Chapter- 4        The Felling of the Banyan Tree   


1. Q: Who is the writer of the lesson?

A: The lesson is written by Ruskin Bond.

2. Q: Where did the banyan tree stand?

A: The banyan tree stood in the author’s grandfather’s house compound.

3. Q: Why was the banyan tree special?

A: It was large, old, and full of life with many birds and animals.

4. Q: Who lived in the house?

A: The author and his grandparents lived in the house.

5. Q: What did the banyan tree provide?

A: It provided shelter to birds, squirrels, and insects.

6. Q: What creatures lived in the banyan tree?

A: Birds, squirrels, snakes, and insects lived there.

7. Q: Why did the grandmother dislike the tree?

A: She feared that its roots might damage the house.

8. Q: What decision was taken about the tree?

A: It was decided to cut down the banyan tree.

9. Q: Who tried to cut the tree first?

A: Woodcutters tried to cut the tree.

10. Q: Was it easy to cut the banyan tree?

A: No, it was very difficult to cut.

11. Q: Why was the tree difficult to cut?

A: Because of its thick trunk and strong aerial roots.

12. Q: What are aerial roots?

A: Roots that grow from branches and reach the ground.

13. Q: What did the tree symbolize?

A: It symbolized strength and life.

14. Q: How long did it take to cut the tree?

A: It took several days.

15. Q: What tools were used to cut the tree?

A: Axes and later a bulldozer were used.

16. Q: What finally destroyed the tree?

A: A bulldozer uprooted it.

17. Q: How did the author feel about the tree?

A: He loved the tree deeply.

18. Q: Why was the author sad?

A: Because the tree was being cut down.

19. Q: What happened to the animals living in the tree?

A: They lost their home.

20. Q: Did the tree disappear completely?

A: No, it remained in the author’s memory.

21. Q: Where does the banyan tree still exist?

A: It exists in the author’s heart and memory.

22. Q: What lesson do we learn from the story?

A: We should protect trees and nature.

23. Q: Why are trees important?

A: They give shelter, oxygen, and support life.

24. Q: What kind of tree was the banyan tree?

A: It was huge and ancient.

25. Q: What was the main conflict in the story?

A: The decision to cut the beloved tree.

26. Q: What did the tree represent for the author?

A: It represented childhood memories.

27. Q: What happened after the tree was cut?

A: The place became empty and lifeless.

28. Q: How did the tree affect the surroundings?

A: It made the surroundings lively and green.

29. Q: What is the main theme of the lesson?

A: Importance of nature and emotional attachment to trees.

30. Q: What message does the lesson give?

A: We should not destroy nature and must protect trees.

Answer by Dimpee Bora