Short Questions with Answers
1. Who wrote “Animals in Prison”?
- Jawaharlal Nehru.
2. How long did Nehru live in Dehra Dun Jail?
- Fourteen and a half months.
3. What did Nehru observe in his little cell?
- Wasps, hornets, lizards, and other insects.
4. What privilege did Nehru enjoy in the jail?
- Walking outside the jail gate morning and evening.
5. What gave Nehru joy during his prison walks?
- The sight of the Himalayas.
6. How did Nehru describe the transformation of spring?
- Trees transformed from bare to full of green leaves.
7. Why does Nehru mention Li T’ai Po’s poem?
- To describe his connection with the mountains.
8. What natural phenomenon reminded Nehru of artillery?
- Hailstorms hitting the roof.
9. What did Nehru find fascinating about ants and lizards?
- Their movements and prey-chasing behavior.
10. How did Nehru feed lost baby squirrels?
- With a fountain pen filler as a feeding bottle.
11. What birds nested near Nehru’s cell?
- Mainas.
12. How did Nehru describe the parrots in Naini Jail?
- Engaged in courtship and quarrels.
13. What impressed Nehru about the monkey in Bareilly Jail?
- Its bravery in rescuing its baby.
14. What animal did Nehru encounter for the first time in Dehra Dun?
- A Pangolin.
15. How did Nehru help a stray dog in the jail?
- He fed her and her puppies regularly.
16. What did Nehru say about Hindus and their treatment of animals?
- Hindus worship animals but are often unkind to them.
17. Which bird’s call disturbed Nehru during the monsoon?
- The Brain-Fever bird.
18. What did Nehru realize about loneliness in jail?
- The yard was full of life despite seeming deserted.
19. What was Nehru’s opinion on snakes in his cell?
- He feared their bites but did not feel repulsion.
20. What did Nehru use to nurse an ill puppy back to health?
- Great care and frequent checks throughout the night.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. How did Nehru feel about his little cell in Dehra Dun Jail?
- Nehru became familiar with every mark and dent in his cell. He observed colonies of wasps and hornets and treated the little tufts of grass outside like old friends. Despite its smallness, he found ways to connect with his surroundings.
2. What psychological value did the prison walks hold for Nehru?
- Walking outside the jail gate gave Nehru a sense of freedom and connection to the outside world. It helped him refresh his mind, and the view of the Himalayas provided joy and solace. These walks eased the psychological strain of confinement.
3. Why did Nehru mention the peepal trees near the jail gate?
- The peepal trees appeared lifeless in winter but transformed in spring with fresh leaves. This transformation amazed Nehru and symbolized hope and renewal amidst prison monotony.
4. What does Nehru say about the Brain-Fever bird?
- Nehru was disturbed by the persistence of the Brain-Fever bird’s calls. The bird repeated the same notes continuously, day and night, during the monsoon, adding to his experience of nature in jail.
5. How did Nehru describe the monkeys in Bareilly Jail?
- Nehru admired a monkey’s bravery in rescuing its baby, which had been tied up by prisoners. Despite the threat of sticks, the monkey charged fearlessly, showing courage that Nehru found extraordinary.
6. What did Nehru observe about the parrots in Naini Jail?
- Nehru watched parrots engage in courtship and quarrels. He noted their resemblance to human behavior, especially in their competitive and social interactions.
7. How did Nehru handle the wasps in his cell?
- After a wasp stung him, Nehru initially tried to remove them but later decided to coexist peacefully. For over a year, he and the wasps respected each other’s space without further conflict.
8. What unique feeding method did Nehru use for baby squirrels?
- Nehru and his companions used a fountain pen filler with cotton wool to feed baby squirrels. This clever solution highlighted their creativity and care for animals.
9. What lesson did Nehru derive from the Himalayas?
- Nehru felt a deep connection with the mountains, which seemed calm and eternal. They mocked his moods and reminded him of the wisdom and stability of nature.
10. What did Nehru think about scorpions in his cell?
- Scorpions frequently appeared in Nehru’s cell, but he was never stung. Although he kept one in a bottle for observation, he later released it and carefully cleaned his cell to avoid further encounters.
11. Why does Nehru call the pangolin encounter memorable?
- Nehru saw a forest-dweller carrying a pangolin for curry. This unusual sight made him curious, and he later read about pangolins in F.W. Champion’s book, appreciating their unique place in nature.
