New NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3 Winds of Change to Read Class 9 English Poorvi

Page No. 69

Reflect and Respond

I. Does anyone in your family use a hand fan? What do you call it in your language? What is it made of?

Answer

Yes, people in my family sometimes use a hand fan during power cuts or in summer. In my language, it is called ‘Pankha’. It is usually made of bamboo and palm leaves.

 

II. Work in pairs. Study the pictures given below carefully and complete the information. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer

Fans	Assam	Kerala	Uttar Pradesh
Shape	Round	Semi-circular	Rectangular
Made of	Bamboo	Palm leaf	Moonj grass

 

III. Work in pairs. Match the underlined words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2 given on the next page. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

I visited the crafts fair yesterday. It was a wonderful experience. Each indigenous artefact was an innovative creation of industrious craftspersons with its intricate design. It invoked a sense of respect for the initiatives taken by the government to showcase them.

Answer

Column 1	Column 2
1. indigenous	(iv) local — from where it originated
2. innovative	(v) new and original in approach
3. industrious	(i) hardworking
4. intricate	(vi) elaborate/detailed
5. invoked	(iii) brought out
6. initiatives	(ii) actions to improve a situation

 

Page No. 73

Check Your Understanding

I. Work in pairs to complete the table on pankha. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer

State	Type of Fan	Material Used
Rajasthan	appliqué hand fan	pieces of fabric with ornamental needlework
	zardozi hand fan	gold thread
	temple hand fans	brass
Gujarat	mirror work hand fans	pure cotton with mirror work
	beads hand fan	beads
	hand-stitched leather hand fans	leather, decorated with thread and wool
West Bengal	sola hand fans	sola (milky-white spongy centre of water grass)
Uttar Pradesh	Phadh hand fans	pure gold, silver zari, silk and satin frills
Bihar	bamboo hand fans	bamboo

 

Page No. 74

Critical Reflection

I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. Over time, pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes. They were considered exotic and stylish. Although there was substantial commonality in their use across India, different villages and towns developed their own varieties of traditional pankhas. Each place developed pankhas with distinct materials or a variety of intricate designs, that set them apart from one another.

(i) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Pankhas were one of the most popular items of commerce.

Answer

True.
Pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes and were considered exotic and stylish.

 

(ii) Why has the word ‘traditional’ been used to describe pankhas?

Answer

The word ‘traditional’ has been used because pankhas have been used in India since ancient times and are closely connected with the culture, customs, rituals, and artistic heritage of different regions.

 

(iii) Complete the following statement.

The sentence ‘They were considered exotic and stylish’ is an opinion and not a fact because _____________

Answer

The sentence ‘They were considered exotic and stylish’ is an opinion and not a fact because it reflects people’s personal feelings and preferences rather than something that can be proved universally.

 

(iv) Infer one reason for commonality in the use of pankhas across India.

Answer

One reason for the commonality in the use of pankhas across India is the hot climate, which made hand fans useful and necessary for people in different regions.

 

(v) Select which one of the two statements is the correct assertion for the given reason.

Reason: Pankhas were made of indigenous materials, unique to the region, with elaborate designs.

A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other.
B. Pankhas were used by many people.

Answer

Assertion: A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other.

The reason supports this assertion because different regions used indigenous materials and unique designs in making pankhas.

 

2. With time and the advent of technology and innovative creations, the beautiful culture of pankhas runs the risk of slowly losing its presence among Indians. Once made for personal use, over time this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business and now provides some form of livelihood to India’s artisans. The slight increase in popularity and demand is significantly factored by the different versions of the pankha being crafted.

(i) Infer one negative impact of technological advancement on pankha.

Answer

One negative impact of technological advancement on pankha is that people now prefer electric fans and modern cooling devices, which has reduced the everyday use and popularity of traditional hand fans.

 

(ii) Complete the statement with an appropriate reason.

The writer refers to ‘pankhas’ not just as an object but as a ‘culture’ because ___________

Answer

The writer refers to ‘pankhas’ not just as an object but as a ‘culture’ because they represent the traditions, artistic skills, stories, and identity of different regions of India.

 

(iii) Select a line from the extract which depicts how the role of the pankha has changed over the years.

