Chapter 8 of 10
Chapter 8: The Decision of the Panchayat
Classic Indian folktale on truth, justice, rural jurisprudence & outsmarting deceit | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Themes of ethical honesty, village community justice (Panchayati Raj), and exposing crafty loopholes.
- A farmer purchases a well to irrigate his fields, but the dishonest neighbor claims he sold only the well, not the water.
- The Village Panchayat's witty, brilliant verdict: if you own the water, pay rent for storing it in the farmer's well or empty it immediately!
- Grammar: prepositions of place and direction, and deriving abstract nouns using suffixes.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)
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Q1
Let us Think • Comprehension
Why did the hardworking farmer buy the well from his neighbor?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The farmer had purchased an adjoining agricultural field and needed a dependable, perennial source of freshwater to irrigate his growing crops and sustain his family.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Purchased adjoining farmland
1 Mark
Needed reliable water for crop irrigation
1 Mark
Q2
Let us Think • Comprehension
Why did the farmer become deeply distressed the day after completing the purchase?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
When the farmer went to draw water the following morning, the cunning neighbor stopped him aggressively, claiming deceitfully that he had sold only the physical well structure, but not the water contained inside it.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Neighbor stopping farmer from drawing water
1 Mark
Cunning claim: sold well structure, not the water
1 Mark
Q3
Let us Think • Comprehension
How did the Village Panchayat use clever logical reasoning to resolve the dispute?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The Panchayat elders used the neighbor's own dishonest logic against him. They declared that since the physical well now lawfully belonged to the farmer, the neighbor had no legal right to store his water inside the farmer's property. Therefore, the neighbor must either pay daily rent to the farmer for storing his water, or remove all his water immediately!
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Panchayat accepting that the well belongs to farmer
1 Mark
Counter-argument: neighbor cannot store water in farmer's property
1 Mark
Ultimatum: pay storage rent or remove water immediately
1 Mark
Q4
Let us Think • Comprehension
What was the final judgment delivered by the Panchayat, and what was its effect on the neighbor?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The Panchayat ordered the neighbor to either vacate his water from the well at once without spilling a drop onto the farmer's land, or surrender full water rights to the farmer. Realizing his deceit had been completely foiled by superior wisdom, the neighbor hung his head in shame and conceded unconditional access to the farmer.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Panchayat's binding ultimatum delivered
1.5 Marks
Neighbor conceding defeat in shame, full rights given to farmer
1.5 Marks
Q5
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
Do you agree that the decision of the Panchayat was fair, just, and morally sound? Why?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Yes, the decision was exemplary. It upheld justice by exposing the neighbor's bad-faith technicality. Selling a well naturally implies selling access to its water. By turning the trickster's own words back upon him, the elders protected the honest farmer without violence or prolonged litigation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Affirmation of justice and fairness
1.5 Marks
Insight on dismantling dishonest technicalities with wit
1.5 Marks
Q6
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
What moral values does this traditional story teach regarding business dealings and community life?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The story teaches that integrity and honesty are paramount in contracts. Attempting to exploit loopholes to cheat others ultimately leads to public humiliation. True justice requires wisdom and courageous community arbitration where the voice of truth triumphs over greed.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Integrity in agreements / contracts
1.5 Marks
Truth prevailing over greed and trickery
1.5 Marks
Q7
Let us Learn • Vocabulary
Match the following vocabulary words from the story with their contextual definitions:
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Prospered: Became successful, wealthy, and thriving.
- Cunning: Clever in a deceitful, dishonest, or crafty manner.
- Summon: To officially call upon someone to appear before a council or court.
- Judgment: An official, binding decision delivered by an authorized panel or judge.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 vocabulary definitions matched correctly
3 Marks
Q8
Let us Learn • Grammar
Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions of Place and Direction (in, on, under, at, by, from):
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- The elders assembled under the ancient banyan tree.
- The farmer drew water from the deep well.
