NCERT Ganga Class 9 Hindi – Reedh Ki Haddi Class 9 Hindi Ganga - Complete Study Guide (2026–27)
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Book: NCERT Ganga (Class 9 Hindi)Chapter: रीढ़ की हड्डीAuthor: Jagdish Chandra Mathur
Introduction
'रीढ़ की हड्डी' is a thought-provoking one-act play (एकांकी) written by Jagdish Chandra Mathur. The play highlights the social evil of treating girls as commodities during arranged marriage meetings. Through realistic dialogues and strong characters, the author questions outdated traditions and promotes dignity, equality, and self-respect for women.
The title "रीढ़ की हड्डी" (Backbone) symbolizes courage, self-respect, and the ability to stand for what is right. A person without a backbone lacks confidence and moral strength, while a person with a backbone refuses to compromise with injustice.
About the Author
Jagdish Chandra Mathur (1917–1978) was a renowned Hindi playwright, writer, and administrator. His literary works are known for presenting social issues in a simple yet impactful manner. His plays encourage readers to think critically about traditions and inspire positive social change.
Story Summary (Hindi)
कहानी एक ऐसे परिवार की है जहाँ लड़की उमा को विवाह के लिए लड़के वालों के सामने प्रस्तुत किया जाता है। लड़के के पिता और उनके साथ आए लोग लड़की को इस प्रकार देखते और परखते हैं मानो वह कोई वस्तु हो।
वे उससे तरह-तरह के प्रश्न पूछते हैं, उसकी शिक्षा, रूप, व्यवहार और घरेलू कामों की परीक्षा लेने का प्रयास करते हैं। शुरुआत में उमा शांत रहती है, लेकिन जब उसे बार-बार अपमानित किया जाता है, तब वह साहसपूर्वक अपना पक्ष रखती है।
उमा स्पष्ट शब्दों में कहती है कि विवाह कोई व्यापार नहीं है और लड़की कोई वस्तु नहीं जिसे पसंद या नापसंद किया जाए। उसके आत्मविश्वास और स्पष्ट विचारों से लड़के वाले निरुत्तर हो जाते हैं।
इस प्रकार नाटक समाज में प्रचलित दहेज, स्त्री-असमानता तथा लड़की देखने की कुप्रथा पर तीखा व्यंग्य करता है।
Story Summary in English
The story revolves around Uma, a well-educated and self-respecting young woman whose family arranges a meeting with a prospective groom's family.
During the meeting, the groom's father and relatives treat Uma like an object to be inspected. They ask unnecessary and personal questions, judging her appearance, education, manners, and household skills instead of respecting her as an individual.
Initially, Uma remains calm and polite. However, when the questioning becomes insulting and humiliating, she gathers the courage to speak up. She firmly states that marriage is a relationship based on equality and mutual respect, not a transaction where a girl is examined like merchandise.
Her confident response leaves the visitors speechless. Through Uma's courage, the play delivers a powerful message against gender discrimination, dowry, and outdated social customs while encouraging young people to stand up for their dignity.
Story Translation in English
The play begins in the drawing room of Uma's house. Uma's parents eagerly welcome the groom's family, hoping that the marriage proposal will be accepted.
The groom's father starts asking Uma several questions about her education, hobbies, cooking skills, sewing, singing, and other household responsibilities. His questions are not meant to know her personality but to judge whether she fits his expectations of an ideal daughter-in-law.
Uma answers politely at first. As the conversation continues, the visitors become increasingly demanding and disrespectful. They evaluate her appearance and behaviour as though they are selecting a product in a marketplace.
Unable to tolerate the humiliation any longer, Uma finally speaks with confidence. She questions the unfair practice of examining girls while boys remain unquestioned. She declares that a woman deserves the same respect and dignity as a man.
Her fearless words expose the hypocrisy of society and force everyone present to rethink their attitudes. The meeting ends with the realization that self-respect is far more valuable than social approval.
The play concludes with a strong message that marriage should be based on equality, understanding, and mutual respect—not on discrimination or outdated traditions.
Main Characters
Uma
Intelligent and educated
Confident and courageous
Represents modern Indian women
Values self-respect above social pressure
Uma's Parents
Loving and caring
Initially influenced by traditional customs
Want their daughter to have a good future
Groom's Father
Conservative and authoritative
Represents outdated social thinking
Treats marriage as a process of judging girls
Groom's Family
Symbolizes society's traditional mindset
Supports the practice of inspecting girls before marriage
Theme of the Chapter
The play focuses on:
Women's dignity
Gender equality
Self-respect
Social reform
Criticism of dowry and marriage customs
Courage to speak against injustice
Why is the Chapter Called "रीढ़ की हड्डी"?
The backbone represents courage, confidence, and moral strength.
Uma becomes the "backbone" of the story because she refuses to tolerate humiliation and speaks boldly against injustice.
The title teaches students that every individual should have the courage to stand for truth and self-respect.
Important Moral Values
Respect every individual equally.
Marriage is a partnership, not a business deal.
Women deserve equal rights and dignity.
Education builds confidence.
Speak against injustice without fear.
Important Hindi Words and Meanings
Hindi Word | Meaning |
रीढ़ | Backbone |
सम्मान | Respect |
आत्मसम्मान | Self-respect |
परंपरा | Tradition |
अपमान | Insult |
साहस | Courage |
समानता | Equality |
विवाह | Marriage |
निर्णय | Decision |
स्वाभिमान | Dignity |
Important Exam Questions
Short Answer Questions
Why is the play named रीढ़ की हड्डी?
What qualities of Uma impress the readers?
What social problem does the play criticize?
How does Uma respond to humiliation?
What message does the author convey?
Long Answer Questions
Explain Uma's character with suitable examples.
Discuss the relevance of the play in today's society.
Explain the symbolic meaning of the title रीढ़ की हड्डी.
Describe the social issues highlighted in the play.
How does education help Uma face injustice?
Frequently Asked MCQs
1. Who wrote "रीढ़ की हड्डी"?Answer: Jagdish Chandra Mathur
2. What type of literary work is this?Answer: One-act play (एकांकी)
3. What does the title symbolize?Answer: Courage and self-respect
4. Who is the central character?Answer: Uma
5. Which social issue is mainly discussed?Answer: Gender discrimination and the practice of judging girls for marriage.
Key Takeaways
The play promotes equality and dignity.
Uma represents confidence and modern thinking.
Society should abandon outdated marriage customs.
Every individual should have the courage to stand for justice.
Self-respect is more valuable than social acceptance.
Conclusion - Reedh Ki Haddi Class 9 Hindi Ganga
'रीढ़ की हड्डी' (Reedh Ki Haddi) remains one of the most relevant lessons in the NCERT Ganga Class 9 Hindi textbook. Although the story is set in a traditional social context, its message is timeless. The play inspires students to value equality, reject discrimination, and develop the courage to stand for what is right. Uma's confidence reminds us that true strength lies not in physical power but in moral courage and self-respect.
FAQs
Is रीढ़ की हड्डी important for Class 9 exams?
Yes. It is an important chapter for summaries, character sketches, long-answer questions, and value-based questions.
What is the central message of the chapter?
The chapter emphasizes self-respect, gender equality, and the need to reject outdated social practices.
Who is the heroine of the play?
Uma is the central character and represents courage, confidence, and independent thinking.
Which values can students learn from this chapter?
Students learn self-confidence, equality, respect for women, moral courage, and the importance of standing against injustice.
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