Bihar Board Class 12th English (Rainbow Part 2 Prose) Chapter 3 A Pinch of Snuff) Solutions

Do guests visit your house frequently? How do you respond to them?

Yes, guests frequently visit our house. We welcome them warmly, offer refreshments, and try our best to make them feel comfortable and at home.

Do you like all of them equally? How often do you entertain your guests gladly?

No, I do not like all guests equally. While I gladly entertain close family and friends, I may not be as enthusiastic about guests who are less familiar or whose visits are unexpected and inconvenient.

At times you may have to welcome a guest whom you don’t like much. How do you do this?

I maintain basic courtesy and politeness, fulfilling the duties of a host. However, I keep the interaction minimal and avoid extending the visit unnecessarily.

(a) Nanukaka was coming to visit the narrator's family.
(b) The narrator was an under secretary on probation.
(c) Nanukaka was to stay for two or three days.
(d) Nanukaka was coming to Delhi to see a minister.
(e) His mother informed the under secretary about Nanukaka’s visit.
(f) The under secretary had to put a charpoy for himself in the back verandah because his mother had installed Nanukaka in his bedroom.
(g) Nanukaka was related to the narrator as he was his mother’s brother (maternal uncle).

The news that made the mother happy disturbed her son. Why were their responses different?

The mother was happy because Nanukaka was her beloved brother, and she looked forward to hosting him. Her son, the narrator, was disturbed because Nanukaka's visit meant personal inconvenience—he had to give up his room and act as an errand boy, disrupting his routine.

Do you have a similar experience? Has your response to the news of the arrival of any guest ever been different from that of other members of the family?

Yes, I have had a similar experience. Once, the news of my cousin's visit delighted me because we are close friends, but it worried my parents. They were concerned about the extra household work, the expenses of outings, and the disruption to our daily schedule.

‘Had to travel second on a third class ticket? But it was all arranged quite amicably?’ What ‘arrangement’ is Nanukaka referring to? How can such arrangement be amicable?

Nanukaka is referring to his clever manipulation where he traveled in a second-class compartment despite holding a third-class ticket. The arrangement was "amicable" because he likely convinced the ticket checker with a convincing story or a bribe, ensuring no conflict. Both parties gained—Nanukaka got comfort, and the checker got a tip.

(a) It was very easy for the narrator to get sent on a foreign assignment. (F)
(b) Ratiram was the son of Sohanlal Ratiram. (T)
(c) Sohanlal Ratiram was the Party boss in Delhi. (T)
(d) Nanukaka went to Lala Sohanlal because they both were Zamindars. (F)
(e) Nanukaka visited Lala Sohanlal in the guise of an astrologer. (F)
(f) Nanukaka’s meeting with Sohanlal Ratiram was very successful. (T)

The under secretary always obeyed Nanukaka, although he was never willing to do so. Why?

The under secretary obeyed Nanukaka out of respect for his mother's wishes. She insisted that he serve and assist his uncle during the visit, and he did not want to disobey or disappoint her.

“This tie-and-collar business is no good these days.” What did Nanukaka mean to say?

Nanukaka meant that Western attire like ties and formal shirts was not viewed favorably in the post-independence era. To gain influence and respect, one needed to adopt traditional Indian dress, which projected a more authentic and powerful image.

How did the under secretary change his appearance to accompany Nanukaka?

The under secretary changed into a traditional close-collar Jodhpuri coat and wrapped a turban on his head, replacing his usual formal office wear to look more Indian and respectable.

Who is a zamindar? Do you know any zamindar in your locality? What do the people in your locality think about him?

A zamindar is a landlord who owns extensive agricultural lands. In my locality, there is a family known as former zamindars. People regard them as wealthy and influential, though their legal powers have diminished since land reforms.

How did Nanukaka impress Sohanlal Ratiram?

Nanukaka learned that Sohanlal wanted his son appointed as a Trade Commissioner and that Ambassador Hazrat Barkat Ali was blocking it. He pretended to be the ambassador's close friend and promised to resolve the issue, instantly gaining Sohanlal's trust and favor.

What important information did he collect at Ratiram’s place?

He discovered that the Welfare Minister wished to marry his daughter to a prince from Ninnore. The proposal was under discussion, but the horoscopes had not yet been matched—a crucial detail Nanukaka later used to his advantage.

Who is a prince? Do we have any prince now? If yes, do they enjoy the same privileges which they used to do?

A prince was the hereditary ruler of a princely state in pre-independence India. Today, titles like "prince" exist only nominally within former royal families. They no longer hold official power or the vast privileges they enjoyed under British rule, though some may retain social prestige and wealth.

Who was the second important person Nanukaka had planned to meet?

The second important person was the Welfare Minister.

What preparation did he make to meet him?

He arranged a large, impressive car, dressed the narrator as a uniformed chauffeur, and himself wore the attire of a hereditary astrologer from a princely state to create an aura of importance.