12. What did Nehru observe about the relationship between birds and trees?
- Nehru noted that birds depended on trees for nesting and shelter. In yards without trees, he could only hear birds instead of seeing them, emphasizing the bond between birds and trees.
13. How did Nehru nurse a sick puppy in jail?
- Nehru cared for a sick puppy with dedication, checking on her multiple times at night. He was overjoyed when his efforts saved the puppy, showing his compassion for animals.
14. What was Nehru’s view on Hindus and their treatment of cows?
- Nehru observed that while Hindus worship cows, they often treat them poorly. He found this contradiction between worship and kindness noteworthy.
15. Why does Nehru describe the rainy season as both welcome and challenging?
- Nehru welcomed the monsoon for ending summer heat but disliked being confined in a leaky cell during heavy rains. The mixed experience reflected both relief and discomfort.
Long Questions with Answers
1. What does Nehru say about the monotony of prison life and his connection with nature?
- Nehru described prison life as dull and monotonous, but observing nature brought him solace. Even the smallest creatures in his cell, like ants and lizards, captured his attention. He realized that life teemed even in the seemingly deserted yard, teaching him to find joy in small things. This connection with nature helped him endure the isolation and maintain his mental balance.
2. How does Nehru describe the transformation of seasons in Dehra Dun Jail?
- Nehru found the spring transformation in Dehra Dun mesmerizing. Bare trees, including the peepals, suddenly burst into life with millions of glistening green leaves. He described this process as magical and uplifting, symbolizing renewal and hope. The stark change from the lifeless winter to the vibrant spring deeply affected him, bringing cheer to his prison days.
3. What did Nehru learn from the behavior of animals in jail?
- Nehru observed animals like wasps, lizards, and squirrels living harmoniously, teaching him the value of peaceful coexistence. When he chose not to disturb the wasps in his cell, they stopped interfering with him. He also noted how animals, even in challenging environments, adapted to survive, showing resilience and respect for life, which inspired him to practice “live and let live.”
4. How does Nehru describe his encounters with unwelcome animals in jail?
- Nehru encountered scorpions, centipedes, and snakes in his cell, which often startled him. Despite fearing their bites, he maintained a calm approach, observing their behavior with curiosity rather than revulsion. These encounters broke the monotony of prison life and gave him a chance to reflect on the diversity of nature, even in confined spaces.
5. What role did pets play in the emotional lives of prisoners?
- For prisoners, keeping pets like squirrels, mongooses, or kittens offered emotional support and relief from loneliness. Nehru himself formed bonds with a stray dog and her puppies, nurturing them with care. This companionship helped prisoners channel their emotions and find a sense of purpose, highlighting the therapeutic role of animals in challenging circumstances.
6. What incident does Nehru recall about a baby monkey in Bareilly Jail?
- Nehru recalled how prisoners tied up a baby monkey that had strayed into their barracks. Its parent, showing extraordinary bravery, charged into the crowd of humans, forcing them to flee and rescuing the baby. Nehru admired the monkey’s “reckless courage,” seeing it as a display of parental love and a reminder of the primal instincts shared by all living beings.
7. What does Nehru say about the symbolic animals of different countries?
- Nehru observed that nations often adopt aggressive animals like the eagle, lion, or fighting cock as symbols of power and ambition. He contrasted this with Hindu philosophy, where the cow represents non-violence and gentleness. Nehru found it natural for national attitudes to mirror these symbols, with aggressive nations imitating their fierce emblems.
8. How did Nehru describe his experience with a stray dog and her puppies?
- Nehru befriended a stray dog that had been abandoned by a jail official. He regularly fed her and her puppies, forming a deep bond. When one of the puppies fell ill, Nehru nursed it through the night, ensuring its recovery. This act of care provided him a sense of fulfillment and highlighted his compassion for animals.
9. What did Nehru say about the impact of the Himalayas on his mind?
- Nehru felt an intimate connection with the Himalayas, which he could see during his walks outside the jail. The mountains’ calmness and solidity gave him mental peace and a sense of stability amidst the emotional challenges of imprisonment. Their presence reminded him of nature’s enduring wisdom and offered a perspective on life’s transient struggles.
10. Why does Nehru emphasize “live and let live” through his observations?
- Nehru respected all creatures, from insects to larger animals, as long as they did not harm him. He chose not to interfere with the wasps or hornets in his cell, which reciprocated by leaving him in peace. This principle of coexistence, which he practiced even in challenging situations, reinforced his belief in the interconnectedness and mutual respect among all forms of life.
Leave a Reply