{"id":866998,"date":"2025-08-27T14:17:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T08:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/discover\/?p=866998"},"modified":"2025-08-27T14:17:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T08:47:15","slug":"ncert-notes-class-11-english-woven-words-poem-12-ajamil-and-the-tigers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/discover\/school-education\/ncert-notes-class-11-english-woven-words-poem-12-ajamil-and-the-tigers\/","title":{"rendered":"NCERT Notes Class 11 English Woven Words Poem 12: Ajamil and the Tigers (Free PDF)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The poem Ajamil and the Tigers by Arun Kolatkar is the twelfth poem in the Poetry section of the NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words textbook. This poem narrates the story of Ajamil, a shepherd, and his encounter with a group of tigers, using humour and irony to explore themes of power dynamics, fear, and unexpected coexistence. Kolatkar, in his poem, criticises societal assumptions about conflict and authority, highlighting the possibility of peaceful resolutions. This blog provides easy-to-understand NCERT Class 11 English notes with explanations, meanings, and analysis to help students understand the poem\u2019s themes. You can also download the free PDF for quick revision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Explore Notes of Class 11 English Woven Words<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poem 1<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Poem 2<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Poem 3<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Poem 4<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Download PDF of NCERT Notes Class 11 English Woven Words Poem 12: Ajamil and the Tigers<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Important Word Meanings in Ajamil and the Tigers by Arun Kolatkar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the poem Ajamil and the Tigers, specific words and phrases convey the satirical tone, the absurdity of the situation, and the critique of power and pretence. Understanding these terms clarifies the poem\u2019s message and imagery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Word \/ Phrase<\/td>Meaning<\/td><\/tr>
Tiger people<\/td>The tigers looked as a group with human-like organisation and motives<\/td><\/tr>
Starving<\/td>Extreme hunger emphasises the tigers\u2019 desperation and justifies their approach<\/td><\/tr>
Sheep dog<\/td>Ajamil\u2019s protective dog, symbolising vigilance and strength<\/td><\/tr>
Cramps our style<\/td>Hinders or restricts behaviour, suggesting the dog\u2019s interference with the tigers\u2019 plans<\/td><\/tr>
Banquet<\/td>A lavish meal, used ironically by the tiger king to mask predatory intentions<\/td><\/tr>
Black patch on his eye<\/td>A sign of injury, humorously depicting the tiger king\u2019s failed attempt<\/td><\/tr>
Tail in a sling<\/td>Another humorous indication of defeat or injury<\/td><\/tr>
Son of a bitch<\/td>A derogatory term for the sheep dog, reflecting the tiger king\u2019s frustration<\/td><\/tr>
Prisoners of war<\/td>The captured tigers, humorously likened to defeated soldiers<\/td><\/tr>
Daisy chain<\/td>A playful image of the tigers strung together, emphasising their defeat<\/td><\/tr>
Misunderstanding<\/td>The tiger king\u2019s excuse to downplay their predatory intent<\/td><\/tr>
Lamb chops and roast<\/td>The meal offered by Ajamil symbolises hospitality and reconciliation<\/td><\/tr>
Friendship treaty<\/td>A formal agreement for peace, used satirically to highlight the absurdity of the resolution<\/td><\/tr>
Laden with gifts<\/td>Carrying gifts, showing Ajamil\u2019s generosity and strategic diplomacy<\/td><\/tr>
Common bond<\/td>Shared satisfaction or mutual benefit, symbolised by the shared pond<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Line-by-Line Explanation of NCERT English Woven Words Poem 12: Ajamil and the Tigers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is a line-by-line analysis of the poem Ajamil and the Tigers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 1\u201310:<\/strong>
<\/strong>The tiger people went to their king <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and said, \u2018We\u2019re starving. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve had nothing to eat, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

not a bite, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

for 15 days and 16 nights. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ajamil has got a new sheep dog. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He cramps our style <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and won\u2019t let us get within a mile <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

of meat.\u2019<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The poem opens with the tigers, personified as \u201ctiger people,\u201d complaining to their king about their hunger, caused by Ajamil\u2019s new sheep dog, which prevents them from attacking the flock. The exaggerated \u201c15 days and 16 nights\u201d adds a humorous tone, while \u201ccramps our style\u201d suggests the dog\u2019s interference with their predatory nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 11\u201316:<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2018That\u2019s shocking,\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

said the tiger king. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Why didn\u2019t you come to see me before? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make preparations for a banquet. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m gonna teach that sheep dog a lesson he\u2019ll never forget.\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Hear hear,\u2019 said the tigers.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiger king reacts with mock outrage and plans a \u201cbanquet,\u201d a euphemism for attacking the flock, showing his overconfidence. The tigers\u2019 enthusiastic \u201cHear hear\u201d reinforces their collective bravado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 17\u201320:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Careful,\u2019 said the queen. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But he was already gone. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alone <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

into the darkness before the dawn.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The queen\u2019s caution is ignored as the tiger king ventures out alone, setting a dramatic yet ironic tone with \u201cdarkness before the dawn,\u201d hinting at his impending failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 21\u201325:<\/strong>
<\/strong>In an hour he was back, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the good king. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A black patch on his eye. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

