CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Poetry: Ajamil and the Tigers - NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 12, 'Ajamil and the Tigers,' from the CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words textbook. The poem is a political satire, using animal metaphors to critique modern governance and international relations. Students will explore the symbolic meanings of 'tigers' and 'sheep,' the role of characters like Ajamil and the sheepdog, and the underlying commentary on political decisions, peace treaties, and the nature of power. These solutions break down the poem's literal and figurative levels, helping students grasp its satirical intent and the poet's message about innocence, cruelty, and the complexities of political maneuvering. They are designed to aid in understanding the nuances of the poem for effective exam revision.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	English Woven Words Poetry
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 12

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'Ajamil and the Tigers' (Chapter 12) delves into the satirical elements of the poem. It focuses on understanding the symbolic representation of tigers and sheep, the political implications of Ajamil's actions, and the sheepdog's role. The solutions clarify the poet's use of language, such as 'pretended' and 'seemed,' to convey distrust and temporary peace. It also explains the significance of phrases like 'play the flute all day' and 'a common bond,' offering insights into the poem's critique of contemporary politics and international relations.

Learning outcomes

Understand the literal and figurative meanings in 'Ajamil and the Tigers'.
Analyze the symbolic representation of tigers and sheep in political satire.
Interpret the actions and motivations of characters like Ajamil and the sheepdog.
Explain the poem's critique of modern politics and peace treaties.
Identify and understand the use of specific phrases and their deeper connotations.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Political Satire
Symbolism in Poetry
Animal Metaphors
Character Analysis (Ajamil, Sheepdog)
Literal vs. Figurative Meaning
Critique of Politics
Peace Treaties
International Relations
Poetic Interpretation
Understanding Literary Devices

Important topics

Symbolic meaning of tigers and sheep
Ajamil's political strategy
The role of the sheepdog
Satirical commentary on modern politics
Interpretation of key phrases

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Questions and Solutions

1. The poem has a literal level and a figurative level. Why has the poet chosen 'tigers' and 'sheep' to convey his message?

The poem has a literal level and a figurative level. Why has the poet chosen 'tigers' and 'sheep' to convey his message?

Solution: The poet employs a dual-level approach in the poem. On the literal level, it might describe an interaction between different animals. However, on the figurative or symbolic level, which is the primary intent, 'tigers' are chosen to represent aggressive, powerful, and potentially dangerous nations or entities that pose a threat. Conversely, 'sheep' are used to symbolize the innocent, vulnerable, and often passive populace of a nation. By using these animal archetypes, the poet effectively conveys a message about the dynamics of international politics, where powerful aggressors (tigers) interact with the common people (sheep) and their leaders, highlighting themes of innocence, cruelty, and political maneuvering.

2. What facet of political life does the behavior of Ajamil illustrate?

What facet of political life does the behavior of Ajamil illustrate?

Solution: Ajamil's behavior in the poem illustrates a critical aspect of political life: the tendency of leaders to prioritize temporary peace and stability over direct confrontation, even when faced with aggression. When the brave sheepdog successfully captures the tigers, Ajamil, instead of imposing harsh punishment or fully backing his military, opts to sign a treaty of friendship. This action suggests a lack of complete confidence in the army's ability to secure a decisive and lasting victory without significant national cost. It reflects a political mindset that might sacrifice immediate justice or strong deterrence for the sake of avoiding a potentially devastating war, even if it means offering hospitality to adversaries and accepting a fragile peace.

3. Why have the words, 'pretended' and 'seemed' been used in the lines? How does the sense of these lines connect with the line 'Ajamil wasn't a fool'?

Why have the words, 'pretended' and 'seemed' been used in the lines? How does the sense of these lines connect with the line 'Ajamil wasn't a fool'?

Solution: The words 'pretended' and 'seemed' are used to convey Ajamil's insincerity and his awareness of the tigers' duplicity. When it is stated that Ajamil 'pretended to believe every single word of what the tiger king said' and 'seemed to be taken in by all the lies,' it implies that he was not genuinely convinced by the tigers' assurances. This connects directly with the line 'Ajamil wasn't a fool' because it shows that he understood the precarious nature of the treaty. He knew that the tigers were not truly reformed and that they might attack again. His actions were a strategic, calculated move for temporary peace, rather than a display of naivety or genuine trust. He was aware of the deception but chose to play along for a short-term respite.

