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

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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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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectEnglish Woven Words Poetry
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 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.
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