“An Astrologer’s Day”

By R.K.Narayan

Summary of “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K. Narayan

“An Astrologer’s Day” is a short story by R.K. Narayan that highlights themes of fate, deception, and irony. The story revolves around an astrologer who sets up shop under a tamarind tree in a bustling Indian market. Despite having no real knowledge of astrology, he cleverly reads people by observing their behavior and expressions.

One evening, a mysterious stranger challenges him with a question about his future. As the conversation unfolds, the astrologer realizes the stranger is Guru Nayak — the man he believed he had killed in a brawl years ago. Seizing the moment, the astrologer tells Guru Nayak that his enemy is dead and advises him not to travel southward. Relieved, Guru Nayak leaves, unaware of the truth.

The astrologer returns home and confesses to his wife that he has been living in fear all these years, believing he had committed a murder. Now free of guilt, he finds peace.

This story masterfully uses suspense and irony, showing how a man trapped by his past finds relief through a twist of fate.

“एक ज्योतिषी का दिन” — आर. के. नारायण द्वारा लिखित कहानी का सारांश

“एक ज्योतिषी का दिन” आर. के. नारायण की एक प्रसिद्ध लघु कथा है जो भाग्य, धोखे और विडंबना जैसे विषयों को उजागर करती है। यह कहानी एक ऐसे ज्योतिषी की है जो एक व्यस्त बाज़ार में इमली के पेड़ के नीचे अपनी दुकान लगाता है। वह असली ज्योतिष नहीं जानता, लेकिन लोगों के हाव-भाव और बातों से उनकी समस्याओं को समझकर उन्हें संतुष्ट करता है।

एक शाम एक रहस्यमयी व्यक्ति उससे भविष्य जानने आता है। बातचीत के दौरान ज्योतिषी को पता चलता है कि यह वही गुरु नायक है जिसे उसने वर्षों पहले एक झगड़े में मरा हुआ समझा था। वह चालाकी से उसे विश्वास दिलाता है कि उसका शत्रु मर चुका है और उसे दक्षिण दिशा में कभी यात्रा न करने की सलाह देता है। गुरु नायक निश्चिंत होकर चला जाता है।

ज्योतिषी घर लौटकर अपनी पत्नी को बताता है कि वह वर्षों से यह सोचकर भय में जी रहा था कि उसने एक व्यक्ति की हत्या कर दी थी। अब जब उसे पता चला कि वह जीवित है, तो उसका मन शांत हो गया।

यह कहानी कुशलतापूर्वक रहस्य और विडंबना का उपयोग करती है और दिखाती है कि कैसे एक व्यक्ति अपने अतीत के बोझ से मुक्ति पाकर राहत महसूस करता है।

MCQs on “An Astrologer’s Day” – Class 11 Level

1) The astrologer advised Guru Nayak not to travel again —
Answer: b) southward

2) Rearrange the sentences:
(i) The astrologer saw his face by the match light.
(ii) He made preparations to bundle up.
(iii) He asked the client to take back his anna.
(iv) The stranger held his wrist and he shivered in his grip.

Correct sequence:
Answer: a) i-iii-ii-iv

3) The place of the Astrologer’s business was lit up by —
Answer: a) gaslight

4) If the Astrologer had not attempted to murder Guru Nayak,
(i) he would have continued to live in his village.
(ii) he would have become an astrologer.
(iii) he would have become a farmer.
(iv) he would have joined the army.

Correct option:
Answer: d) i and iii are true, but ii and iv are false

5) Match the following:

Answer: b) i-c, ii-a, iii-d, iv-b

6) Who is the author of the story “An Astrologer’s Day”?
A) Mulk Raj Anand
B) R.K. Narayan
C) Rabindranath Tagore
D) Salman Rushdie
✔ Answer: B) R.K. Narayan

 7)What is the profession of the main character in the story?
A) Doctor
B) Shopkeeper
C) Astrologer
D) Writer
✔ Answer: C) Astrologer

 8)How does the astrologer earn his living?
A) Through true astrological knowledge
B) By deceiving people
C) By selling books
D) He doesn’t work
✔ Answer: B) By deceiving people

9)What is the main setting of the story?
A) A temple
B) A village
C) A railway station
D) A busy marketplace
✔ Answer: D) A busy marketplace

