NCERT extra question for Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 3 Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish 

Very short answer type question 

1. Who is the author of "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish"?

Author: Premchand.

2. Where does the story "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish" take place?

Setting: A village in India.

3. What is the occupation of the main character, Gopal?

Occupation: Gopal is a poor farmer.

4.What does Gopal find in the field one day?

Discovery: Gopal finds a large Hilsa fish in his field.

5.Why does Gopal decide to take the fish to the king?

Motivation: Gopal believes the king will reward him for the fish.

6.What challenge does Gopal face on his journey to the palace?

Challenge: Gopal has to keep the fish fresh in the scorching heat.

7. Who does Gopal meet on the way to the palace, and what do they advise him to do with the fish?

Encounter: Gopal meets a group of people who advise him to eat the fish himself.

8. What is the king's reaction when Gopal presents the fish to him?

Reaction: The king is displeased with the gift.

9. Why is the king disappointed with Gopal's gift?

Disappointment: The king wanted Gopal to bring him something valuable.

10. How does Gopal react to the king's disappointment?

Reaction: Gopal remains calm and composed.

11.What test does the king set for Gopal to prove his cleverness?

Test: The king asks Gopal to put the fish in a cool place where it won't spoil.

12. How does Gopal solve the king's test?

Solution: Gopal tells the king to put the fish in a jar of mustard oil.

13. Why does Gopal claim the king is not following his advice correctly?

Claim: Gopal says the king hasn't followed the whole advice because he hasn't sealed the jar.

14. What does the king realize about Gopal's wisdom?

Realization: The king recognizes that Gopal is exceptionally wise.

15. What reward does the king offer Gopal for his cleverness?

Reward: The king offers Gopal a bag of gold coins.

16. How does Gopal respond to the king's offer?

Response: Gopal declines the gold coins.

17. What does Gopal request from the king instead of the gold coins?

Request: Gopal asks for justice in his land dispute.

18. What does this story teach us about Gopal's character?

Lesson: It highlights Gopal's wisdom and selflessness.

19. What moral lesson can we learn from the story "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish"?

Moral: True wisdom lies in practicality and selflessness.

20. What qualities does Gopal exhibit that make him a memorable character?

Qualities: Gopal demonstrates wisdom, humility, and cleverness.

21. Why is the king initially disappointed with Gopal's gift?

Disappointment: The king expected a valuable gift.

22. How does Gopal's response to the king's test showcase his wit and intelligence?

Wit: Gopal's solution of using mustard oil demonstrates his practical intelligence.

23. What significance does mustard oil have in the story?

Symbolism: Mustard oil symbolizes Gopal's cleverness and simplicity.

24. What does the story reveal about the importance of practical wisdom?

Lesson: Practical wisdom is more valuable than material riches.

25. What role does humor play in the story's narrative?

Humor: Humor adds lightness to the narrative, making it enjoyable.

26. How does Gopal's decision to request justice instead of gold coins reflect his character?

Character: Gopal prioritizes justice and fairness over personal gain.

27. What is the central message of the story "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish"?

Message: Practical wisdom and selflessness are more valuable than riches.

28. How does Gopal's approach to problem-solving differ from the king's expectations?

Difference: Gopal's approach is simple and pragmatic, while the king expected extravagance.

29. What makes the character of Gopal endearing to the readers?

Endearing: Gopal's humility, cleverness, and selflessness make him likable.

30. How does Gopal's story serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and practical thinking in our lives?

Reminder: Gopal's story encourages us to embrace humility and practicality, as these qualities lead to wisdom and selflessness, making us better individuals.

Short answer type question 

What does Gopal find in his field one day?

Answer: Gopal discovers a large and beautiful Hilsa fish in his field one day. This unexpected find triggers a series of events in the story.

Why does Gopal decide to take the fish to the king?

Answer: Gopal decides to present the fish to the king with the hope of receiving a reward. He believes that such a rare and exquisite fish will surely earn him a valuable reward.

How does Gopal face the challenge of keeping the fish fresh on his journey to the palace?

Answer: To preserve the freshness of the fish during the journey to the palace, Gopal uses a practical approach. He wraps the fish in banana leaves, which help maintain its freshness, and then covers it with a layer of wet mud to keep it cool.

