. Work in pairs.
Rutu received the news that ? she had won the gold medal in an essay-writing competition. Her father exclaimed with pride, “Oh, my dear Rutu! You have done it. I am indeed proud of you!” Her mother rushed to her and hugged her affectionately. She burst into tears, “Beta, what a pleasant moment it is !” All the family members were extremely delighted. Friends came to her house and said, “Congratulations, Rutu!” They demanded, “It’s time to celebrate. Let’s enjoy together.” The house was overflowing with cheers and happiness.
(B) Answer the questions.
Question 1.
What news did Rutu receive ?
Answer:
Rutu received the news that she had won the gold medal in an essay writing competition.
Question 3.
What did her father say ?
Answer:
Her father said that he was proud of her.
Question 4.
What did her mother do ?
Answer:
Her mother rushed to her and hugged her affectionately.
Question 5.
How did her friends greet Rutu ?
Answer:
Rutu’s friends greeted her with ‘congratulations’.
Question 6.
What kind of mood do you find in the passage ?
Answer:
Happiness
6 (A). Here are some products. Give a name and a slogan for its advertisement. Work in groups.
| Product | Name | Slogan |
| Milk | Amrutam | Man Se Pio, Tan Se Jio |
| Ice-cream | Aasvad | Cool Cool Ho Jao |
| Motor-bike | Speedster | Ride with Pride |
| Biscuits | Fun Time | Any Time, Fun Time |
| Cold drink | Thirsty | Pio Aur Pilao |
| Car | Rover | Future Perfect! |
| Television | GenX | The World At Your Home |
| Cell Phone | Smart Call | Smart Logo Ki Smart Choice |
(B) Complete these sentences with the suitable words indicating emotions from the brackets and say it aloud with your classmates.
| Day | Slogan |
| Example : Earth Day (22nd April) (1) Women’s Day (8th March) (2) World Water Day (22nd March) (3) World Health Day (7th April) (4) World Animal Day (24th April) (5) World Milk Day (1st June) (6) World Environment Day (5th June) (7) World Yoga Day (21st June) (8) World Literacy Day (8th Sept.) (9) World Tourism Day (26th Sept.) |
My Planet, My Sweet Home Super Woman, Super Life Save Water, Save Life Stay Fit, Stay Fine Protect Animals Milk is Health Save Environment, Save Earth Health in Your Hands Each One Teach One Travel – The Best School |
Writing
1. (A) Read this dialogue. Work in pairs.
Pet Dog : Hi, how are you ?
Stray Dog : Hello, I’m fine. And you ?
Pet Dog : I’m fine too. Thank you.
Stray Dog : Why aren’t you seen ?
Pet Dog : My master doesn’t allow me to go out alone.
Stray Dog: But I am free to go anywhere any time. By the way, how does your master treat you ?
Pet Dog : Oh, nicely ! I am fed well.
I am bathed twice a day. I have my own kennel house with a cozy soft bed. I miss no comfort.
Stray Dog : (Pointing to his neck) What is that round your neck And what are those marks of?
Pet Dog: It’s a belt and the marks round the neck are of a chain. My master ties me with the chain during day time or whenever we go out.
Stray Dog : Oh really ?
Pet Dog : Yes, but come to my master’s house. We shall enjoy a ride in his car this evening.
Stray Dog: Sorry, friend. I may not be getting enough food or any comforts. But I am a free creature. I love my freedom. I don’t want to lose it at any cost.
(B) Use the information in this dialogue and write two paragraphs on (1) A Stray Dog and (2) A Pet Dog.
(1) A Stray Dog : A stray dog is a dog that lives on the street. It has no master. It roams around freely. It eats what it likes and sleeps where it likes. It is not chained and kept in a kennel. It does not have a bath regularly. Like a pet dog, it does not get any comforts and good food. But it lives happily on the streets.
(2) A Pet Dog : A pet dog is a dog that is owned by its master. It lives in a kennel. It gets good food to eat and a cozy and soft bed to sleep on. But it is chained by its master. It is not free to roam around. It can go out only when its master takes him. It is given good food and bathed twice a day. It has all the comforts, but no freedom.
