An Island of Trees
An Island of Trees
An Island of Trees
*Required
Koki's grandmother was telling the story to her.It was about her father's immense love for trees.
Name the trees that Granny's father planted on the premises of his bungalow? *
Describe the peepul tree and the Granny's notions about the tree? *
The peepul tree grew near an old abandoned temple and knocked down the bricks with its vigorous
roots.The leaves of the tree spin like a top even when there is not a breeze and attract people into
its shade.In grandma's notion peepul trees are just show-offs.
The branches of the Banyan tree sent roots down to the earth and formed a number of passage
ways.It was a world in itself populated with small animals and also provided a shelter for the insects
to lay their eggs.
Why is the hawk-cuckoo named papiha and what is the Englishman's interpretation of its shouting? *
The shrill nagging cry of hawk cuckoo sounded like 'papiha' which means 'rain is coming'.The
Englishmen in India interpreted its sound to mean"Oh dear,o dear!How very hot it's getting!We feel
it,we feel it."
Granny's father said that he planted trees not for providing pleasant sight to the people,but for the
earth,for the birds and animals who live on them thus to provide more food and shelter whereas
people need trees for keeping the desert away,for attracting rain,and preventing the banks of rivers
from being washed away according to Granny's father's point of view.
Granny's father used to say once the trees walked.Then came a terrible demon who cast a spell over
them rooting them to one place.
There was a tamerind tree in the small island.Granny's father said that if a tamarind can grow there
other trees can also grow.So he took saplings and planted them on island.
What did Granny's father do with the trees that grew on the roof and window sill if their house? *
The trees that grew on the roof and window sill of their house were carefully removed and
transplanted in the garden.
Why does Granny say that the banyan tree was like an orchestra? *
The Banyan tree was an like an orchestra with musicians constantly turning up which implies the
song sung by crickets and cicadas with their shrill voice.