CBSE Class 11 Woven Words Chapter 24: Tribal Verse - NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter, 'Tribal Verse,' delves into the unique world of tribal communities and their rich oral literary traditions, as explored in G.N. Devy's essays. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Woven Words provide a detailed understanding of the common characteristics of tribal communities worldwide, their distinct 'tribal imagination' which differs significantly from the 'secular imagination' by embracing the fantastical and defying temporal logic. The solutions highlight the importance of oral literary traditions, often overlooked, and shed light on the distinctive features of tribal arts, characterized by abstraction, blurred boundaries between art and non-art, and a deep reverence for nature. Furthermore, the text examines how tribal perspectives, particularly towards the girl child, and their unique ways of interacting with time and ancestors, are reflected in their songs and art forms. These solutions are crucial for students to grasp the nuances of tribal culture and its literary expressions, aiding in exam preparation by clarifying complex concepts and providing structured answers.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	24. Tribal Verse - (Essays)

Chapter summary

Chapter 24, 'Tribal Verse,' focuses on understanding the distinct characteristics of tribal communities and their oral literary traditions. The NCERT Solutions cover the unique aspects of tribal imagination, the significance of oral literature as a cultural repository, and the features of tribal arts, which are often abstract and deeply connected to nature. The chapter also explores specific examples from tribal songs to illustrate their perspectives on societal issues and their relationship with time and ancestors. These solutions aim to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the chapter's core themes for Class 11 students.

Learning outcomes

Understand the common characteristics of tribal communities globally.
Differentiate between tribal and secular imagination.
Recognize the importance of oral literary traditions.
Identify the distinctive features of tribal arts.
Analyze tribal perspectives on societal issues through their songs and art.
Appreciate the linguistic sensitivity of tribal communities.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Tribal communities
Tribal imagination
Secular imagination
Oral literary tradition
Tribal arts
G.N. Devy's essays
Cultural perspectives
Munda song
Kondh song
Adi language sensitivity
Nature in tribal beliefs
Value of oral literature

Important topics

Distinction between tribal and secular imagination
Significance of oral literary traditions
Characteristics of tribal arts
Tribal perspectives on societal issues (e.g., girl child)
G.N. Devy's arguments on literature

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Questions and Solutions

Understanding The Text - Q1

Identify the common characteristics shared by tribal communities all over the world.

Solution: Tribal communities across the globe share several common characteristics. They are often distinct from mainstream, materialistic societies and maintain their own unique community structures and rules. A significant shared trait is their deep reverence for nature, which they often perceive as the purest form of God and strive to protect from exploitation. Furthermore, tribal communities tend to rely on intuition and a belief in the inherent connection between humans and truth, rather than solely on empirical decision-making. Their rituals and belief systems often reflect a profound connection to the natural world and a spiritual understanding of existence.

Understanding The Text - Q2

What distinguishes the tribal imagination from the secular imagination?

Solution: The tribal imagination is distinguished from the secular imagination by its highly fictional, dreamlike, and often unreal quality. In tribal narratives and thought processes, impossible events, such as oceans flying or mountains swimming, can occur freely. Unlike secular imagination, which may be constrained by logical progression and temporal sequences, the tribal imagination embraces a boundless and fluid creativity that is not restricted by the conventional rules of reality or time.

Understanding The Text - Q3

How does G.N. Devy bring out the importance of the oral literary tradition?

Solution: G.N. Devy significantly highlights the importance of the oral literary tradition by emphasizing that it is often undervalued and not considered a significant part of the broader literary landscape. Through his extensive collection and study of oral materials, Devy demonstrates that these traditions are crucial for a deeper understanding of a particular culture's history, beliefs, and worldview. He advocates for recognizing and preserving these oral forms, arguing that they hold immense cultural value and provide unique insights that written literature alone cannot capture.

Understanding The Text - Q4

List the distinctive features of the tribal arts.

Solution: Tribal arts possess several distinctive features. They are often described as hallucinatory or abstract, with artists interpreting both verbal and visual space in extremely flexible ways. The boundaries between what is considered 'art' and 'non-art' become blurred. Tribal art does not necessarily adhere to strict logic or temporal sequences; it often deals with abstract concepts. A fundamental characteristic is the tribal treatment of nature as a direct manifestation of God, with answers and truths sought within the natural world itself.

Understanding The Text - Q5

'New literature' is a misnomer for the wealth of the Indian literary tradition. How does G.N. Devy explain this?

Solution: G.N. Devy explains that labeling tribal literature as 'new literature' is a misnomer because it is, in fact, an ancient form of tradition that has only been discovered or recognized later by mainstream scholars. He argues that the antiquity of this literature is not its fault, and it should not be dismissed or categorized as 'new' simply because its discovery was delayed. Devy advocates for acknowledging its ancient roots and ensuring that these voices and their rich literary heritage are heard and studied more widely.

Appreciation - Q1

How does 'A Munda Song' show that the perspective of the tribal mind towards the girl child is different from that of (other) mainstream communities?

