Page 1 : Poetry: 4, THE SOLDIER By: Rupert Brooke, *Textual Exercises:, I. Answer the following questions:, 1. Why does the poet think that ‘some corner of a foreign field’ will be for ever England?, (COHSEM:2013), Ans: The poet thinks so because the lifeless body of a brave and valiant English soldier will, remain buried there in a foreign land. The supreme sacrifice of the soldier will forever be, remembered by his countrymen., 2. What does the poet mean by ‘a richer dust’?, Ans: Here, the poet means the lifeless body of the brave and valiant English soldier whose mortal, remains will lie buried there in a foreign land., 3. Describe, after Rupert Brooke, how the soldier grew up., Ans: According to Rupert Brooke, the soldier grew up with a profound awareness of the great, English tradition of the spirit of adventure and freedom. The soldier was also inspired by the, beautiful sight and sound of the English landscape: the charming flowers, the endless ways to, roam about, the refreshing air of the English countryside, the cool babbling river water, and the, warm sunshine., 4. ‘And think, this heart, all evil shed away,, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less, Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given!’, Explain the above lines., Ans: Here, the poet means that the soldier had a beautiful heart as he grew up with a profound, awareness of the great English tradition of the spirit of adventure and freedom, and also inspired, by the beautiful sight and sound of the English landscape. As such he is willing to fight all the evil, forces on earth with unwavering faith in the Divine Presence. Moreover, the soldier wished to, disseminate the English thoughts, ideals and principles to everywhere he went to fight the war., 5. Bring out the patriotic feelings of the soldier as described in the poem, ‘The Soldier’., Ans: The soldier had a profound love for his native land and the willingness to defend, it. These are the essential attributes of a true patriot. As a soldier taking part in the First, World War, the poet had the premonition that he was going to lay down his life for the larger, cause of his motherland. He firmly believed that even if he were to do die in a foreign land, the, place where his lifeless body would be buried would remain as forever England. He was also so, proud to have been born in England. The soldier, further, asserted that he had a beautiful heart as, he grew up with a profound awareness of the great English tradition of the spirit of adventure and, freedom, and also inspired by the beautiful sight and sound of the English landscape. As such he is, willing to fight all the evil forces on earth with unwavering faith in the Divine Presence. Moreover,, the soldier wished to disseminate the English thoughts, ideals and principles to everywhere he, went to fight the war., *Extra Questions:, I. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:, (a) If I should die, think only this of me, That there’s some corner of a foreign field

Page 2 : That is forever England. There shall be, In that rich earth a richer dust concealed., (COHSEM:2018/2013), (i)To whom is the poet addressing?, 1, Ans: The poet is addressing to his countrymen, the people of England., (ii)What is the nationality of the poet as suggested in the line?, 1, Ans: The poet is an Englishman., (iii) Where is the poet?, 1, Ans: The poet is in a foreign land, in one of the battlefields of World War:I., (iv) What does ‘a richer dust’ mean?, 1, Ans: Here, the poet means the lifeless body of the brave and valiant English soldier whose, mortal remains will lie buried there in a foreign land., (v) Why does he think that death comes to him?, Ans: As he is going in the battlefield he has the premonition that he is going to die., (b) There shall be, In that rich earth a richer dust conceal’d:, A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam., (COHSEM:2018), (i) Why does the poet say ‘a richer dust’?, 1, Ans: Here, the poet means the lifeless body of the brave and valiant English soldier whose mortal, remains will lie buried there in a foreign land., (ii) What does the poet mean by ‘a dust whom England bore’?, 1, Ans: Here, the poet means that he takes a mighty pride in having born in England, a country, which moulded his sensibilities and patriotic spirit., (iii) How does England shape the poet?, 1, Ans: England imbibed the poet the spirit of adventure, the passion for liberty and democracy,, and a beautiful heart inspired by her beautiful landscape., (iv) What is meant by ‘her flowers to love’?, 1, Ans: It means that the beautiful English landscape embellished with beautiful flowers imbibed in, him an aesthetic sensibility., II.Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each:, 1.Why does Rupert Brooke think that ‘Some corner of a foreign field’ will be forever England?, (COHSEM:2017), 3, Ans: The poet thinks so because the lifeless body of a brave and valiant English soldier will, remain buried there in a foreign land. The supreme sacrifice of the soldier will forever be, remembered by his countrymen., 2. Why does Rupert Brook feels deep pride of being an Englishman?, (COHSEM:2014), 2, Ans: Rupert Brook feels so because he considers that he was fortunate to have been born in, England. He grew up with acute awareness of the great English tradition of the spirit of adventure, and freedom, and also inspired by the beautiful sight and sound of the English landscape. As such, he is willing to fight all the evil forces on earth with unwavering faith in the Divine Presence.

