Chapter- 10 A Strange Wrestling Match

1. Why was the gift given by the old woman to Vijay Singh considered useful?

Explanation:

The old woman gave Vijay Singh a small packet containing a lump of salt and an egg. Though it may seem eccentric, both of these proved useful to him in his fight against the ghost.


2. Why did Vijay Singh say "Appearances can be deceptive"?

Explanation:

The ghost first tried to demoralize Vijay Singh by saying that he was no match for him. However, Vijay Singh agreed to demonstrate his strength, which surprised the ghost. This made Vijay Singh say, "Appearances can be deceptive."


3. How did Vijay Singh use the egg and the lump of salt to outwit the ghost?

Explanation:

Vijay Singh used the egg and the lump of salt to outsmart the ghost. He challenged the ghost to crush a piece of rock and took advantage of the darkness to press the egg instead of the rock. He then crushed the lump of salt while the ghost failed to crush the rock, thus proving his victory.


4. Why did Vijay Singh's judgement of the ghost's strength and abilities seem unfair?

Explanation:

Vijay Singh claimed victory over the ghost through dishonest means. He gave the ghost a piece of rock on both occasions, which the ghost failed to crush while Vijay Singh made use of the salt and the egg. Thus, his judgement of the ghost's strength and abilities seemed unfair.


5. What was Vijay Singh's intention in asking the ghost to accompany him to town the next day?

Explanation:

Vijay Singh intended to take the ghost to his town to impress his people by presenting the ghost as his prisoner.


6. How did Vijay Singh trick the ghost into believing that he was dead?

Explanation:

Vijay Singh saw through the ghost's plan and got out of bed, putting a round pillow in his place. The ghost struck the bolster hard with his mace or heavy stick, and since he didn't hear any groan, he assumed that Vijay Singh was dead.


7. What did Vijay Singh refer to as "insects" in the cave, and why?

Explanation:

Vijay Singh referred to the ghost as insects in the cave. He compared the ghost to a hateful weakling like an insect.


8. Who do you think the ghost in the story really was, and why?

Explanation:

The story of the trial of strength between a ghost and Vijay Singh cannot be true or believable. The ghost in the story was most likely a dacoit who used to rob the rich and kill them, as ghosts do not exist in human form, live in houses or caves, collect wealth, or panic or run away in fear.


9. Who was Vijay Singh? What was his physique like?

Explanation:

 Vijay Singh was a renowned wrestler known for his unbeatable strength. He had a towering height and muscular build, with broad shoulders and strong arms.


10. What was Vijay Singh's one shortcoming?

Explanation:

 Vijay Singh had a tendency to boast about his strength and abilities, which was his only shortcoming.


11. How did Vijay Singh react when he was asked to go to the Haunted Deserts?

Explanation:

 Vijay Singh felt afraid and apprehensive at the idea of going to the Haunted Deserts to face a ghost, and his heart skipped a beat.


12. Who aided Vijay Singh in defeating the ghost, and how did they help him?

Explanation:

 An elderly woman provided Vijay Singh with a packet containing an egg and a lump of salt, which he used to outsmart the ghost during their trial of strength.


13. Can you quote some of the derogatory words Vijay Singh used to insult and demoralize the ghost?

Explanation:

 Some of the words that Vijay Singh used to insult and belittle the ghost were "plain, lying ghost," "stupid ghost," "worthless ghost," and "rascal of a ghost."


14. What was unusual about the wrestling match? Who were the opponents and who emerged victorious?

Explanation:

 The wrestling match was unique as it was between a man and a ghost. The wrestler, Vijay Singh, had a weakness of boasting about his strength, which led to his acceptance of the challenge to fight the ghost in a haunted desert. The match turned into a trial of wit and wisdom, and Vijay Singh emerged as the winner, returning home with a lot of gold.


15. Describe the personality of Vijay Singh and explain how he was able to defeat the ghost using his intelligence.

Explanation:

 Vijay Singh was a renowned wrestler who often boasted about his physical strength. His vanity led him into a tricky situation when he accepted the challenge to fight a ghost. However, with the help of an old woman's gift of an egg and a piece of salt, Vijay Singh was able to outsmart the ghost. He cleverly crushed the salt and egg, frightening the ghost and claiming victory through superior wit.


16. How did the gifts given to Vijay Singh by the old woman aid him in defeating the ghost?

Explanation:

 The old woman's gift of an egg and a lump of salt proved to be invaluable for Vijay Singh in defeating the ghost. Vijay Singh used the egg and salt to trick the ghost into believing he possessed supernatural abilities. He squeezed the egg and salt to showcase his strength, leaving the ghost demoralized and frightened.


17. Explain how Vijay Singh outsmarted the ghost using his intelligence.

Explanation:

 Vijay Singh used his intelligence to defeat the ghost. He challenged the ghost to squeeze a piece of rock and then easily crushed the egg and salt to showcase his strength. He then gave another piece of rock to the ghost to crush, which the ghost failed to do. Vijay Singh then easily crushed the piece of salt, leaving the ghost completely bewildered and accepting defeat.


18. How did the ghost attempt to trick Vijay Singh, and how did Vijay Singh respond?

Explanation:

 The ghost invited Vijay Singh to his cave with the intention of killing him. He offered Vijay Singh a comfortable bed to sleep on, but Vijay Singh saw through the ghost's trick. He stayed awake and replaced himself with a bolster on the bed. At midnight, the ghost struck the bolster with his club, assuming he had killed Vijay Singh. But Vijay Singh confronted the ghost, causing him to panic and flee the cave, leaving behind all his wealth.