CBSE Class 11 Woven Words: Ajamil And The Tigers - NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This is a summary of CBSE Class 11 Woven Words, Chapter 20, 'Ajamil And The Tigers.' This poem uses the allegory of tigers and sheep to offer a critique of contemporary political situations. It focuses on leaders like Ajamil who seem to opt for fleeting peace rather than true security. The solutions explore the symbolic representations within the poem, where 'tigers' stand for aggressive nations and 'sheep' represent innocent populations. The analysis also examines the political strategies employed, the function of the 'sheepdog' as a combatant, and the leader's feigned confidence. It sheds light on the suffering of the common person, who is disproportionately affected by political choices and systemic shortcomings. The chapter provides an understanding of the poem's satirical observations on the conduct of the political elite and its consequences for everyday individuals, aiding students in comprehending the poem's profound themes and preparing for their examinations.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	20. Ajamil And The Tigers - (Poetry)

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for 'Ajamil And The Tigers' focus on understanding the poem's allegorical representation of political life. It breaks down the symbolism of tigers, sheep, and the character Ajamil to explain the poet's critique of modern politics. The solutions analyze the leader's decisions, the concept of temporary peace, and the plight of the common man caught in political systems. Key themes explored include satire, political strategy, and the emotional toll on ordinary citizens, providing a clear interpretation of the poem's message.

Learning outcomes

Understand the allegorical meaning of tigers and sheep in the poem.
Analyze the character of Ajamil and his political decisions.
Interpret the poet's critique of modern political systems and leadership.
Explain the role and symbolism of the sheepdog in the narrative.
Identify the poem's commentary on the common man's suffering within political contexts.
Recognize the use of satire to convey anger and anguish.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Allegory in poetry
Satire on political life
Symbolism of tigers and sheep
Character analysis of Ajamil
The role of the sheepdog
Critique of political leadership
Themes of war and peace
The common man's suffering
Temporary peace vs. security
Poetic interpretation

Important topics

Allegorical meaning of tigers and sheep
Ajamil's political decisions and their implications
The poem's critique of the political class
The common man's perspective and suffering
Satirical elements in the poem

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Questions and Solutions

Q1

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 strategically selects 'tigers' and 'sheep' to represent contrasting elements in a political allegory. Literally, they are animals, but figuratively, 'tigers' symbolize aggressive nations or powerful entities that pose a threat to a country's security. Conversely, 'sheep' represent the innocent, vulnerable, and often passive populace who are the citizens of the nation. By using these animals, the poet effectively conveys a message about the dynamics of international relations and domestic politics, where the powerful prey on the weak, and the common people bear the consequences of political decisions.

Q2

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

Solution: Ajamil's behavior, particularly his decision to sign a treaty of friendship with the tigers after they were captured by the sheepdog, illustrates a critical aspect of political life: the tendency of leaders to prioritize temporary peace and political expediency over genuine security and justice. Instead of punishing the aggressors, Ajamil offers them hospitality, suggesting a lack of confidence in his own military's long-term strength or a fear of total national loss in prolonged conflict. This behavior reflects how politicians might choose to appease potential enemies to maintain a semblance of stability, even if it means compromising on principles or ignoring the bravery of their own forces.

Q3

Why have the words, 'pretended' and 'seemed' been used in the lines: pretended to believe every single word of what the tiger king said. And seemed to be taken in by all the lies. How does the sense of these lines connect with the line 'Ajamil wasn't a fool'?

Solution: The words 'pretended' and 'seemed' are crucial because they reveal Ajamil's true state of mind. He is not genuinely convinced by the tigers' words or lies; rather, he is acting as if he is. This implies that Ajamil is fully aware of the tigers' deceptive nature and the temporary, unreliable nature of the peace treaty. The lines connect with 'Ajamil wasn't a fool' by emphasizing his shrewdness. A fool would blindly believe the tigers, but Ajamil, being intelligent, understands the game. He enters into the treaty not out of belief, but as a strategic move to gain a period of respite, knowing that the underlying threat from the tigers still exists.