 10)Who unexpectedly visits the astrologer?
A) His old friend
B) A police officer
C) A man he thought he had killed
D) A woman customer
✔ Answer: C) A man he thought he had killed

 11)What is the astrologer’s real identity?
A) He is a saint
B) He is a runaway criminal
C) He is a college student
D) He is a writer
✔ Answer: B) He is a runaway criminal

 12)What is the main theme of the story?
A) Importance of education
B) Love and sacrifice
C) Fate, deception, and irony
D) War and peace
✔ Answer: C) Fate, deception, and irony

 13)What is the name of the fictional town often used in R.K. Narayan’s stories?
A) Kolkata
B) Malgudi
C) Bengaluru
D) Pune
✔ Answer: B) Malgudi

 14)What does the title “An Astrologer’s Day” signify?
A) A normal day in the astrologer’s life
B) The most important event in the astrologer’s life
C) A religious festival
D) A test of prediction
✔ Answer: B) The most important event in the astrologer’s life

 15)What is the mood at the end of the story?
A) Satisfaction and relief
B) Sadness and regret
C) Pride and honor
D) Fear and tension
✔ Answer: A) Satisfaction and relief

 16)What did the astrologer use as part of his professional equipment?
A) Crystal ball and tarot cards
B) Cowrie shells, mystic cloth, and palmyra writings
C) Holy books and prayer beads
D) Horoscope charts and ink pens
✔ Answer: B) Cowrie shells, mystic cloth, and palmyra writings

 17)What gave the astrologer’s eyes a “prophetic” look according to his clients?
A) His deep knowledge of astrology
B) His constant chanting
C) His intense search for customers
D) His magical powers
✔ Answer: C) His intense search for customers

18) How did the astrologer enhance his appearance to attract people?
A) By playing music loudly
B) By wearing a saffron-colored turban and applying sacred ash and vermilion
C) By offering free services
D) By shouting loudly in the market
✔ Answer: B) By wearing a saffron-colored turban and applying sacred ash and vermilion

19)Where did the astrologer sit to do his work?
A) In a temple
B) Near a railway station
C) Under a tamarind tree near Town Hall Park
D) On a boat by the river
✔ Answer: C) Under a tamarind tree near Town Hall Park

20)What kind of people crowded the road near Town Hall Park?
A) Pilgrims
B) Artists and dancers
C) Traders and sellers from various professions
D) Soldiers
✔ Answer: C) Traders and sellers from various professions

21)Why were the astrologer’s eyes said to sparkle?
A) Due to a hidden light source
B) Because of supernatural power
C) Due to a clever placement between makeup and facial features
D) Because of contact lenses
✔ Answer: C) Due to a clever placement between makeup and facial features

22)What was the astrologer’s turban color, and why was it important?
A) Blue – to show peace
B) White – to show wisdom
C) Saffron – to attract attention
D) Green – to represent prosperity
✔ Answer: C) Saffron – to attract attention

23)Who was the second most vociferous person after the auctioneer?
A) The magician
B) The medicine seller
C) The groundnut vendor
D) The astrologer himself
✔ Answer: C) The groundnut vendor

24)What humorous or ironic detail is shared about the groundnut vendor?
A) He sold only stale nuts
B) He named his groundnuts with fancy names like ‘Bombay Ice-cream’ and ‘Delhi Almond’
C) He shouted louder than anyone else
D) He dressed like a king
✔ Answer: B) He named his groundnuts with fancy names like ‘Bombay Ice-cream’ and ‘Delhi Almond’

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25) What time did the astrologer usually begin his work? A) At sunrise
B) At midday
C) In the evening
D) At midnight
Answer: B) At midday

26)What items were part of the astrologer’s professional equipment? A) Crystal ball and tarot cards
B) Cowrie shells, mystic charts, palmyra writings
C) Palm leaves and candles
D) Books and pens
Answer: B) Cowrie shells, mystic charts, palmyra writings

27)What color was the astrologer’s turban? A) Red
B) Yellow
C) Saffron
D) White
Answer: C) Saffron

28)What gave the astrologer’s eyes a “prophetic” appearance? A) Their natural color
B) A hidden light
C) Their placement between painted forehead and whiskers
D) Glasses
Answer: C) Their placement between painted forehead and whiskers

29) Where did the astrologer sit to do his business? A) In front of a temple
B) Inside a building
C) Under a tamarind tree in Town Hall Park
D) Near a river
Answer: C) Under a tamarind tree in Town Hall Park