4. Why did Ajamil refuse to meet the sheepdog's eyes?

Why did Ajamil refuse to meet the sheepdog's eyes?

Solution: Ajamil refused to meet the sheepdog's eyes because he knew that the sheepdog, as a brave warrior who had successfully captured the tigers, would likely disapprove of his decision to sign a peace treaty with them. The sheepdog represents strength, courage, and perhaps a more direct, punitive approach to dealing with enemies. Ajamil's decision to make peace with the tigers, despite their aggressive nature, was a political compromise. He likely felt ashamed or uncomfortable facing the sheepdog, who embodied the military success that Ajamil was, in a sense, undermining by seeking a treaty with the defeated aggressors. He wanted to avoid the sheepdog's judgment or silent disapproval of his political maneuver.

5. 'He is free to play a flute all day as well fed tigers and fat sheep drink from the same pond with a full stomach for a common bond.' What do the phrases 'play the flute all day' and 'a common bond' refer to?

'He is free to play a flute all day as well fed tigers and fat sheep drink from the same pond with a full stomach for a common bond.' What do the phrases 'play the flute all day' and 'a common bond' refer to?

Solution: The phrase 'play the flute all day' refers to a period of leisure, relaxation, and apparent peace that Ajamil can enjoy because the immediate threat from the tigers has been neutralized by a treaty. It signifies a temporary respite from the constant vigilance and stress of potential conflict. The phrase 'a common bond' describes the superficial unity or coexistence established between the tigers and the sheep. It suggests that despite their inherent differences and past animosity, they are now sharing resources (like drinking from the same pond) and living together, bound by the temporary peace treaty and the shared need for sustenance. This phrase highlights the fragile and perhaps unnatural state of affairs created by political compromise.

Common mistakes

Confusing the literal meaning of animals with their symbolic political representation.
Overlooking the satirical intent and focusing only on the narrative.
Misinterpreting Ajamil's actions as genuine diplomacy rather than strategic pretense.
Failing to connect the sheepdog's role to the critique of political decisions.

Revision tips

Read the poem multiple times to grasp both the story and the underlying satire.
Focus on the symbolic meanings of 'tigers,' 'sheep,' and 'sheepdog' in the context of politics.
Analyze Ajamil's decisions and the poet's commentary on them.
Pay attention to the explanation of specific phrases like 'pretended,' 'seemed,' and 'a common bond.'
Discuss the poem's message with peers to deepen understanding.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What do the 'tigers' symbolize in the poem 'Ajamil and the Tigers'?

Q2. The word 'sheep' is used to represent:

Q3. What does Ajamil's decision to sign a treaty with the tigers illustrate about political life?

Q4. Why does Ajamil refuse to meet the sheepdog's eyes?

Q5. The phrase 'play the flute all day' suggests:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'Ajamil and the Tigers'?

The main theme is a political satire on modern governance and international relations, using animal metaphors to critique how leaders handle threats and pursue peace.

Why did the poet choose 'tigers' and 'sheep' as symbols?

The poet chose 'tigers' to represent cruel, attacking nations and 'sheep' to symbolize the innocent, vulnerable populace.

What does Ajamil's action of signing a treaty with the tigers signify?

It signifies a politician's tendency to prioritize temporary peace and avoid direct confrontation, even if it means compromising with aggressors, often due to a lack of confidence in military strength.

How do the words 'pretended' and 'seemed' contribute to the poem's meaning?

These words highlight Ajamil's lack of genuine trust in the tigers and his awareness that the peace treaty is a temporary facade, not a lasting solution.

What is the significance of the sheepdog in the poem?

The sheepdog represents a brave warrior or the military, whose strength and potential victory are acknowledged but whose approach is sidelined by political decisions for peace.

How can these NCERT solutions help in preparing for exams?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the poem's complex themes, symbolism, and character motivations, helping students understand and articulate their interpretations effectively for exam answers.

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