PSEB Class 12 Chapter 6 The Bull Beneath The Earth Important Question Answers from A Rainbow of English book (Section C)
PSEB Class 12 English The Bull Beneath The Earth Question Answers – Looking for questions and answers for PSEB Class 12 A Rainbow of English Book (Section C) Chapter 6 The Bull Beneath The Earth? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 12 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Chapter 6 The Bull Beneath The Earth now. The questions listed below are based on the latest PSEB exam pattern. All the Questions Answers given at the back of the lesson have also been covered.
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PSEB Class 12 English Chapter 6 The Bull Beneath The Earth Textbook Questions
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
I Short Answer Type Questions:
1. Who were Mann Singh and Karam Singh?
Ans. Mann Singh and Karam Singh were close friends who served together as soldiers in the Indian army.
2. What were the designations of Karam Singh and Mann Singh in the army?
Ans. Karam Singh held the rank of Havildar, while Mann Singh had recently been promoted to the rank of Naik.
3. Where did Mann Singh go when he got a few days’ leave?
Ans. When Mann Singh got a few days’ leave, he went to visit Karam Singh’s village near Amritsar.
4. Who did Mann Singh meet first on entering Karam Singh’s house?
Ans. The first person Mann Singh met on entering Karam Singh’s house was Karam Singh’s father.
5. Who was Jaswant Singh?
Ans. Jaswant Singh was the younger brother of Karam Singh.
6. What did Mann Singh tell Karam Singh’s family about the latter’s war-skills?
Ans. Mann Singh told the family that Karam Singh was a famous and expert rifle shooter whose one shot was enough to kill hidden Japanese soldiers during the war.
7. Which words of Mann Singh pierced Karam Singh’s father’s heart?
Ans. The words that pierced Karam Singh’s father’s heart were when Mann Singh told the little boy that he would take him to his father, not knowing that Karam Singh was already dead.
8. How far was Taran Taran from Karam Singh’s village?
Ans. Taran Taran was nearly four miles away from Karam Singh’s village.
9. What news did the postman bring?
Ans. The postman brought news about Karam Singh’s pension, which confirmed that Karam Singh had been killed in the war.
10. What was the effect of Karam Singh’s death on Mann Singh?
Ans. The news of Karam Singh’s death deeply shocked Mann Singh, leaving him numb at first and then bringing tears to his eyes.
11. Why did the members of Karam Singh’s family not break the news of his death to Mann Singh?
Ans. The family did not break the news of Karam Singh’s death to Mann Singh because they did not want to spoil his holiday and wanted him to remain happy while he was on leave.
12. Why did Mann Singh compare Karam Singh’s father to a bull who bore upon its head the burden of the whole earth?
Ans. Mann Singh compared Karam Singh’s father to such a bull because, despite his deep personal grief, he silently carried the burden and even tried to save others from sorrow.
II Long Answer Type Questions:
1. Write a character-sketch of Karam Singh.
Ans. Karam Singh was a brave and skilled soldier who served his country with full dedication. He was known as a crack shot, meaning he was excellent at shooting. During the war, he showed extraordinary courage by spotting and shooting Japanese soldiers hiding high up in trees. His bravery earned him great respect in his regiment. He was also a friendly and charming person. He loved to share stories of his military experiences, and the villagers eagerly listened to him. He had a warm personality and strong love for his family and homeland. Even after his death, the villagers felt proud of him. Karam Singh remains a symbol of courage, patriotism, and sacrifice.
2. Write a character-sketch of Mann Singh.
Ans. Mann Singh was a loyal friend and a devoted soldier. He deeply cared for Karam Singh and respected their friendship. Before going on leave, he had promised Karam Singh that he would visit his family, and he kept that promise. He was sensitive and emotionally attached to his friend’s family. He felt lonely when they treated him silently, but he did not complain. When he finally learned about Karam Singh’s death, he was heartbroken and cried openly. Mann Singh’s reactions show his sincerity, honesty, and true friendship. He understood the grief of Karam Singh’s family and shared their sorrow like a member of the family.
3. Why did Mann Singh visit Karam Singh’s village during his leave? How did Karam Singh’s family treat him? What was the reason for such treatment?
Ans. Mann Singh visited Karam Singh’s village to meet his friend’s family and to share the latest news from the regiment, as he had promised Karam Singh before his leave. He wanted to make them happy with stories about their brave son. Karam Singh’s family treated him with love and respect. They served him well and provided everything to make him comfortable. However, they were silent, sad, and emotionally distant. Though they tried to hide it, Mann Singh felt the atmosphere of sorrow around him. The reason behind their behaviour was that Karam Singh had died in the war. They did not tell Mann Singh because they did not want to spoil his holidays. They wanted to protect him from the sadness for as long as possible. Their silence shows deep love and concern, even for a guest.