2. Recite this poem and fill in the blanks in the passage.
(The bird from the poet’s cage has flown away. Now the poet addresses this poem to the free bird.)
I will not follow (go behind) you, my bird,
I will not follow you.
I would not breathe (say) a word, my bird,
To bring thee (you) here anew (again).
I love the free in thee, my bird,
The lure (attraction) of freedom drew (pulled),
The light you fly toward, my bird,
I fly with thee unto.
And there we yet will meet, my bird,
Though far I go from you.
Where in the light outpoured (overflowed), my bird,
Are love and freedom too.
The poet promises the bird that he would not follow it, nor would he speak a word to bring it back again. The poet loves freedom and knows that the bird has flown away as it was drawn by the lure of freedom. The bird is flying towards light where the poet is also accompanying it. The poet promises the bird that they will meet, though he is far away. There are also love and freedom where the light is outpouring. The main idea of the poem is freedom.
3. Write a paragraph on the celebration of the Independence Day in your school.
15th August is celebrated as Independence Day all over the country. Our school also celebrates this day with great enthusiasm. All the classrooms are cleaned and decorated with colourful ribbons and balloons. The main function is held on the school playground.
The chief guest hoists the National Flag. We salute the flag and sing the National Anthem. There are speeches by the chief guest, the principal and some students. We remember our freedom fighters and their sacrifices.
Some students also present patriotic songs. We also have an exhibition in the assembly hall. It is about our freedom struggle and our freedom fighters. It is a day of great importance and pride for all of us.
4. Write about ten sentences on any life event of Chandrashekhar ilzad. You may use these words.
(born in 1906 in MP, freedom fighter, revolutionary, fearless, sacrificed life for motherland, chanting ‘Vande Mataram’, British police, could not catch him alive, death of a brave hero, became martyr in 1931 in Allahabad) Chandrashekhar Azad was born on 23 July, 1906 in Bhavra, Madhya Pradesh. At a very young age he got involved in revolutionary activities.
He joined the non-cooperation movement. He was involved in incidents such as Kakori Train Robbery, assembly bomb incident and the shooting of Saunders at Lahore, to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai. He was once caught by the British police and was sentenced to 15 whiplashes as his first punishment. At that time he was only 15 years old.
Disillusioned with Mahatma Gandhi’s suspension of the non-cooperation movement due to Chauri-Chaura incident, he turned into an extremist. On 27 February, 1931,betrayed by one of the associates, he was surrounded by the British police in Alfred Park, Allahabad. He fought them, but seeing no other way he shot himself and fulfilled his resolve to die a ‘free man’.
Comprehension
A. Read the extracts and questions.
(1) “Hey Abbu Miyan! Looking sad ? Why are you sitting alone today? Where is your darling Kalua ?” Govinda was worried. “Perhaps, I have lost her. I have seen her footprints going up the hill. That devil must have killed her.”
Question 1.
Why was Govinda worried ?
Answer:
Govinda was worried because Abbu Miyan was sitting alone and looking sad.
Question 2.
Where did Kalua go ?
Answer:
Kalua went up the hill.
Question 3.
‘I have lost her.’ Why did Abbu Miyan say this ?
Answer:
Abbu Miyan said this because he saw Kalua’s footprints going up the hill and so the devil there must have killed her.
(2) Poor Abbu Khan was almost in tears. He could not understand why Kalua broke the string and disappeared in the night. He used to give her green, juicy grass and tasty grains. But even then his only family member had left his house!
Question 1.
Why was Abbu Khan in tears ?
Answer:
Abbu Khan was in tears because Kalua had broken the string and disappeared in the night.
Question 2.
What did Abbu Khan give Kalua to eat ?
Answer:
Abbu Khan gave Kalua green, juicy grass and tasty grains to eat.
(3) After some days Abbu Miyan bought another goat. This new one was pretty, white as snow, had two little horns and a pair of lovely bright red eyes. “I will call you Chandani,” caressing her soft fur he said.
