Study Guide: “Who Is Her Lord?”
This guide is based only on the provided chapter text and is designed for theory-based English exam preparation.
1. Chapter Overview
This chapter contains a story narrated by the handsome young man who is trying to make Princess Chouboli speak. Before beginning, he says that a story is incomplete without a listener who gives hunkara (a response or encouragement). A pilajota lamp volunteers to provide the hunkara.
The young man then narrates the story of a Rajput and a Jat, two inseparable friends. Their friendship is so deep that they live, work, eat, and travel together.
The story revolves around:
- Friendship
- Honour
- Loyalty
- Sacrifice
- Identity
- A difficult question about who a person truly is
At the end, the storyteller asks Princess Chouboli to solve a puzzle. Her answer makes her speak for the fourth time, fulfilling the young man’s objective.
2. Detailed Chapter Summary
Beginning of the Storytelling
The handsome young man says that:
- A bird without feathers,
- A vine without flowers,
- A mouth without teeth,
are all incomplete, just as a story is incomplete without hunkara.
A pilajota lamp offers to provide the hunkara. The lamp says that after living with Princess Chouboli, it no longer knows fear because the princess fills it with the light of truth.
The darkness hidden behind the light curtain also praises the storyteller and agrees that no one would refuse to give hunkara to such a storyteller.
The storyteller then begins a new tale.
Friendship Between the Rajput and the Jat
In a village lived:
- A Rajput
- A Jat
They were extremely close friends.
Their friendship is described through several examples:
- They stayed together day and night.
- They worked in the fields together.
- They grazed cattle together.
- They ate together.
- They built houses next to each other.
- Their love was deeper than that of brothers.
This establishes that their bond is extraordinary.
The Jat’s Mukhlavau
The Rajput accompanied the Jat to retrieve his bride from her parents’ home.
The Jat’s in-laws:
- Treated the Rajput with great honour.
- Paid him more attention than even their own son-in-law.
- Asked about his needs before asking the Jat.
Instead of feeling jealous, the Rajput felt pleased because this treatment reflected the deep friendship between them.
The Rajput’s Concern
After some days, it became time for the Rajput’s mukhlavau.
Naturally, the Jat accompanied him.
However, the Rajput worried constantly:
- What if his in-laws did not honour the Jat equally?
- What if they insulted him?
- What if they treated him as inferior?
The Jat would not mind, but for the Rajput such treatment would be a terrible disgrace.
The Rajput invited no one else except the Jat because of their special friendship.
The Rajput’s Vow Before Shankar Bhagwan
On their way stood a temple of Shankar Bhagwan.
The Rajput:
- Stopped his carriage.
- Entered the temple.
- Folded his hands in prayer.
He prayed that his in-laws would treat the Jat with the same respect they showed him.
He promised:
- An offering of eleven rupees if his wish came true.
But he also made a terrible vow:
- If his friend was dishonoured,
- He would return and take his own life in front of the deity.
He kept this pledge secret from the Jat.
The Failure of the Rajput’s Wish
The storyteller humorously suggests that perhaps Shankar Bhagwan was:
- High on bhang, or
- Affected by dhatura,
because the deity seemed not to notice the vow.
At the in-laws’ house:
- The Jat was treated coldly.
- He was treated like a servant.
- He was served differently.
- He was spoken to differently.
The discrimination appeared everywhere.
The Rajput became heartbroken.
He tried to explain matters to his in-laws, but:
- Either they did not understand,
- Or they did not care.
The Rajput became angry not only with his in-laws but especially with Shankar Bhagwan for failing to protect his honour.
Departure and Return Journey
Although his relatives requested him to stay longer, the Rajput left the very next day.
He was:
- Sad
- Miserable
- Deeply disappointed
When the Jat asked what was wrong, he did not explain.
During the return journey, they again reached the Shiva temple.
The Rajput’s Sacrifice
The Rajput entered the temple alone.
Standing before Shankar Bhagwan, he declared:
- Since the deity had not protected his honour,
- He would not protect the deity’s honour.
He stated that he was born of a Rajputani and would not break his vow.
Without hesitation, he cut his own neck with his sword.
Blood pooled on the temple floor.
The Jat’s Sacrifice
After waiting for some time, the Jat entered the temple.
He saw:
- His dead friend.
- Blood flowing from the body.
The sight shocked him terribly.
Without further thought, he used the same sword to kill himself.
The chapter emphasizes their friendship by saying:
- Their hearts had beaten as one while alive.
- Now even their blood mingled together.
The Bride Enters the Temple
The bride waiting in the carriage became impatient.
She feared the friends might have forgotten about returning home.
When she entered the temple, she saw the two dead bodies.
She felt devastated.
Thinking that Shankar Bhagwan apparently desired blood, she prepared to kill herself too.
Ma Parvati Intervenes
Before she could act, Ma Parvati spoke.
Parvati explained:
- Shankar Bhagwan had been too intoxicated with dhatura to notice events.
- The bride should forgive him.
Parvati instructed:
- Place the heads back on the trunks.
- The men would immediately return to life.
The Mistake
The bride was extremely distressed.
Her hands trembled.
