Mijbil the Otter (Story) English class 10 in English Medium ncert book solutions Summary

Chapter 6. (Story) Mijbil the Otter

Mijbil the Otter, written by Gavin Maxwell, is an interesting autobiographical story about the author's unusual pet otter named Mijbil. The story describes how Maxwell brought the otter from Iraq to Scotland, the friendship that developed between them, and the amusing incidents that took place during their journey and daily life together. It also highlights the intelligence, playful nature, and affectionate behaviour of otters. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Story Summary (English)

The story begins in the early months of 1956 when Gavin Maxwell travelled to southern Iraq. After the death of his pet dog, he felt lonely and decided that instead of keeping another dog, he would like to keep an otter as a pet. His home, Camusfearna, surrounded by water, seemed to be the perfect place for such an experiment. A friend informed him that otters were commonly found in the marshes of the Tigris River and were often tamed by the local Arabs. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

While staying at the British Consulate in Basra, Maxwell waited several days for his mail to arrive from England. During this time, two Arabs suddenly appeared in his room carrying a sack. Inside the sack was a young otter sent by Maxwell's friend as a gift. As soon as the sack was opened, the small animal came out covered in dried mud. At first, it looked like a tiny dragon because of the thick layer of mud covering its body. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Maxwell named the otter Mijbil, or simply Mij. Later, scientists discovered that it belonged to a previously unknown variety of otter, which was named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, commonly called Maxwell's otter. During the first day, Mij remained quiet, distant, and indifferent. However, within a short time, he became friendly and started exploring his surroundings with great curiosity. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

One of Mij's greatest joys was playing in water. Whenever Maxwell took him to the bathroom, the otter happily dived, rolled, splashed, and swam around the bathtub. He loved moving water and even tried to turn on the bathroom taps by himself. Soon he learned to follow Maxwell without a leash and spent hours playing with marbles and a rubber ball, showing remarkable intelligence and playful behaviour. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Story Summary (Hindi / सारांश)

"Mijbil the Otter" प्रसिद्ध लेखक Gavin Maxwell की आत्मकथात्मक कहानी है। इसमें लेखक अपने पालतू ऊदबिलाव (Otter) मिजबिल (Mijbil) के साथ बिताए गए यादगार अनुभवों का वर्णन करते हैं। अपने प्रिय कुत्ते की मृत्यु के बाद लेखक ने नया कुत्ता रखने के बजाय एक ऊदबिलाव पालने का निर्णय लिया। उन्हें लगा कि स्कॉटलैंड में पानी से घिरा उनका घर उसके लिए उपयुक्त रहेगा। :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

इराक के बसरा शहर में लेखक अपने मित्र के माध्यम से एक ऊदबिलाव प्राप्त करते हैं। दो अरब व्यक्ति एक बोरे में उस छोटे से जीव को लेकर आते हैं। जब बोरा खोला जाता है, तो वह पूरा कीचड़ से ढका हुआ दिखाई देता है। बाद में उसे साफ करने पर उसका वास्तविक रूप सामने आता है और लेखक उसका नाम मिजबिल रख देते हैं। :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

शुरुआत में मिजबिल थोड़ा संकोची और उदासीन रहता है, लेकिन धीरे-धीरे वह लेखक से घुल-मिल जाता है। उसे पानी से विशेष प्रेम होता है। वह बाथटब में घंटों तैरता, छलाँग लगाता और पानी उछालता रहता है। कुछ ही दिनों में वह नल खोलना भी सीख जाता है और गेंद तथा कंचों से खेलते हुए अपनी बुद्धिमत्ता और चंचल स्वभाव का परिचय देता है। :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

यह कहानी मनुष्य और पशु के बीच प्रेम, विश्वास तथा अपनत्व के सुंदर संबंध को प्रस्तुत करती है। साथ ही यह बताती है कि जंगली जानवर भी उचित देखभाल और स्नेह मिलने पर मनुष्य के अच्छे साथी बन सकते हैं। :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Character Sketch

1. Gavin Maxwell

Gavin Maxwell is kind, patient, adventurous, and deeply fond of animals. He treats Mijbil with great care and affection and is always eager to understand the otter's behaviour. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

2. Mijbil

Mijbil is intelligent, playful, curious, affectionate, and energetic. He loves water, learns quickly, enjoys games, and gradually develops a close bond with Maxwell. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Theme / Message of the Story

The story highlights the deep bond that can develop between humans and animals through love, patience, and care. It also teaches us to respect wildlife and understand that every animal has its own habits, emotions, and unique personality. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Difficult Words and Meanings

1. Marshes – Wet lands near rivers or lakes.

2. Consulate – An office representing a country's government in another nation.

3. Squirmed – Twisted or moved restlessly.

4. Thraldom – Complete control or attachment.

5. Aloof – Distant and unfriendly.

6. Apathy – Lack of interest or enthusiasm.

7. Plunging – Diving quickly into water.

8. Slosh – Splashing water noisily.

9. Fumbling – Trying to do something awkwardly.

10. Chromium – A shiny metal used for taps and fittings.

11. Trickle – A small flow of liquid.

12. Flick – A quick light movement.

13. Juggle – To keep objects moving in the air or between the hands.

14. Otter – A playful fish-eating aquatic mammal.

15. Curiosity – A strong desire to know or learn something.

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