Question 1.
Describe the new goat bought by Abbu Miyan.
Answer:
The new goat was pretty, white as snow, had two little horns and a pair of lovely bright red eyes.
Question 2.
What did Abbu Khan call the goat ?
Answer:
Abbu Khan called the goat Chandani.
(4) One fine morning his neighbour Govinda appeared. He saw Abbu Miyan talking to his only family member. “Hey Abbu Chacha, you look happy and healthy. How’s life now ?” “I am the happiest person, Govinda! Chandani has brought new life to me. She loves me a lot, and even I can’t live without her.” Abbu Chacha was beaming with joy.
Question 1.
Who was Govinda?
Answer:
Govinda was Abbu Miyan’s neighbour.
Question 2.
What was Abbu Miyan doing?
Answer:
Abbu Miyan was talking to Chandani -his only family member.
Question 3.
How did Abbu Chacha look to Govinda ?
Answer:
Abbu Chacha looked happy and healthy to Govinda.
Question 4.
Why was Abbu Chacha happy ?
Answer:
Abbu Chacha was happy because Chandani loved him a lot and even he could not live without her.
(5) “But what were you telling her ? I saw you talking with your darling !” “Oh, yes ! I was telling her the story of Kalua’s sad end at the blood thirsty teeth of that devil on the hill,” Abbu Miyan replied. “But my dear Chandani will never leave me. She is so understanding and happy with me.” he added. Govinda said, “Abbu Chacha, I am delighted to see you like this. I am sure Chandani will accompany you till your last breath.”
Question 1.
What was Abbu Miyan telling Chandani?
Answer:
Abbu Miyan was telling Chandani about Kalua’s sad end at the teeth of the devil on the hill.
Question 2.
According to Abbu Chacha, why would Chandani never leave him ?
Answer:
According to Abbu Chacha, Chandani would never leave him because she was understanding and happy with him.
Question 3.
What was Govinda sure about ?
Answer:
Govinda was sure that Chandani would accompany Abbu Chacha till his last breath.
(6) Some years passed. Chandani developed an attraction for the hill. Every morning she watched the hilltops shining in the tender sunlight. “How beautiful these hills are !” She thought. “And how refreshing is the breeze that blows through them! I must run across those green fields.” She ran towards the hills but stopped with a jerk. There was a rope around her neck. She hated it the most.
Question 1.
What was Chandani attracted to ?
Answer:
Chandani was attracted towards the hill.
Question 2.
What did Chandani like about the hills?
Answer:
Chandani liked the beautiful hills, with refreshing breeze and green fields.
Question 3.
Why could Chandani not go to the hills ?
Answer:
Chandani could not go to the hills because she was tied with a rope.
Question 4.
What did Chandani hate ?
Answer:
Chandani hated the rope around her neck.
Question 5.
What did Chandani watch every morning ?
Answer:
Every morning, Chandani watched the hilltops shining in the tender sunlight.
(7) Gradually Chandani stopped eating the green grass and tasty grains. Even she lost interest in Abbu Khan’s stories. She lost her appetite, grew very thin. She stared mindlessly at the hills bathing in the sunlight or playing with the clouds.
Question 1.
Why did Chandani become thin ?
Answer:
Chandani became thin because she lost her appetite and she stopped eating the green grass and tasty grains.
Question 2.
What did Chandani stare at ?
Answer:
Chandani stared at the hills bathing in the sunlight or playing with the clouds.
(8) Abbu Khan could sense what was happening to his dear Chandani. He pushed her into a small hut and shut the door. But forgot to close the small window at the back. The same night, Chandani made the window her passage to freedom.
Question 1.
What did Abbu Khan do ?
Answer:
Abbu Khan put Chandani into a small hut and shut the door.
Question 2.
How did Chandani escape ?
Answer:
Chandani escaped through the small open window at the back of the hut.
(9) When Chandani reached the hilltop, the big yellow sun was rising in the horizon. She was overflowing with joy and wonder. The green grass under her feet became golden yellow. The wind sang an endless song of welcome.
