RBSE Solutions Class 8 English Chapter 4 The Felling of the Banyan Tree

About the Poem

This poem shows the poet's deep love for trees and nature. He feels very sad when the trees in his own house are cut down. He compares cutting trees to murdering a human being. He is against cutting down trees and building concrete jungles instead.

Summary of the Poem

The poet says his father asked all the tenants to leave their homes so those houses could be knocked down. All the houses, except the one where the poet's family lived and a banyan tree, were demolished. The banyan tree was special because the poet's grandmother thought it was holy. Many other sacred and medicinal trees were also cut down. However, cutting down the huge banyan tree, which was very tall with deep, spreading roots, was a big challenge. Still, the poet's father gave the order to cut it down.

The banyan tree was three times bigger than the poet's house. Its trunk was fifty feet around. Its roots that grew from the air were thirty feet long and reached the ground. First, all the branches were cut off. Because of this, insects and birds started to leave the tree. Fifty men continuously chopped the tree's thick trunk. Everyone saw the tree's rings, which showed it was about two hundred years old. The poet and others watched this destruction with both fear and wonder. The poet also mentions that they soon moved from Baroda to Bombay, where there were no trees. If any trees existed, they were only in dreams, wishing they could touch the ground that was turning into concrete buildings.

कविता के बारे में

यह कविता कवि के प्रकृति प्रेम को दर्शाती है। कवि अपने ही घर के वृक्षों के काटे जाने से बहुत दुखी हैं। वे इसे (पेड़ों को काटना) किसी व्यक्ति की हत्या के समान मानते हैं। वे पेड़ों को काटकर उस जमीन पर कंक्रीट के जंगल (बहुमंजिला इमारतें) खड़ा करने के विरोधी हैं।

कविता का सार

कवि कहते हैं कि उनके पिता ने सभी किराएदारों को, जो उनके घर के पास पहाड़ी के आसपास के घरों में रहते थे, जगह खाली करने के लिए कह दिया था। उसके बाद उन सभी मकानों को ढहा दिया गया। केवल कवि का घर तथा एक विशालकाय बरगद का पेड़ ही इस प्रक्रिया में बच पाया था क्योंकि कवि की दादी उस पेड़ को पवित्र मानती थी। अन्य सभी पेड़ इस प्रक्रिया के तहत बलि चढ़ चुके थे केवल विशाल बरगद का पेड़ अभी भी सीना ताने समस्या की तरह खड़ा था, जिसकी जड़े बहुत दूर तक फैली हुई थी। पेड़ पौधों की जड़ें इतनी दूर तक फैली हुई थी कि यह कल्पना करना मुश्किल था कि वे कभी जमीन छू पाएंगी।

Difficult Words (कठिन शब्द)

Tenant-an occupant; किराएदार। Demolish-to destroy completely; गिरा देना, ढहाना। Surrounding-to encircle; के चारों ओर होना। Structure-a building, formation; बनावट, ढांचा। Sacred-holy, treated with respect; पवित्र, पावन। Huge-very great; विशाल। Trunk-stem of a tree; तना। Chop-cut; काटना, चीरना। Aerial-like the air; हवाई। Sawing-cutting with saw; आरी से चीरना। Heap-group of things; ढेर, अंबार। Insects-small invertebrate animal; कीट, कीड़े। Great-large; बड़ा, महान। Revealed-make known; प्रदर्शित करना, व्यक्त करना। Rings-A circle; छल्ला, घेरा, चक्कर। Terror-great fear; आतंक, त्रास। Fascination-attract; मोहक लुभावना, मनोहर। Slaughter-killing; हत्या, वध। Strike-to hit with force; चोट करना। Mythology-set of ancient myths, ideas; पौराणिक। Massacred-destroying in a cruel way; निर्दयतापूर्वक हत्या करना। Scraggly-growing in uneven and bad condition; अस्त-व्यस्त। Massive-of considered bulk and weight; भारी-भरकम, विशाल। Seether-to be violently excited or agitated; उबलना। Circumference-the boundary line of a circle; परिधि, दायरा