- The neighbor stood at the edge of the courtyard in shame.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Sentence 1: 'under' correct
1 Mark
Sentence 2: 'from' correct
1 Mark
Sentence 3: 'at' correct
1 Mark
Q9
Let us Learn • Grammar
Morphology Practice: Derive Abstract Nouns from the following verbs and adjectives by adding suffixes (-ment, -ion, -ness):
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Judge → Judgment
- Decide → Decision
- Fair → Fairness
- Agree → Agreement
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 abstract nouns derived correctly
3 Marks
Q10
Let us Write • Diary Entry
Write a diary entry (60–70 words) from the perspective of the relieved farmer after winning the Panchayat case.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Dear Diary,
What a day of relief and gratitude! When my neighbor refused me water from the very well I had bought with my life savings, my heart had sunk. But today, under the shade of the village banyan tree, the Panchayat proved that truth cannot be silenced by cunning tricks. Their sharp reasoning outsmarted his deceit in minutes. Tonight, my fields will drink fresh water, and my children will sleep peacefully. God bless our wise elders!
What a day of relief and gratitude! When my neighbor refused me water from the very well I had bought with my life savings, my heart had sunk. But today, under the shade of the village banyan tree, the Panchayat proved that truth cannot be silenced by cunning tricks. Their sharp reasoning outsmarted his deceit in minutes. Tonight, my fields will drink fresh water, and my children will sleep peacefully. God bless our wise elders!
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Appropriate diary format and sincere emotional tone
2 Marks
Accurate recounting of Panchayat victory & rich vocabulary
2 Marks
Q11
Let us Explore • Civics & Panchayati Raj
Project Work: Describe the structure of a Village Gram Panchayat in India and its role in resolving local disputes.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Panchayati Raj Grassroots Governance:
- Gram Sabha: The general body comprising all adult voting residents of the village.
- Gram Panchayat: The elected executive council headed by the Sarpanch (village head) and ward members (Panchs).
- Dispute Resolution: Panchayats resolve family, property, and boundary disputes locally through mediation, avoiding costly police and court litigation while preserving community harmony.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat structure defined
1.5 Marks
Local dispute resolution function explained
1.5 Marks
Q12
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 1] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q13
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 2] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q14
Word Building • Vocabulary Bank & Word Families • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 3] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q15
Grammar in Context • Syntax, Tenses & Parts of Speech • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 4] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q16
Let's Write • Creative Composition & Expression • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 5] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q17
Spoken English • Pronunciation & Phonics • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 6] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q18
Say Aloud • Rhyming Pairs & Auditory Discrimination • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 7] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q19
Team Time & Activity • Collaborative Project Work • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 8] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q20
Curriculum Competency • Value Analysis & Ethics • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 9] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q21
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 10] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q22
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • The Decision of the Panchayat
[Textbook Exercise 11] In 'The Decision of the Panchayat', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In The Decision of the Panchayat, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Consumer Rights, Contractual Integrity & Legal Loopholes
A shopkeeper sells a brand-new desktop computer to a student. When the student opens the package at home, the power cable and keyboard are missing. When confronted, the shopkeeper cunningly argues: 'The bill says computer screen and CPU box; accessories require an additional fee.'
Analytical Task: Drawing a parallel to the trickery in 'The Decision of the Panchayat', identify the unfair trade practice and explain how consumer protection forums deliver justice in such cases.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Legal & Ethical Resolution under Consumer Protection:
- Identification of Deceit: Just as the neighbor tried to sell an empty well while denying its essential water, the shopkeeper is engaging in an 'Unfair Trade Practice' by selling an unusable product that cannot operate without its essential basic power cable.
- Doctrine of Implied Fitness: In commercial law, goods must be fit for their intended purpose. A computer sold without a power cord violates basic contractual good faith.
- Consumer Forum Remedy: The student can file a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline or District Consumer Commission. The forum will order the retailer to immediately supply all missing operational accessories and pay compensation for harassment.
Rubric: 1.5 Marks for connecting well/water deceit to modern consumer rights + 3.5 Marks for legal doctrine of fitness and redressal mechanism = 5 Marks