What does the king expect Gopal to present as a gift?

Answer: The king expects Gopal to present him with a gift that is grand, valuable, and fitting for a monarch. He anticipates a lavish offering from Gopal.

How does Gopal react when the king is disappointed with the gift of the fish?

Answer: Gopal remains remarkably composed and unruffled when the king expresses disappointment upon receiving the fish. He maintains his humility and composure, refusing to be affected by the king's reaction.

What test does the king set for Gopal to prove his cleverness?

Answer: In an attempt to gauge Gopal's cleverness and test his wit, the king challenges him with a task. He asks Gopal to find a way to keep the fish in a place where it won't spoil, given the sweltering heat of the day.

How does Gopal solve the king's test?

Answer: Gopal offers a practical solution to the king's test. He suggests immersing the fish in a jar filled with mustard oil. The mustard oil acts as a natural preservative, preventing the fish from spoiling in the heat.

Why does Gopal claim the king hasn't followed his advice correctly?

Answer: After presenting his solution, Gopal astutely points out that the king hasn't followed his advice correctly. He mentions that the jar should be sealed tightly to prevent the oil from spilling out.

What does the king realize about Gopal's wisdom after this incident?

Answer: The king comes to the profound realization that Gopal is not only clever but also possesses a remarkable depth of wisdom. Gopal's solution and his subsequent remark about sealing the jar demonstrate his practical intelligence.

What reward does the king offer Gopal for his cleverness?

Answer: Impressed by Gopal's wisdom, the king offers him a bag of gold coins as a reward for his clever solution to the problem.

How does Gopal respond to the king's offer of gold coins?

Answer: In a display of his integrity and selflessness, Gopal graciously declines the king's offer of gold coins.

What does Gopal request from the king instead of the gold coins?

Answer: Rather than seeking personal gain, Gopal humbly requests the king to provide him with justice in a land dispute that he has been entangled in.

What is the central lesson of the story "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish"?

Answer: The central lesson of the story underscores the value of practical wisdom and selflessness. It emphasizes that true wisdom lies in solving problems with simplicity and that selflessness is more precious than material riches.

How does Gopal's character embody humility and selflessness?

Answer: Gopal's character is characterized by his profound humility and selflessness. He responds to disappointment and success with composure, chooses justice over personal gain, and demonstrates a keen sense of morality.

What message does the story convey about the value of simplicity and humility in problem-solving?

Answer: The story underlines that simple and practical solutions, rooted in humility and selflessness, lead to wisdom and success. It encourages readers to approach challenges with a humble and practical mindset.

What role does humor play in the narrative of "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish"?

Answer: Humor adds a light and enjoyable dimension to the story's narrative. It makes the tale engaging for readers by infusing a touch of amusement into the events.

What does mustard oil symbolize in the story?

Answer: Mustard oil serves as a symbol of Gopal's cleverness and practicality in finding a solution to the king's problem. It highlights the value of simple and effective problem-solving.

Why does Gopal prioritize justice over personal gain in the story?

Answer: Gopal prioritizes justice over personal gain because he values moral principles and fairness. His request for justice underscores his selflessness and commitment to what is right.

What is the enduring message of Gopal's story for readers?

Answer: Gopal's story serves as a lasting reminder to embrace practicality, humility, and selflessness. It teaches that these qualities lead to wisdom, self-improvement, and the betterment of one's character.

Long answer type questions 

Who is the author of "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish"?

Answer: "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish" is a short story authored by the renowned Indian writer, Munshi Premchand. Premchand, whose real name was Dhanpat Rai Srivastava, is celebrated for his impactful contributions to Indian literature.

In "Gopal and the Hilsa-Fish," Premchand masterfully weaves a tale that blends humor, wisdom, and human values, making it one of his memorable creations.

What does Gopal find in his field one day?

Answer: One day, while tending to his fields, Gopal, a simple and impoverished farmer, stumbles upon a remarkable discovery—a large, beautiful Hilsa fish lying in his field. This discovery is unexpected and creates the central premise for the story.

The fish, known for its exquisite taste and scarcity, is a valuable find. Gopal's encounter with this fish marks the beginning of his adventure.