Page 3 : 3. What does the poet mean by ‘a dust whom England bore’?, (COHSEM:2011), 2, Ans: Here, the poet means that he takes a mighty pride in having born in England, a country, which moulded his sensibilities and patriotic spirit. He grew up with acute awareness of the great, English tradition of the spirit of adventure and freedom, and also inspired by the beautiful sight, and sound of the English landscape. As such he is willing to fight all the evil forces on earth with, unwavering faith in the Divine Presence., 4., There shall be, In that rich earth a richer dust conceal’d:, In the light of the above line, why does the poet think that an Englishman is superior to all other, people?, (COHSEM:2009), 2, Ans: The poet was so proud to have been born in England. He asserted that he had a beautiful, heart as he grew up with a profound awareness of the great English tradition of the spirit of, adventure and freedom, and also inspired by the beautiful sight and sound of the English, landscape. As such he is willing to fight all the evil forces on earth with unwavering faith in the, Divine Presence. Moreover, he wished to disseminate the English thoughts, ideals and principles, to everywhere he went to fight the war. So, the poet thinks that an Englishman is superior to all ot, her people., 5. How does the soldier express his patriotism?, (COHSEM:2008)3, Ans:(Same as TextualExercisesQ.no:5.), Poetry: 6, GOD MADE THE COUNTRY By: William Cowper, *Textual Exercises:, A. Comprehension Questions:, 1. Why does the poet say that God made the country and man made the town?, (COHSEM:2010), Ans: Life in the countryside is so close to mother nature. The country dwellers breathe the fresh, pure air and are enchanted by the beautiful aspects of nature – the undulating hills, winding, rivers, the green woods, etc. They also till the fields to grow plants and crops for their sustenance., However, life in the town is very artificial though sophisticated. The town people live a sedentary, life, relying on artificial means of movement and survival. So, the poet says that God made the, country and man made the town., 2. What are the things the countryside offers to the people?, Ans: The countryside offers all the virtues of health and goodness. The fresh pure air refreshes, the country dwellers. The vast open fields offer them the space to till the earth and grow plants, and crops for their physical health and sustenance. The clump of trees offers a cool shade to a, weary traveller from the scorching heat of the sun. Due to absence of the artificial means of, lighting up the darkness of the night, one can see and feel the soft gentle rays of the moon in a, moonlit night. Moreover, one can hear the melodious notes of songbirds in the countryside., 3. What are the distinctions between the ways of the life of the country people and the town, people?, Ans: The country people lead a very natural life. The countryside offers all the virtues of health, and goodness. The fresh pure air refreshes them. The vast open fields offer them the space to till, the earth and grow plants and crops for their physical health and sustenance. They are also, enchanted by the beautiful aspects of nature – the undulating hills, winding rivers, the green, woods, etc. The soft gentle moonbeam is what they wish for in the darkness of the night. On the, contrary, the town people live a sedentary life, relying on artificial means of movement and

Page 4 : survival. They move about idly in sedans and rely on artworks to admire the beauty of nature., They rely on artificial lamps to light up the darkness of the night. The blaring songs of the town, people become a nuisance., 4. What is the effect of the town songs? (COHSEM:2009), Ans: The blaring town songs confuse the more harmonious songs of the country people. The, thrush departs as it is frightened and disturbed by the town songs. Moreover, the nightingale, remains mute as it is offended by noisy songs of the town dwellers., 5. Why does the poet think that our arch of empire is going to be mutilated structure?, Ans: The town people indulge themselves in mirth and enjoyment and often cause nuisance to, one and all. Their overriding materialistic culture has led to inventions of weapons of violence and, destruction and other idle conveniences such as a fan. This has ultimately put the very essence of, human civilisation at the risk of downfall which even the mighty enemies could have never, done., 6. There are lines which indicate that Nature is the refuge of the sorrowful people. Indicate the, lines., Ans: ‘Our groves were planted to console at noon, The pensive wanderer in their shades.’, B. Composition Question:, 1. Describe the beauty of the countryside., Ans: Life in the countryside is so close to mother nature. The country dwellers breathe the fresh, pure air and be enchanted by the beautiful aspects