CBSE Class 9 English: Iswaran The Storyteller NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

CBSE Class 9 English, Chapter 3, "Iswaran The Storyteller" offers a deep dive into the life and tales of the extraordinary cook, Iswaran. This chapter highlights his remarkable ability to weave captivating stories, often blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The NCERT Solutions explore Iswaran's resourcefulness, particularly evident in his handling of the escaped elephant, showcasing his bravery and quick thinking. Students will also examine the chilling tale of the ghost that Iswaran narrates, which ultimately leads to Mahendra's decision to leave his job. These solutions aim to enhance students' understanding of the narrative's themes, character development, and literary devices, providing a solid foundation for their English studies and exam preparation.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	3. Iswaran The Storyteller

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English, Chapter 3, "Iswaran The Storyteller," offers detailed answers to questions about the narrative. The solutions focus on Iswaran's unique qualities as a cook and storyteller, his loyalty to Mahendra, and the events that lead to Mahendra's fear and eventual departure from his post. Key incidents like the tamed elephant and the perceived ghost sighting are explained, aiding students in grasping the story's plot and character development.

Learning outcomes

Understand the character traits of Iswaran and Mahendra.
Analyze the role of storytelling in the narrative.
Explain the significance of the elephant incident.
Evaluate Mahendra's reactions to Iswaran's stories and his own experiences.
Identify the themes of loyalty, fear, and imagination in the chapter.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character analysis of Iswaran
Character analysis of Mahendra
Iswaran's storytelling skills
The elephant incident
The ghost encounter
Mahendra's fear and decision
Themes of loyalty and resourcefulness
The impact of imagination
Narrative structure
Folk tales and modified stories

Important topics

Iswaran's character and his role
Mahendra's perspective and reactions
The significance of the elephant story
The climax: the ghost sighting
The theme of imagination vs. reality

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Questions and Solutions

Q. 1. What impact did Iswaran's story of a female ghost have on Mahendra?

What impact did Iswaran's story of a female ghost have on Mahendra?

Solution: Iswaran's chilling tales of a female ghost significantly affected Mahendra. After hearing these stories, Mahendra began to feel uneasy, especially when the moon was full. He started avoiding looking out of the window at night and would go to bed with a sense of apprehension, often peering into the darkness to ensure no ghostly figures were lurking outside.

Q. 2. Why did Mahendra become fond of Iswaran?

Why did Mahendra become fond of Iswaran?

Solution: Mahendra grew fond of Iswaran due to his exceptional qualities and dedication. Iswaran was not only a highly resourceful individual who could manage things even in desolate locations but also a trained cook who took excellent care of Mahendra's needs. His ability to provide comfort and companionship, along with his culinary skills, made him indispensable to Mahendra.

Q. 3. Why did Mahendra decide to leave the haunted place?

Why did Mahendra decide to leave the haunted place?

Solution: Mahendra decided to leave the place because he was increasingly terrified by the ghostly occurrences he experienced and heard about. After listening to Iswaran's ghost stories, he himself had a frightening encounter one night, which convinced him that the place was haunted. The fear and recurring nightmares about the ghost led him to resign his job and leave.

Q. 4. What sets Iswaran apart from other domestic helps?

What sets Iswaran apart from other domestic helps?

Solution: Iswaran was distinct from other domestic helps due to his remarkable resourcefulness and his engaging personality. He was a trained cook capable of preparing a variety of dishes and was also adept at managing household needs in remote areas. Furthermore, his talent for narrating captivating and modified folk tales every night made him a unique and valuable companion to his master, Mahendra.

Q. 5. How did Iswaran tackle the elephant?

How did Iswaran tackle the elephant?

Solution: Iswaran recounts a dramatic incident where he single-handedly tackled a rampaging elephant. The elephant had caused terror by destroying property and frightening people. Iswaran bravely confronted the beast and, using a rod, hit it firmly on its third toenail. This decisive action stunned the elephant, causing it to collapse and be subdued.

Q. 6. Why was Iswaran called Mahendra's asset? Or How did Iswaran show his usefulness to the narrator?

Why was Iswaran called Mahendra's asset? Or How did Iswaran show his usefulness to the narrator?

Solution: Iswaran was considered Mahendra's asset because he was far more than just a cook. He was exceptionally loyal, accompanying Mahendra to every new posting. He meticulously managed Mahendra's daily needs, including cooking and laundry. Additionally, he provided companionship by sharing gossip and narrating modified folk tales, significantly enhancing Mahendra's living experience in isolated locations.

Q. 7. What did Mahendra decide after he had seen the ghost?

What did Mahendra decide after he had seen the ghost?

Solution: After his frightening experience of seeing what he believed to be a ghost, Mahendra became convinced that his house was indeed haunted. Overwhelmed by fear and unwilling to continue living in such an environment, he made the decision to resign from his job and leave the place immediately.