What new role did Nanukaka give the Under-Secretary to play?

He made the Under-Secretary act as his chauffeur, dressed in a white Jodhpuri coat and orange turban to look like a liveried driver.

How did he manage to impress the Sikka Auto dealers?

He staged a scene where a dhobi (washerman) rushed in with an old coat, claiming to have found a cheque for a thousand rupees inside it. This act convinced the auto dealer of Nanukaka's substantial wealth and high status.

What did he do at minister’s residence?

At the minister's residence, Nanukaka acted like a very busy and important man. He did not ask to meet the minister directly. Instead, he requested the visitor's book, signed it as "Hereditary Astrologer to the Maharaja of Ninnore," and gave the narrator's address as his own. He then loudly instructed his "chauffeur" to drive to "Maharaja Sutkatta's palace" to return horoscopes, creating an impression of royal connections, and left immediately.

How did he impress the minister?

He impressed the minister's staff through his grand entry in a luxury car with a chauffeur, his aristocratic dress, his entry in the visitor's book as a royal astrologer, and his hurried mention of a meeting with another maharaja, which suggested he was a man of high connections and importance.

Is the under-secretary impressed with Nanukaka at any point? When and Why? Find out the evidence from the story.

Yes, the under-secretary is finally impressed after Nanukaka successfully orchestrates the meeting with the minister through clever tricks. The evidence is in the narrator's concluding thought: he believes that even if the minister discovered the truth, Nanukaka's wit would allow him to handle the situation smoothly, "without allowing a single fold of his angarkha to fall out of place."

Nanukaka tells lots of lies. Why does he do so? Does he succeed in his pursuit?

Nanukaka lies extensively to navigate the bureaucratic and social hurdles of meeting a government minister. He knows that honest, formal methods would take months. His fabrications create an illusion of importance and connections, which opens doors instantly. Yes, he succeeds completely—he not only meets the minister in a couple of days but does so on his own terms, leaving a lasting impression.

What impression does Nanukaka make on you? Do you like him? Attempt character sketch of Nanukaka.

Nanukaka comes across as extremely clever, resourceful, and charmingly manipulative. He is a master of improvisation and understands human psychology, using flattery, deception, and drama to achieve his goals. While I admire his intelligence and confidence, I do not particularly like him because his methods are fundamentally dishonest and selfish. He is witty, opportunistic, and has a larger-than-life personality, but he lacks moral scruples, willing to exploit anyone and any situation for personal gain.

Suppose you have Nanukaka as your uncle. How would you behave with him? Explain in detail.

If Nanukaka were my uncle, I would treat him with familial respect and affection. I would help him with his plans, not out of belief in his methods, but out of duty and curiosity. I would observe his strategies as learning experiences in human behavior and social navigation. However, I would maintain my own ethical boundaries and not actively participate in his deceptions. I would enjoy his entertaining stories and larger-than-life presence but remain cautious not to be drawn into any potentially troublesome situations.

Nanukaka made a big promise to Sohanlal Ratiram. Did he even fulfil his promise?

No, Nanukaka did not fulfill his promise to Sohanlal Ratiram. His claim of being a close friend of Ambassador Hazrat Barkat Ali was entirely fabricated. He used the false promise only as a tool to extract information and favor from Sohanlal. Once his own work was done, he had no intention of following through, as he had no real connection to the ambassador.

Can a person like Nanukaka be more successful in the present society? Give reasons.

Yes, a person like Nanukaka could arguably be even more successful in today's society. Modern success often values networking, presentation, and the ability to sell an idea or oneself—skills Nanukaka possesses in abundance. In a world of social media and image management, creating a perception of importance and connections can open many doors. However, the risk of exposure is also higher due to digital verification tools. Ultimately, while his cunning might bring short-term gains, sustained success typically requires genuine substance and integrity.

How did he impress the minister?

Nanukaka impressed the minister through a carefully crafted performance of wealth and influence. He arrived in a luxurious car with a chauffeur (the narrator), dressed like an aristocratic astrologer. By signing the visitor's book as the "Hereditary Astrologer to the Maharaja of Ninnore" and casually mentioning an appointment with another maharaja, he created an aura of exclusivity and high-stakes connections. This display made the minister's staff treat him with great deference, ensuring his message would be conveyed to the minister with importance.

Question 7.

Is the under secretary impressed with Nanukaka at any point? When and why? Find out the evidence from the story?

Answer:

Yes, the under secretary is deeply impressed with Nanukaka, but only at the very end of the story. This happens the next morning when the Welfare Minister himself arrives at their residence to meet Nanukaka. The under secretary is shocked because ministers are typically very difficult to meet. The fact that the minister not only visits but also readily agrees to Nanukaka's request acts as solid evidence of Nanukaka's unexpected success and cleverness, which finally impresses the narrator.

