Chapter-9 What Happened to the Reptiles

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

Explanation:

The people of Pambupatti live in peace and do not fight in the name of religion or language, unlike people in other villages.


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

Explanation:

Prem left his village when the people became violent and started burning houses and killing each other. He is determined not to return.


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

Explanation:

Makara disliked tortoises for being slow and stupid, snakes for being slimy and making funny noises, and lizards for being undependable due to their ability to change color.


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

Explanation:

The absence of tortoises led to a foul smell of rotting fruits and fish, the lack of snakes resulted in an increase in rat populations, and the absence of lizards caused an explosion in the number of insects in the forest.


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

Explanation:

Prem wants to convey the message of peace and coexistence from the story of Pambupatti to the people of his village, who have been fighting with each other in the name of religion.


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.

Explanation:

It is human nature to be attracted to strong and powerful individuals and to choose the safe path. However, when people are pushed to the brink, they can unite and fight back against the oppressor.


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

Explanation:

As a baby crocodile, I would tell Makara that all living creatures share this world and that the strong should protect the weak, not bully them. I would also explain that the earth is not anyone's sole property, and we all depend on each other to make it a livable place.


8. What led to Prem leaving his village?

Explanation:

Prem left his village due to communal riots where people burned houses and killed each other. It made life unsafe, and he had to leave.


9.What surprised Prem when he visited Pambupatti village?

Explanation:

Prem was surprised to see that there was no violence or tension in Pambupatti village. People lived in peace and even cared for the welfare of strangers.


10. What happened to the reptiles in the forest when Makara drove out other reptiles?

Explanation:

Makara, being strong and selfish, drove out all other reptiles, including turtles, snakes, and lizards. This created problems in the forest as the population of rats, insects, and frogs increased.


11. How did the forest become peaceful again?

Explanation:

The crocodiles in the forest realized that Makara was not right in driving out other reptiles. They called their reptile friends back to Pambupatti, and the arrival of turtles, snakes, and lizards marked the beginning of normal and peaceful life again in the forest.


12. Briefly summarize Zai Whitaker's story of the reptiles in 80 words or less.

Explanation:

 Prem left his village due to communal riots and reached Pambupatti where an old man told him a story about reptiles. Makara, the largest crocodile, became selfish and drove all other reptiles out of the forest, causing a rat infestation. However, the reptiles were eventually welcomed back to restore balance in the forest.


13. What is the moral of Zai Whitaker's story of the reptiles and do you agree with it?

Explanation:

 Zai Whitaker's story of the reptiles teaches that every creature in the world has a purpose and that balance is necessary. The story serves as a warning against human actions that upset the balance of nature. I strongly support this message.