Glossary

Tenant : a person who pays rent for the use of room, building, land etc. to the person who owns it
Demolish : to destroy something totally
Sacred : holy; very important and treated with great respect
Massacre : destroying in a cruel way
Scraggly : growing in a way that looks uneven and in bad condition
Chop : cut
Mythology : set of ancient myths, ideas that people have but they may or may not be true
Seethe : to be extremely angry about something but not to reveal it
Slaughter : (here) cutting of trees cruelly
Circumference: measurement around the outside of a circle

The Felling of the Banyan Tree Textbook Questions Solved

Activity - I

A. Say whether the following statements are True or False.
बताइए निम्न कथन सही है अथवा गलत।

 

Question 3. The banyan tree was as big as poet's house.
Answer: False
In simple words: The banyan tree was much larger than the poet's house, not the same size.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to comparative descriptions in the poem to determine relative sizes and quantities.

 

Question 4. They started cutting branches first because the tree was small.
Answer: False
In simple words: The tree was actually very big. They cut the branches first because it was easier to cut the smaller parts before the main trunk.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always remember that the banyan tree was huge, so any statement suggesting it was small is incorrect. The sequence of cutting (branches first) is a key detail.

 

Question 5. Fifty men chopped the tree.
Answer: True
In simple words: It took a large team of fifty men to cut down the enormous banyan tree because of its size and strength.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific numbers like "fifty men" are important details often tested in comprehension questions.

 

Question 6. The only tree remained was in his dreams.
Answer: True
In simple words: After moving to Bombay, the poet found no trees in real life, so the only place trees existed for him was in his memories and imagination.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the contrast between the poet's past in Baroda (with trees) and his present in Bombay (without trees), highlighting the theme of environmental loss.

 

B. Answer the following questions.
निम्न प्रश्नों के उत्तर दीजिए।

 

Question 1. Why did the poet's father want to demolish the old structures?
Answer: The poet's father wanted to demolish the old structures so he could build new, concrete buildings. He wanted to change the land into a modern area. This was part of his plan to develop the property.
In simple words: The poet's father wanted to build new buildings, so he tore down the old ones.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the father's motivation for demolishing the structures: development and constructing new buildings.

 

विशाल बरगद का वर्णन अपने शब्दों में कीजिए।
Answer: The Banyan tree was extremely big, with very deep roots. It stood three times taller than the poet's house. The trunk of the tree measured fifty feet around. Its roots grew down from the air and spread across the ground. The tree also had rings that showed it was about two hundred years old. This old tree was a strong and ancient part of the landscape.
In simple words: The banyan tree was huge and old, with very deep roots and a wide trunk. It was three times taller than the house.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the tree, use vivid adjectives and include specific details like its height, circumference, and age to show its significance.

 

Question 3. What was a crime according to the grandmother?
Answer: According to the grandmother, cutting down trees was a crime. She believed that all trees have some sacred value and should be respected. For her, trees were living beings that provided important benefits. So, harming them was wrong.
In simple words: The grandmother thought it was wrong to cut down trees because she believed they were holy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the grandmother's reverence for nature and her belief in the sacredness of trees as the core of her perspective.

 

Question 4. Which trees were cut down first?
Answer: The Sheoga, the Oudumber, and the Neem trees were cut down first. These were some of the other trees on the property that were removed before the main banyan tree. The family needed to clear the land for new construction.
In simple words: The Sheoga, Oudumber, and Neem trees were cut down before anything else.

🎯 Exam Tip: Listing the specific names of the trees shows attention to detail in the poem's context.

 

Question 5. How was the banyan tree cut at last?
Answer: First, the branches of the Banyan tree were cut, which took seven days. After the branches were gone, fifty men used their axes to chop down the huge trunk. This massive effort was needed to bring down the ancient tree. The whole process was long and difficult due to the tree's size.
In simple words: First, workers cut the tree's branches for seven days. Then, fifty men chopped down the huge trunk with axes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the process step-by-step: branches first, then the trunk, and mention the number of men and days involved.