Chandani felt as if she were meeting her mother after years of separation. How different all this was from Abbu Khan’s prison house ! That day she jumped and played and ate all around. She was on the top of the world. It was the happiest day in Chandani’s life.
Question 1.
What were Chandani’s emotions when she reached the hilltop ?
Answer:
When Chandani reached the hilltop, she was overflowing with joy and wonder.
Question 2.
What did Chandani feel?
Answer:
Chandani felt as if she were meeting her mother after years of separation.
Question 3.
What did Chandani do ?
Answer:
Chandani jumped and played and ate all around.
Question 4.
What did Chandani feel about Abbu Khan’s house ?
Answer:
Chandani felt that Abbu Khan’s house was like a prison.
(10) The sun disappeared behind the hills. Soon the darkness covered the grass, the flowers and the trees. The wind stopped blowing. There was stillness all around. An owl hooted from a hole. Chandani felt scared. The full moon rose in the distant sky. In its silver light, Chandani saw two bright eyes and sharp teeth moving slowly towards her. The devil was not in a hurry. He knew that this goat was also his food.
Question 1.
Describe the hilltop after sunset.
Answer:
After sunset, there was darkness on the hill. The wind stopped blowing and there was stillness all around.
Question 2.
What did Chandani see in the moonlight ?
Answer:
Chandani saw two bright eyes and sharp teeth moving slowly towards her in the moonlight.
Question 3.
What did the devil know?
Answer:
The devil knew that the goat was his food.
(11) The wolf and the goat struck their heads with each other. He was big and ferocious whereas she was small but not weak. Chandani stood firm on her legs, head slightly bent and her strong horns aimed at the devil. She looked like a brave soldier ready to fight a cruel enemy.
Question 1.
Describe the wolf.
Answer:
The wolf was big and ferocious.
Question 2.
How did Chandani prepare for the fight ?
Answer:
Chandani stood firm on her legs, head slightly bent and her strong horns aimed at the devil.
Question 3.
What did Chandani look like?
Answer:
Chandani looked like a brave soldier ready to fight a cruel enemy.
(12) The fight began. It went on through the night. The moon began to grow pale and suddenly hid behind the clouds. The stars also began to disappear one by one. A faint light appeared in the east. The first rays of the sun saw Chandani lying on the ground. She was completely soaked in blood. The wolf, tired and sleepy, was getting ready to devour her.
Question 1.
How long did the fight go on ?
Answer:
The fight went on through the night.
Question 2.
Write two sentences that show the sun was about to rise.
Answer:
(1) The moon began to grow pale.
(2) The stars also disappeared one by one.
Question 3.
What was Chandani’s condition?
Answer:
Chandani was lying on the ground, completely soaked in blood.
(13) A flock of birds sitting on a tree was debating the result of the fight. “So …who is the winner?” asked a small one. “The wolf, of course !” most of the others declared together.
“No,” said a wise old bird. “Chandani is the winner. I have never seen such a brave freedom fighter!”
Question 1.
What were the birds debating ?
Answer:
The birds were debating the result of the fight.
Question 2.
What did many birds feel ?
Answer:
Many birds felt that the wolf was the winner.
Question 3.
According to a wise old bird, who was the winner ?
Answer:
According to a wise old bird, Chandani was the winner.
B. Use the set of words in your own sentences.
Question 1.
declare – beamed with joy
Answer:
Vinay beamed with joy when he was declared the winner.
Question 2.
to debate – freedom
Answer:
The students are debating about the freedom of speech.
Question 3.
disappear – ferocious
Answer:
The ferocious lion disappeared behind the bushes.
Question 4.
appear – distant
Answer:
Suddenly, a man appeared from a distant hut.
Question 5.
understanding – wonder
Answer:
The people wondered how such a small boy could have a deep understanding of music.
Question 6.
separation – in tears
Answer:
Ram and Bharat were in tears at the time of their separation.
Question 7.
prison – enemy
Answer:
he king ordered that his enemy should be put into prison.
