NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter Tribal Verse

This worksheet for Class 11 English Chapter Tribal Verse introduces students to the rich and diverse world of tribal oral literature. The chapter focuses on tribal songs, traditions, and the unique ways in which tribal communities express their connection with nature, life, and spirituality. It highlights the importance of preserving oral traditions that have been passed down through generations. This worksheet provides complete and accurate NCERT Solutions based strictly on the chapter, helping students understand key concepts, themes, and literary elements in a simple and clear manner.

Chapter summary: stories, poems & themes

This chapter includes an essay extract by G.N. Devy and three tribal songs from different communities. The essay explains the importance of oral traditions and the need to recognise tribal literature alongside written texts. The songs include a Munda song related to birth, a Kondh song associated with death, and an Adi chant for the recovery of health. These texts reflect the tribal vision of life, where nature, humans, and spirituality are closely connected. The chapter is both literature-based and activity-based, encouraging students to think, discuss, and appreciate different cultural expressions.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

• Understanding oral literary traditions 
• Learning about tribal cultures and their connection with nature 
• Reading and interpreting songs and essays 
• Developing appreciation for diverse literary forms 
• Strengthening critical thinking through discussion and analysis 

How to use these NCERT solutions?

Students should first read the chapter carefully and attempt all questions independently. After that, they can refer to these NCERT Solutions to check their answers and improve their understanding. Parents and teachers can use these solutions to guide students and explain concepts clearly. The answers follow the exact NCERT order and structure, making revision easier and more effective.

Student tips & learning tricks

• Focus on understanding the theme of oral traditions and tribal life 
• Pay attention to the meaning of songs and their cultural context 
• Avoid writing vague answers; use points from the chapter 
• Practice explaining answers in simple and clear language 
• Carefully read questions before answering to avoid mistakes 

Why NCERT solutions are important?

NCERT Solutions help students build a strong foundation by following the exact syllabus and guidelines. They improve clarity, accuracy, and confidence in answering questions. These solutions also help in exam preparation by ensuring that students understand the chapter thoroughly and can answer according to NCERT expectations.

Complete answer key – NCERT solutions

Understanding the text

1. Tribal communities all over the world share certain common characteristics. They live in cohesive and organically unified groups. They show little interest in accumulating wealth and believe in a close connection between nature, human beings, and God. Their way of life is based more on intuition than reason, and they consider their surroundings sacred.

2. The tribal imagination is different from the secular imagination because it is dreamlike and allows a natural fusion between different levels of existence and time. In tribal imagination, elements like animals, mountains, and stars can behave like humans. In contrast, secular imagination follows a more structured and self-conscious approach.

3. G.N. Devy highlights the importance of oral literary tradition by explaining that many tribal languages and their literature are not written but are still rich and meaningful. He emphasises that unless we recognise oral traditions as literature, we risk losing a valuable part of our cultural heritage.

4. Tribal arts have several distinctive features. They are closely linked with rituals and daily life. They are playful and not meant for sale. They often combine imagination and memory and do not strictly follow sequence or structure. They are also influenced by past traditions while allowing small creative changes.

5. G.N. Devy explains that calling Indian literature ‘new literature’ is incorrect because tribal and oral traditions have existed for centuries. These traditions were simply not recognised earlier. He argues that literature is not limited to written texts and includes oral expressions as well.

Talking about the text

1. Student-generated activity

2. Student-generated activity

3. Student-generated activity

4. Student-generated activity

Appreciation

1. ‘A Munda Song’ shows that the tribal perspective values the girl child more positively. The birth of a daughter is associated with a cowshed full of cows, symbolising prosperity, while the birth of a son is linked with depletion.

2. ‘A Kondh Song’ reflects the tribal belief in maintaining a connection with the dead. The song is sung to communicate with the spirit of the deceased, showing their desire to interact with ancestors even after death.

3. The use of Miri Agom for ritual chanting and Adi Agom for daily communication shows the Adi community’s sensitivity to language. It highlights their ability to use different languages for different purposes.

Language work

1. The symbols in ‘A Munda Song’, such as the sun, moon, and cowshed, reflect the tribal worldview where nature and human life are closely connected.

2. The lines show the belief that the Ridin creeper has healing power and can help bind the spirit of good health back to the body, ensuring recovery.

3. The central argument of the speaker is that oral traditions and tribal literature are important and should be recognised as valuable forms of literature alongside written texts.

Explore our NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter Tribal Verse to strengthen understanding, improve answer writing, and build confidence in exams.

Book a free trial!