 

Question 6. Where does the banyan tree still exist?
Answer: The banyan tree still exists in the poet's dreams and memories. After moving to Bombay, where there were no trees, the poet could only see trees in his imagination. For him, the tree had become a symbol of a past he cherished. This shows the deep emotional impact the tree had on him.
In simple words: The banyan tree now exists only in the poet's dreams and memories.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that the tree exists metaphorically (in dreams/memories), not physically, connecting it to the theme of loss and nostalgia.

 

C. Answer the following questions in 20 to 30 words.

 

Question 1. Name of few trees with medicinal values.
Answer: Some trees known for their medicinal value include Neem, Banyan, Peepal, and Tulsi. These trees have been used for traditional remedies for a very long time. They are often found in homes and natural areas.
In simple words: Neem, Banyan, Peepal, and Tulsi are trees known for their healing properties.

🎯 Exam Tip: List common medicinal trees and briefly mention their traditional use to show complete knowledge.

 

Question. वृक्ष मनुष्यों के लिए किस प्रकार सहायक हैं। वर्णन कीजिए।
Answer: Trees help humans in many ways. They give us oxygen to breathe by taking in carbon dioxide. Trees also provide food, wood, and shade. Every part of a tree, from its roots to its flowers and fruits, is useful to us. Without trees, it would be impossible for any living thing to survive on Earth because they support life in so many ways.
In simple words: Trees give us oxygen, food, wood, and shade. All parts of a tree are useful, and life cannot exist without them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the crucial role of trees in providing oxygen, food, and other resources, highlighting their importance for survival.

Activity - III

Use the suitable relative pronouns in the blank spaces:

 

Question 1. (I) Shambhu, .......... elder brother is a principal, is the Sarpanch of the Village.
Answer: whose
In simple words: Use 'whose' here because it talks about the elder brother belonging to Shambhu.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'whose' to show possession (whose brother) and 'who' for people (who is a principal).

 

Question 1. (II) The Ramayan, .......... is the scripture of the Hindus, is loved and liked in Bharat and abroad.
Answer: which
In simple words: Use 'which' when talking about things or books, like 'The Ramayan'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Which' is used for non-human things or for adding extra information about a thing.

 

Question 1. (III) Do you know Rita, .......... lives near Gulabbag?
Answer: who
In simple words: Use 'who' when talking about a person doing an action, like 'who lives'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Who' is used for people and acts as the subject of the clause.

 

Question 1. (IV) Deshnok, ......... the temple of Karnimata is situated, is a town in Rajasthan.
Answer: where
In simple words: Use 'where' when talking about a place, like 'where the temple is'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Where' is used to refer to locations or places.

 

Question 1. (V) Raksha Bandhan is the day .......... sisters tie Rakhies to their brothers.
Answer: when
In simple words: Use 'when' here because it talks about a specific time or day.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'When' is used to refer to a specific time or occasion.

Activity-IV

 

Question 1. "Trees are said to be green gold.” Keeping this in view, discuss the (important of 'trees' in keeping the environment pollution-free and healthy. (Importance of trees-Refer Additional Question Q – IV)
Answer: Do it yourself.
In simple words: Think about how trees help clean the air and make nature healthy. Write about their benefits in your own words.

🎯 Exam Tip: For "Do it yourself" questions, remember to include points about oxygen production, absorbing pollution, providing shade, and supporting wildlife.

Activity - V

 

Question 1. Draw different types of trees found in your locality and name them.
Answer: Do it yourself.
In simple words: Draw pictures of trees you see around you and write their names.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on clear drawings and accurate naming of trees to score well in such practical activities.

The Felling of the Banyan Tree Additional Questions For Practice

A. Tick the correct alternative.

 

Question 1. Father told the .......... to leave.
(a) tenants
(b) grandmother
(c) poet
(d) all of the options
Answer: (a) tenants
In simple words: The poet's father asked the people living in the rented houses to move out.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the father's goal was to demolish the old structures, which required the tenants to vacate first.