In confusion, she accidentally switched the heads:
- The Rajput’s head was placed on the Jat’s body.
- The Jat’s head was placed on the Rajput’s body.
As soon as this happened:
- Both men came back to life.
- They awoke as though from deep sleep.
The Central Question
Now a difficult problem emerged.
Who was the bride’s real husband?
Was it:
Option 1
The man with:
- Rajput’s head and face
- Jat’s body
OR
Option 2
The man with:
- Rajput’s body
- Jat’s head and face
This becomes the puzzle at the heart of the story.
Debate Between Smoke and Chouboli
The storyteller asks the pilajota lamp to answer.
Before the lamp can respond:
- A gust of wind extinguishes its hundred wicks.
The smoke answers instead.
Smoke’s Argument
The smoke says:
- The trunk is twenty times bigger than the head.
- Therefore, the body matters more.
According to the smoke:
- The man with the Rajput’s body should be the husband.
Chouboli’s Answer
Princess Chouboli becomes furious.
She says the smoke is speaking nonsense.
Her reasoning:
- Men recognize one another by their faces.
- The face and head are the most important parts of a person.
Therefore:
The man with the Rajput’s face and head is the bride’s true husband.
Conclusion
The handsome young man immediately announces:
- Chouboli has spoken for the fourth time.
The drums begin beating joyfully.
The Raja and Rani are overjoyed.
The defeated suitors stop grinding horse fodder.
Chouboli, who had defeated countless noblemen and turned them into servants, is finally defeated herself.
However:
- Her defeat is also her victory.
- Her oath is finally fulfilled.
The story ends on a celebratory note.
3. Major Characters
Princess Chouboli
- Intelligent and sharp-minded.
- Initially tries not to react.
- Becomes angry at the smoke’s answer.
- Gives the correct solution to the puzzle.
- Speaks for the fourth time.
Importance
Her answer resolves the story and fulfills her oath.
The Handsome Young Man
- Skilled storyteller.
- Clever and strategic.
- Uses stories and puzzles to make Chouboli speak.
- Successfully achieves his goal.
Importance
He drives the narrative and creates the final challenge.
Rajput
- Deeply loyal friend.
- Highly concerned with honour.
- Keeps his vow.
- Sacrifices his life rather than break his word.
Importance
Represents honour, loyalty, and commitment.
Jat
- Faithful friend.
- Loves the Rajput deeply.
- Chooses death after seeing his friend dead.
Importance
Represents friendship and devotion.
The Bride
- Loyal and emotional.
- Willing to sacrifice herself.
- Accidentally exchanges the heads.
Importance
Her mistake creates the central problem of the story.
Ma Parvati
- Compassionate.
- Saves all three from tragedy.
- Provides the solution to revive the men.
Shankar Bhagwan
- Receives the Rajput’s vow.
- Is humorously described as being affected by bhang or dhatura.
- Becomes the focus of the Rajput’s anger.
4. Themes
Friendship
The Rajput and Jat share one of the strongest friendships shown in the chapter.
Evidence:
- Living together.
- Working together.
- Travelling together.
- Dying together.
Honour
The Rajput values honour above life itself.
Evidence:
- He vows to die if his friend is insulted.
- He fulfills the vow despite the consequences.
Loyalty
All major characters show loyalty:
- Rajput to Jat.
- Jat to Rajput.
- Bride to husband.
Sacrifice
Three characters are ready to sacrifice themselves:
- Rajput
- Jat
- Bride
Identity
The main puzzle explores what truly defines a person.
The chapter ultimately suggests:
- Identity is associated with the face and head.
Truth and Wisdom
Chouboli’s answer demonstrates wisdom and clear thinking.
5. Important Lines and Their Explanation
”A story without hunkara.”
Meaning
A story needs an attentive listener who responds and encourages the storyteller.
Significance
Introduces the storytelling tradition and begins the chapter.
”The Princess fills me with the light of truth every day.”
Meaning
The princess is associated with truth and wisdom.
Significance
Foreshadows her correct answer later.
”The love they had for each other was deeper than that of brothers.”
Meaning
Their friendship exceeds ordinary family bonds.
Significance
Establishes the emotional foundation of the story.
”I am not about to forsake my vow.”
Meaning
The Rajput refuses to break his promise.
Significance
Shows his dedication to honour.
”While alive, both friends’ hearts beat as one.”
Meaning
The friends are spiritually united.
Significance
Highlights the depth of their friendship.
”Men recognize one another by their faces.”
Meaning
Identity is linked to the face and head.
Significance
Provides the solution to the puzzle.
”This defeat was also her victory.”
Meaning
Although Chouboli loses the challenge, her oath is fulfilled.
Significance
Creates a positive ending.
6. Important Short-Answer Questions
Q1. Why did the Rajput pray at Shankar Bhagwan’s temple?
Answer: He prayed that his in-laws would treat the Jat with the same honour and respect that the Jat’s in-laws had shown him.
Q2. What vow did the Rajput make?
Answer: He promised an offering of eleven rupees if his wish was fulfilled, but vowed to take his own life if his friend was dishonoured.