30)What was the source of lighting around the astrologer? A) Solar lights
B) Municipal lights
C) Shop lights and flares
D) Candlelight
Answer: C) Shop lights and flares

31) Why was the astrologer successful despite having no real knowledge of astrology? A) He had supernatural powers
B) He was taught by a guru
C) He used observation and guesswork
D) He read horoscopes daily
Answer: C) He used observation and guesswork

32)What did the astrologer charge per question? A) One rupee
B) Three pice
C) Five annas
D) Two rupees
Answer: B) Three pice

33)What did the astrologer do before answering a question? A) Asked the client for their horoscope
B) Prayed to the gods
C) Let the client speak for ten minutes
D) Looked at the stars
Answer: C) Let the client speak for ten minutes

34)How did the astrologer interpret people’s troubles? A) With scientific logic
B) Through prayer
C) With a working analysis of marriage, money, and human nature
D) Using star charts
Answer: C) With a working analysis of marriage, money, and human nature

35)What did the astrologer usually say that made people agree with him? A) You are very lucky
B) You are doing great
C) You are not getting full results for your efforts
D) You will live forever
Answer: C) You are not getting full results for your efforts

36) What habit did the astrologer have to gain clues from clients? A) Observing their clothes
B) Asking them personal questions
C) Letting them talk at length first
D) Reading newspapers
Answer: C) Letting them talk at length first

37)What name did the groundnut vendor use to describe his snacks? A) Madras Delight
B) Raja’s Delicacy
C) Delhi Spice
D) Bengal Mix
Answer: B) Raja’s Delicacy

38)Why did the astrologer leave his village? A) To become a great scholar
B) To escape a murder he thought he committed
C) For religious training
D) To marry his love
Answer: B) To escape a murder he thought he committed

39 ) What made the astrologer nervous during his meeting with the stranger? A) The stranger’s wealth
B) The stranger’s loud voice
C) Recognition of the man he tried to kill
D) A lack of light
Answer: C) Recognition of the man he tried to kill

40 )What was the name of the stranger? A) Ramu
B) Guru Nayak
C) Shastri
D) Mohan
Answer: B) Guru Nayak

41 )What did the astrologer tell Guru Nayak about his enemy? A) He was very close
B) He lived nearby
C) He died under a lorry
D) He was in jail
Answer: C) He died under a lorry

42)What promise did Guru Nayak make about payment? A) To pay five rupees
B) To return later
C) To give double if answers were correct
D) To pay a full rupee
Answer: D) To pay a full rupee

43)Why did the astrologer feel relieved after meeting the stranger? A) He earned a lot of money
B) He proved his skill
C) He realized he had not killed anyone
D) He was praised by the crowd
Answer: C) He realized he had not killed anyone

44) What did the astrologer’s wife say when he gave her the money? A) It’s too little
B) We are rich now
C) I can buy sweets for our child
D) Let’s celebrate
Answer: C) I can buy sweets for our child

45)What time did the astrologer usually begin his work? A) At sunrise
B) At midday
C) In the evening
D) At midnight
Answer: B) At midday

46) What items were part of the astrologer’s professional equipment? A) Crystal ball and tarot cards
B) Cowrie shells, mystic charts, palmyra writings
C) Palm leaves and candles
D) Books and pens
Answer: B) Cowrie shells, mystic charts, palmyra writings

47) What color was the astrologer’s turban? A) Red
B) Yellow
C) Saffron
D) White
Answer: C) Saffron

48)What gave the astrologer’s eyes a “prophetic” appearance? A) Their natural color
B) A hidden light
C) Their placement between painted forehead and whiskers
D) Glasses
Answer: C) Their placement between painted forehead and whiskers

49) Where did the astrologer sit to do his business? A) In front of a temple
B) Inside a building
C) Under a tamarind tree in Town Hall Park
D) Near a river
Answer: C) Under a tamarind tree in Town Hall Park

50)What was the source of lighting around the astrologer? A) Solar lights
B) Municipal lights
C) Shop lights and flares
D) Candlelight
Answer: C) Shop lights and flares

51) Why was the astrologer successful despite having no real knowledge of astrology? A) He had supernatural powers
B) He was taught by a guru
C) He used observation and guesswork
D) He read horoscopes daily
Answer: C) He used observation and guesswork

