1. Manis character Mani is a chief character in R. K Narayans RAJAM AND MANI.

He is one of the backbenchers in the class first A. he is irregular in attendance. But he is fond of dominating the whole class with muscle power. He appears to be a hero of the class. Mani considered Rajam as enemy. Mani is superstitious, he is afraid of ghost. Finally, he shows intelligence to accept rajams friendship. 2. Rajams character. Rajam is another chief character besides Mani. He is more smart and matured than Mani. He possesses a charming personality. He has self-respect. Rajam is academically sincere, yet he never spares Manis tendency of domination. Rajam has nobility also to give Mani an opportunity to settle with him. He justifies everything with reason. 3. Character of Swaminathan. Swamiunathan appears to be a minor character ,but his presence in the story is no less important. Swamiunathan is a true friend of Mani. He is timid and simple by nature. He forbids his friend to engage in criminal act. The readers find Swamiunathan most pleasing when he expresses his delight at the happy reunion of rajam and Mani of the story. 4. In what way was river Sarayu the pride of Malgudi? Malgudi was proud of its river Sarayu. People of the town would gaily stroll in the sandbank in the afternoon. In a moonlit night the river gleamed like a silver ribbon across the north of the town. The sight was so spectacular that the Municipal President didnt the opportunity of showing it to a distinguished guest from the top of the Town Hall. 5. How did Rajam impress the whole class on the very first day? Despite being a new arrival to the school, Rajam at once felt quite at home on the first day. He was very smartly dressed he was the only boy to have put on socks and tie, a coat and knickers. Moreover, he came to school by a private car. He could speak fluent English like a European. 6. Why did Rajam and Mani communicate through Swaminathan? There is bad blood between Rajam and Mani. Mani could not put up with Rajams superiority in the class, particularly his nonchalance towards him. Being enemies, it was below their dignity to interact directly with one another. So, they chose Swaminathan as a cord of communication. 7. Retell the story of rajam and Mani in the words of Swaminathan using the first person.

I am Swaminathan; Mani is my best friend. Mani is rather my friend, philosopher and guide Rajam appeared Manis rival since he got admitted in our school. Rajam always showed nonchalance towards Mani. Mani even planned to beat Rajam black and blue and throw him into the river. Accordingly, Rajam was asked to meet Mani near Nalappas mango grove. To my utter astonishment, Rajam and Mani settled with one another and I was highly pleased at such happy ending. 8. How had Rajam impressed his classmates on his very first day at school? Rajam was a newcomer in the class. Yet, he proved impressive to his fellow students from the beginning. There were definitely factors behind that. Rajam seemed well off with a motor-car to use. He was smart and well dressed. Moreover, he was a talented student, with a good command over English. 9. How Rajam was a rival to Mani? Though he was a fresh-arrival, Rajam grew popular and admirable to a good many students. He belonged to a well off family. He was a good student too. He could speak English fluently. Mani's long standing prominence was, thus affected by his sudden arrival and rise. Naturally, Mani grew jealous and began to take Rajam as his rival. 10. How did Rajam and Mani become friend? The proposed duel between Mani and Rajam was about to take place. Mani Was ready with his club. Rajam came with his air-gun. But they agreed to have a hand to hand fight to make the duel fair. But soon they argued about the reason for their hostility. They realised that it was caused by misunderstanding. They became friends. 11. How did Swaminathan feel when Rajam and Mani become friends? Swaminathan was stunned to find arch-foes Mani and Rajam turned into warm friends. He was happy. He danced with joy. He was basically a well intended boy. He was an old friend of Mani. He admired Rajam too. Their friendship was to him the happiest conclusion to an unwanted confrontation. 12. Describe the scene in the geography classroom. The Geography teacher was teaching. The class was somewhat disorderly. Mani and Rajam, in the last bench, were engaged in quarrelling indirectly through Swaminathan. The teacher noted Swaminathans absent mindedness and punished him for his failure to answer his questions. He behaved differently with different students. He admired one, scolded another and threatened some others.