4. Give a brief character-sketch of Karam Singh’s father?
Ans. Karam Singh’s father was a strong, silent, and courageous old man. He had spent his life in a historical region where generations had bravely defended their land. This background made him mentally tough and emotionally firm. He suffered a huge loss when his son died, but he did not express his grief openly. He tried to hide his pain from others and behave normally. He even requested other villagers not to tell Mann Singh the truth so that his holidays would not be ruined. His ability to carry such heavy sorrow quietly shows inner strength, sacrifice, and a big heart. He was like a pillar of support for his family and village.
5. Discuss the appropriateness of the title of the story: “The Bull beneath the Earth’.
Ans. The title “The Bull Beneath the Earth” is very meaningful and suitable for the story. In mythology, it is believed that a powerful bull carries the weight of the entire earth on its head. This bull remains unseen yet continues its duty silently. In the story, Karam Singh’s father is compared to this symbolic bull. He carries the heavy burden of his son’s death in his heart but does not show his pain. Instead, he tries to protect others from sorrow, especially Mann Singh. Despite being crushed by grief, he remains strong and helpful. Thus, the title reflects the hidden courage, invisible suffering, and silent sacrifices made by ordinary people like Karam Singh’s father. He becomes the “bull” holding the weight of emotional pain beneath the surface.
Punjab Board Class 12 English Chapter 6 The Bull Beneath The Earth Extra Question and Answers
Extract-Based Questions
A.
“Many in Karam Singh’s village always kept inquiring from his father about his next leave. He was a hearty, friendly character. He had a most agreeable manner of speech and people loved to sit by his side and listen to his tales of war and adventure. He was not the only serving youth from that village there were others too. But when they came home they were at a loss for topics to make conversation with the village folk. With many people they did not go beyond the usual formal greeting. It was different with Karam Singh. When he was at home, there were always many more people at the well in the morning for bathing and they always stayed longer than usual. In winter people sat by the dying fire of the gram parcher’s oven till midnight, Karam Singh keeping up an unbroken lively course of discussion. In his regiment, Karam Singh was famous as crack shot. In rifle shooting competitions his bullets tore the middle of the target with such precision that it appeared as if it had been needled through by hand.”
Q1. Why did the villagers enjoy sitting with Karam Singh?
Ans. The villagers enjoyed sitting with Karam Singh because he was friendly and had an agreeable manner of talking, and they loved to listen to his exciting stories of war and adventure.
Q2. Why was Karam Singh more popular than other serving soldiers of the village?
Ans. Karam Singh was more popular because he could engage people in lively conversation, unlike other soldiers who did not have much to talk about besides formal greetings.
Q3. How did Karam Singh’s presence affect the activities at the village well?
Ans. When Karam Singh was home, more people than usual gathered at the well in the morning and stayed there longer just to listen to him talk.
Q4. What kept the villagers awake till midnight in winter?
Ans. In winter, villagers sat near the dying fire of the gram parcher’s oven till midnight, listening to Karam Singh’s continuous and lively discussions.
Q5. For what skill was Karam Singh famous in his regiment?
Ans. Karam Singh was famous as a crack shot in his regiment because of his excellent aim in rifle shooting competitions.
B.
“But leave in those days was difficult to obtain. Only rarely did some lucky people get it – just as rarely as some lucky soldiers got the opportunity of showing gallantry and winning medals.
And when Mann Singh got into the military truck to come away, Karam Singh gave him the parting message. “You must go to my village and see my people before you return. They will be very happy to see you. You can give them news of me. They will feel as if I have met them. And then when I see you and get news of them from you it would be so much like seeing them personally.” Then to arouse Mann Singh’s interest in the geography of his village, he said: “Have you seen that end before?” “No,” he answered. “I have passed through Amritsar, but never gone beyond.” ”
Q1. Why was it difficult to get leave during those days?
Ans. It was difficult to get leave during those days because very few soldiers were granted leave due to the ongoing war.
Q2. What did Karam Singh request Mann Singh to do before returning from leave?
Ans. Karam Singh requested Mann Singh to visit his village and meet his family to give them news about him.
Q3. Why did Karam Singh think his family would be happy to meet Mann Singh?
Ans. He believed his family would be happy because Mann Singh could bring them fresh news about him, making them feel that Karam Singh had personally come home.
Q4. Why was Mann Singh interested in visiting the village?
Ans. Mann Singh became interested after Karam Singh described the beautiful surroundings and famous gurudwaras near the village.