Solution: The Munda Song reveals a distinct tribal perspective on the girl child by associating her birth with prosperity. Unlike many mainstream communities where a son might be prioritized, the song links the birth of a daughter to a cowshed full of cows, symbolizing abundance and good fortune. Conversely, the birth of a son is metaphorically linked to the depletion of this wealth. This highlights that within Munda society, as depicted in the song, a daughter is held in high esteem, often playing a leading and significant role, contrasting with potentially patriarchal views found elsewhere.

Appreciation - Q2

How does 'A Kondh Song' substantiate the tribal urge to gain domination over time by conversing with their dead ancestors?

Solution: 'A Kondh Song' substantiates the tribal urge to connect with and influence the passage of time by conversing with their dead ancestors. The Kondh tribe believes that the souls of the deceased remain attached to their earthly abode and may be displeased if unable to participate in the lives of the living. The song, often sung after a person's death, serves as a means to appease these spirits through generous offerings. This practice reflects a desire to maintain a connection with the past and ensure the well-being of the living, thereby attempting to exert a form of control or influence over the continuum of time and existence by engaging with ancestral spirits.

Appreciation - Q3

'Adi Song for the Recovery of Lost Health' is in Miri Agom while Adi Agom is the Adi community's language for routine conversation. How does this reflect upon the high level of language sensitivity of the Adi? Can you think of other parallels in modern languages between the literary variety and the colloquial variety?

Solution: The distinction between Miri Agom, a rhythmic language used for chanting mantras or specific rituals like recovery songs, and Adi Agom, the language for everyday conversation, reflects a high level of linguistic sensitivity among the Adi community. This suggests a cultural understanding that different contexts require different linguistic registers, with specialized, perhaps more sacred or formalized, language used for spiritual or healing purposes. Parallels in modern languages include the difference between formal literary prose or poetry and colloquial spoken language. For instance, in English, the language used in Shakespearean plays or formal poetry differs significantly from everyday conversational English. Similarly, in Hindi, the formal language used in classical literature or religious texts can be distinct from the spoken dialects used in casual conversation.

Talking About The Text - Q1

'It is time to realise that unless we modify the established notion of literature as something written, we will silently witness the decline of various Indian oral traditions.'

Solution: This statement by G.N. Devy underscores the critical need to broaden our definition of literature beyond just written texts. He argues that if we continue to limit literature solely to what is written down, we risk the silent disappearance and eventual loss of India's rich and diverse oral traditions. These oral traditions, passed down through generations, are repositories of culture, history, and knowledge. By failing to recognize and value them as legitimate forms of literature, we allow them to decline, leading to an irreversible loss of cultural heritage.

Talking About The Text - Q2

'Tribal arts are not specifically meant for sale.' Does this help or hamper their growth and preservation?

Solution: The statement 'Tribal arts are not specifically meant for sale' suggests that their primary purpose is not commercial. This orientation can both help and hamper their growth and preservation. On the one hand, it helps by keeping the art authentic and connected to its cultural and spiritual roots, rather than being driven by market demands. This focus on intrinsic value aids in preservation. On the other hand, it can hamper growth and preservation if the artists lack economic support. Without a market or patronage, artists may struggle to sustain their practice, potentially leading to a decline in the art form if it doesn't provide a livelihood. However, the core intent being non-commercial often protects the art from commodification and dilution.

Common mistakes

Underestimating the value and complexity of oral literary traditions.
Confusing tribal imagination with mere fantasy without understanding its underlying logic.
Failing to recognize the deep connection between tribal art, nature, and spirituality.
Overlooking the distinct societal roles and perspectives within tribal communities.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the core differences between tribal and secular worldviews.
Pay close attention to the examples of tribal songs and their interpretations.
Summarize the key features of tribal arts and their connection to nature.
Revisit the arguments presented by G.N. Devy regarding the importance of oral traditions.
Practice explaining the unique characteristics of tribal communities in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is a key characteristic of tribal communities' belief system regarding nature?

Q2. How does tribal imagination differ from secular imagination, according to the text?

Q3. Why does G.N. Devy emphasize the importance of oral literary traditions?

Q4. Which feature is NOT typically associated with tribal arts?

Q5. In 'A Munda Song,' how is the birth of a daughter valued?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 24, 'Tribal Verse'?

Chapter 24, 'Tribal Verse,' focuses on understanding the unique characteristics of tribal communities, their distinct imagination, the importance of their oral literary traditions, and the features of their art forms, as discussed in G.N. Devy's essays.

How does the 'tribal imagination' differ from the 'secular imagination'?

The tribal imagination is described as highly fictional, dreamlike, and unreal, where impossible events can occur and temporal sequences are not restrictive. In contrast, secular imagination is generally more grounded in logic and reality.

Why is the preservation of oral literary traditions considered important in this chapter?

G.N. Devy emphasizes that oral traditions are a vital part of understanding a culture and that failing to revive them will lead to the silent decline of various Indian oral traditions, resulting in the loss of great literature.

What are some distinctive features of tribal arts mentioned in the solutions?

Tribal arts are characterized by abstraction, a flexible interpretation of space, blurred boundaries between art and non-art, and a deep connection to nature, often treating it as a direct form of God.

How do the provided NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions offer clear, rewritten answers to all questions, explaining concepts like tribal imagination, oral traditions, and tribal arts in detail, which aids students in comprehending the chapter's themes and preparing for exams.

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