Answer

“Once made for personal use, over time this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business and now provides some form of livelihood to India’s artisans.”

 

(iv) List one way in which the increase in demand of pankhas might benefit artisans.

Answer

The increase in demand for pankhas can provide artisans with better income and a sustainable livelihood.

 

(v) Select the factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas.

A. cultural preservation
B. economic demand
C. technological advancements
D. artisan initiative

Answer

B. economic demand

 

II. Answer the following questions.

1. How does the title ‘Winds of Change’ capture the essence of the chapter?

Answer

The title ‘Winds of Change’ perfectly captures the essence of the chapter because it highlights both the literal and symbolic significance of pankhas. Literally, pankhas create cool air or wind. Symbolically, the title refers to the changing times and the transformation of traditional hand fans from objects of daily use into decorative and commercial handicrafts. The chapter discusses how technological advancements and modern lifestyles have changed the role of pankhas in society while also emphasizing efforts to preserve this cultural heritage.

 

2. Support the following statement with any two relevant examples from the chapter.

Answer

The structure and design of pankhas clearly reflect the cultural identity of their regions.

Firstly, the appliqué and zardozi hand fans of Rajasthan are decorated with ornamental needlework and gold thread, showing the rich royal artistic tradition of the state.

Secondly, Gujarat’s mirror work and bead hand fans display colourful embroidery and bead craftsmanship, which are famous cultural art forms of Gujarat.

 

3. The chapter mentions pankhas running the risk of slowly losing their presence among Indians. Evaluate how the balance between preserving traditional craftsmanship and incorporating innovative designs in the creation of pankhas will help in this regard.

Answer

A balance between preserving traditional craftsmanship and introducing innovative designs can help keep pankhas relevant in modern times. Traditional techniques preserve the cultural identity, artistic value, and heritage associated with pankhas. At the same time, innovative designs can attract younger generations and modern buyers. By creating stylish, decorative, and functional versions of pankhas, artisans can increase demand for their products. This balance will help preserve the craft while also ensuring economic opportunities for artisans.

 

4. How might initiatives such as pankha-making workshops contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft?

Answer

Pankha-making workshops can help preserve the craft by spreading awareness about its cultural and artistic importance. These workshops provide artisans with opportunities to demonstrate their skills and teach traditional techniques to younger generations. They also create interest among people, encourage appreciation for handmade products, and provide artisans with commercial platforms to sell their creations. Such initiatives help sustain both the craft and the livelihood of artisans.

 

5. The writer mentions celebrating pankhas in the concluding part of the chapter. Assess how this could be beneficial to artisans and the craft.

Answer

Celebrating pankhas can greatly benefit artisans and the craft by increasing public appreciation and awareness. Exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events can showcase the creativity and hard work of artisans. This can increase demand for handmade pankhas, providing artisans with better income and recognition. It also encourages younger generations to value and continue traditional craftsmanship, helping preserve India’s cultural heritage.

 

6. How does the restriction of the use of pankha for decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of these traditional fans in modern India?

Answer

Earlier, pankhas were used mainly for practical purposes such as providing cool air in homes, temples, and royal courts. However, with the arrival of electric fans and modern technology, their practical use has declined. Today, pankhas are mostly valued as decorative handicrafts and cultural artefacts. This change reflects how modernization has altered traditional lifestyles while also transforming pankhas into symbols of art, heritage, and regional identity.

 

Page No. 76

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Read the following pairs of words from the text.

1. Classify the pairs of words given above in the following categories. One example has been done for you.

Now, find more such word pairs from the text and share them with your classmates and teacher.

Answer

Appearance	Place	Material
exotic and stylish	within and outside	thread and wool
ornate and encrusted	villages and towns	silk and brass

 

II. Find the word pairs for the following fixed expressions. Write the meanings of these expressions by selecting them from the box given below. One example has been done for you.