Q4

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

Solution: Ajamil refused to meet the sheepdog's eyes because he was aware that the sheepdog, a brave warrior, would likely disapprove of his decision to make peace with the tigers. The sheepdog had proven its capability by capturing the tigers, representing military strength and a potential for decisive victory. Ajamil knew that confronting the sheepdog would mean facing its potential judgment or questioning of his choice to sign a treaty with a defeated but still dangerous enemy. By avoiding eye contact, Ajamil sidesteps a direct confrontation with the embodiment of his army's success and the potential consequences of his political compromise.

Q5

'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 temporary relaxation and a false sense of security that Ajamil allows himself and the nation. It signifies a brief respite from the constant threat of conflict, where life might seem peaceful on the surface. The phrase 'a common bond' refers to the superficial unity or shared existence that is established between the tigers and the sheep under the treaty. It suggests that despite their inherent differences and the underlying power imbalance, they are forced to coexist, sharing resources like water from the same pond, for the sake of maintaining this fragile peace.

Q6

The poem is a satire against the present political class. How effectively does it convey the anger and anguish of the common man trapped in the system?

Solution: The poem effectively conveys the anger and anguish of the common man by highlighting his position as the ultimate victim of political decisions. While leaders like Ajamil engage in strategic treaties and seek temporary peace, it is the common man who suffers the most. He loses property, health, and even lives in the process, yet rarely receives justice or benefits from the 'good for most' policies. Trapped within a system where his well-being is secondary to political maneuvering, his pain and anger are buried deep, only finding expression through the poet's satirical lens. The poem gives voice to this silent suffering, making the reader empathize with the common man's plight.

Common mistakes

Confusing the literal meaning of tigers and sheep with their symbolic representation.
Overlooking the satirical intent of the poem.
Failing to connect Ajamil's actions to broader political commentary.
Underestimating the significance of the sheepdog's role.
Not recognizing the common man's perspective as central to the poem's message.

Revision tips

Reread the poem, paying close attention to the symbolic meanings of animals and characters.
Summarize the main political critique in your own words after reading each solution.
Discuss the allegorical elements with classmates to deepen understanding.
Focus on how the poet uses satire to express anger and anguish.
Consider the common man's experience as depicted in the solutions when analyzing the poem.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What do the 'tigers' primarily symbolize in the poem 'Ajamil And The Tigers'?

Q2. In the poem, what does Ajamil's decision to sign a treaty with the tigers, despite the sheepdog's victory, suggest about his leadership?

Q3. The 'sheep' in the poem are best understood as representing:

Q4. What is the significance of the words 'pretended' and 'seemed' in relation to Ajamil's treaty?

Q5. The phrase 'play the flute all day' in the poem refers to:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main message of the poem 'Ajamil And The Tigers'?

The poem uses an allegory of tigers and sheep to critique modern political systems, highlighting how leaders like Ajamil often prioritize temporary peace and political expediency over genuine security, leading to the suffering of the common man.

Who do the 'tigers' and 'sheep' represent in the poem?

The 'tigers' symbolize aggressive nations or external threats, while the 'sheep' represent the innocent and vulnerable common citizens who are often caught in the middle of political conflicts and decisions.

What does Ajamil's decision to sign a treaty signify?

Ajamil's decision to sign a treaty with the tigers, despite his sheepdog's victory, signifies a political tendency to seek immediate, albeit fragile, peace, reflecting a lack of confidence or a pragmatic approach to avoid greater loss.

How does the poem portray the common man?

The poem portrays the common man as someone who suffers the most during times of political conflict and instability, bearing the brunt of lost property, health, and lives, often without receiving justice or having their plight addressed.

What is the role of the 'sheepdog' in the poem?

The sheepdog represents a brave warrior or the military force capable of winning against the tigers. Its role highlights the contrast between military strength and the political decision to pursue peace through treaties.

How can these NCERT solutions help in preparing for exams?

These solutions provide a clear understanding of the poem's complex themes, symbolism, and characters, helping students to analyze the text effectively, answer comprehension questions accurately, and grasp the deeper satirical message for their exams.

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