 

Question 3. Trees are sacred my .......... used to say.
(a) grandfather
(b) father
(c) grandmother
(d) mother
Answer: (c) grandmother
In simple words: The grandmother believed that trees were holy and should be respected.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify which character held particular beliefs or opinions in the poem to answer correctly.

 

Question 4. But the huge Banyan Tree stood like a ..........
(a) solution
(b) man
(c) monster
(d) problem
Answer: (d) problem
In simple words: The very large banyan tree was a big difficulty for the workers trying to cut it down.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the context of the felling of the tree; its size made it a major obstacle or "problem" for those trying to cut it.

 

Question 5. The Banyan tree was .......... time as tall as our house.
(a) three
(b) four
(c) five
(d) six
Answer: (a) three
In simple words: The banyan tree was much taller than the poet's house, specifically three times the height.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific numerical details and comparisons mentioned in the poem.

 

Question 6. It's trunk had a ........... of fifty feet.
(a) circumference
(b) area
(c) length
(d) width
Answer: (a) circumference
In simple words: The measurement around the tree's thick main stem was fifty feet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the meaning of "circumference" as the distance around a circular object like a tree trunk.

 

Question 7. Insects and birds began to .......... the tree.
(a) water
(b) leave
(c) plant
(d) decorate
Answer: (b) leave
In simple words: When the branches were cut, the insects and birds lost their homes and started to fly away from the tree.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the cutting of branches to the impact on the wildlife, as the tree was their habitat.

 

Question 8. .......... man with axes chopped and chopped.
(a) thirty
(b) forty
(c) fifty
(d) sixty
Answer: (c) fifty
In simple words: Fifty men worked together using axes to cut down the big tree.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall the specific number of workers mentioned in the poem for important details like the felling of the tree.

 

Question 9. The great tree revealed it's .......... of two hundred years.
(a) rings
(b) necklace
(c) earring
(d) bangles
Answer:
In simple words: When a tree is cut, its age can be seen by counting the circular marks inside its trunk.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that tree rings (annual rings) are used to determine a tree's age.

 

Question 10. Soon afterwards we left .......... for Bombay.
(a) Delhi
(b) Kanpur
(c) Jaipur
(d) Baroda
Answer:
In simple words: The family moved from their hometown to the big city of Bombay after the trees were cut down.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the places mentioned in the poem, especially the departure point and destination of the family's move.

 

Question 1. Who told the tenants to leave.
Answer: The poet's father told the tenants to leave. He wanted the houses to be empty so they could be demolished. This was a necessary step for his plans to redevelop the property. He had the final say in such matters.
In simple words: The poet's father told the people living in the rented houses to move out.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly identify the person giving the instruction, which is the poet's father, based on the narrative.

 

Question 2. What did grandmother use to say?
Answer: Grandmother used to say that trees are sacred. She believed that cutting them down was a crime. Her words showed a deep respect for nature. She felt that trees had a special, holy meaning. For her, trees were not just plants, but a vital part of life.
In simple words: The grandmother believed trees were holy and said that cutting them was wrong.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the grandmother's core belief about trees being sacred and their felling being a crime, as this reflects her character and the poem's theme.

 

Question 3. Who ordered to cut the Banyan tree?
Answer: The poet's father ordered to cut the Banyan tree. Despite its size and his grandmother's feelings, he made the decision to have it removed. He was determined to clear the land for his plans. His order initiated the difficult process of felling the massive tree.
In simple words: The poet's father gave the command to cut down the banyan tree.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between the different characters' roles and decisions, especially the father's authority in the situation.

 

Question 4. According to the poem, what is the age of the Banyan tree?
Answer: According to the poem, the Banyan tree was two hundred years old. Its age was visible through the rings found in its trunk when it was cut down. This long lifespan showed how ancient and established the tree was in its environment. Such a tree holds a lot of history.
In simple words: The poem tells us that the banyan tree was two hundred years old.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember specific factual details from the poem, such as the age of the banyan tree, as they are often direct recall questions.

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