Some common expressions with ‘and’ have a fixed order which cannot be changed. The shortest expression comes first. For example, bread and butter (*not butter and bread)

Answer

Word 1	Word 2	Fixed Expression	Meaning of the Expression
high	dry	high and dry	in a difficult situation, without help or money
cut	run	cut and run	to make a quick or sudden escape
facts	figures	facts and figures	accurate and detailed information
all	sundry	all and sundry	everyone, not just a few special people
wear	tear	wear and tear	the damage to an object due to normal use
time	again	time and again	often; on many or all occasions
thick	thin	through thick and thin	even when there are problems or difficulties
hard	fast	hard and fast	fixed and definite

 

Now, match the following meanings with the correct word pairs created above.

(i) in a difficult situation, without help or money

(ii) the damage to object due to normal use

(iii) accurate and detailed information

(iv) even when there are problems or difficulties 

(v) everyone, not just a few special people

(vi) often; on many or all occasions

(vii) To make a quick or sudden escape

Answer

(i) in a difficult situation, without help or money – high and dry

(ii) the damage to object due to normal use – wear and tear

(iii) accurate and detailed information – facts and figures

(iv) even when there are problems or difficulties – through thick and thin

(v) everyone, not just a few special people – all and sundry

(vi) often; on many or all occasions – time and again

(vii) To make a quick or sudden escape – cut and run

 

III. Read the following word combinations from the text.

• sustainable livelihood
• aesthetically pleasing
• appreciating the culture

The given phrases are conventional combinations just like fixed expressions. Such combinations are called collocations.

1. Choose the appropriate word collocations for the following sentences.

(i) The students have to (take/give) the English exam tomorrow.

(ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to (take/have) a seat.

(iii) My scooter (dashed against/ran into) a car.

(iv) I must (take/own) responsibility for my success.

(v) I would like to (tone up/improve) my grammar.

Answer

(i) The students have to take the English exam tomorrow.

(ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to have a seat.

(iii) My scooter ran into a car.

(iv) I must take responsibility for my success.

(v) I would like to improve my grammar.

 

IV. Read the following sentences. Underline the verbs.

1. In modern times, pankhas have become traditional craft items in India.

2. Gujarat’s industrious home-based women workers have worked tirelessly in the handicraft of pankha-making.

3. Many tribes in India have adopted this handicraft.

4. Once made for personal use, this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business.

The underlined verbs refer to the past, but have relevance to the current or present time. This form of tense is called the present perfect tense. Recently completed actions also take the present perfect form of tense.

Now, fill in the blanks with the present perfect form of verbs in the following paragraph. One example has been done for you. 

Puppets have long fascinated (fascinate) audiences worldwide. Puppeteers (i) ______ (create) intricate characters andcaptivating stories with their skillful artistry. They (ii) __________ (master) the delicate movements that bring these lifeless figures to life, entertaining  both children and adults. Over the years, puppetry (iii) ___________ (evolve), using modern technology while preserving traditional techniques. Many puppeteers (iv) __________ (pass) down their craft through generations, ensuring its continuity. They (v) ________ (perform) in theatres, on television, and at festivals, conveying important cultural narratives.

Answer

Puppets have long fascinated (fascinate) audiences worldwide. Puppeteers (i) have created (create) intricate characters andcaptivating stories with their skillful artistry. They (ii) have mastered (master) the delicate movements that bring these lifeless figures to life, entertaining  both children and adults. Over the years, puppetry (iii) has evolved (evolve), using modern technology while preserving traditional techniques. Many puppeteers (iv) have passed (pass) down their craft through generations, ensuring its continuity. They (v) have performed (perform) in theatres, on television, and at festivals, conveying important cultural narratives.

 

Page No. 69

Listen and Respond

I. You will listen to a dialogue between a boy and a girl discussing which type of pankha they should choose as a gift. As you listen, choose four statements out of seven that are true from 1-7 given below. (Transcript for teacher on page 263)

1. Rohan thinks Grandma prefers heavier items because they feel more substantial.

2. Priya suggests getting a pankha that can be easily moved around.

3. Rohan believes Grandma enjoys sitting in the verandah during the evenings.

4. Priya knows Grandma likes to keep special items close to her.

5. Rohan thinks a pankha with intricate designs would be too delicate for Grandma’s liking.

6. Priya suggests choosing between a bamboo pankha with beadwork or an embroidered pankha with mirror work.

7. Rohan decides they should buy the pankha without consulting their mom.

Answer

2. Priya suggests getting a pankha that can be easily moved around.

3. Rohan believes Grandma enjoys sitting in the verandah during the evenings.

4. Priya knows Grandma likes to keep special items close to her.

6. Priya suggests choosing between a bamboo pankha with beadwork or an embroidered pankha with mirror work.

 

Page No. 80

Speaking Activity

I. Work in groups of four. Look at the pictures of the four different kinds of fans given below.

• Each of you in the group will pick one kind of fan.
• Imagine yourself to be that fan.
• Use the points given in the box below.