of nature – the undulating hills, winding, rivers, the green woods, etc. The country people lead a very natural life. They till the fields to, grow plants and crops for their sustenance and physical health as well. The clump of trees offers a, cool shade to a weary traveller from the scorching heat of the sun. Due to absence of the artificial, means of lighting up the darkness of the night, one can see and feel the soft gentle rays of the, moon in a moonlit night. Moreover, one can hear the melodious notes of songbirds in the, countryside., *Extra Questions:, 1. How does William Cowper describe the life style of the town people in his poem? (2), (COHSEM:2018), Ans: Life in the town is very artificial though sophisticated. The town people live a sedentary life,, relying on artificial means of movement and survival. They move about idly in sedans and rely on, artworks to admire the beauty of nature. They rely on artificial lamps to light up the darkness of, the night. The town people indulge themselves in mirth and enjoyment and often cause nuisance, to one and all. Their overriding materialistic culture has led to inventions of weapons of violence, and destruction and other idle conveniences such as a fan. This has ultimately put the very, essence of human civilisation at the risk of downfall which even the mighty enemies could have, never done., 2. Why does William Cowper feel that ‘health and virtue’ are ‘abound and least threatened’ in the, countryside?, (2) (COHSEM:2017 & 2013), Ans: Life in the countryside is so close to mother nature. The country dwellers breathe the fresh, pure air and are enchanted by the beautiful aspects of nature – the undulating hills, winding, rivers, the green woods, etc. The country people lead a very natural life. They till the fields to, grow plants and crops for their sustenance and physical health as well. So, William Cowper feels, that ‘health and virtue’ are ‘abound and least threatened’ in the countryside., 3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:, We can spare, The splendour of your lamps; they but eclipse, Our softer satellite, your songs confound

Page 5 : Our more harmonious notes; the thrush departs, Scare’d and th’ offended nightingale is mute., (i) Who are ‘we’ referred to here? (1), Ans: Here, ‘we’ refer to the people living in the countryside., (ii) What is the ‘softer satellite’ mentioned here? (1), An: The moon is the ‘softer satellite’., (iii) Which natural objects do the lamps eclipse? (1), Ans: It is the moon., (iv) What are the more ‘harmonious notes’ referred to here?, (1) (COHSEM:2016), Ans: They are the songs of the countryside., (v) Whose lamps are referred to here?, (1), Ans: The artificial lamps of the town people are referred to here., (vi) Why does the thrush depart? (1), Ans: The thrush departs as it is frightened and disturbed by the town songs., (vii) Why is the nightingale mute? (1), (COHSEM:2014), Ans: The nightingale is mute as it is offended by noisy songs of the town dwellers., (viii) What disturbs the harmonious notes?, (1), Ans: The blaring town songs disturb the harmonious notes., (ix) Name the bird which flies away in fear., (1) (COHSEM:2011), Ans: It is the thrush., 4. Why does the poet say that the town people know no fatigue?, (2) (COHSEM:2016), Ans: Life in the town is very artificial though sophisticated. The town people live a sedentary life,, relying on artificial means of movement and survival. They move about idly in sedans. Moreover,, unlike the country people, they don’t till the fields to grow plants and crops for their sustenance, and physical health. So, the poet says that the town people know no fatigue., 5. ‘There is a public mischief in your mirth;’, Whose mirth has done the public mischief?, (2) (COHSEM:2015), Ans: The town people indulge themselves in mirth and enjoyment and often cause nuisance to, one and all. The blaring town songs confuse the more harmonious songs of the country people., The thrush departs as it is frightened and disturbed by the town songs. Moreover, the nightingale, remains mute as it is offended by noisy songs of the town dwellers., Prose:2, SINKING OF THE TITANIC by: M. Geelan, *Textual Exercises:, 1. Why is the Titanic called a leviathan?, Ans: The Titanic is called a leviathan because everything about her was big and fascinating. Ten, decks rose tier on tire. Passengers could walk four and a half miles without exploring all of her, wonders., 2. Why is the Titanic called the ‘queen of the seas’?, Ans: The Titanic was designed to ride with easy arrogance and remain dominant and, indestructible through all the rough weathers of the sea. Moreover, she was considered as the, biggest and safest vessel ever built by the man. So, she is considered as the ‘queen of the sea’., 3. What was the Titanic built of?, Ans: The Titanic was built of steel plates., 4. How did she sink?

