A Pair of Mustachios

By Mulk Raj Anand

Mulk Raj Anand (1905-2004) was an influential Indian author, renowned for his works that vividly depicted the lives of the marginalized communities in pre-independence India. “A Pair of Mustachios” is one of his short stories that offers a satirical take on the rigid social hierarchy in India. Through this humorous yet sharp narrative, Anand critiques the absurdity of class-based pride and the lengths to which people go to maintain their social status.

Q: What do you understand of the natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan from the episode described?

Ans. Nature of Ramanand and Azam Khan:

• Ramanand: He is portrayed as a practical, cunning, and shrewd businessman. He has risen from humble beginnings and is keenly aware of the social dynamics around him. His pragmatism is evident in the way he maneuvers through the social hierarchy, despite belonging to a lower caste. He is also manipulative, understanding the weaknesses of others and using them to his advantage.
• Azam Khan: He is depicted as a proud, old-fashioned man clinging to the outdated traditions of his noble lineage. His obsession with maintaining the dignity of his ancestry is reflected in his insistence on wearing a specific style of mustache, symbolizing his aristocratic heritage. Azam Khan’s rigidity and inability to adapt to changing times highlight his stubborn and conservative nature.

Q: Identify instances in the story that show the business acumen of Ramanand.

Ans. Instances showing the business acumen of Ramanand:

• Ramanand’s Strategy in dealing with customers: Ramanand is a grocer who understands the importance of maintaining good relationships with his customers. He knows how to appease his clients, regardless of their social status. This is evident when he caters to both the upper and lower classes, providing goods that suit their needs and preferences. His ability to navigate different social circles for business benefits shows his astuteness.
• Turning a social symbol into a business opportunity: Ramanand’s decision to grow a mustache similar to Azam Khan’s is not just a challenge to social norms; it is a calculated move to assert his growing status in society. By adopting a symbol of nobility, he signals to others that he is no longer just a simple grocer but someone of significant standing. This move can be seen as a marketing strategy, where he uses his appearance to enhance his business reputation.
• Manipulating Social Tensions to His Advantage: Ramanand cleverly uses Azam Khan’s rigid adherence to tradition to create a situation where he can come out on top. By provoking a conflict over the style of mustache, he forces Azam Khan into a position where his pride leads him to act irrationally. Ramanand’s ability to foresee the outcome and use it to elevate his status is a clear indication of his sharp business mind.

Q: Both Ramanand and Azam Khan seem to have very fixed views. How does Ramanand score over Azam Khan towards the end of the story?

Ans. Towards the end of the story, Ramanand scores over Azam Khan by out-maneuvering him in the social game. Azam Khan’s rigid adherence to tradition becomes his downfall, as he is unable to deal with Ramanand’s challenge effectively. Ramanand, on the other hand, is adaptable and uses the conflict to gain the upper hand, symbolizing the victory of pragmatism over outdated pride.

Q: The episode has been narrated in a light vein. Discuss. What social mores does the author seem to ridicule?

Ans. The episode is narrated in a light-hearted, almost satirical manner, highlighting the absurdity of the conflict over something as trivial as a mustache. The author ridicules the rigid social hierarchy, the obsession with status symbols, and the resistance to change among the traditional elite.

Q: What do you think are the reasons for the references made to the English people and the British monarchy?

Ans. The references to the English people and the British monarchy serve to contrast the outdated traditions of the Indian aristocracy with the modern, more egalitarian ideas brought by the British. It underscores the clash between the old and the new, and how the former struggles to maintain its relevance in a changing world.

Q: What do you think is the message that the author seems to convey through the story?

Ans. The story conveys a message about the futility of clinging to outdated social norms and the inevitability of change. It suggests that adaptability and pragmatism are essential for survival in a world where social hierarchies and structures are constantly evolving.

Q: Comment on the way in which the theme of the story has been introduced.

Ans. The theme of the story is introduced through the seemingly trivial but symbolically rich conflict over the mustache. This conflict serves as a microcosm of the larger social struggles between tradition and modernity, highlighting the absurdity of rigid social distinctions.

Q: How does the insertion of dialogue in the story contribute to its interest?

Ans. The insertion of dialogue in the story adds to its interest by bringing the characters to life and revealing their personalities. The dialogues are rich with irony and humor, making the interactions between the characters more engaging and highlighting the satirical tone of the story.