An Alien Hand Questions and Answers - Free PDF Download
FAQs on NCERT Solutions For Class 7 English Chapter 7 An Alien Hand - 2025-26
1. What were the conditions on Mars that forced Tilloo and his family to live underground in Chapter 7, 'An Alien Hand'?
In the story, the conditions on the surface of Mars became uninhabitable. The sun, which once provided life, had turned hostile. This slight change in the sun was enough to upset the planet's natural balance. As a result:
First, the birds became extinct.
Then, the animals and fish could no longer survive.
To survive, the inhabitants had to use their superior technology to build and live in underground colonies under artificial conditions.
2. How should a student correctly answer the NCERT question about Tilloo’s father's work?
To correctly answer the question about Tilloo's father's work, a student should mention that his father was part of a team responsible for maintaining the life-support systems of the underground colony. The correct method is to state that he went to work through a secret passage and his job was to ensure the machinery on the surface, which provided air, water, and heat, was always in working order. This was a critical and dangerous job that only a few trained individuals were allowed to do.
3. What were the main points of discussion in the Central Committee meeting about the alien spacecraft?
The Central Committee, led by Number One, discussed the two alien spacecraft approaching their planet. The key points of discussion were:
Observation vs. Action: Number One advised a passive, 'watch and wait' approach to avoid revealing their existence.
Non-Destruction: Number Two suggested they had the capacity to destroy the spacecraft but should refrain from doing so to avoid a potential attack.
Making it Ineffective: Number Three proposed a plan to make the spacecraft's instruments non-operational without destroying the craft itself, which was the final agreed-upon strategy.
4. What is the deeper meaning of the title 'An Alien Hand'?
The title 'An Alien Hand' has a dual meaning. On a literal level, it refers to the mechanical hand from the Viking 1 spacecraft that was trying to collect soil samples from Mars. However, on a deeper, more symbolic level, it represents the entire alien presence (from the perspective of Tilloo's people) and the unknown, potentially threatening intervention of an outside force in their world. It highlights the theme of how one group's exploration is another's 'alien' encounter.
5. Why was Tilloo's action of pressing the red button a significant event in the story?
Tilloo's action of pressing the red button was significant because it directly interfered with the alien spacecraft's mission. His innocent curiosity caused the spacecraft's mechanical hand to become inactive. This event was a turning point because it made the scientists at NASA believe there was a technical malfunction, rather than revealing the existence of life on Mars. In a way, Tilloo's impulsive action inadvertently helped protect his community's secret by making the 'alien' mission fail.
6. How does the story explore the theme of human curiosity versus the need for security?
The story explores this theme primarily through the character of Tilloo. His intense curiosity about the surface and his father's work drives him to break rules and enter forbidden areas. This curiosity represents a natural human desire to explore and understand. This contrasts with the community's strict rules and security measures, which are born out of the need for survival and protection from both the harsh surface environment and potential unknown threats like the alien spacecraft. Tilloo's actions highlight the constant tension between the drive for knowledge and the instinct for self-preservation.
7. What is the correct approach to solving the NCERT exercise questions for 'An Alien Hand' for the 2025-26 session?
The correct approach to solving the NCERT Solutions for 'An Alien Hand', as per the latest CBSE 2025-26 guidelines, is to first read the chapter thoroughly to understand the plot and characters. For comprehension questions, provide answers based directly on the text. For inferential or value-based questions, structure your answer by first stating your opinion and then supporting it with specific events or character actions from the story. A good solution will not only be factually correct but also demonstrate a clear understanding of the underlying themes.
