Chapter 7: Fair Play

Introduction

"Fair Play" is a classic story by Munshi Premchand that beautifully illustrates the principles of justice, impartiality, and the power of truth, even when it means making difficult decisions against personal friendships. It highlights how holding a position of responsibility, like a judge in a panchayat, demands fairness above all else.

Important Note: The complete original text of the chapter cannot be provided here due to copyright restrictions. Below is a summary of the story and questions/answers which will help you understand this chapter.

Story Summary - Part I: The Old Aunt's Appeal

The story introduces two close friends, **Jumman Shaikh** and **Algu Chowdhry**. Their friendship was legendary in the village, based on mutual trust and respect. Jumman lived with his **old aunt**, who had transferred her property to him years ago with the understanding that he would look after her. For a couple of years, all went well, but eventually, Jumman and his wife, Kariman, grew tired of the old woman. She was given very little food and was often insulted.

The aunt could not bear this ill-treatment anymore. She demanded a monthly allowance from Jumman so she could set up a separate kitchen. Jumman flatly refused, leading to a heated argument. The aunt then decided to take her case to the **panchayat** – the village court. She knew that the voice of the panchayat was the voice of God.

She went from villager to villager, explaining her plight. Some sympathized, others laughed, and a few advised her to make up with Jumman. When she approached Algu Chowdhry, her nephew's best friend, he initially tried to avoid getting involved, saying he couldn't go against Jumman. However, the old aunt appealed to his sense of justice, reminding him that a sarpanch (head of the panchayat) has no friends or enemies, only the duty to do justice. Algu, moved by her words, finally agreed to preside over the panchayat.

Story Summary - Part II: The Case of the Bullock

The panchayat was held under a old banyan tree. The old aunt presented her case clearly. Jumman, confident of Algu's friendship, thought he would win. However, when Algu, as the sarpanch, spoke, he declared that Jumman must either pay his aunt a monthly allowance or the property would revert to her. Algu stated that justice was more important than friendship. Jumman was furious and felt betrayed. Their strong friendship was broken, and both became secret enemies.

Some time later, fate played another turn. Algu Chowdhry found himself in trouble. He had bought a beautiful pair of bullocks from Sahu, a local cart owner. One of the bullocks died soon after. Algu demanded payment for the dead bullock, but Sahu refused, claiming the bullock had died of natural causes and was not healthy when sold. This dispute also went to the panchayat, and this time, Jumman Shaikh was elected sarpanch.

Algu was nervous, fearing Jumman would seek revenge for the previous verdict. However, when Jumman took the seat of sarpanch, he realized the heavy responsibility of the position. He heard both sides patiently and thoughtfully. He then delivered his verdict: Sahu must pay Algu the price of the bullock, as the bullock had been healthy when sold, and the death was likely due to overwork. Jumman stated that his conscience dictated this decision, despite his personal animosity towards Algu.

Upon hearing this, Algu was overwhelmed with joy. He understood that when one sits on the seat of the panch (judge), personal feelings vanish, and only the voice of justice prevails. Jumman and Algu embraced, their broken friendship mended. They both realized the sanctity of the panchayat and that justice triumphs over personal biases.

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Textbook Questions and Answers for "Fair Play"

I. Answer the following questions in a few words or one-two sentences.

  1. Who were the two best friends in the story?

    The two best friends were Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry.

  2. What did Jumman's aunt demand from him?

    Jumman's aunt demanded a monthly allowance from him.

  3. Who did the aunt nominate as the head of the panchayat for her case?

    The aunt nominated Algu Chowdhry as the head of the panchayat.

  4. Why did Jumman's friendship with Algu break?

    Their friendship broke because Algu gave a verdict in favor of Jumman's aunt, which angered Jumman.

  5. What was the dispute between Algu and Sahu about?

    The dispute was about the price of a bullock that Algu had bought from Sahu, which died shortly after.

II. Answer each question in a short paragraph (approx. 30 words).

  1. Why did Jumman's wife, Kariman, stop treating the old aunt well?

    Kariman stopped treating the aunt well because she grew tired of her and felt the property was now theirs, making the aunt a burden rather than a family member.

  2. How did the old aunt convince Algu to preside over the panchayat?

    The old aunt appealed to Algu's sense of justice, reminding him that a sarpanch is above friendship or enmity, bound only by the duty to deliver fair judgment.

  3. What was Algu's verdict in the aunt's case against Jumman?

    Algu's verdict was that Jumman must pay his aunt a monthly allowance, or the property would be returned to her, prioritizing justice over their friendship.

  4. Why was Algu nervous when Jumman was chosen as sarpanch in his case?

    Algu was nervous because he feared Jumman would take revenge for the previous verdict, expecting a biased judgment against him due to their broken friendship.

III. Answer each question in two or three paragraphs (100–150 words).

  1. How did the story "Fair Play" demonstrate that the seat of a judge in a panchayat demands impartiality? Explain with examples from the story.

    The story "Fair Play" effectively demonstrates that the seat of a judge, or sarpanch, in a panchayat demands absolute impartiality, transcending personal relationships. This is powerfully illustrated through the actions of both Algu Chowdhry and Jumman Shaikh when they assume the role of sarpanch.

    In the first instance, when Jumman's aunt brought her case, Algu Chowdhry, despite being Jumman's best friend, did not let their friendship influence his judgment. He listened carefully to both sides and, guided by his conscience and the duty of the sarpanch, ruled against his friend, ordering Jumman to pay his aunt an allowance. This decision, though it broke their friendship, showcased Algu's unwavering commitment to justice. Similarly, when it was Algu's turn to seek justice regarding his bullock, and Jumman was elected sarpanch, Jumman, too, faced the same moral dilemma. Despite his deep resentment towards Algu, the moment he sat on the high seat, the gravity of the position compelled him to set aside personal feelings. He heard Algu and Sahu, weighed the evidence, and ruled in Algu's favour, acknowledging the truth. Both instances prove that the sanctity of the panchayat seat compels individuals to be fair, as the voice of the panch is ultimately considered the voice of God.

  2. Discuss the theme of friendship and justice as portrayed in "Fair Play." How are these themes intertwined and resolved by the end of the story?

    The story "Fair Play" masterfully intertwines the themes of deep friendship and unwavering justice. Initially, Jumman Shaikh and Algu Chowdhry share an exemplary bond, their friendship being a testament to loyalty and mutual trust. However, this friendship is put to the ultimate test when the need for justice arises. In the first panchayat, Algu, as sarpanch, prioritizes justice for Jumman's old aunt over his friendship with Jumman. This act of impartiality, while morally sound, shatters their bond, transforming their warm friendship into bitter enmity.

    The themes become fully resolved and celebrated in the second part of the story. When Jumman becomes the sarpanch for Algu's case, he is presented with an opportunity for revenge. Yet, the solemn duty of the sarpanch and the call for justice override his personal animosity. He delivers a verdict based solely on truth and fairness, ruling in Algu's favor. This selfless act of justice, performed despite their personal feud, reveals the true essence of the "panch's seat"—that it elevates one above personal biases. When Jumman delivers his impartial judgment, Algu immediately recognizes the purity of the decision. This shared experience of prioritizing justice leads to a profound reconciliation. Their friendship is not merely restored but strengthened, having been refined by the trials of impartiality and a shared understanding that fairness is the highest virtue, even in the face of personal sacrifice.

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