Page 6 : Ans: Shortly before midnight on April 14,1912 the Titanic collided with an iceberg. Her steel, plates ripped like tinfoil by the fangs of the iceberg. Five of its watertight compartments ruptured,, causing the ship to sink at about 2.10 a.m. April 15, 1912., 5. When did she sink?, Ans: She sank at about 2.10 a.m. April 15, 1912., 6. Where was the ship going to on her maiden voyage?, Ans: The ship was going to America on her maiden voyage., 7. Give a description of the Titanic?, Ans:, The Titanic is called a leviathan as everything about her was big and fascinating. Ten decks, rose tier on tire. Passengers could walk four and a half miles without exploring all of her wonders., She was designed to ride with easy arrogance and remain dominant and indestructible through all, the rough weathers of the sea. Moreover, she was considered as the biggest and safest vessel ever, built by the man. Indeed, she was the ‘queen of the sea’. Among her amenities were a Parisian cafe,, Jacobean dining room seating 500, a swimming pool, squash racket courts, a gymnasium, a library,, sun parlours and tea terraces, and a huge ballroom with hidden lighting. In speed, in comfort, in, beauty, in equipment, the Titanic was a masterpiece., 8. Describe the mood of the passengers in the ship before it sank., Ans: After four days at the sea, the passengers were in high spirits. They had indulged in all the, many joys afforded by the wonder ship and were anticipating the thrill of New York’s welcome., There was music and dancing, cardplaying, mild flirtations and all the active social events of the, luxury liner., 9. What precautions did the officers of the ship take against icebergs?, Ans: Second Officer Lightoller had taken the precaution of giving a special warning to the lookout men in the ship’s crow nest. He did so, not because of any special fears, but because in such a, calm sea the presence of ice would not be revealed by a disturbance of the water. Satisfied that all, was well, Lightoller handed over the bridge to First Officer Murdock at ten o’clock and went to, below., 10. Describe the activities of the man and officers in the initial minutes when the ship hit the, iceberg., Ans: At about eleven forty, the officers on the bridge were astonished to hear three gongs, sounded from the crow’s nest. It was a signal that something lay dead ahead. Then, came the, dramatic cry that there was iceberg right ahead. The hearts of the watchmen froze. First Officer, Murdock saw the greenish white mountain of destruction appearing out of the space almost as, soon as the look-outs. Without hesitation, he gave the order ‘hard a-starboard’, the natural lastditch evasive manoeuvre to prevent the ship from striking the iceberg., 11. Soon after the ship hit the iceberg Captain Smith of the ship showed, (a) panic and indecisiveness., (c) stupidity and inefficiency., (b) anxiety yet calmness., (d) hastiness and mistakes., Ans: (b) anxiety yet calmness., 12. Who were rescued first and how were they rescued?, Ans: As it was the law of the sea, women and children were rescued first.

