CBSE Class 11 Woven Words: Felling of the Banyan Tree - NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 Woven Words Poetry Chapter 18, "Felling of the Banyan Tree," offers a profound exploration of nature, memory, and tradition. This chapter delves into the poem's critical tone, highlighting the poet's father's actions and the grandmother's deep reverence for trees, particularly the banyan. The banyan tree is presented not just as a plant but as a sacred entity with mythological significance, deeply intertwined with human life and ancestral memories. The solutions examine the emotional and psychological impact of felling such a monumental tree, reflecting on the loss of natural heritage and the erosion of traditional values in the face of modernization and globalization. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the poem's themes, symbolism, and the poet's message about our relationship with nature and the past.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	18. Felling Of The Banyan Tree - (Poetry)

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 11 Woven Words focus on Dilip Chitre's "Felling of the Banyan Tree." The solutions analyze the poem's critical perspective on tree felling, the father's practical yet destructive actions, and the grandmother's reverence for trees. Key aspects explored include the banyan tree's unique features, its mythological importance, and its symbolic representation of deep-rooted connections. The solutions also address the poem's commentary on modern societal changes and the erosion of traditional values, offering a comprehensive understanding of the poem's themes.

Learning outcomes

Identify the critical tone of the poet towards the felling of the banyan tree.
Analyze the character and actions of the poet's father as depicted in the poem.
Understand the cultural and religious significance attributed to trees, particularly the banyan tree.
Interpret the symbolic meaning of the banyan tree and its connection to memory and dreams.
Discuss the poem's commentary on contemporary issues like globalization and the loss of traditional values.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Critical tone in poetry
Character analysis of the father
Symbolism of the banyan tree
Mythological significance of trees
Impact of memory and dreams
Critique of modernization
Loss of traditional values
Poetic devices and imagery

Important topics

Poet's critical tone
Symbolism of the banyan tree
Grandmother's beliefs vs. Father's actions
Contemporary relevance of the poem
The phrase 'grows and seethes'

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Questions and Solutions

Q1

Identify the lines that reveal the critical tone of the poet towards the felling of the tree.

Solution: The poem "Felling of the Banyan Tree" by Dilip Chitre expresses a critical tone towards the destruction of the tree through several poignant lines. These include descriptions that evoke a sense of violence and loss, such as "Its scraggy aerial roots fell to the ground," which emphasizes the tree's vulnerability. The sheer scale of the destruction is highlighted by "Sawing them off for seven days and the heap was huge," and "Fifty men with axes chopped and chopped," underscoring the immense effort and brutality involved. The impact on nature is noted with "Insects and birds began to leave the tree," showing the ecological consequence. Most directly, the poet conveys the emotional response to this act with the line, "We watched in terror and fascination this slaughter," clearly indicating a critical and disturbed perspective on the event.

Q2

Identify the words that help you understand the nature of the poet's father.

Solution: The poem "Felling of the Banyan Tree" offers insights into the poet's father's nature through specific word choices. The father is portrayed as a decisive and practical individual, perhaps even ruthless when it comes to clearing the land. Phrases like "the structures were demolished" suggest his role in removing existing constructions. More pointedly, the line "but he massacred them all" reveals a harshness in his approach to the trees, indicating he was responsible for their complete removal. The direct statement, "My father ordered it to be removed," further solidifies his authoritative and determined character in orchestrating the felling of the trees.

Q3

'Trees are sacred my grandmother used to say'— what does the poet imply by this line?

Solution: Through the line "Trees are sacred my grandmother used to say," the poet implies a deep-seated cultural and religious reverence for trees, particularly certain species like the banyan. This statement reflects traditional beliefs and folklore where trees are not merely plants but are considered divine or sacred entities, worthy of worship and respect. The grandmother's words represent an older, more nature-attuned perspective. By invoking this, the poet contrasts this sacred view with the act of felling the tree, suggesting that such destruction is not just an environmental loss but also a violation of deeply held spiritual and cultural values.

Q4

'No trees except the one which grows and seethes in one's dreams'— why is the phrase 'grows and seethes' used?

Solution: The phrase "grows and seethes" is used to describe the powerful and unsettling nature of the memory of the felled banyan tree that haunts the poet's dreams. "Grows" indicates that the memory is not fading but is becoming more potent and persistent over time. "Seethes" conveys a strong, simmering emotion, suggesting anger, anguish, or a deep sense of injustice associated with the tree's destruction. It implies that the memory is alive, active, and causing emotional turmoil, perhaps representing the tree's 'spirit' or the poet's own unresolved grief and rage over its loss.