Q5. What did Karam Singh mean by “that end”?
Ans. By “that end,” Karam Singh meant the region beyond Amritsar where his village was situated.
C.
“Although everyone had done his best to make him comfortable, he had enjoyed the visit much less than he had expected. Even now when tea was being prepared for him he sat in the porch, all by himself. He was looking out into the street and saw the postman, with the bag slung across his shoulder, walk up. He appeared to pass along, but turned in and took his seat on the charpoy by the side of Mann Singh. “What have you brought?” “Oh, what can it be? It must be papers concerning poor Karam Singh’s pension.” “Karam Singh’s pension?…. What do you mean?…. Has Karam Singh been killed?” “Don’t you know? Even the trees and birds of this village are in mourning for Karam Singh. And you sitting in his own house ask if he has been killed. The letter arrived fifteen days ago.””
Q1. Why was Mann Singh sitting alone on the porch?
Ans. Mann Singh was sitting alone because he felt disappointed and emotionally uncomfortable as the family was not showing interest in talking to him.
Q2. What did the postman bring with him?
Ans. The postman brought papers related to the pension of Karam Singh.
Q3. How did Mann Singh react when he heard about Karam Singh’s pension?
Ans. Mann Singh was shocked and confused because he immediately realized that pension papers meant that Karam Singh had been killed.
Q4. What did the postman reveal about Karam Singh’s death?
Ans. The postman revealed that the letter announcing Karam Singh’s death had arrived fifteen days earlier and the entire village was mourning.
Q5. Why was Mann Singh unaware of the tragic news?
Ans. Mann Singh was unaware because the family had tried to hide the news to avoid spoiling his holidays.
D.
“On his way back, Mann Singh’s eyes ranged curiously over the villages which formed the environment in which Karam Singh’s father had grown up. There were forts built around them for protection. There were tombs and monuments which enshrined many a deathless story of heroic fights against the invaders of Bharat. That was the secret of the old man’s strength, his capacity for absorbing shocks. He could voluntarily take on additional burden to spare another person’s discomfort.” Mann Singh had heard that there was a bull which bore upon its head the burden of the whole earth. Karam Singh’s father appeared to him just another similar benevolent spirit which, though bent under its own oppressive load, was yet willing to share other people’s burdens.”
Q1. What did Mann Singh observe while returning from the village?
Ans. Mann Singh noticed forts, tombs, and monuments that told stories of heroic battles fought by the people of that region.
Q2. What was the secret behind Karam Singh’s father’s strength?
Ans. Karam Singh’s father’s strength lay in the brave environment in which he had grown up, where people faced hardships and protected their land with courage.
Q3. What burden was Karam Singh’s father carrying?
Ans. Karam Singh’s father was carrying the unbearable burden of his son’s death, yet he remained strong and quiet.
Q4. Why did Karam Singh’s father try to hide his grief?
Ans. Karam Singh’s father tried to hide his grief so that Mann Singh’s leave would not be ruined by sorrow.
Q5. Why is Karam Singh’s father compared to a bull beneath the earth?
Ans. Karam Singh’s father is compared to such a bull because, like the mythical bull that bears the weight of the world, he silently bore his own grief and even tried to carry others’ pain.
Multiple-Choice Questions
Q1. Where was Karam Singh’s village located?
A. Near Lahore
B. Near Amritsar
C. Near Delhi
D. Near Ludhiana
Ans. B. Near Amritsar
Q2. Who is the author of the story?
A. Prem Chand
B. Khushwant Singh
C. Kulwant Singh Virk
D. Mulk Raj Anand
Ans. C. Kulwant Singh Virk
Q3. What was Mann Singh’s rank in the army?
A. Major
B. Colonel
C. Naik
D. Havildar
Ans. C. Naik
Q4. What was Karam Singh’s rank in the army?
A. Captain
B. Havildar
C. Subedar
D. Lance Naik
Ans. B. Havildar
Q5. In which war were the two friends serving together?
A. World War I
B. Burma front in World War II
C. Indo-Pak War
D. Kargil War
Ans. B. Burma front in World War II
Q6. How did the villagers feel about Karam Singh?
A. They disliked him
B. They feared him
C. They admired him
D. They ignored him
Ans. C. They admired him
Q7. For what particular skill was Karam Singh famous?
A. Cooking
B. Dancing
C. Singing
D. Rifle shooting
Ans. D. Rifle shooting
Q8. Who was the first person Mann Singh met at Karam Singh’s home?
A. Karam Singh’s mother
B. Jaswant Singh
C. Karam Singh’s father
D. The postman
Ans. C. Karam Singh’s father
Q9. What was unusual in the family’s behaviour toward Mann Singh?