Page 7 : One by one, the boats were loaded with women and children, lowered and rowed away., There was the lingering fear of the suction that would occur when the Titanic made the final, plunge. Without melodrama, almost without threat, the law of the sea was enforced though few, men tried to evade it. All that could be said in the favour of such men was that for curious reasons, some of the boats were being lowered only partially filled. At the dawn of 16 April, 1912, after the, Titanic had sunk, the Carpathian commanded by Captain A.H. Rostron, arrived and rescued every, living soul from the Titanic and sailed safely for New York., 13. Why have chief wireless operator Phillips and his junior, Bride been described as ‘heroes’?, Ans: Both chief wireless operator Phillips and his junior, Bride remained at the post of duty long, after they had been released. In fact, sensing the futility of their effort to rescue every passenger, on board, Captain Smith came into the cabin and told them that they had done everything they, could and they should abandon the cabin and look for their own safety. Yet, sacrificing their own, safety, they continued to send out S.O.S. message until the last moment when the boat deck was, awash. Phillips perished due to exposure but Bride survived the tragedy. For their act of bravery, and selfless service, they are described as ‘heroes’., 14. ‘In the little wireless-cabin on the Titanic, incidentally, was enacted a little drama more akin to, shipwreck of fiction.’ What is the drama referred to here?, Ans: Bride had earlier fixed a lifebelt around Phillips, the chief wireless operator of the Titanic, as, he was busy sending out the S.O.S. messages. When Bride returned to the cabin from a visit to the, deck, he found that a stoker or somebody was trying to take away the lifebelt, which was the only, hope of safety, from the wireless chief. Bride felt that the stranger trying to steal away the lifebelt, did not deserve a decent sailor’s death. He wished the intruder might have stretched a rope or, walked a plank. Bride somehow killed him and left him on the floor of the wireless room. This is the, drama referred to here., 15. (a) Did anyone on board the sinking ship cry out in fear?, Ans: None of them cried out in fear. In fact, the initial reaction of the passengers after the Titanic, collided against the iceberg was curiously lukewarm. Passengers who were playing cards continued, their game. Many who were enjoying their ‘goodnight’ drinks speculated humorously as to what, the commotion was all about. And those who were already asleep were awakened by a slight, vibration or by a sudden and unusual cessation of the engines. They left their cabins not in fear but, out of curiosity., (b) What did some of the men do?, Ans: While the law of the sea was enforced, giving women and children the first opportunity for, their safety, some men tried to evade it. Some of them were found concealed under the thwarts of, a boat though they were made to promptly vacate at the point of an empty revolver. In most cases,, a few stern words or a glanced rebuke cold stop the inclination of some weak men to think only of, themselves., (c) ‘Many of the women refused to leave their menfolk.’ Why?, Ans: Many of the women wished to die together with their beloved husbands. Even when, attempts were made forcibly to encourage them to enter the boats, they struggled for release,, pleading to be left alone.

Page 8 : There was also the strange and touching incident of Mr and Mrs Isidore Straus. She did not wish to, be separated in death from her husband. They were seen drowning together as they had wished., 16. Describe the manner in which the following persons died., (a) Mr and Mrs Straus., Ans: A strange and touching incident was the determination of Mr and Mrs Straus, the millionaire, and his wife, who did not wish to be separated in death. Many times Mrs Straus was requested to, take her place in a boat, but time and again she refused. She implored that they were old people, and would like to die together. Ultimately, they were seen to drown together as they had wished., Such was the enduring love between the old couple until the last moment of their life., 17. Why are the bandsmen described as heroes?, Ans: The bandsmen continued to play their soul-stirring music and gave spiritual comfort to the, ill-fated passengers who were left behind in the sinking Titanic. Their courage was equal to that of, the captain, officers and crew of the ship. Those on the deck of the floundering Titanic were now, very near to death. Here and there, a few huddled in groups and joined in chorus in singing the, lovely hymn which the bandsmen played, ‘Nearer, my God, to thee ..... .’ Those in the boats heard, the rise and fall of the cadence of the hymn and could only wonder that those in such peril should, exhibit such faith and such fortitude. For these reasons the bandsmen are described as heroes., 18. Describe the bravery of Captain Smith., Ans: According to a reliable witness, Captain Smith was thrown violently into the sea. He picked, up a baby in the water and swam with it to a boat. When he handed the infant aboard, he was, urged to climb into the boat himself. He refused, saying that he would swim to a piece of wreckage, nearby. However, he was not seen again., 19. ‘Bravely British, too, were those engineers who perished to a man a hundred feet or more, below the boat deck.’, (a) What does being ‘bravely British’ mean by the author?, Ans: Here, the author means that those engineers lived up to the English tradition of the spirit of, adventure, bravery and law-abiding. They obeyed the law of the sea and also kept the dynamics of, the Titanic going until the last moment., (b) How were the engineers ‘bravely British’?, Ans:, The engineers lived up to the English tradition of the spirit of adventure, bravery and lawabiding. They obeyed the law of the sea and also kept the dynamics of the Titanic going until the, last moment. The endured all the pain and suffering when the water gushed through into the, bowels of the ship, or the boilers burst, sending out clouds of scalding steam., 20. ‘In her last minutes the Titanic stood almost perpendicular......’, Describe the last minutes of Titanic and many of the passengers who sank with her., Ans: In her last minutes, the Titanic stood almost perpendicular out of the water. It appeared like, an uncanny colossus of the night, making a shadowy outline against the star-spangled sky while her, rows of lights burning steadily and brilliantly. Even desperate swimmers and boats racing to escape, the suction paused at the awesome spectacle which was so frightening, so noble and so bitter., Suddenly all her lights went out. The black shadow that was the Titanic stood just a little while as if, reluctant to go. Then, it slipped slowly away beneath the claiming water. Thus, the ‘unsinkable, ship’, the Titanic sank.

Page 9 : There was a tense, split second of silence. Then, there rose a noise more disturbing than the, scream of wild Atlantic sea vultures. It was the wail of the tortured souls which would keep, lingering to the minds of the survivors of the tragedy. Soon, the sea was thick with heads and, bodies. Those who remained stuck to after-deck and stern of the sinking ship were now drowning, and calling frantically for help that would never reach them. As the ship was sinking, one of the, funnels separated and fell apart scattering bodies in water. There were dead bodies everywhere., Fearing the danger of overcrowding and panic, many passengers who asked for a safe place in the, lifeboats were simply refused any kind of help. Yet, apparently they were all noble souls as they, wished the lucky ones, who were already in the lifeboats, good luck and God’s blessings., 21. What was the ‘most pathetic and horrible’ sight to the men in the lifeboats?, Ans: Soon the raft became so full that it seemed as if it would sink if any more came on board it., The crew for their self-preservation had to refuse to permit any more to climb into the raft. This, was the ‘most pathetic and horrible’ sight to the men in the lifeboats., Supplementary Prose:1, LOVE ACROSS THE SALT DESERT by: K.N. Daruwalla, *Extra Questions:, 1. Why was Fatimah not upset when she left her home in Pakistan? (COHSEM:2018/2012) (2), Ans: Fatimah was being forced to get married to Mahfuz Ali whom she did not like because of his, great stammering. Leaving her home in Pkistan would mean being able to escape herself from the, forced marriage and be united with the love of her life, Najab Hussain, an Indian. Moreover, leaving, Pakistan for India would mean just a shift in dialect, a smear of Kutchi added and a little Sindhi, sandpapered away. So, Fatimah was not upset when she left her home in Pakistan., 2. How did Najab Hussain cross the salt desert alone to bring Fatimah to India across the Rann?, (COHSEM: 2017) (7), Ans: One day Najab left home along with his camel, Allaharakha to cross the salt deset to bring, his beloved Fatimah to India without informing anyone, specially Zaman who was the kingpin of, the border smuggling. He stayed the day at Kala Doongar and at dusk he paid homage to the, footprints of Panchmai Pir, seeking blessings for his safe journey. The long-striding Allaharakha kept, a brisk pace and arrived at Sarbella, over 20 miles from Kala Doongar. He was already beyond the, international boundary. Here, he rested. During daylight, movement was impossible with the Indus, Rangers looking from their watch-towers and in the heat everything became a mirage. By now, thoughts about Fatimah took a vice-like grip over him., Najab crossed the International Boundary Pillar