Question 8.
accompany – firm
Answer:
Father was firm that he would accompany me to the examination centre.
Question 9.
develop – attraction
Answer:
When Jay saw the Himalayas, he developed an attraction for the mountains.
Question 10.
tender – refreshing
Answer:
Walking on tender grass in the morning is very refreshing.
Question 11.
stillness – strike
Answer:
The enemy struck the guards in the stillness of the night.
Question 12.
gradually – horizon
Answer:
The sun is gradually setting at the horizon.
Question 13.
stare – devil
Answer:
The princess was so frightened that she stared at the devil.
Question 14.
to sense – wise
Answer:
The wise old man could sense that his son was in some trouble.
Question 15.
aimed at – cruel
Answer:
The prince aimed an arrow at the cruel giant and killed him.
Question 16.
faint – ran towards
Answer:
As the light grew faint, the children ran towards their houses.
C. Write who said to whom the following sentences.
Question 1.
Where is your darling Kalua ?
Answer:
This was said by Govinda to Abu Miyan.
Question 2.
I have seen her footprints going up the hill.
Answer:
This sentence was said by Abbu Miyan to Govinda.
Question 3.
That devil must have killed her.
Answer:
This sentence was said by Abbu Miyan to Govinda.
Question 4.
I will call you Chandani.
Answer:
This sentence was said by Abbu Miyan to his new goat.
Question 5.
Hey Abbu Chacha, you look happy and healthy.
Answer:
This sentence was said by Govinda to Abu Miyan.
Question 6.
She loves me a lot, and even I can’t live without her.
Answer:
This sentence was said by Abbu Miyan to Govinda.
Question 7.
I saw you talking with your darling!
Answer:
This sentence was said by Govinda to Abu Miyan.
Question 8.
I was telling her the story of Kalua’s sad end at the blood thirsty teeth of that devil on the hill.
Answer:
This sentence was said by Abbu Miyan to Govinda.
Question 9.
She is so understanding and happy with me.
Answer:
This sentence was said by Abbu Miyan to Govinda.
Question 10.
I am sure Chandani will accompany you till your last breath.
Answer:
This sentence was said by Govinda to Abbu Miyan.
D. Fill in the blanks choosing the correct words from the brackets.
(1) (darling, sad, alone)
Hey Abbu Miyan! Looking sad Why are you sitting alone today ? Where is your darling Kalua ?” Govinda was worried.
(2) (lost, devil, footprints)
Perhaps, I have lost her. I have seen her footprints going up the hill. That devil must have killed her.
(3) (disappeared, tears, tasty)
Poor Abbu Khan was almost in tears. He could not understand why Kalua broke the string and disappeared in the night. He used to give her green, juicy grass and tasty grains.
(4) (caressing, bright, white)
This new one was pretty, white as snow, had two little horns and a pair of lovely bright red eyes. “I will call you Chandani,” caressing her soft fur he said.
(5) (neighbour, healthy, member)
One fine morning his neighbour Govinda appeared. He saw Abbu Miyan talking to his only family member. “Hey Abbu Chacha, you look happy and healthy. How’s life now ?”
(6) (loves, happiest, beaming)
“I am the happiest person, Govinda ! Chandani has brought new life to me. She loves me a lot, and even I can’t live without her.” Abbu Chacha was beaming with joy.
(7) (understanding, devil, sad)
“Oh, yes! I was telling her the story of Kalua’s sad end at the blood thirsty teeth of that devil on the hill,” Abbu Miyan replied. “But my dear Chandani will never leave me. She is so understanding and happy with me.” he added.
(8) (accompany, delighted, sure)
Govinda said, “Abbu Chacha, I am delighted to see you like this. I am sure Chandani will accompany you till your last breath.”
(9) (watches, attraction, tender)
Some years passed. Chandani developed an attraction for the hill. Every morning she watches the hilltops shining in the tender sunlight.
(10) (beautiful, green, refreshing)
“How beautiful these hills are!” She thought. “And how refreshing is the breeze that blows through them! I must run across those green fields.”