52)What did the astrologer charge per question? A) One rupee
B) Three pice
C) Five annas
D) Two rupees
Answer: B) Three pice

53)What did the astrologer do before answering a question? A) Asked the client for their horoscope
B) Prayed to the gods
C) Let the client speak for ten minutes
D) Looked at the stars
Answer: C) Let the client speak for ten minutes

54) How did the astrologer interpret people’s troubles? A) With scientific logic
B) Through prayer
C) With a working analysis of marriage, money, and human nature
D) Using star charts
Answer: C) With a working analysis of marriage, money, and human nature

55)What did the astrologer usually say that made people agree with him? A) You are very lucky
B) You are doing great
C) You are not getting full results for your efforts
D) You will live forever
Answer: C) You are not getting full results for your efforts

56)What habit did the astrologer have to gain clues from clients? A) Observing their clothes
B) Asking them personal questions
C) Letting them talk at length first
D) Reading newspapers
Answer: C) Letting them talk at length first

57)What name did the groundnut vendor use to describe his snacks? A) Madras Delight
B) Raja’s Delicacy
C) Delhi Spice
D) Bengal Mix
Answer: B) Raja’s Delicacy

58) Why did the astrologer leave his village? A) To become a great scholar
B) To escape a murder he thought he committed
C) For religious training
D) To marry his love
Answer: B) To escape a murder he thought he committed

59)What made the astrologer nervous during his meeting with the stranger? A) The stranger’s wealth
B) The stranger’s loud voice
C) Recognition of the man he tried to kill
D) A lack of light
Answer: C) Recognition of the man he tried to kill

60)What was the name of the stranger? A) Ramu
B) Guru Nayak
C) Shastri
D) Mohan
Answer: B) Guru Nayak

61)What did the astrologer tell Guru Nayak about his enemy? A) He was very close
B) He lived nearby
C) He died under a lorry
D) He was in jail
Answer: C) He died under a lorry

62) What promise did Guru Nayak make about payment? A) To pay five rupees
B) To return later
C) To give double if answers were correct
D) To pay a full rupee
Answer: D) To pay a full rupee

63)Why did the astrologer feel relieved after meeting the stranger? A) He earned a lot of money
B) He proved his skill
C) He realized he had not killed anyone
D) He was praised by the crowd
Answer: C) He realized he had not killed anyone

64) What did the astrologer’s wife say when he gave her the money? A) It’s too little
B) We are rich now
C) I can buy sweets for our child
D) Let’s celebrate
Answer: C) I can buy sweets for our child

65)What was the astrologer’s real occupation before running away? A) Priest
B) Farmer
C) Trader
D) Goldsmith
Answer: B) Farmer

66) What was the astrologer’s reaction upon seeing Guru Nayak’s face in the matchlight? A) He laughed
B) He recognized him
C) He shouted
D) He ignored him
Answer: B) He recognized him

67) What mode of transportation is mentioned near the astrologer’s workplace? A) Airplane
B) Jutka (cart)
C) Rickshaw
D) Tram
Answer: B) Jutka (cart)

68) How did Guru Nayak respond after hearing the astrologer’s claim of his enemy’s death? A) He became angry
B) He was silent
C) He looked satisfied
D) He left immediately
Answer: C) He looked satisfied

69)How did the astrologer conclude the conversation with Guru Nayak? A) Told him to never come back
B) Gave him advice to never travel southward
C) Predicted a great fortune
D) Promised to meet again
Answer: B) Gave him advice to never travel southward

70) What does the astrologer’s wife plan to buy with the money? A) Clothes
B) Vegetables
C) Jaggery and coconut
D) A new dress
Answer: C) Jaggery and coconut

71)What caused the astrologer to feel peace after all these years? A) A peaceful dream
B) Realizing he hadn’t committed a murder
C) Buying gifts for his family
D) Getting recognition
Answer: B) Realizing he hadn’t committed a murder

72) What personal trait helped the astrologer read people well? A) Experience and observation
B) His father’s guidance
C) His religious training
D) His school education
Answer: A) Experience and observation

73) What did Guru Nayak throw at the astrologer in the beginning? A) A flower
B) A stone
C) An anna coin
D) A paper
Answer: C) An anna coin

74) What emotion did Guru Nayak express when he talked about his enemy? A) Forgiveness
B) Happiness
C) Revenge
D) Indifference
Answer: C) Revenge

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