Number 1066. He knew the track he had to, take bisecting the two posts of the Indus Rangers. But Najab strayed slightly and the guards from, their watch towers saw an Indian slipping into their territory right under their nose and that to, without paying any hush money. They started firing towards him and gave him a mile-long chase., When the dust settled half an hour later, he was alone in Rann under a blazing sky. He walked, through the scorching heat of the sun with the lingering fear that an over-exhausted Allaharakha, might die any time soon. Then, an hour or two later, it was dusk and he saw the thin fume of smoke, rising from the village of his beloved, Fatimah. He waited for the night to descend. And within an, hour, he was at his beloved’s door., 3. What kind of person was Najab according to his father Aftab? (2) (2016)

Page 10 : Ans: According to his father Aftab, Najab did not have the blood of a smuggler. All the wealth his, ancestors had acquired during a hundred years would be squandered away by Najab. Not because, he was spendthrift but because too shy to charge money for what he sold., 4. How does K.N. Daruwalla weave a delicate love story across the salt desert at the India-Pakistan, border that overcomes artificial boundaries between the two countries? (COHSEM:2015) (7), Ans: One day Najab left home along with his camel, Allaharakha to cross the salt deset to bring, his beloved Fatimah to India without informing anyone, specially Zaman who was the kingpin of, the border smuggling. He stayed the day at Kala Doongar and at dusk he paid homage to the, footprints of Panchmai Pir, seeking blessings for his safe journey. The long-striding Allaharakha kept, a brisk pace and arrived at Sarbella, over 20 miles from Kala Doongar. He was already beyond the, international boundary. Here, he rested. During daylight, movement was impossible with the Indus, Rangers looking from their watch-towers and in the heat everything became a mirage. By now, thoughts about Fatimah took a vice-like grip over him., Najab crossed the International Boundary Pillar Number 1066. He knew the track he had to, take bisecting the two posts of the Indus Rangers. But Najab strayed slightly and the guards from, their watch towers saw an Indian slipping into their territory right under their nose and that to, without paying any hush money. They started firing towards him and gave him a mile-long chase., W hen the dust settled half an hour later, he was alone in Rann under a blazing sky. He walked, through the scorching heat of the sun. Then, an hour or two later, it was dusk and he saw the thin, fume of smoke rising from the village of his beloved, Fatimah. He waited for the night to descend., And within an hour, he was at his beloved’s door. Kalley Shah was hardly aware of Najab’s arrival, when the constables came at his house enquiring about the infiltration of an Indian smuggler. Yet,, Najab calmed him down by informing that he had brought gold to pay him for the smuggling goods., Najab also made Fatimah realise about the purpose of his surprised visit., Next, evening when her father was asleep Fatimah slipped out of her house and escaped with, Najab to India. And though two years had passed since the drought ended, everyone in the village, of Najab remembered it first rained when Fatimah arrived there along with Najab., 5. What would Aftab say about the diffidence of his son Najab? (COHSEM:2014) (2), Ans: (Same as Q.no.:3.), 6. Describe the difficulties Najab encountered on his way to Fatimah’s house. (COHSEM:13) (7), Ans: (Same as Q.no.: 2.), 7. Why did Aftab feel that Zaman would be much pleased to see Najab turned into carrion with, vultures hovering around him? (COHSEM: 2013) (2), Ans: One day Najab left India along with his camel for Pakisan to bring his beloved Fatimah to, India without informing anyone, especially Zaman who was the kingpin of the border smuggling., Zaman was the chief who kept the Rangers across happy. Anyone crossing the Rann without his, support was putting himself in a deep trouble. But young Najab had dared to cross the salt desert, without a word to him, or a salaam, or a hundred rupee note. So, Aftab felt that Zaman would be, much pleased to see Najab turned into carrion with vultures hovering around him., 8. Why did Najab Hussain cross the dangerous salt desert alone—a thing none of the elders had, dared to do so? (COHSEM:2011) (7), Ans: (Same as Q.no.:3.)

Page 11 : 9. Why was Zaman was angry with Aftab? (COHSEM:2010) (2), Ans: One day Najab left India along with his camel for Pakisan to bring his beloved Fatimah to, India without informing anyone, especially Zaman who was the kingpin of the border smuggling., Zaman thought that Aftab knew very well about his son’s missing but was pretending to be ignorant, about it just to befool him. So, Zaman was angry with Aftab.