A. They welcomed him warmly
B. They were indifferent and silent
C. They arranged a celebration
D. They took him sightseeing
Ans. B. They were indifferent and silent
Q10. Who revealed the truth about Karam Singh’s death?
A. Jaswant Singh
B. Karam Singh’s mother
C. The postman
D. A neighbour
Ans. C. The postman
Q11. What did the postman bring?
A. A money order
B. Papers related to pension
C. A parcel
D. A leave letter
Ans. B. Papers related to pension
Q12. Why didn’t the family tell Mann Singh about the death earlier?
A. They were afraid of him
B. They forgot
C. They wanted him to enjoy his leave
D. They didn’t know themselves
Ans. C. They wanted him to enjoy his leave
Q13. What was Karam Singh compared to at the end of the story?
A. A tiger
B. A sword
C. A mountain
D. A bull beneath the earth
Ans. D. A bull beneath the earth
Q14. What was the name of Karam Singh’s brother?
A. Surjit Singh
B. Jaswant Singh
C. Mohan Singh
D. Kartar Singh
Ans. B. Jaswant Singh
Q15. What vehicle did Mann Singh travel in to the village?
A. Truck
B. Bus
C. Tonga
D. Train
Ans. C. Tonga
Q16. Why was Mann Singh disappointed during the visit?
A. There was no food
B. He had no place to sleep
C. No one wanted to talk about Karam Singh
D. He fell sick
Ans. C. No one wanted to talk about Karam Singh
Q17. What emotion did the family try to hide?
A. Anger
B. Joy
C. Grief
D. Surprise
Ans. C. Grief
Q18. How did Mann Singh react to the news of his friend’s death?
A. He laughed
B. He was relieved
C. He was deeply shocked and cried
D. He ignored it
Ans. C. He was deeply shocked and cried
Q19. Why did many villagers gather at the well when Karam Singh was home?
A. To fetch more water
B. To listen to his stories
C. To bathe longer in summer
D. To participate in a festival
Ans. B. To listen to his stories
Q20. What does the story mainly highlight?
A. The joy of holidays
B. The importance of wealth
C. Silent suffering and sacrifice
D. Military punishments
Ans. C. Silent suffering and sacrifice
True or False
State whether the following are true or false-
1. Mann Singh and Karam Singh were childhood enemies.
2. Karam Singh was known for his excellent shooting skills.
3. Mann Singh visited Karam Singh’s home during the war.
4. The family of Karam Singh welcomed Mann Singh with great joy.
5. The villagers highly respected Karam Singh.
6. Karam Singh had died during the war.
7. The family openly shared the news of Karam Singh’s death immediately.
8. Mann Singh was not shocked when he heard about Karam Singh’s death.
9. The story shows deep emotions of love and grief.
10. Karam Singh is compared to a bull beneath the earth in the end.
Ans.
1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. False
9. True
10. False
Fill in the blanks
1. Karam Singh and Mann Singh served together in the ________ war.
2. Karam Singh belonged to a village near ________.
3. Mann Singh travelled to the village by a ________.
4. Karam Singh was a ________ in the army.
5. The first person Mann Singh met at the house was Karam Singh’s ________.
6. The family kept ________ about Karam Singh’s death.
7. The ________ brought the pension papers to the house.
8. The villagers enjoyed listening to Karam Singh’s ________.
9. Mann Singh cried when he came to know about Karam Singh’s ________.
10. The title of the story compares Karam Singh’ father to a ________ beneath the earth.
Ans.
1. World War II Burma front
2. Amritsar
3. tonga
4. Havildar
5. father
6. silent
7. postman
8. stories
9. death
10. bull
Extra Questions
Answer the following questions-
Q1. Why was Karam Singh so popular in his village?
Ans. Karam Singh was a very friendly and cheerful person, and this made him extremely popular in his village. He narrated thrilling stories of war and adventure that captured the villagers’ imagination. Unlike other soldiers who spoke very little, Karam Singh always kept the conversation lively. People gathered around him at the village well or near the fireside just to hear him speak. His pleasant manner of talking and his brave personality made him loved by everyone. He was also known for being a crack shot in the army, which earned him great
respect.
Q2. Why did Mann Singh visit Karam Singh’s village?
Ans. Mann Singh visited Karam Singh’s village because Karam Singh had requested him to meet his family during his leave. He told Mann Singh that his family would be delighted to hear news about him, and that Mann Singh could convey his love and respect to them. Karam Singh believed that his parents would feel his presence through his friend’s visit. Mann Singh respected this heartfelt request and decided to visit the family before returning to duty. He wanted to show love for his friend and fulfill his wish. His visit shows the strong bond of friendship and loyalty between the two soldiers.