Q3. How did the in-laws treat the Jat?
Answer: They treated him coldly, like a servant or menial, and discriminated against him in food, drink, and conversation.
Q4. Why did the Rajput kill himself?
Answer: He believed his honour had been violated because his friend had been insulted, and he chose to fulfill his vow.
Q5. Why did the Jat kill himself?
Answer: After seeing his dead friend, he could not bear the loss and immediately took his own life.
Q6. What mistake did the bride make?
Answer: She accidentally placed the Rajput’s head on the Jat’s body and the Jat’s head on the Rajput’s body.
Q7. What solution did Ma Parvati provide?
Answer: She told the bride to place the heads back on the trunks, which would restore the men to life.
Q8. What was the smoke’s answer?
Answer: The smoke argued that the trunk was more important because it was larger, so the man with the Rajput’s body should be considered the husband.
Q9. What was Chouboli’s answer?
Answer: She said the man with the Rajput’s face and head was the bride’s true husband.
Q10. Why was everyone happy at the end?
Answer: Because Chouboli spoke for the fourth time, fulfilling the challenge and completing her oath.
7. Long-Answer Questions
Q1. Describe the friendship between the Rajput and the Jat.
Answer
The Rajput and the Jat shared an extraordinary friendship. They spent all their time together, worked in the fields together, grazed cattle together, and ate together. They built neighbouring houses and loved one another more deeply than brothers. The Rajput cared greatly about the Jat’s honour and worried constantly about how his in-laws would treat him. When the Jat was insulted, the Rajput felt personally dishonoured and sacrificed his life to keep his vow. The Jat then sacrificed his own life after seeing his friend’s death. Their friendship was so strong that the story says their hearts beat as one and even their blood mingled together after death. Their relationship is the strongest example of friendship in the chapter.
Q2. Explain the events that led to the puzzle of the exchanged heads.
Answer
The Rajput prayed that his friend would receive equal honour from his in-laws. When this did not happen, he fulfilled his vow and killed himself. The Jat, overwhelmed by grief, also killed himself. Later, the bride entered the temple and prepared to die as well. At that moment, Ma Parvati appeared and instructed her to place the heads back on the trunks to restore the men to life. Because she was frightened and distressed, the bride accidentally switched the heads. As a result, the Rajput’s head was attached to the Jat’s body, and the Jat’s head was attached to the Rajput’s body. When both men came back to life, it became unclear which one was truly the bride’s husband. This confusion created the central puzzle of the story.
Q3. How does Princess Chouboli solve the puzzle?
Answer
After hearing the story, the storyteller asks who should be considered the bride’s true husband. The smoke argues that the body is more important because it is much larger than the head. Therefore, according to the smoke, the man with the Rajput’s body should be regarded as the husband. Princess Chouboli strongly disagrees. She states that people recognize one another by their faces and that the face and head are the most important parts of a person. Based on this reasoning, she concludes that the man with the Rajput’s face and head is the bride’s true husband. Her answer demonstrates intelligence, logical thinking, and wisdom. By speaking this answer, she speaks for the fourth time and fulfills the challenge.
Q4. Explain the ending of the chapter.
Answer
When Chouboli answers the puzzle, the handsome young man immediately announces that she has spoken for the fourth time. The drummers begin playing joyful rhythms, and the young man rewards them with necklaces. The Raja and Rani become extremely happy and rush to the princess’s palace. The suitors who had been grinding horse fodder also celebrate. Chouboli, who had defeated thousands of noblemen and turned them into servants, is finally defeated. However, the chapter states that her defeat is also her victory because her oath has been fulfilled. The story therefore ends with joy, celebration, and the successful completion of the challenge.
8. Quick Revision Notes
Story Frame
- Young man tells a story.
- Lamp agrees to give hunkara.
- Story ends with a puzzle.
Rajput and Jat
- Best friends.
- Closer than brothers.
- Live and work together.
Rajput’s Vow
- Equal honour for Jat.
- Eleven-rupee offering if successful.
- Suicide if friend is insulted.
In-Laws’ Behaviour
- Treat Jat like a servant.
- Rajput becomes heartbroken.
Tragedy
- Rajput kills himself.
- Jat kills himself.
- Bride prepares to die.
Divine Intervention
- Ma Parvati appears.
- Orders heads to be replaced.
Mistake
- Heads attached to wrong bodies.
Puzzle
- Who is the real husband?
Smoke’s Answer
- Body is more important.
Chouboli’s Answer
- Face and head determine identity.
- Man with Rajput’s head is the husband.
Ending
- Chouboli speaks for the fourth time.
- Drums beat.
- Raja and Rani celebrate.
- Oath fulfilled.
Exam Focus Points
- Friendship between Rajput and Jat.
- Rajput’s vow and sense of honour.
- Treatment of the Jat by the in-laws.
- Deaths of the Rajput and Jat.
- Role of Ma Parvati.
- Exchange of heads and resulting dilemma.
- Smoke’s argument versus Chouboli’s argument.
- Why Chouboli’s answer is considered correct within the story.
- Significance of the fourth speech.
- Meaning of the final statement: “This defeat was also her victory.”