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Class 11 Alternative English Chapter 4 The Queen of the Village
-Jim Corbett
About the Author
Jim Corbett was born on 25 July 1875 in Nainital. He grew up in the Himalayan foothills and developed a deep familiarity with forests and wildlife. Corbett became famous as a skilled hunter who tracked and killed several man-eating tigers and leopards that threatened local villagers. However, he later turned into a strong advocate for wildlife conservation and emphasized the importance of protecting animals in their natural habitat.
He served in the British Indian Army during the First World War and later wrote several popular books, including Man-Eaters of Kumaon and My India, based on his experiences in rural India. His writings reflect deep sympathy for the hill people and a keen understanding of nature. In his honour, India’s first national park, Jim Corbett National Park, was named after him. He died in 1955 in Kenya.
Word Notes
Machan: a raised platform built on a tree for watching or hunting animals
Oak: a large strong forest tree
Ghat: a landing place or steps leading to a river
Bania: a village shopkeeper or trader
Anna: an old Indian coin value equal to sixteen pice
Pice: small unit of old Indian currency
Plough: farming tool used for digging and turning soil
Bodice: a close-fitting upper garment worn by women
Shawl: a piece of warm cloth worn over shoulders
Cartilage: firm flexible tissue in ear or body
Cartilage: part of ear structure where ornaments are worn
Cattle: domesticated animals like cows and bulls used for farming
Stale: old and no longer fresh (especially food)
Kerosene: fuel oil used for lamps and cooking
Packmen: travelling traders who carry goods and news
Telegram: a written message sent quickly over long distance
Victim: a person or animal harmed or killed
Sever: to cut or separate forcefully
Prey: an animal that is hunted or killed by another
Voluminous: large and flowing in size or shape
Bodily: relating to the body
Expedition: a journey for a special purpose like hunting or exploration
Machan (again): raised wooden platform used for watching wildlife
Diligent: hardworking and careful
Tribe: a group of people living in a traditional society
Villagers: people living in a village
Community: group of people living together and sharing life
Sympathy: understanding and feeling for others’ suffering
Dignity: self-respect and noble behaviour
Resilience: ability to remain strong in difficulty
Heritage: traditions and culture passed down through generations
Summary
“The Queen of the Village” by Jim Corbett is a sensitive and realistic portrayal of rural life in the Kumaon region of India. The essay presents the life of simple villagers living close to nature, whose daily existence is shaped by hardship, tradition, and mutual dependence. Through vivid observation, Corbett highlights both the struggles and the quiet dignity of these hill people.
The central figure of the essay is an elderly woman who is affectionately regarded by the villagers as the “queen” of their community. She is not a ruler in a political sense, but a symbol
of respect, care, and emotional unity. Her importance lies in the way she is connected to the lives of the villagers, who depend on her and honour her deeply. She becomes a focal point of affection and collective identity.
Corbett describes how rural society functions through cooperation, simple trade, and traditional systems. The essay also reflects his broader concern for rural life and his deep sympathy for ordinary people. His narration avoids romantic exaggeration and instead focuses on authenticity, showing both beauty and hardship.
Overall, the essay is a tribute to human dignity in humble surroundings. It reveals Corbett’s humanistic vision, where true greatness is found not in wealth or power but in character, respect, and community bonds.
Comprehension: Textual Questions & Answers
I. Answer the following questions in one or two words.
1. In which tree was a machan put up?
Ans: The machan was erected in an oak tree.
2. Where is Mokameh Ghat?
Ans: Mokameh Ghat is situated on the banks of the River Ganga in eastern Bihar.
3. Who is the ‘White Sadhu’?
Ans: Jim Corbett is known as the ‘White Sadhu’.
4. Who is the bania’s first customer?
Ans: The bania’s first customer is a young boy.
5. How many pice make an anna?
Ans: One anna is equivalent to four pice.
II. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.
1. How do the villagers plough the narrow fields?
Ans: The villagers till their narrow fields using a short-handled plough drawn by strong hill cattle, which enables them to work the land efficiently.
2. Describe the dress of a high-caste hill woman.
Ans: A high-caste hill woman wears a solid gold necklace, several fine gold rings in her ears, and a large nose ring supported by a chain over the ear, along with a shawl, a fitted bodice, and a long flowing skirt.
3. How did the tiger kill his first victim?
Ans: The tiger attacked a young girl, killed her instantly, and carried away her body.
4. What items are sold by the bania in his stall?
Ans: The bania sells flour, rice, pulses, ghee, salt, stale sweets, vegetables, cigarettes, matches, and kerosene oil.
5. How do the inhabitants of Kumaon villages get news of the outside world?
Ans: The villagers receive news through telegrams, radios, and travelling packmen, who are particularly well-informed.
III. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. Describe the episode involving the sportsman from the time of his arrival at the machan to his departure.
Ans: A sportsman joined the villagers and took position on the machan, claiming he would shoot the tiger. However, when the tiger appeared, he failed to act and later denied seeing it. His careless handling of a lantern caused a forest fire, which spread rapidly before being extinguished by rain. He spent the night on the machan and left the next morning without
providing any real help.
2. Would you agree that through the bania and his customers, Corbett presents a snapshot of life in a typical Kumaon village? Write a reasoned answer.
Ans: Yes, Corbett effectively portrays village life through the bania and his customers, highlighting their daily routines, simplicity, and resilience, thereby offering a realistic picture of
Kumaon society.
3. Describe the two instances when the villagers display bravery and courage.
Ans: The villagers first showed courage by preventing the tiger from taking its prey, and later by bravely tracking it unarmed and preparing another machan to confront it.
4. Why did the villagers send Corbett a telegram? Why did it take him long to arrive at the village?
Ans: The villagers sent a telegram to seek help against a man-eating tiger. His arrival was delayed due to slow communication and the long, difficult journey he had to undertake.
