NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter The Coolie by Mulk Raj Anand

This worksheet is designed for Class 9 English students studying the chapter The Coolie by Mulk Raj Anand from the Moments Supplementary Reader. The chapter tells the story of a young boy named Munoo and highlights the harsh realities of poverty, child labour, and social inequality. It is important for students because it builds empathy, awareness of social issues, and understanding of real-life struggles. This worksheet provides complete and accurate NCERT Solutions strictly based on the given content, helping students learn and revise effectively.

Chapter summary: stories, poems & themes

This chapter is a prose-based story that follows Munoo’s journey from a village to different workplaces and finally to the city. Students learn about his struggles as an orphan who works in harsh conditions and faces exploitation throughout his life. The chapter focuses on themes like poverty, child labour, social inequality, loss of innocence, and exploitation. It is a content-based and activity-based chapter that encourages thinking and discussion about real-life issues.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

• Understanding of social issues like poverty and child labour 
• Development of reading and comprehension skills 
• Learning through character analysis and themes 
• Observation of real-life situations and empathy building 
• Activity-based learning through discussion and writing tasks 

How to use these NCERT solutions?

Students should first read the chapter carefully and attempt all questions on their own. After that, they can use these NCERT Solutions to check their answers and understand the correct responses. Parents and teachers can use this worksheet to guide students and clarify doubts. The solutions follow the same order and structure as the worksheet, making it easy for revision and better understanding.

Student tips & learning tricks

• Focus on understanding Munoo’s journey step by step 
• Remember key themes like poverty, exploitation, and inequality 
• Avoid skipping details in character sketches 
• Use simple and clear language while writing answers 
• Read each question carefully before answering 

Why NCERT solutions are important?

NCERT Solutions help students build a strong foundation by providing accurate and reliable answers. They improve understanding of the chapter and help in exam preparation. These solutions also boost confidence and ensure that students follow the correct answering pattern as per NCERT standards.

Complete answer key – NCERT solutions

Summary
Munoo is a poor boy from a village who becomes an orphan at a young age. After his father’s death, he is sent to work as a servant in the house of Babu Nathoo Ram. There, he faces harsh treatment and humiliation, especially from Bibi Uttam Kaur. Unable to bear the cruelty, Munoo runs away.
He then finds work at a pickle factory in Daulatpur, where he makes friends with other workers. However, the factory conditions are unhealthy and exploitative. When a worker strike takes place, Munoo loses his job and again becomes homeless.
Later, he moves to Bombay, where he works as a coolie. Life in the city is extremely difficult, and he is exposed to poverty, disease, and exploitation. Eventually, Munoo becomes weak and falls ill.
In the end, he is taken in by Mrs. Mainwaring, an Anglo-Indian woman, who employs him as a servant. Although she shows some kindness, Munoo’s health continues to deteriorate. He suffers from tuberculosis and dies at a young age.
The story highlights the harsh realities of poverty, child labour, and social inequality in colonial India.

Character sketch
1. Munoo 
Munoo is the central character of the story, a young orphan boy who represents the suffering of poor children in society. 
He is innocent, sensitive, and hardworking. Despite his difficult circumstances, he remains hopeful and eager to please his employers. However, he is constantly subjected to humiliation, hunger, and physical exhaustion. His lack of education and social support makes him vulnerable to exploitation at every stage of life. 
Munoo’s journey from village to city reflects his gradual loss of innocence. Even in suffering, he does not become bitter, which highlights his pure and gentle nature. His tragic death at a young age symbolizes the harsh reality faced by many child labourers.

2. Babu Nathoo Ram 
Babu Nathoo Ram is a middle-class employer who represents the indifferent and self-centered attitude of society towards the poor. Although he is not openly violent, he treats Munoo as inferior and expects complete obedience. He lacks empathy and fails to recognize Munoo’s basic human needs. His behavior reflects the social hierarchy where servants are considered insignificant.

3. Bibi Uttam Kaur 
Bibi Uttam Kaur is a harsh, dominating, and cruel woman. She constantly scolds, insults, and overworks Munoo. She shows no kindness or understanding towards him and treats him as a burden rather than a human being. 
Her character represents the oppressive nature of employers who exploit child labour without guilt. Through her, the author highlights the lack of compassion in society.

4. Prabha Dayal 
Prabha Dayal, the owner of the pickle factory, appears to be kind and sympathetic towards workers. He treats Munoo better than his previous employers and shows concern for his well-being. However, he is still part of an exploitative industrial system where workers are underpaid and overworked. His character reflects the complexity of individuals who may be personally kind but are still involved in unjust systems.

5. Mrs. Mainwaring 
Mrs. Mainwaring is an Anglo-Indian woman who employs Munoo in the later part of the story. Compared to others, she shows some degree of care and affection towards him. However, she is also self-centered and uses Munoo for her own needs. Her kindness is limited and does not address Munoo’s real problems. Despite her better treatment, Munoo’s health continues to decline. Her character highlights that partial kindness is not enough to overcome deep social and economic issues.

Themes
1. Poverty and Child Labour: 
The story shows how children like Munoo are forced to work in harsh conditions due to poverty.
2. Social Inequality: 
The story highlights the gap between rich and poor and the injustice in society.
3. Loss of Innocence: 
Munoo’s childhood is destroyed as he is forced to face adult responsibilities too early.
4. Exploitation: 
Munoo is exploited at every stage of his life by different employers and systems.

Message
The story emphasizes the need for compassion, equality, and protection of children. It criticizes the social system that allows exploitation and suffering of the poor.

Activity
1. Trace Munoo’s journey from village to city and identify how his life changes at each stage. 
Student-generated activity
2. Discuss the impact of child labour on a child’s physical and emotional growth. 
Student-generated activity
3. Write a short paragraph on what you learn from Munoo’s life. 
Student-generated activity

Oral discussion
1. Munoo’s life was full of suffering and struggle. 
Explanation: Munoo faces continuous hardships such as poverty, hunger, and mistreatment from different employers throughout his life.
2. He faced exploitation at every stage. 
Explanation: Whether as a servant, factory worker, or coolie, Munoo is always overworked and underpaid, showing how society exploits the poor.
3. His story reflects the harsh reality of society. 
Explanation: Munoo’s life represents the real conditions of many poor children who suffer due to inequality and lack of support.

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