(11) (rope, jerk, hated)
She ran towards the hills but stopped with a jerk. There was a rope around her neck. She hated it the most.
(12) (appetite, moodlessly, interest)
Gradually Chandani stopped eating the green grass and tasty grains. Even she lost interest in Abbu Khan’s stories. She lost her appetite, grew very thin. She stared moodlessly at the hills bathing in the sunlight or playing with the clouds.
(13) (passage, sense, freedom)
Abbu Khan could sense what was happening to his dear Chandani. He pushed her into a small hut and shut the door. But forgot to close the small window at the back. The same night, Chandani made the window her passage to freedom.
(14) (overflowing, horizon, wonder)
When Chandani reached the hilltop, the big yellow sun was rising in the horizon. She was overflowing with joy and wonder.
(15) (separation, endless, golden)
The green grass under her feet became golden yellow. The wind sang an endless song of welcome. Chandani felt as if she were meeting her mother after years of separation.
(16) (happiest, played, world)
That day she jumped and played and ate all around. She was on the top of the world. It was the happiest day in Chandani’s life.
(17) (disappeared, blowing, darkness)
The sun disappeared behind the hills. Soon the darkness covered the grass, the flowers and the trees. The wind stopped blowing.
(18) (sacred, hooted, stillness)
There was stillness all around. An owl hooted from a hole. Chandani felt scared.
(19) (sharp, hurry, distant)
The full moon rose in the distant sky. In its silver light, Chandani saw two bright eyes and sharp teeth moving slowly towards her. The devil was not in a hurry. He knew that this goat was also his food.
(20) (weak, struck, ferocious)
The wolf and the goat struck their heads with each other. He was big and ferocious whereas she was small but not weak.
(21) (firm, cruel, slightly)
Chandani stood firm on her legs, head slightly bent and her strong horns aimed at the devil. She looked like a brave soldier ready to fight a cruel enemy.
(22) (disappear, faint, pale)
The moon began to grow pale and suddenly hid behind the clouds. The stars also began to disappear one by one. A faint light appeared in the east.
(23) (rays, devour, soaked)
The first rays of the sun saw Chandani lying on the ground. She was completely soaked in blood. The wolf, tired and sleepy, was getting ready to devour her.
(24) (declared, debating, brave)
A flock of birds sitting on a tree was debating the result of the fight. “So … who is the winner?” asked a small one. “The wolf, of course !” most of the others declared together. “No,” said a wise old bird. “Chandani is the winner. I have never seen such a brave freedom fighter!”
Call of the Hills Summary in Gujarati
“ઓ અબુ મિયાં! ઉદાસ લાગો છો? આજે તમે એક્લા કેમ બેઠા છો? તમારી વહાલી કલુઆ ક્યાં છે?” ગોવિંદને ચિંતા થઈ. “કદાચ હું તેને ખોઈ બેઠો છું. મેં તેના પગલાની છાપ ટેકરી ઉપર જતા જોઈ છે. પેલા રાક્ષસે તેને મારી નાખી હશે.” બિચારા અબુ ખાન લગભગ રડવા લાગ્યા. કલુઆ દોરડું તોડીને રાત્રે શા માટે નાસી ગઈ તે તેમને સમજાતું નહોતું. તેઓ તેને લીલું, રસવાળું ઘાસ અને સ્વાદિષ્ટ અનાજ (ખાવા) આપતા. તેમ ક્તાં, તેના કુટુંબની એકમાત્ર સદસ્ય તેનું ઘર છોડી (નાસી ગઈ હતી !
થોડા દિવસો પછી અબુ મિયાંએ બીજી બકરી ખરીદી. આ નવી બકરી સુંદર હતી. બરફ જેવી સફેદ, બે નાનાં શિંગડાં અને સુંદર લાલ આંખો. “હું તને ચાંદની કહીશ,” તેની મુલાયમ કુંવાટી પંપાળતા તેઓ બોલ્યા. એક સવારે, તેમનો પડોશી ગોવિંદ આવ્યો. તેણે અબુ મિયાંને તેમના કુટુંબની એકમાત્ર સદસ્ય સાથે વાતો કરતા જોયા. ”ઓ અબુ ચાચા, તમે ખુશ અને સ્વસ્થ લાગો છો, કેમ છો હવે?”