Question 8.

Write the summary of the short story ‘A Pinch of Snuff’. [Board Exam. 2009]

or, Describe the main idea contained in the story “A Pinch of Snuff’ [Simple Paper 2009 (A) ]

Answer:

The story 'A Pinch of Snuff' revolves around Nanukaka, the narrator's maternal uncle, who visits Delhi to meet a minister. The narrator, a junior government officer, is anxious about arranging this meeting. Nanukaka, however, is a confident and cunning manipulator. After a failed attempt to meet the minister directly, Nanukaka visits a political party boss, Sohanlal Rati Ram, and impresses him with false stories and promises. The next day, he borrows a luxurious car by pretending to be a dignitary and meets the Welfare Minister by falsely introducing himself as the hereditary astrologer to the Maharaja of Ninnore. His act is so convincing that the minister visits him the following morning to fulfill his request. The story humorously exposes how clever manipulation and falsehoods can succeed in a society obsessed with power and status, leaving the honest narrator both astonished and relieved when Nanukaka departs.

C. 3. Compositon

Write a paragraph of about 100 words on each of the following

Question 1.

A scene at the railway platform.

Answer:

A railway platform is a microcosm of life itself, bustling with constant activity and emotion. It is a melting pot where people from all walks of life, cultures, and regions converge. The air is filled with announcements, the chugging of trains, and the chatter of crowds. One can see joyful reunions filled with hugs and sad farewells with tearful eyes. Vendors shout, selling tea, snacks, and magazines, while porters hustle with heavy luggage. Amidst the chaos, there is a sense of transient purpose—everyone is either arriving with hope or departing towards a destination. It is a place of fleeting connections and endless stories.

Questions 2.

Influence of an astrologer.

Answer:

An astrologer holds significant influence over many people because they claim to predict the future by studying planetary positions and stars. Human curiosity about what lies ahead makes individuals seek astrological guidance, especially during times of uncertainty or before major life decisions like marriage, starting a business, or buying property. People believe that knowing their future can help them prepare for challenges or seize opportunities. This trust often gives astrologers the power to sway personal choices and provide reassurance. However, this influence is based on faith rather than scientific proof, and it highlights our deep desire for control and certainty in an unpredictable world.

D. Word Study D. 1. Dictionary Use

Ex. 1. Correct the spelling of the following words :

mustach, assinment, ambasador, secretry, campainer, cautiond, genuine, casualy, leiger, hearditary.

Answer:

moustache, assignment, ambassador, secretary, campaigner, cautioned, genuine, casually, leisure, hereditary.

D. 2. Word-formation

Read the following sentences carefully

(a) Mother’s announcement shook me.

(b) He seldom sees, er, visitors without a previous appointment.

in the first sentence ‘announcement’, which is a noun, is derived from announce which is a verb. Similarly, in the second sentence ‘appointment’ is derived from ‘appoint’. Nouns can be derived by adding different suffixes such as ‘-menton, -ance’ etc. Use suffixes to the verbs given below to make them noun :

impress, arrange transact, explain, acquint, manage, demonstrate, marry.

Answer:

impression, arrangement, transaction, explanation, acquaintance, management, demonstration, marriage.

D. 3. Word-meaning

Ex. 1. Find from the lesson words the meanings of which have been given on the left hand side. The last part of each word is given on the right hand side

in a friendly manner and without argument ably
large in size or quantity ....००००००००००००००००००००-०० ०0७३3.
atracting your interest or attention king
small nail with a flat top cks
correct according to law _ .......................mate.
extremely strange and unusual dish

Answer:

comfortably, enormous, breathtaking, tacks, legitimate, outlandish.

D. 4. Phrases

Ex. 1. Read the lesson carefully and find out the sentences in which the following phrases have been used, use these phrases in sentences of your own at daggers drawn, drop in, as soon as, turn out, of course, try out.

Answer:

at daggers drawn — The two rival politicians have been at daggers drawn for years.
drop in — Feel free to drop in for a cup of tea anytime you are in the neighborhood.
as soon as — As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed out of the classroom.
turn out — The weather turned out to be perfect for our picnic.
of course — Of course, I will help you with your homework.
try out — You should try out this new recipe; it is delicious.

E. Grammar

Ex. 1. Read the following sentences carefully You've got a close-collar Jadhpur coat, haven’t you ? (It is) Amazing, Isn’t it ?

In the above examples ‘haven’t you ? and ‘Isn’t it ? are tag-questions. Write tag-questions for the following sentences

1. Amod was speaking in an unusually loud voice.................64+
2. That should be quite simple..................
3. Nanukaka chucked his tongue several times................
4. You will do the work................
5. Gulu is eating a man@o...............6.

Answer:

1. wasn’t he?
2. shouldn't it?
3. didn’t he?
4. won't you?
5. isn’t he?