Q5

How does the banyan tree stand out as different from other trees? What details of the tree does the poet highlight in the poem?

Solution: The banyan tree is presented as distinct and significant due to its immense age, size, and mythological importance. The poet highlights its age by mentioning, "The great tree revealed its rings of two hundred years," emphasizing its long existence and the history it has witnessed. The detail about its "scraggy aerial roots" reaching the ground signifies its vast spread and unique growth pattern, creating a large, almost self-contained ecosystem. Furthermore, the poem references its mythological status, noting its presence in ancient stories and scriptures like the Bhagavad Geeta, where it is revered. These details collectively set the banyan tree apart as a symbol of endurance, deep roots, and sacredness.

Q6

What does the reference to raw mythology imply?

Solution: The reference to "raw mythology" implies that the banyan tree holds a significant and ancient place in human cultural and spiritual narratives. It suggests that the tree is not just a biological entity but a symbol deeply embedded in the collective consciousness, associated with creation, divinity, and enduring life forces. When the tree is cut down, its destruction is thus portrayed as more than just an environmental act; it signifies the obliteration of a symbol of ancient wisdom, cultural heritage, and perhaps even a connection to the divine or primal forces represented in these myths. The felling becomes an act that destroys a piece of this rich, mythic past.

Q7

'Whose roots lay deeper than our lives'— what aspect of human behaviour does this line reflect?

Solution: The line "Whose roots lay deeper than our lives" reflects a fundamental aspect of human behavior: our tendency to underestimate or disregard the profound, long-term significance of nature and tradition in favor of immediate, often transient, human concerns and lifespans. It highlights human mortality and the relatively short duration of individual lives compared to the enduring presence of ancient natural elements like the banyan tree. The line suggests a human arrogance or shortsightedness in believing our existence is paramount, failing to recognize that the natural world and its deep-rooted systems have a permanence and a history that far surpasses our own brief time on Earth. It points to a disconnect between human ambition and the timeless cycles of nature.

Q8

Comment on the contemporary concern that the poem echoes.

Solution: The poem "Felling of the Banyan Tree" strongly echoes the contemporary concern about the impact of globalization and westernization on traditional values and the natural environment. The poet expresses anxiety that the modern, fast-paced world, influenced by Western culture, is leading to a disregard for heritage, nature, and deep-rooted customs. The younger generation, in particular, is depicted as being disconnected from these values, embracing a more superficial or materialistic approach. The felling of the banyan tree serves as a powerful metaphor for the destruction of cultural identity and natural heritage in the relentless march of 'progress' and modernization.

Common mistakes

Confusing the poet's personal feelings with the father's actions.
Underestimating the symbolic significance of the banyan tree.
Overlooking the poem's critique of modernization and its impact on traditional values.
Failing to connect the grandmother's beliefs with the poet's broader message.

Revision tips

Reread the poem, highlighting lines that express the poet's critical tone.
Summarize the father's actions and motivations in your own words.
List the mythological and cultural references to the banyan tree mentioned in the solutions.
Reflect on how the poem's themes relate to modern society and environmental concerns.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary emotion conveyed by the poet when describing the felling of the tree?

Q2. Which phrase best describes the poet's father's attitude towards the trees on their land?

Q3. According to the grandmother's belief mentioned in the poem, trees are considered:

Q4. The phrase 'grows and seethes' in relation to the tree in dreams suggests:

Q5. What contemporary concern does the poem echo?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'Felling of the Banyan Tree'?

The main theme revolves around the destruction of nature, the loss of tradition and values in the face of modernization, and the deep emotional impact of such destruction, symbolized by the felling of a large, ancient banyan tree.

How does the poem convey a critical tone?

The poem uses lines that describe the felling as a 'slaughter' and highlights the terror and fascination with which it was watched, revealing the poet's disapproval and critical stance towards the act.

What does the banyan tree symbolize in the poem?

The banyan tree symbolizes deep roots, ancient wisdom, tradition, and a connection to the past. Its destruction represents the severing of these connections and the loss of cultural heritage.

What is the significance of the grandmother's statement about trees being sacred?

It highlights the traditional reverence for nature and trees, contrasting sharply with the father's pragmatic and destructive approach, emphasizing the erosion of these values in contemporary times.

How does the poem relate to modern concerns?

The poem echoes contemporary concerns about globalization and westernization leading to the neglect and destruction of natural heritage and traditional values, impacting the younger generation.

What is the role of the father in the poem?

The father represents a practical, modern mindset that prioritizes development and clearing land over preserving nature. His actions, though perhaps seen as necessary by him, are depicted as destructive and impactful.

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