“હું સૌથી સુખી વ્યક્તિ છું, ગોવિંદ ! ચાંદનીએ મને નવું જીવન આપ્યું છે, તે મને ખુબ ચાહે છે, અને હું પણ તેના વગર જીવી શકતો નથી,” અબુ ચાચાનો ચહેરો આનંદથી ચમકતો હતો. પણ તમે તેને શું કહેતા હતા? મેં તમને તમારી વહાલી (બકરી સાથે વાત કરતા જોયા!” “ઓહ, હા! હું તેને ટેકરી પર પેલા લોહીતરસ્યા રાક્ષસના મોઢ લુઆના દુ:ખદ અંતની વાત કહી રહ્યો હતો,” અબુ મિયાએ કહ્યું. “પણ મારી વહાલી ચાંદની મને કદી પણ છોડીને નઈં જાય, તે ખૂબ સમજદાર છે અને મારી સાથે ખુશ છે,” તેમણે કહ્યું.
ગોવિંદે કહ્યું, “અબુ ચાચા, હું તમને આમ (ખુશ જોઈને ખૂબ ખુશ છું. મને ખાતરી છે કે ચાંદની તમારા છેલ્લા શ્વાસ સુધી તમારો સાથ આપશે.” થોડાં વર્ષો પસાર થયાં. ચાંદનીને ટેકરીનું આકર્ષણ થવા લાગ્યું. તે રોજ સવારે કોમળ તડકામાં ચમકતી ટેકરીઓ જોતી. આ ટેકરીઓ કેટલી સુંદર છે!” તેને થયું. “અને તેમાંથી આવતી પવનની લહેરો કેટલી તાજગીભરી છે ! મારે પેલાં લીલાં
ખેતરોમાં દોડવું જ પડશે.” તે ટેકરી તરફ ઘડી, પણ એક ઝટકા – સાથે થોભી ગઈ. તેના ગળામાં દોરડું હતું. તેને તે જરાય ગમતું – ન હતું. ધીમે ધીમે ચાંદનીએ લીલું ઘાસ અને સ્વાદિષ્ટ અનાજ ખાવાનું બંધ કર્યું. તેને અબુ ખાનની વાર્તાઓમાં પણ રસ નહોતો, – તેની ભૂખ મરી ગઈ, અને તે ખૂબ દુબળી થઈ ગઈ.
તે ઉદાસ. થઈને તડકામાં નહાતી અથવા વાદળાઓ સાથે રમતી ટેકરી તરફ – એકીટસે જોઈ રહેતી. તેમની વહાલી ચાંદનીને શું થઈ રહ્યું છે તે અબુ ખાન – સમજી ગયા. તેમણે તેને એક નાની ઝૂંપડીમાં ધક્કો મારીને બારણું બંધ કરી દીધું. પણ તેઓ પાછળની નાની બારી બંધ કરવાનું ભૂલી ગયા.
તે રાત્રે, ચાંદનીએ તે બારીને પોતાની મુક્તિનો માર્ગ બનાવ્યો. જ્યારે ચાંદની ટેકરીની ટોચ પર પહોંચી, (ત્યારે) ક્ષિતિજ પર મોટો, પીળો સુર્ય ઊગી રહ્યો હતો. તેનું મન આનંદ અને વિસ્મયથી છલકતું હતું. તેના પગ નીચે લીલું ઘાસ (તડકામાં) ચમતું પીળું થઈ ગયું. પવન (પણ) એક અનંત સ્વાગત ગીત.