Answer

Hand Fan

Hello everyone! I am a hand fan. I am small, light, and easy to carry. I am usually made of bamboo, palm leaves, paper, or cloth. People use me during hot weather to get cool air. I like that I am eco-friendly and do not need electricity to work. I can also be beautifully decorated with colourful designs and patterns. My weakness is that I can cool only a small area and need to be moved by hand continuously. What makes me unique is my traditional and artistic appearance. I represent the culture and craftsmanship of different regions of India.

Ceiling Fan

Hello friends! I am a ceiling fan. I am fixed to the ceiling and have long rotating blades. I work with electricity and provide cool air to the entire room. I like that I can cool many people at the same time and work for long hours. My weakness is that I stop working during power cuts. What makes me unique is my ability to provide strong airflow throughout the room quickly and efficiently.

Table Fan

Hello everyone! I am a table fan. I am small and portable, and I can be placed on a table or desk. I work using electricity and can rotate from side to side. I like that I can be moved easily from one place to another. My weakness is that I cannot cool a large room properly. What makes me unique is my portability and adjustable direction of airflow.

Handheld Fan

Hello friends! I am a handheld fan. I am compact, modern, and easy to carry anywhere. I usually work with batteries or rechargeable power. I like that I can provide instant cooling while travelling or walking outdoors. My weakness is that my battery may run out after continuous use. What makes me unique is my modern design and convenience for personal use anytime and anywhere.

 

Page No. 80

Writing Task

I. Describe an artefact you have made in your craft class or learnt from someone.

Begin with collection and organisation of the facts with the help of the pointers given above. Do not include your opinion in the factual description.

Answer

I made a paper hand fan in my craft class. The hand fan is circular in shape and colourful in appearance. It is small, lightweight, and easy to carry. The fan is made using coloured paper, glue, decorative materials, and wooden sticks.

First, coloured paper was folded carefully into equal pleats. Then the folded paper was arranged in a circular shape and pasted properly. A wooden stick was attached as the handle. Decorative items such as glitter and small beads were added to enhance the design.

 

Page No. 80

Learning Beyond the Text

I. Identify any art or craft item from your region and make a presentation describing its features, materials, and process involved in making it, its usage, etc. You may refer to the points given on the next page.

Answer

Art/Craft Item: Madhubani Painting

Physical Characteristics

Madhubani painting is a traditional folk art form from Bihar. It is colourful and decorative in appearance. The paintings usually contain images of nature, flowers, animals, birds, gods and goddesses, and geometric patterns. Bright colours such as red, yellow, green, blue, and black are commonly used.

Material Used

Madhubani paintings are traditionally made using natural colours and handmade paper, cloth, or walls. Artists use bamboo sticks, twigs, brushes, and natural dyes prepared from flowers, leaves, turmeric, soot, and rice paste.

Region and Traditional Usage

This art form belongs to the Mithila region of Bihar. Traditionally, Madhubani paintings were made on the walls and floors of houses during festivals, marriages, and religious ceremonies. They were used to decorate homes and express cultural traditions.

Origin and Development

It is believed that Madhubani painting originated during the time of King Janaka for the wedding of Sita and Rama. Over time, this art evolved from wall paintings to paintings on paper, canvas, and cloth. Today, it is recognised internationally as an important Indian folk art.

Usage in Modern Times

Today, Madhubani paintings are used for home decoration, greeting cards, clothing designs, wall hangings, and exhibitions. Artists also sell these paintings to promote traditional art and earn their livelihood.

Process of Making

First, the surface is prepared using paper or cloth. Then the outline is drawn using black colour or ink. After that, natural or bright colours are carefully filled inside the designs. Finally, decorative patterns and borders are added to complete the painting.