Chandni Class 7 Notes: CBSE English (An Alien Hand) Chapter 4

About the Author

The story Chandni was written by Zakir Husain, an eminent Indian scholar, educationist, and former President of India. He was known for his contributions to education and literature, often weaving deep moral lessons into simple yet impactful stories.

About the Story / Synopsis of the Story

Chandni is a heart-touching story that revolves around Abbu Khan, an old man living in Almora, who loves his pet goats. However, despite his care, all his goats run away to the hills, seeking freedom. One day, he brings home Chandni, a young and lively goat. Although she grows fond of Abbu Khan, her yearning for freedom remains strong. Eventually, she escapes to the hills, only to face a tragic encounter with a ferocious wolf. Her bravery and determination to live freely make this story a powerful allegory of freedom and sacrifice.

Theme of the Story

The story highlights multiple themes, including:

• Freedom vs. Security – Chandni's longing for freedom, even at the risk of her life, contrasts with Abbu Khan’s protective love.

• Courage and Determination – Chandni’s decision to stand her ground against the wolf represents bravery.

• Sacrifice and Perseverance – The story teaches that true freedom sometimes comes with great risks and sacrifices.

Character Sketches

1. Abbu Khan – A kind-hearted old man who loves his goats but fails to understand their yearning for freedom. Despite caring for them deeply, he loses each one to their desire to roam free.

2. Chandni – A young, spirited goat with a deep desire to explore the hills. She represents courage, determination, and the will to live freely, even at great personal cost.

3. The Wolf – A symbol of danger and the harsh realities of the world. He represents the obstacles one must face when striving for true freedom.

Summary of the Story Chandni

• The story Chandni is a touching and thought-provoking tale about freedom, courage, and sacrifice. It is set in the beautiful hills of Almora, where an old man named Abbu Khan lives all alone, except for his pet goats. Abbu Khan treats his goats with love and care, providing them with food and shelter. However, all of them seem to have one common trait—they long for freedom and run away to the hills, where they ultimately fall prey to wild wolves.

• Abbu Khan is heartbroken each time he loses a goat. Determined to keep his next pet safe, he decides to bring home a young, lively, and beautiful goat and names her Chandni, meaning "moonlight." Unlike his previous goats, he hopes Chandni will grow attached to him and never think of leaving. He takes extra care of her, feeds her delicious food, and keeps her within a fenced enclosure to protect her from danger.

• Chandni enjoys living with Abbu Khan, but as she grows older, she begins to notice the majestic hills beyond the fence. The vast open landscape calls out to her. Despite being well-fed and loved, she feels trapped in Abbu Khan’s house. She starts longing for freedom, dreaming of exploring the hills, feeling the wind in her fur, and experiencing life beyond the boundaries of her enclosure.

• One day, Chandni expresses her desire to leave and explore the hills. Abbu Khan is shocked and tries to convince her to stay, warning her about the wolves that roam the mountains. He tells her that every goat that left him in the past never returned. But Chandni is determined—she values freedom over safety.

• Despite Abbu Khan’s pleas and warnings, Chandni finally escapes and reaches the hills. She is overwhelmed with joy, jumping and running freely in the green pastures. She feels that she has finally found her true home.

• However, as the sun begins to set, Chandni suddenly realizes that danger is approaching—a ferocious wolf appears. He eyes her as his prey, but Chandni refuses to run away. She decides to stand her ground and fight. A fierce battle follows, and though Chandni is much smaller and weaker than the wolf, she does not give up. She fights bravely, defending herself as much as she can.

• The next morning, the villagers find her lifeless body, but her eyes remain full of pride. She may have lost the battle, but she died a free soul. The birds in the hills declare that Chandni was the true winner because she chose to fight for her freedom rather than live in captivity.

Important Points of English Class 7 Chapter 4  Chandni

• Chandni’s Desire for Freedom: The story revolves around Chandni, a beautiful young goat who longs to escape the confines of her owner’s farm and live freely in the hills.

• Her Escape Attempt: Chandni’s master tries to keep her in the farm, but she yearns for the open skies and the beauty of the hills, so she makes an escape to experience freedom.

• The Journey to the Hills: As she journeys towards the hills, Chandni experiences both the excitement and dangers of being free but also realizes the challenges that come with it.

• Confrontation with the Wolves: While in the hills, Chandni is attacked by wolves. Despite her bravery, she cannot survive their attack, symbolizing the harsh realities of the wild.

• Chandni’s Spirit of Freedom: Even though she perishes, the story highlights Chandni’s unwavering spirit of freedom and her desire to break free from captivity, which speaks to the universal desire for independence.

Importance of English Class 7 Chapter 4 Chandni Notes 

Referring to notes for this chapter is essential for a deeper understanding and better grasp of the key elements. Here’s why:

1. Helps Grasp Key Themes: The themes of freedom, courage, and sacrifice are central to the story. Notes can help students identify and reflect on these themes more clearly, enabling a comprehensive understanding of how they relate to real-life situations.

2. Clarifies Character Development: By studying the notes, students can better understand the evolution of Chandni's character as she transitions from being a confined goat to a symbol of bravery. The notes also provide insight into Abbu Khan’s internal conflict between safety and freedom, which adds depth to the story.

3. Facilitates Emotional Engagement: The story contains deep emotional nuances that can sometimes be missed without analysis. Class 7 English Notes break down these emotions, helping students appreciate the complexity of Chandni’s sacrifice and its significance.

Tips for Learning Class 7 English Chapter 4 Chandni

1. Understand the Themes: Focus on the major themes of freedom, courage, and sacrifice. Think about how they relate to your own life and in different contexts.

2. Character Analysis: Pay attention to the personalities of Abbu Khan and Chandni. Try to relate their actions to the themes of the story.

3. Understand the Conflict: The internal conflict of Abbu Khan and Chandni’s external struggle is important. Identify how both characters deal with their struggles.

4. Take Notes on Key Events: Track the important events in the story like Chandni’s escape, her confrontation with the wolf, and her sacrifice. This will help you understand the flow of the narrative.

Conclusion

The story of Chandni explores the themes of freedom, courage, and sacrifice. Despite the love and care from Abbu Khan, Chandni desires the freedom of the hills. Her decision to risk her life for freedom highlights her bravery and determination. Ultimately, the story shows that freedom, though costly, is a powerful force worth pursuing, emphasizing the human spirit’s need for independence and the sacrifices made in its pursuit.

Related Study Materials for Class 7 English Chapter 4 Chandni

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