ગાઈ રહ્યો હતો. ચાંદનીને એવું લાગ્યું જાણે કે તે વર્ષોથી વિખૂટી પર્વ ગયેલી તેની માતાને મળી રહી છે, અબુ ખાનના જેલ જેવા ઘરથી આ બધું કેટલું જુદું હતું ! તે દિવસે તે ચોમેર ફૂદી અને રમી અને ખાધું. તે ખૂબ જ ખુશ હતી. તે ચાંદનીના જીવનનો સૌથી સારો દિવસ હતો.
સૂર્ય ટેકરીની પાછળ અદશ્ય થઈ ગયો. થોડી જ વારમાં ઘાસ, ફૂલો અને વૃક્ષો પર અંધકાર છવાઈ ગયો. પવન ફૂંકાતો (પણ) બંધ થયો. ચોમેર ગાઢ શાંતિ હતી. બખોલમાંથી એક ઘુવડ બોલ્યું. ચાંદની ડરી ગઈ. દૂર આકાશમાં પૂનમનો ચંદ્ર ઊગ્યો. તેની ચાંદનીમાં ચાંદનીએ બે ચમકતી આંખો અને તીક્ષ્ણ દાંત ધીમેથી તેની તરફ આવતા જોયા. રાક્ષસને ઉતાવળ નહોતી.
તેને ખબર હતી કે આ બકરી પણ તેનો જ શિકાર છે. વરુ અને બકરીએ એકબીજા સાથે માથાં અથડાવ્યાં. તે (વ) મોટું અને વિકરાળ હતું, જ્યારે તે (ચાંદની) નાની હતી, પણ નબળી નહોતી. ચાંદની તેના સિજડ) પગ પર સ્થિર ઊભી રહી, માથું થોડું નમેલું અને તેનાં મજબૂત શિંગડાં રાક્ષસ સામે
તાકેલાં. તે એક ક્રૂર શત્રુ સામે લડવા તૈયાર હોય તેવા બહાદુર સૈનિક જેવી લાગતી હતી. લડાઈ શરૂ થઈ. (તે) આખી રાત ચાલી. ચંદ્ર ઝાંખો પડવા લાગ્યો અને અચાનક વાદળાં પાછળ સંતાઈ ગયો. તારા પણ, એક પછી એક, અદશ્ય થવા લાગ્યા. પૂર્વમાં એક ઝાંખો પ્રકાશ દેખાવા લાગ્યો. સૂર્યનાં પહેલાં કિરણોએ ચાંદનીને જમીન પર પડેલી જોઈ. તે લોહીથી લદબદ હતી. થાકેલું અને ઊંઘથી ઘેરાયેલું વરુ તેને ખાવા માટે તૈયાર હતું.
એક વૃક્ષ પર બેઠેલાં પક્ષીઓ આ લડાઈના પરિણામ વિશે ચર્ચા કરી રહ્યાં હતાં. “તો … વિજેતા કોણ છે?” એક નાનકડાં પંખીએ પૂછ્યું. વરુ જ ” મોટા ભાગનાં પક્ષીઓએ એકસાથે જાહેર કર્યું. “ના,” એક સમજદાર, વૃદ્ધ પક્ષી બોલ્યું, “ચાંદની વિજેતા છે. મેં આટલી બહાદુર ‘સ્વાતંત્ર્યસેનાની’ કદી જોઈ નથી.”
Word Meanings
Idioms and Phrases
(1) in tears
Heta was in tears when she saw found her lost dog.
(2) to beam with joy
Ailca beamed with joy when her name was announced for the first price.
(3) till one’s last breath
The soldier fought the enemy till his last breath.
(4) to run across
The little boy ran across the road to get an ice-cream.
(5) to run towards
Neha ran towards the balloonman.
(6) to lose interest in
The children lost Interest in fairy tales.
They wanted to hear ghost stories.
(7) to overflow with
Megha’s parents were overflowing with happiness when she stood first in the class.
(8) on the top of the world
When kiran won the Man of the Match award, he felt on the top of the world.
(9) to aim at
The policeman aimed his gun at the thief.
(10) to grow pale
The little girl was so frightened that her face began to grow pale.
(11) one by one
The teacher called the students one by one and checked their homework.
(12) soaked in
During Hou, everyone is soaked in colours.