Chapter 4

                                                      Journey By Night


1.Who was Sher Singh Bahadur?

Ans: Sher Singh Bahadur was Sher Singh's father, a famous hunter in Laldwani village, renowned for his bravery in the jungle. He earned the title “Bahadur” for rescuing people from dangerous wild animals.

2.Where did Sher Singh get his scar from?

Ans: He didn’t have the scar; his father did. Sher Singh’s father had a scar on his skull, back, and shoulder from being clawed by a tiger while saving a comrade.

3.Why were there no men in the village when Kunwar fell ill?

Ans: Most men, including Sher Singh's father, were away on an expedition in the jungle, and other men were also away working as beaters in the forest.

4.What had happened to the other children in the village?

Ans: They had died from cholera and influenza.

5.Why could Sher Singh's mother not take her son to the hospital?

Ans: She had to stay behind to care for the cattle and work the land, which was essential for the family’s survival.

6.How did Sher Singh carry his brother to the hospital?

Ans: He made a sling from a sari and carried his brother, Kunwar, on his back throughout the jungle and across rivers.

7.What challenges did Sher Singh face in the jungle?

Ans: He faced wild animals such as elephants, tigers, and bears, muddy tracks, rivers, and exhaustion from carrying his brother over long distances.

8.Describe Sher Singh’s encounter with elephants.

Ans: While resting on a cliff, he noticed elephants below him. He froze in fear, but the elephants moved on without attacking.

9.What was the condition of the first river, and how did Sher Singh cross it?

Ans: The first river was shallow, only waist-deep, but slippery with slime. Sher Singh carefully waded through it while carrying Kunwar.

10.What was the condition of the second river, and what happened to the bridge?

Ans: The second river was in flood due to melting snow, and the bamboo bridge was submerged and partially destroyed by a tree carried in the water.

11.How did Sher Singh manage to cross the second river?

Ans: He tied himself and Kunwar together with plaited grass and struggled through the water, keeping Kunwar’s head above the surface.

12.How did they finally reach the hospital?

Ans: After crossing the rivers, they reached a road where dogs barked, and soon they were helped onto a bullock cart and then a truck that took them to the hospital.

13.What did the doctor say when Sher Singh arrived?

Ans: The doctor recognized Sher Singh’s bravery and said that Kunwar would live. He called Sher Singh “Sher Singh Bahadur—the Brave.”

14.Why did Sher Singh feel shy at the hospital?

Ans: He was a small child and intimidated by the size of the hospital and the attention he was receiving for his courageous act.

15.Why did Sher Singh decide to carry Kunwar himself?

Ans: He realized there were no men available, and he understood the urgency since Kunwar was critically ill and might die.

16.How did Sher Singh’s mother react to Kunwar’s illness?

Ans: She tried to soothe him with hot rags but did not cry. She understood the harsh realities of jungle life.

17.What qualities of Sher Singh are highlighted in the story?

Ans: Courage, determination, responsibility, physical strength, and love for his younger brother.

18.What does the story reveal about the life of people in Laldwani village?

Ans: Life was hard and dangerous, with frequent epidemics, wild animals, and dependence on agriculture and cattle.

19.How did Sher Singh prepare for crossing the rivers?

Ans: He took a short rest, gauged the river conditions, and created a rope from grass to tie himself with his brother for safety.

20.What fears did Sher Singh experience during the journey?

Ans: Fear of wild animals like elephants and tigers, drowning in the river, and exhaustion from the long journey.

21.Why is Sher Singh compared to his father in the story?

Ans: Because, like his father, he displayed bravery and resourcefulness in life-threatening situations, earning him the same title “Bahadur.”

22.Explain the importance of the jungle setting in the story.

Ans: The jungle represents danger, survival challenges, and the harsh realities of life in rural India, which Sher Singh must navigate.

23.How does the story demonstrate the theme of courage?

Ans: Sher Singh’s courage is shown through his willingness to face wild animals, cross dangerous rivers, and endure physical exhaustion for the sake of his brother.

24.Why did Sher Singh feel relief when the elephants moved on?

Ans: He feared being trampled or attacked and could not run with Kunwar on his back. Their departure meant safety.

25.What role does Sher Singh’s mother play in the story?

Ans: She provides guidance, emotional support, and practical advice but trusts her son’s judgment and bravery.

26.What does the flood river scene teach us about Sher Singh’s resilience?

Ans: It shows that he remains calm, strategic, and determined even in life-threatening situations, never giving up.

27.How does the story show the bond between Sher Singh and Kunwar?

Ans: Sher Singh’s love and responsibility for Kunwar are evident in his actions, keeping him safe and prioritizing his life over his own comfort.

28.Why is the title “Journey by Night” appropriate for the story?

Ans: The journey is physically undertaken during night, symbolizing danger, uncertainty, and courage.

29.What is the significance of the doctor calling Sher Singh ‘Bahadur—the Brave’?

Ans: It officially recognizes Sher Singh’s courage, paralleling his father’s legendary bravery.

30.What does Sher Singh’s success teach about human willpower?

Ans: It demonstrates that determination, quick thinking, and bravery can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Answer by Mrinmoee