NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 12
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 12 Ajamil and the Tigers – complete answers & explanations
This NCERT solutions blog for Class 11 English Chapter 12 Ajamil and the Tigers is designed to help students understand the poem in a clear, structured, and exam-oriented manner. Written by Arun Kolatkar, the poem presents a satirical allegory that reflects contemporary political realities. Through the symbolic use of tigers, sheep, a sheepdog, and the shepherd Ajamil, the poet critiques diplomacy, political manipulation, and the power dynamics between rulers and the common people. These solutions strictly follow the latest NCERT textbook (Woven Words) and present answers in the exact order of the exercises without adding or omitting any question.
What this NCERT chapter covers?
1. Literal and figurative meaning of the poem
2. Symbolism of tigers, sheep, and shepherd
3. Political satire and diplomacy
4. Use of irony and pretence
5. Allegorical representation of governance
6. Literary forms such as fable, allegory, and satire
How to use these NCERT solutions?
1. Read the poem carefully and identify its literal narrative
2. Analyse the symbolic meaning behind characters
3. Observe ironic tone and satirical elements
4. Attempt answers independently before checking
5. Connect themes with modern political situations
Important tips & tricks for students
1. Focus on symbolism in the poem
2. Support answers with short textual references
3. Identify irony and satire clearly
4. Write structured analytical answers
5. Understand the difference between literal and figurative levels
NCERT Solutions – Complete Answer Key
UNDERSTANDING THE POEM
1. The poem has a literal level and a figurative level. Why has the poet chosen ‘tigers’ and ‘sheep’ to convey his message?
Literally, tigers are predators and sheep are helpless animals. Figuratively, tigers represent powerful, aggressive political forces, while sheep symbolise innocent, common people. This contrast highlights exploitation and imbalance of power.
2. What facet of political life does the behaviour of Ajamil illustrate?
Ajamil’s behaviour illustrates political diplomacy and strategic compromise. He appears to believe the tigers but actually uses tact and intelligence to maintain control and peace.
3. 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’?
The words ‘pretended’ and ‘seemed’ indicate that Ajamil was aware of the tigers’ lies but acted diplomatically. This connects to the line ‘Ajamil wasn’t a fool’ because he understood the political necessity of managing the tigers wisely.
4. Why did Ajamil refuse to meet the sheepdog’s eyes?
Ajamil avoided the sheepdog’s eyes because he knew he was ignoring the truth. He chose political strategy over straightforward confrontation.
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?
‘Play the flute all day’ refers to peaceful governance and satisfaction after maintaining balance.
‘A common bond’ suggests harmony maintained through mutual benefit, even if achieved strategically.
6. 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?
The poem effectively uses humour, irony, and allegory to expose political manipulation and hypocrisy. Through symbolic characters, it reflects how common people are affected by power politics and how leaders maintain peace through compromise rather than confrontation.
TRY THIS OUT
Find out the difference between these literary forms
(a) Fable – A short story with animals as characters conveying a moral lesson.
(b) Allegory – A story in which characters and events symbolise deeper moral or political meanings.
(c) Satire – A literary form that criticises society or politics through humour, irony, or exaggeration.
SUGGESTED READING
1. Jejuri by Arun Kolatkar.
Why NCERT solutions help students?
NCERT solutions help students understand political satire, symbolism, and allegory clearly. Structured and textbook-aligned answers improve analytical skills and exam performance.
Develop deeper understanding of political satire and symbolic poetry with expert-guided NCERT solutions.