Q3. How did Karam Singh’s family behave when Mann Singh arrived?
Ans. When Mann Singh reached the home of Karam Singh, the family behaved in an unusual and silent manner. They welcomed him politely, but the warmth and happiness which he expected were missing. No one showed excitement or asked eagerly about Karam Singh. They spoke very little and seemed extremely depressed. Even Karam Singh’s mother did not express her feelings openly. Mann Singh could not understand the reason behind their behaviour. He felt confused and uncomfortable. The silence and sadness in the house deeply disturbed him. Later, he realised that their behaviour was due to the shock and grief of Karam Singh’s death, which they had hidden from him.
Q4. Why was Mann Singh shocked to hear the news of Karam Singh’s death?
Ans. Mann Singh was completely shocked when he heard that Karam Singh had died in the war. He had never imagined that his close friend, who was so full of life, could be gone forever. He had come to the village happily to give good news to the family, but instead he received heartbreaking news. He felt guilty that he had been enjoying his leave while the family was silently suffering. The sudden truth made him speechless and filled him with deep sorrow. He knew how much Karam Singh loved his parents, and the thought of their grief made the shock even deeper for him.
Q5. What does the behaviour of Karam Singh’s father tell us about his character?
Ans. Karam Singh’s father showed great strength and patience in a moment of unbearable tragedy. Even after losing his only son, he controlled his emotions because he did not want to spoil Mann Singh’s short leave. He suffered in silence and made every effort to keep his guest comfortable. This shows that he was a selfless man who cared for others more than himself. He belonged to a community with a great tradition of bravery and sacrifice. His courage and sense of duty made him appear like a strong bull bearing the weight of the whole earth. His character reflects dignity, responsibility, and exceptional endurance.
Q6. Why is the story titled “The Bull Beneath the Earth”?
Ans. The title “The Bull Beneath the Earth” symbolizes great strength and sacrifice. In Indian mythology, a bull supports the world on its strong head. Similarly, Karam Singh’s father carries the heavy burden of his son’s death without showing his pain. He hides his sorrow and welcomes Mann Singh with respect. Though his heart is broken, he suffers silently so that another person does not feel discomfort. His patience and inner strength make him resemble the mighty bull beneath the earth. The title expresses the idea of invisible strength, strength that does not show itself but continues to support others.
Q7. How does the story show the bond of friendship between soldiers?
Ans. The story clearly shows the deep bond of friendship between soldiers like Karam Singh and Mann Singh. Soldiers live together, share dangers, and fight side by side, which creates strong emotional ties. Karam Singh trusted Mann Singh enough to send him to his family with loving messages. Mann Singh respected this wish and travelled to the village despite difficulties. He wanted to make Karam Singh’s family happy and give them comfort. When he heard about Karam Singh’s death, his tears showed how much he loved his friend. Their relationship shows loyalty, trust, and true brotherhood that exists among soldiers.
Q8. How does the story depict the pain of war?
Ans. The story strongly shows that war causes deep emotional suffering to soldiers and their families. While soldiers fight bravely on the battlefield, their families live in constant fear and worry. Karam Singh lost his life in the war, and his parents were left heartbroken forever. They had no one to support them in their old age. Their silent suffering shows the hidden cost of war. Mann Singh too felt unbearable grief after hearing the news. The story reminds us that war destroys happiness and causes permanent pain. It teaches that behind every medal and victory, there are tears and sacrifice.
Q9. What do the villagers’ reactions tell us about Karam Singh?
Ans. The villagers deeply admired and respected Karam Singh because he was brave, cheerful, and helpful. They always enjoyed listening to his conversations whenever he visited the village. He became a source of pride for them because he served the nation bravely and made a name in his regiment as an expert shooter. After his death, even the villagers felt as though the entire village was in mourning. The postman said that even the trees and birds were sad. This shows that Karam Singh’s personality left a strong impact on everyone around him, and he became a true hero in their hearts.
Q10. What message does the story convey to the readers?
Ans. The story conveys a strong message of patriotism, sacrifice, and silent courage. It shows that soldiers risk their lives to protect the nation, while their families silently endure tremendous emotional pain. The story inspires us to honour such brave hearts and their families. It also tells us that true strength lies not in showing power, but in bearing sorrow bravely for the sake of others. The behaviour of Karam Singh’s father teaches us selflessness, dignity, and endurance. The story reminds us to respect those who serve the country and appreciate the sacrifices made by their loved ones.