IV. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Do you think that ‘The Queen of the Village’ is an appropriate title? Discuss.
Ans: The title “The Queen of the Village” is highly appropriate and meaningful, as it reflects the deep respect, affection, and admiration that the central character commands within her
community. The term “queen” is not used in a literal sense of royalty or power, but rather in a symbolic manner to highlight her moral strength, dignity, and central place in village life.
Despite living a simple and humble life, she becomes indispensable to the villagers, who regard her with reverence and emotional attachment.
Her importance lies not only in her practical contributions but also in the sense of unity and stability she brings to the community. She represents qualities such as patience, endurance,
kindness, and quiet leadership. The villagers’ collective concern for her well-being and their pride in her presence elevate her status to that of a figure worthy of honour. Thus, the title
effectively captures the essence of her character and her unique position in the social and emotional fabric of the village.
2. It is generally held that Corbett was very sympathetic in his portrayal of the hill people. Do you agree? Write a reasoned answer.
Ans: Yes, it is entirely justified to say that Corbett was deeply sympathetic in his portrayal of the hill people. His writing reflects not only keen observation but also genuine empathy and respect for their way of life. He presents them as simple yet dignified individuals who, despite facing poverty, hardship, and social limitations, maintain strong moral values and a sense of community.
Corbett does not portray them as mere background figures; instead, he brings out their humanity, highlighting their kindness, hospitality, courage, and resilience. He shows how they live in close harmony with nature and depend on one another for survival, thereby emphasizing their cooperative spirit. His familiarity with their lives, gained through long personal association, allows him to depict them in a realistic and affectionate manner.
Moreover, Corbett’s tone is never condescending; rather, it conveys admiration for their endurance and quiet strength. By focusing on their everyday struggles and virtues, he gives voice to a section of society that is often overlooked. This compassionate and respectful portrayal clearly demonstrates his deep sympathy and understanding of the hill people.
Additional Question-Answers
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who wrote “The Queen of the Village”?
(a) Rudyard Kipling
(b) E.M. Forster
(c) Jim Corbett
(d) Ruskin Bond
Ans: (c)
2. The author of the essay was originally a:
(a) Doctor
(b) Hunter and writer
(c) Teacher
(d) Politician
Ans: (b)
3. The essay is set mainly in which region?
(a) Punjab
(b) Bengal
(c) Kumaon
(d) Rajasthan
Ans: (c)
4. The “Queen of the Village” refers to:
(a) A government officer
(b) A rich landlord
(c) An elderly respected woman
(d) A school teacher
Ans: (c)
5. The villagers respect her because of her:
(a) Wealth
(b) Power
(c) Character and importance
(d) Education
Ans: (c)
6. Jim Corbett is also known as:
(a) White Sadhu
(b) Black Hunter
(c) Forest King
(d) Tiger Man
Ans: (a)
7. The village life described in the essay is mainly:
(a) Urban and modern
(b) Industrial
(c) Simple and rural
(d) Highly developed
Ans: (c)
8. The essay mainly highlights:
(a) Political issues
(b) Urban lifestyle
(c) Rural life and human values
(d) Military life
Ans: (c)
9. The Queen of the Village is admired for her:
(a) Money
(b) Status
(c) Dignity
(d) Education
Ans: (c)
10. Corbett shows special sympathy towards:
(a) Soldiers
(b) Kings
(c) Hill people
(d) Traders
Ans: (c)
11. The villagers’ life depends mostly on:
(a) Industry
(b) Farming and nature
(c) Technology
(d) Trade centres
Ans: (b)
12. The author presents village life as:
(a) Artificial
(b) Harsh but real
(c) Luxurious
(d) Unnatural
Ans: (b)
13. The essay reflects Corbett’s attitude of:
(a) Hatred
(b) Indifference
(c) Sympathy
(d) Anger
Ans: (c)
14. The Queen of the Village symbolizes:
(a) Political power
(b) Moral strength and respect
(c) Wealth
(d) Education system
Ans: (b)
15. The villagers are shown as:
(a) Selfish
(b) Kind and cooperative
(c) Violent
(d) Modern
Ans: (b)
16. Corbett’s writing style is mainly:
(a) Scientific
(b) Emotional and descriptive
(c) Mathematical
(d) Legal
Ans: (b)
17. The essay belongs to the genre of:
(a) Drama
(b) Poetry
(c) Sketch or narrative essay
(d) Science fiction
Ans: (c)
18. The setting of the essay is closely connected with:
(a) Desert life
(b) Forest and hills
(c) Sea coast
(d) Cities
Ans: (b)
19. The Queen of the Village is respected by:
(a) Outsiders only
(b) Villagers only
(c) Both villagers and outsiders
(d) No one
Ans: (c)
20. The essay mainly presents:
(a) War story
(b) Social observation
(c) Fantasy tale
(d) Mythology
Ans: (b)
21. The villagers’ lifestyle is described as:
(a) Highly luxurious
(b) Simple and traditional
(c) Artificial
(d) Fast-moving
Ans: (b)
22. Corbett’s tone in the essay is:
(a) Harsh
(b) Neutral and cold
(c) Warm and sympathetic
(d) Sarcastic
Ans: (c)
23. The “queen” is important mainly because of her:
(a) Power
(b) Influence and respect
(c) Wealth
(d) Education
Ans: (b)
24. The essay reflects life in which type of society?
(a) Industrial society
(b) Urban society
(c) Rural tribal society
(d) Metropolitan society
Ans: (c)
25. The central message of the essay is about:
(a) War and conflict
(b) Wealth and power
(c) Human dignity and respect
(d) Technology and progress
Ans: (c) 0 0 0
