About the Author
Munshi Premchand was a famous Indian writer. He was born in 1880 and lived until 1936. His real name was Dhanpat Rai, but people know him by his pen name, Premchand. He wrote many stories and books in Hindi and Urdu. His stories often show the problems of poor people, farmers, and village life. He believed in truth, kindness, and fair treatment for everyone. Premchand's writing is simple and close to real life, which makes it easy for children to understand and enjoy.
What’s the Story About?
This story is about two best friends, Jumman and Algu, who live in a small village. They always help each other and are known for being honest. One day, Jumman's old aunt comes to live with him. She gives him all her land because she has no one else to look after her. In return, Jumman promises to take good care of her, like giving her food and a place to stay.
At first, things are fine. But after some time, Jumman and his wife start ignoring the aunt. They don't give her enough food, and she feels very sad and hungry. The aunt can't take it anymore, so she goes to the village panchayat for help. The panchayat is like a group of wise men who solve fights in the village. Algu is chosen as the head of the panchayat this time. Even though Algu is Jumman's best friend, he listens to the aunt's side and Jumman's side. In the end, Algu says Jumman must either give back some land to the aunt or take proper care of her. Jumman gets angry with Algu for not taking his side.
Later, something similar happens to Algu. He sells his fat goat to his enemy, the butcher, but the butcher kills the goat too soon, before Algu can get full use from it. Algu feels cheated and goes to the panchayat. This time, Jumman is the head. Jumman remembers what happened before and knows he must be fair. He listens to both sides and rules that the butcher must pay Algu for the wrong he did. Algu is happy, and the two friends become close again.
The story teaches us that true friends and good leaders always choose what is right, even if it is hard.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Jumman Shaikh: He is one of the main friends. He takes care of his old aunt at first but later forgets his promise. He gets angry when the panchayat rules against him but later becomes fair when he is the head.
- Algu Chowdhry: Jumman's best friend. He is honest and always stands for what is right. He rules against his friend in the panchayat but stays true to justice. Later, he faces a problem and gets help from Jumman.
- The Old Aunt: Jumman's aunt who gives her land to him. She is kind but feels sad when neglected. She bravely asks for help from the village.
- Jumman's Wife: She doesn't like the aunt staying with them and stops giving her food, which starts the problem.
- The Butcher: Algu's enemy who buys the goat but cheats Algu by killing it early.
Themes and Moral
Themes:
The story talks about important ideas like:
- Friendship: Real friends support each other but also tell the truth, even if it hurts a little.
- Fairness in Justice: Leaders must judge without taking sides, like in a panchayat.
- Keeping Promises: We should always remember what we say we will do, especially to family.
- Village Life: It shows how people in villages solve problems together with wisdom.
Moral:
The main lesson is to always play fair and be honest. No matter if you are a friend or a leader, choose what is right. This way, trust stays strong, and everyone lives happily.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the story. I have explained them in easy words:
- Panchayat: A group of village elders who meet to solve small fights and problems, like a fair judge.
- Impartial: Not taking anyone's side; being fair to everyone, like a good referee in a game.
- Neglect: To ignore someone or not care for them properly, like forgetting to feed a pet.
- Transfer: To give something, like land or money, from one person to another.
- Pledge: A strong promise you make to do something, like saying "I will help you."
- Unity: When people stay together and support each other, like a team.
- "What is done, cannot be undone": This means once something happens, you can't change it back, so think before acting.
- "Justice above all": Always put fairness first, no matter who is involved.
- Grudge: A bad feeling you hold against someone for a long time, like staying angry.
- Reconcile: To become friends again after a fight, like saying sorry and hugging.