Q. 8. Who was Iswaran? What all he did for his master?

Who was Iswaran? What all he did for his master?

Solution: Iswaran was Mahendra's cook and was considered his asset. He was a highly skilled cook who prepared meals for Mahendra, washed his clothes, and provided constant companionship. Every night, he would entertain Mahendra with elaborate and often embellished folk tales, making him an invaluable part of Mahendra's life.

Q. 9. What impact did Iswaran's story of a female ghost have on Mahendra?

What impact did Iswaran's story of a female ghost have on Mahendra?

Solution: Iswaran's ghost stories deeply unsettled Mahendra. He began to feel a sense of unease, particularly during full moon nights. To avoid any potential encounters, he started refraining from looking out of the window after dark and would go to bed feeling anxious, constantly checking the surroundings for any sign of movement or dark shapes.

Q. 10. How does Iswaran describe the story of the elephant? Does it appear to be plausible?

How does Iswaran describe the story of the elephant? Does it appear to be plausible?

Solution: Iswaran describes the elephant incident as a terrifying event where a mad elephant went on a rampage, destroying property like bushes, fences, fruit stalls, and mud pots. It even broke into a school compound. Iswaran claims he subdued the elephant by hitting its third toenail with a rod. However, the story, particularly the detail of a junior student controlling a mad elephant, does not appear entirely plausible and seems exaggerated.

Q. 11. What destruction did the elephant cause in the town?

What destruction did the elephant cause in the town?

Solution: The elephant caused considerable destruction in the town. It trampled bushes, broke down fences, and smashed fruit stalls and mud pots. Its rampage extended to a school playground, where it broke through a brick wall, uprooted a football goal post, tore down a volleyball net, and flattened a water drum, creating chaos and fear.

Q. 12. Do you think the ghost Mahendra saw on the night of the full moon was a real ghost?

Do you think the ghost Mahendra saw on the night of the full moon was a real ghost?

Solution: It is unlikely that the ghost Mahendra saw was real. Mahendra initially dismissed the idea of ghosts. However, after being constantly exposed to Iswaran's vivid ghost stories, his imagination was likely heightened. The sighting on the full moon night was probably a hallucination or a misinterpretation of shadows and sounds, amplified by his fear and Iswaran's tales. It's also possible Iswaran, wanting to prove his stories true, might have even staged the event himself.

Q.13. Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of imagination. What happens to him on full moon night?

Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of imagination. What happens to him on full moon night?

Solution: Despite his rational belief that ghosts are imaginary, Mahendra experiences a terrifying event on a full moon night. He is awakened by a low moaning sound near his window. Driven by a mixture of fear and curiosity, he looks outside and sees a dark, cloudy figure holding a bundle. This horrifying sight causes him to break out in a cold sweat and fall back onto his pillow, gasping for breath.

Common mistakes

Confusing Iswaran's fictional stories with reality.
Underestimating the impact of storytelling on a listener's psyche.
Failing to distinguish between Iswaran's resourcefulness and his imaginative tales.
Misinterpreting Mahendra's fear as solely due to external factors rather than his own imagination influenced by stories.

Revision tips

Focus on Iswaran's dual role as a cook and a storyteller.
Analyze Mahendra's changing reactions to Iswaran's tales and experiences.
Summarize the key events, such as the elephant's rampage and the ghost encounter.
Discuss the theme of how imagination can be influenced by narratives.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Iswaran's primary role for Mahendra?

Q2. What incident demonstrated Iswaran's bravery and resourcefulness?

Q3. Why did Mahendra decide to leave his job at the haunted place?

Q4. What was Iswaran's unique quality that set him apart from other domestic helps?

Q5. According to Mahendra, what are ghosts and spirits?

Frequently asked questions

Who is Iswaran in the story?

Iswaran is Mahendra's cook, who is also a skilled storyteller and highly resourceful, making him a valuable asset to his master.

What made Mahendra fond of Iswaran?

Mahendra was fond of Iswaran because he was a trained cook, very resourceful, took excellent care of him, and entertained him with captivating stories.

Why did Mahendra decide to leave the place where he was posted?

Mahendra decided to leave because he became increasingly frightened by Iswaran's ghost stories and his own perceived sighting of a ghost, making him believe the place was haunted.

How did Iswaran tackle the elephant incident?

Iswaran describes how he bravely confronted a mad elephant by hitting its third toe with a rod, causing it to collapse.

What is the main theme of 'Iswaran The Storyteller'?

The story explores themes of loyalty, resourcefulness, the power of storytelling, and how imagination, fueled by narratives, can influence perception and create fear.

Do the NCERT Solutions for this chapter help in exam preparation?

Yes, these solutions provide detailed answers to key questions, helping students understand character motivations, plot points, and themes, which is crucial for exam success.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

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