Bringing Up Kari Class 7 Notes: CBSE English (An Alien Hand) Chapter 2

About the Author

Dhan Gopal Mukerji (1890–1936) was a renowned Indian writer, best known for his contributions to English literature. He was one of the first Indian authors to write extensively in English, bringing the essence of Indian culture and themes into his works. His writing often dealt with topics like Indian tradition, colonialism, and the relationship between East and West. His most famous work, Kari the Elephant, is a beautiful reflection of the bond between humans and animals. Mukerji's love for nature and animals is evident in his storytelling, and his ability to weave tenderness and wisdom into his narratives makes his works timeless.

About the Story / Synopsis of the Story

"Bringing Up Kari" is a heartwarming story by Dhan Gopal Mukerji that centers around a young boy and his pet elephant, Kari. The boy narrates his experiences as he grows up alongside Kari, a baby elephant he has cared for since he was five months old. The story follows their daily life, filled with moments of joy, mischief, and life lessons. Kari loves his morning baths in the river and has a playful yet curious nature. The bond between the narrator and Kari is unbreakable, and the story unfolds as Kari demonstrates bravery by saving the narrator and a drowning boy. The narrative also touches on Kari’s growth as he learns various commands and develops important skills like the "Master Call" for safety. The story beautifully explores the deep connection between humans and animals, highlighting loyalty, love, and bravery.

The Theme of the Story

The key themes in Bringing Up Kari are:

• Friendship and Loyalty: The narrator’s deep friendship with Kari underscores the beauty of human-animal relationships. Kari’s loyalty to the boy is seen when he saves him from danger.

• Learning and Growth: The story shows the growth of Kari as he learns different commands and becomes more responsible. This theme reflects the importance of learning, both for animals and humans.

• Innocence and Mischief: The playful and sometimes mischievous nature of Kari adds a layer of innocence to the story, showing how animals can bring joy and chaos simultaneously.

• Bravery and Protection: Kari’s bravery, particularly when he saves the narrator and another boy from drowning, emphasizes how animals can protect and care for humans, demonstrating that bravery comes in many forms.

Character Sketches

1. Kari (The Elephant): Kari is a young, playful, and intelligent elephant who shares a special bond with the narrator. Although mischievous at times, such as stealing bananas, Kari is also brave and loyal. His ability to learn quickly and his natural instincts to protect those he loves make him an admirable character. Kari’s growth throughout the story—from a playful elephant to a responsible one—shows the depth of his character.

2. The Narrator (The Boy): The narrator is a kind, loving, and patient boy who cares for Kari and nurtures their friendship. He teaches Kari commands, takes care of his meals, and ensures that the elephant grows up well. His relationship with Kari is based on mutual respect and affection, and he learns valuable lessons about loyalty, bravery, and responsibility through his experiences with Kari.

Summary of Bringing Up Kari 

In Bringing Up Kari, the narrator tells the story of his special relationship with Kari, a baby elephant who enters his life when he is just five months old. The narrator takes on the responsibility of caring for Kari, who lives in a pavilion and is still young and playful. The boy quickly becomes attached to Kari, enjoying simple but meaningful activities together, like bathing in the river. Kari’s joy in the river is evident, as he squeals with happiness while lying down in the water. These moments of companionship strengthen the bond between the boy and Kari, showcasing the warmth and purity of their friendship.

However, as with all young animals, Kari's mischievousness often leads him into trouble. One such instance occurs when Kari, drawn by his love for bananas, learns how to steal them from the dining room. He uses his trunk to slyly snatch the fruit from the table and retreat to his pavilion to enjoy the stolen treats in peace. Eventually, the narrator catches him in the act and scolds Kari for his behavior. Kari, realizing his mistake, learns an important lesson and never steals again. This event reflects not only Kari’s growing intelligence but also the narrator’s role in teaching him right from wrong.

In a truly heroic act, Kari displays his courage and protective instincts. One day, when the narrator and Kari are near a stream, Kari pushes the boy into the water in an attempt to save a drowning boy. Although the narrator cannot swim, Kari bravely jumps in and rescues both the narrator and the other boy by pulling them out of the stream with his trunk. This moment highlights Kari's loyalty and bravery, showcasing how deep the bond between the elephant and the narrator truly is.

As Kari grows older, he continues to learn and develop. One of the most important lessons he learns is the "Master Call," a critical skill that could save the narrator's life in dangerous situations. The Master Call is a special command that helps the elephant navigate through the forest to clear a path, especially when wild animals like tigers are nearby. The narrator teaches Kari this skill, and with time, Kari masters it. This lesson illustrates the importance of training and the role animals can play in protecting their owners.

The story of Bringing Up Kari emphasizes the deep emotional bond that can form between humans and animals. Through the relationship between the narrator and Kari, we see how animals can be more than just companions—they can be loyal, brave, and even protective. The themes of love, responsibility, and bravery run throughout the story, reminding readers of the emotional depth animals can offer and the vital role they can play in our lives.

Important Points of English Class 7 Chapter 2 Bringing Up Kari

• Kari is a young elephant who loves his daily river baths and enjoys stealing bananas.

• The narrator takes great care of Kari, developing a strong bond with him.

• Kari displays bravery when he saves the narrator and another boy from a stream.

• Over time, Kari learns important commands and the life-saving "Master Call."

• The story emphasizes the deep emotional connection between the boy and Kari, showcasing animals as loyal and brave companions.

Importance of English Class 7 Chapter 2 Bringing Up Kari Notes

1. Enhances Understanding: Notes help you grasp key themes, characters, and events more clearly.

2. Saves Time: They provide a quick reference to important details without rereading the entire chapter.

3. Boosts Retention: Referring to notes helps reinforce what you've learned, aiding memory recall.

4. Prepares for Tests: Notes ensure you're ready for discussions, quizzes, and exams by covering key points.

5. Improves Writing: Summaries and character sketches in notes help structure your thoughts for essays and assignments.

Tips for Learning the Class 7 English Chapter 2 Bringing Up Kari

1. Focus on the Main Themes: The story explores themes like loyalty, friendship, growth, and bravery. Understanding these will help you grasp the deeper messages the author conveys through Kari and the narrator's relationship.

2. Character Study: Study the development of the key characters, especially Kari and the narrator. Note how Kari grows from a mischievous baby elephant to a loyal and brave companion and how the narrator's bond with Kari strengthens.

3. Vocabulary Expansion: Pay attention to any new words related to animals or nature used in the story, such as "pavilion," "trunk," and "Master Call," to enhance your vocabulary and understanding of the context.

4. Comprehension Practice: After reading the chapter, summarize it in your own words to ensure you've understood the plot and key events, like Kari’s rescue or his learning of the Master Call.

5. Writing Practice: Try writing a character sketch of Kari or the narrator, focusing on their personality traits, actions, and growth throughout the story.

Conclusion 

Bringing Up Kari beautifully illustrates the deep bond between humans and animals. Through the narrator’s relationship with Kari, a baby elephant, we see how animals can be loving, brave, and loyal companions. The chapter emphasizes themes of growth, learning, and the importance of friendship. Kari's mischievous nature evolves into a sense of responsibility as he learns valuable lessons, making the story both heartwarming and insightful. Ultimately, the chapter reminds us of the emotional and moral lessons that animals can teach us, encouraging kindness, patience, and respect.

Related Study Materials for Class 7 English Chapter 2 Bringing Up Kari

Chapter-wise Revision Notes for Class 7 English 

You can also download CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb Notes for thorough preparation.

Important Study Materials for Class 7 English