Why does Gopal decide to take the fish to the king?

Answer: Gopal decides to take the Hilsa fish to the king with the hope of receiving a reward in return. He believes that presenting such a rare and exquisite fish to the king would lead to a generous gift. Gopal's decision reflects his optimism and his desire to improve his financial situation.

It is important to note that Gopal, as a character, embodies simplicity and practicality, and his decision to take the fish to the king is driven by his genuine belief that this act will bring him material benefits.

How does Gopal face the challenge of keeping the fish fresh on his journey to the palace?

Answer: To ensure that the fish remains fresh during his journey to the palace, Gopal employs a clever and practical approach. Given the sweltering heat of the day and the necessity of preserving the fish's freshness, Gopal wraps the Hilsa fish in fresh banana leaves. This protective layer of leaves helps to maintain the fish's condition and prevent it from spoiling.

Following this, Gopal goes a step further to ensure the fish's coolness and freshness. He covers the fish, encased in banana leaves, with a layer of wet mud. This mud covering acts as a natural insulator, keeping the fish cool and fresh while he makes his way to the king's palace.

Gopal's resourcefulness and down-to-earth problem-solving approach are evident in this act, showcasing his practical intelligence.

What does the king expect Gopal to present as a gift?

Answer: The king, being the recipient of Gopal's gift, has certain expectations regarding the nature and value of the gift. He anticipates that Gopal, like other gift-givers, will present him with a lavish and valuable offering. The king, accustomed to receiving opulent gifts, likely expects a gift that befits his royal status. He envisions receiving something extravagant or precious from Gopal.

The contrast between the king's expectations and the simplicity of Gopal's offering serves as a central element in the story's narrative.

How does Gopal react when the king is disappointed with the gift of the fish?

Answer: When the king receives the gift of the Hilsa fish, his initial reaction is one of disappointment. He had expected a valuable and grand gift, in line with his royal status and customary gifts from subjects.

In contrast, Gopal's response to the king's disappointment is marked by his humility and unshaken composure. He remains remarkably calm and composed, not allowing the king's disappointment to affect him. Gopal's ability to handle the king's reaction with grace reflects his character's humility and resilience.

This moment in the story underscores the difference between the king's expectations and Gopal's unpretentious simplicity.

What test does the king set for Gopal to prove his cleverness?

Answer: Following his initial disappointment with the gift of the Hilsa fish, the king decides to challenge Gopal with a test. This test is designed to assess Gopal's cleverness and practical intelligence. The king instructs Gopal to find a way to keep the fish in a place where it won't spoil, particularly considering the scorching heat of the day.

The king's test serves as a pivotal moment in the story and an opportunity for Gopal to showcase his wit and resourcefulness.

How does Gopal solve the king's test?

Answer: Gopal responds to the king's test with a practical and ingenious solution. He suggests placing the Hilsa fish in a jar filled with mustard oil. Gopal's choice of mustard oil as a preservation method is significant. Mustard oil has natural preservative properties, making it an effective choice for maintaining the freshness of the fish in the heat.

Gopal's solution is both clever and pragmatic. He effectively addresses the king's challenge with a straightforward and readily available resource.

Why does Gopal claim the king hasn't followed his advice correctly?

Answer: After presenting his solution, Gopal astutely points out that the king has not followed his advice correctly. He mentions that the jar must be tightly sealed to prevent the mustard oil from spilling out.

Gopal's observation highlights his attention to detail and practicality. He ensures that his solution is implemented correctly and effectively, emphasizing the importance of sealing the jar to preserve the fish's freshness.

What does the king realize about Gopal's wisdom after this incident?

Answer: The king's realization unfolds after Gopal's observation about sealing the jar. It becomes evident to the king that Gopal possesses not only cleverness but also a profound depth of wisdom. Gopal's practical intelligence, attention to detail, and his ability to offer a solution that is both clever and effective demonstrate his remarkable wisdom.

The king's recognition of Gopal's wisdom is a pivotal moment in the story and leads to a shift in the king's perspective about Gopal and his humble background. This realization serves as a turning point in the narrative, where Gopal's true worth is acknowledged.