His tail in a sling. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And said, \u2018I\u2019ve got it all planned\u2026\u2019<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiger king returns injured, humorously depicted with a \u201cblack patch\u201d and \u201ctail in a sling,\u201d undermining his authority. His claim of having a plan despite his defeat adds to the satire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 26\u201331:<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2018\u2026now that I know the lie of the land. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of us will have to try. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll outnumber the son of a bitch. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this time there will be no hitch. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because this time I shall be leading the attack.\u2019<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The king\u2019s plan to outnumber the sheep dog reflects his persistent arrogance, with \u201cson of a bitch\u201d showing his frustration and \u201cno hitch\u201d ironically foreshadowing failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 32\u201336:<\/strong>
<\/strong>Quick as lightning <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the sheep dog was. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He took them all in as prisoners of war, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the 50 tigers and the tiger king, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

before they could get their paws <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

on a single sheep.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sheep dog\u2019s swift action, likened to \u201clightning,\u201d results in the comical defeat of the tigers, who are captured as \u201cprisoners of war,\u201d emphasising the dog\u2019s dominance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 37\u201340:<\/strong>
<\/strong>They never had a chance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dog was in 51 places all at once. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He strung them all out in a daisy chain <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and flung them in front of his boss in one big heap.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dog\u2019s omnipresence (\u201c51 places all at once\u201d) and the playful \u201cdaisy chain\u201d image highlight the tigers\u2019 humiliating defeat, with \u201cone big heap\u201d underscoring their powerlessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 41\u201347:<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2018Nice dog you got there, Ajamil,\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

said the tiger king. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking a little ill <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and spiting out a tooth. \/ \u2018But there\u2019s been a bit of a misunderstanding.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We could\u2019ve wiped out your herd in one clean sweep. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But we were not trying to creep up on your sheep.\u2019<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiger king, defeated and injured, offers a feeble excuse, claiming a \u201cmisunderstanding\u201d to save face, while praising the dog and denying predatory intent, adding to the humour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 48\u201352:<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2018We feel that means are more important than ends. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were coming to see you as friends. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s the truth.\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sheep dog was the type <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

who had never told a lie in his life.<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiger king\u2019s claim of peaceful intentions is a blatant lie, contrasted with the dog\u2019s honest nature, highlighting the absurdity of the king\u2019s pretence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 53\u201358:<\/strong>
<\/strong>He was built along simpler lines <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and he was simply disgusted. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He kept on making frantic signs. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Ajamil, the good shepherd <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

refused to meet his eyes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and pretended to believe every single word.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dog\u2019s disgust contrasts with Ajamil\u2019s diplomatic pretence, as he ignores the dog\u2019s signals and accepts the tiger king\u2019s lies, showcasing his strategic wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 59\u201363:<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ajamil cut them loose <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and asked them all to stay for dinner. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was an offer the tigers couldn\u2019t refuse. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And after the lamb chops and the roast, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

when Ajamil proposed\u2026<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ajamil\u2019s hospitality, offering \u201clamb chops and the roast,\u201d humorously disarms the tigers, leading to an unexpected resolution through generosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 64\u201368:<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2026they sign a long term friendship treaty, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

all the tigers roared. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018We couldn\u2019t agree with you more.\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And swore they would be good friends all their lives <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

as they put down the forks and the knives.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cfriendship treaty\u201d is a satirical resolution, with the tigers\u2019 enthusiastic agreement and civilised behaviour (\u201cforks and knives\u201d) adding to the absurdity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 69\u201372:<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ajamil signed a pact <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

with the tiger people and sent them back. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laden with gifts of sheep, leather jackets and balls of wool. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ajamil wasn\u2019t a fool.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ajamil\u2019s generosity with gifts reflects his strategic diplomacy, ensuring peace while acknowledging the tigers\u2019 needs, showing his wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lines 73\u201378:<\/strong>
<\/strong>Like all good shepherds he knew <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

that even tigers have got to eat some time. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good shepherd sees to it they do. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is free to play a flute all day <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

as well fed tigers and fat sheep drink from the same pond <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

with a full stomach for a common bond.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The closing lines emphasise Ajamil\u2019s understanding of balance, ensuring mutual survival and peace, with the shared pond symbolising harmony through mutual benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analysis of the NCERT English Woven Words Poem 12: Ajamil and the Tigers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The poem Ajamil and the Tigers by Arun Kolatkar is a satirical allegory that uses the interaction between a shepherd, Ajamil, and a group of tigers to critique power dynamics, fear, and societal assumptions about conflict. Through humour, irony, and vivid imagery, Kolatkar challenges the notion of inevitable hostility between the weak and the powerful, suggesting that diplomacy and mutual understanding can lead to peaceful coexistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Theme \u2013 Power Dynamics, Satire, and Coexistence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The central theme is the interplay between fear and power, with Ajamil representing the common man and the tigers symbolising authority or danger. The poem satirises the arrogance of power and the assumption of conflict, highlighting the possibility of non-violent resolutions through wisdom and generosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symbolism and Meaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here, we have mentioned the symbolism used in this poem, along with the meaning behind that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symbol<\/strong><\/td>Meaning<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Ajamil<\/td>Represents the common individual, wise and diplomatic, despite apparent vulnerability<\/td><\/tr>
Tigers<\/td>Symbolise authority, danger, or societal forces, initially feared but ultimately manageable<\/td><\/tr>
Sheep dog<\/td>Represents vigilance and strength, protecting the vulnerable from threats<\/td><\/tr>
Friendship treaty<\/td>Symbolises diplomatic resolutions, satirising formal agreements in absurd contexts<\/td><\/tr>
Shared pond<\/td>Represents harmony and mutual benefit, achieved through understanding and compromise<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Human Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The poem captures the universal experience of confronting fear and navigating power imbalances. It reflects the anxiety of facing a seemingly overwhelming force and the surprising outcomes that can arise from diplomacy, challenging stereotypes about conflict and dominance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tone and Mood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The tone and mood of the poem have been given as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n