Chapter 9: What Happened to the Reptiles

Questions:

Question 1. In what way is Pambupatti different from any other village?

Answer:People in other villages clashed with one another in the name of religion, while people in Pambupatti lived in peace. They did not fight over religion or language, therefore Pambupatti was different from other villages.

Question 2. Why is Prem determined not to return to his village?

Answer:Prem left his village because people fought in the name of religion and burnt temples and mosques. They went mad and started fighting with one another. He witnessed violence in the village and decided not to return to his village.

Question 3. Why did Makara dislike tortoises, snakes and lizards? Write a line about each.

Answer:Makara disliked tortoises because they were slow and stupid. They carry their houses on their backs. He disliked snakes because they were slimy and made funny noises. Makara hated lizards because they change colours and he could not trust them.

Question 4. What went wrong when the tortoises, snakes and lizards left the forest?

Answer:It was a terrible time in the forest. The forest got filled with foul smell of rotting fruits and fishes in the absence of tortoises. Rats multiplied and had taken over the forest in the absence of snakes. The number of insects increased in the absence of lizards.

Question 5. Why do you think Prem wants to tell the story of the reptiles to the people of his village?

Answer:Prem wanted to tell the story of the reptiles to the people of his village to make them realise the importance of living together. People in his village fought over religion and burnt temples and mosques. Prem wanted to give them a message of peace and non-violence through his story.

Question 6. Do you agree that it is difficult not to go along with someone who is very strong and powerful? Express your views frankly and clearly.

Answer:Yes, it is difficult not to go along with someone who is very strong and powerful. Common men live in constant fear of the strong and powerful people. It is human tendency to follow the decision of strong and powerful people. But there are also people who oppose such people and fight with them when need arises.

Question 7. If you were a baby crocodile, would you tell Makara that he was wrong? What would you say to convince him?

Answer:Yes, if I would have been a baby crocodile, I would have advised my father Makara not to do wrong with anyone as the forest belongs to all reptiles irrespective of their strength and size. I would have told him that God has given the right to everyone to live peacefully and with dignity. I would have told that instead of harassing the weaker animals, Makara should protect them.