Chapter 17

                                                         GONU AND BHONU


Q:1 Who approached the Sarpanch in the story and why?

A: Gonu and Bhonu approached the Sarpanch because they had a dispute regarding the use of the buffalo and the blanket after dividing their property.


Q:2 What property did Gonu and Bhonu divide before going to the Panchayat?

A: They had divided their land and other things, but they were still disputing over the buffalo and the blanket.


Q:3 How did the Sarpanch decide to share the blanket between Gonu and Bhonu?

A: The Sarpanch decided that Gonu would use the blanket during the day and Bhonu would use it at night.


Q:4 How was the buffalo distributed according to the Panchayat's decision?

A: The buffalo was divided such that Gonu would get half from the mouth side, and Bhonu would get the other half from the tail side.


Q:5 Did Gonu agree with the Panchayat's initial decision?

A: Yes, Gonu agreed and said that the decision of the Panchayat was final for him.


Q:6 What does the Panchayat symbolize in the story?

A: The Panchayat symbolizes a traditional system of justice in villages where disputes are resolved fairly by wise elders.


Q:7 How did the villagers react when Gonu and Bhonu came to the Panchayat?

A: The villagers stood up respectfully when the brothers entered and sat down after the Sarpanch took his seat, showing respect for the Panchayat.


Q:8 Why did Gonu feel sad after the Panchayat’s decision?

A: Gonu felt sad because although he fed the buffalo, Bhonu was the one who milked it, and Bhonu used the blanket at night while Gonu shivered.


Q:9 What advice did the villager give to Gonu?

A: The villager whispered some advice to Gonu, helping him to find a way to deal with the unfair distribution.


Q:10 How did Gonu respond to the villager’s advice?

A: Gonu thanked the villager and decided to follow the advice given to him.


Q:11 What does this scene teach about listening to wise advice?

A: It teaches that listening to wise advice from experienced people can help solve problems effectively.


Q:12 How does Gonu feel about fairness and justice?

A: Gonu feels that the initial Panchayat decision was unfair because he did more work but received less benefit.


Q:13 What complaint did Bhonu bring to the Panchayat in the next scene?

A: Bhonu complained that Gonu wets the blanket during the day, so he cannot use it at night.


Q:14 How did Gonu defend himself regarding the blanket?

A: Gonu said that during the day, he is free to use the blanket however he likes.


Q:15 What was Bhonu’s complaint about the buffalo?

A: Bhonu complained that Gonu keeps beating the buffalo when he tries to milk it.


Q:16 How did Gonu justify his actions with the buffalo?

A: Gonu said that since the mouth side of the buffalo belonged to him, he was free to do whatever he liked with it.


Q:17 What was the new decision of the Panchayat regarding milk?

A: The Panchayat decided that Gonu would get half of the milk, ensuring fairness in the distribution.


Q:18 Who was responsible for feeding the buffalo after the new decision?

A: Both brothers were responsible for feeding the buffalo.


Q:19 How did the Panchayat resolve the blanket dispute finally?

A: The blanket was divided into two halves, so each brother got half of it.


Q:20 Did Gonu and Bhonu agree to the final Panchayat decision?

A: Yes, both Gonu and Bhonu agreed to the final decision.


Q:21 What does the story of Gonu and Bhonu teach about sharing?

A: The story teaches that sharing property fairly and responsibly can prevent disputes among family members.


Q:22 Why was the Sarpanch important in the story?

A: The Sarpanch was important because he was the authority who listened to both sides and ensured a fair resolution.


Q:23 How does the story highlight fairness?

A: The story highlights fairness by showing that both brothers had to compromise and share both the blanket and the milk equally.


Q:24 What lesson can children learn from the actions of Gonu and Bhonu?

A: Children can learn that disputes can be solved through discussion, compromise, and wise advice rather than anger.


Q:25 Why did the brothers go to the Panchayat instead of deciding on their own?

A: They went to the Panchayat because they could not agree on their own and needed a fair, impartial decision.


Q:26 What role does cooperation play in resolving disputes in the story?

A: Cooperation is crucial because the final decision required both brothers to follow rules and share resources fairly.


Q:27 How is property divided in traditional villages according to the story?

A: Property is divided with the help of village elders or Panchayat, ensuring fairness and preventing fights.


Q:28 Why was it unfair for Gonu initially regarding the buffalo and blanket?

A: It was unfair because Gonu fed the buffalo but Bhonu milked it, and Bhonu used the blanket at night while Gonu had no comfort.


Q:29 How did dividing the blanket into two halves help both brothers?

A: It ensured that both brothers could use the blanket equally without any one feeling disadvantaged.


Q:30 What does the story say about resolving conflicts peacefully?

A: The story shows that conflicts can be resolved peacefully through discussion, compromise, and following rules.


Q:31 What does the word "distribution" mean in the story?

A: "Distribution" means dividing something among people fairly.


Q:32 What does "dispute" refer to in the story?

A: "Dispute" refers to an argument or disagreement between Gonu and Bhonu.


Q:33 What does "whispering" indicate in the story?

A: "Whispering" indicates giving secret advice or speaking softly so others cannot hear.


Q:34 What is the meaning of "belong" in the context of the story?

A: "Belong" means to be the property or responsibility of someone.


Q:35 Why is "complaint" used in the story?

A: "Complaint" is used when Bhonu expresses his problem about Gonu wetting the blanket and beating the buffalo.


Q:36 What does the word "final" imply in Gonu’s acceptance of the Panchayat decision?

A: "Final" implies that Gonu accepted the decision as the last and binding resolution.


Q:37 How is "wise people" used in the story?

A: "Wise people" refers to the Sarpanch and elders who are experienced and make fair decisions.


Q:38 How does the story illustrate fairness in work and reward?

A: The story illustrates fairness by ensuring both brothers shared the milk and blanket equally according to their effort.


Q:39 Why was it necessary for the villagers to stand when Bhonu and Gonu entered?

A: It was necessary as a sign of respect for the Sarpanch and the Panchayat proceedings.


Q:40 What is the moral of the Gonu and Bhonu story?

A: The moral is that fairness, compromise, and wise decision-making are essential to resolve disputes and maintain peace.

Answer by Mrinmoee