The Pot Maker Class 9 Solutions
This page provides complete NCERT Solutions for The Pot Maker from Class 9 English Kaveri. The solutions include summary, themes, character sketch, textbook question answers, vocabulary, grammar, listening answers, speaking guidance, writing task and extra questions.
The Pot Maker Chapter Overview
The Pot Maker is a story about Sentila, a young girl who dreams of becoming a pot maker like her mother and grandmother. The story explores passion, skill, tradition, community responsibility and perseverance. It also shows how traditional crafts are not merely a means of livelihood but a part of cultural identity.
The Pot Maker Summary
Sentila, a young girl, dreams of becoming a pot maker like her mother, Arenla, and her grandmother. However, Arenla wants Sentila to learn weaving because she feels that pot making is tiring, messy, poorly paid and difficult. Sentila does not openly reveal her desire at home, but she continues to observe expert potters secretly.
Sentila carefully watches how potters mix and pound the clay, shape it with a spatula, dry the pots in the sun and fire them in a kiln. The village elders later question Mesoba, Sentila’s father, about why Arenla is not passing on the traditional skill to Sentila. They remind him that such skills belong to the community and must be handed down to the next generation.
Arenla eventually begins to teach Sentila. Though Sentila is a quick learner in preparing the clay, she struggles to shape the pot. For almost a year, she fails to learn properly from her mother. Later, Onula, a kind middle-aged widow supervising the girls’ dormitory, notices Sentila’s efforts and helps her. Onula teaches her patiently and gives her confidence.
Sentila then carefully observes how Arenla shapes the mouth and rim of the pot. One day, Arenla asks Sentila to continue making pots while she rests. Sentila begins hesitantly but soon gains confidence and makes pot after pot with remarkable skill. When Arenla dies suddenly, Sentila feels shocked and guilty. Later, Onula sees two rows of new pots and realises that Sentila has truly become a pot maker. The story ends with the powerful line: “A new pot maker was born.”
Themes and Message
Character Sketch
Sentila
Sentila is passionate, observant, determined and patient. She wants to become a pot maker even though her mother wants her to learn weaving. She learns by watching expert potters and later by observing her mother. Her failures do not stop her. Her final success shows her perseverance and natural talent.
Arenla
Arenla is Sentila’s mother and an expert pot maker. She does not want Sentila to learn pottery because she knows how exhausting and poorly paid the work is. Her hesitation comes from practical concern, not from lack of skill. She represents the burden and dignity of inherited craft traditions.
Mesoba
Mesoba is Sentila’s father. He responds humbly before the village council and assures the elders that Sentila will learn pot making. He stands between family concerns and community expectations.
Onula
Onula is kind, wise and supportive. She notices Sentila’s struggle and helps her with patience. Her guidance becomes a turning point in Sentila’s journey. She understands the deeper meaning of Sentila’s success at the end of the story.
The Pot Maker Word Meanings
| Word / Expression | Meaning | Simple Use |
|---|---|---|
| Vocation | A skill-based occupation or work. | Pottery is a traditional vocation. |
| Outgrow | To lose interest in something as one grows older. | The potters thought Sentila would outgrow her passion. |
| Indifference | Lack of interest. | Arenla noticed Sentila’s indifference to weaving. |
| Pittance | A very small amount of money. | Arenla earned only a pittance from pottery. |
| Pounding | Repeated beating. | The clay was softened by pounding. |
| Tedious | Tiring and boring because it takes long effort. | Pot making was tedious work. |
| Deftly | Skilfully. | The potters deftly shaped the clay. |
| Spatula | A tool used by a potter to shape a pot. | The spatula helped shape the pot. |
| Malleable | Able to be shaped without breaking. | The clay became malleable dough. |
| Dexterity | Skill in using hands. | Sentila worked with dexterity. |
| Tally | A count or total number. | Sentila made one pot short of her mother’s tally. |
| Revelation | A moment of realisation. | Onula witnessed a profound revelation. |
Reflect and Respond – Solutions
I. Look at the pictures given below and identify the vocations. Now, list at least five more vocations.
Answer: The pictures show skill-based vocations such as:
- Basket maker / cane craftsperson
- Potter
- Weaver
- Carpenter
Five more vocations:
- Farmer
- Mason
- Tailor
- Electrician
- Cook
- Goldsmith
II. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What is common among these pictures?
Answer: All the pictures show people doing skill-based work with their hands. These vocations require practice, patience, creativity and traditional knowledge.
2. We refer to such skill-based work as v__ __ a __ __ o __ s.
Answer: vocations
3. Mention a few differences between handmade and machine-made products.
| Handmade Products | Machine-made Products |
|---|---|
| Made by artisans using hands and tools. | Made by machines in factories. |
| Each product may be unique. | Products are usually uniform and identical. |
| They take more time and skill. | They are produced quickly in large numbers. |
| They reflect tradition, creativity and personal effort. | They focus more on speed, quantity and standardisation. |
| They may be more expensive because of labour and skill. | They may be cheaper due to mass production. |
The Pot Maker Question Answers
Check Your Understanding – Part I
I. Do you think pot making is easy? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: No, pot making is not easy. It requires collecting clay from the riverbank, carrying it uphill, soaking it, pounding it, shaping it carefully, drying it and firing it in a kiln. Even a small mistake in shaping or firing can ruin the entire batch. Therefore, pot making needs strength, patience and great skill.
II. Would Sentila be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker? Explain.
Answer: Yes, Sentila would be able to fulfil her dream because she is deeply interested in pottery. She secretly watches expert potters, observes their techniques carefully and remains determined despite difficulties. Her passion and persistence suggest that she will eventually learn the craft.
III. Do you think Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila? Give a reason.
Answer: Mesoba is likely to support Sentila because he assures the village council that she will learn pot making. Arenla may also support her later, though she is reluctant at first because she knows how difficult and poorly paid pottery is. Their support may come gradually due to community pressure and Sentila’s determination.
Check Your Understanding – Part II
I. Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, Onula’s support helped Sentila greatly. Sentila was tense and unable to shape the clay properly, but Onula guided her patiently and gave her confidence. With Onula’s encouragement and practical advice, Sentila understood how to improve her skill.
II. Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?
Answer: Sentila’s observation shows that she is serious, attentive and eager to learn. She understands that pottery cannot be learnt only through instruction; it must also be learnt by watching expert hands carefully.
III. Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence.
| Correct Order | Event from Textbook |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4. Sentila was passionate about pottery but did not share it with her mother. |
| 2 | 6. Sentila overheard her mother saying that pot making was a tiring job and that she earned very little from it. |
| 3 | 3. Sentila observed how other expert potters crafted beautiful pots. |
| 4 | 1. The village council called Mesoba to know about Arenla’s unwillingness to teach pottery to Sentila. |
| 5 | 8. Sentila learnt the art of pot making for a year from her mother, but was unsuccessful. |
| 6 | 5. Onula guided Sentila in the art of pot making. |
| 7 | 2. Arenla made a new batch of pots and asked Sentila to continue the work as she was unwell. |
| 8 | 9. Sentila was able to make pots quickly and skillfully, just one less than her mother’s. |
| 9 | 7. Onula observed two rows of pots inside the work shed, which she felt was the work of two people. |
Critical Reflection – Solutions
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Extract-based Question
Reference: This extract is from Arenla’s conversation about the hardships of pot making and her preference for Sentila to learn weaving.
(i) Choose the correct reason for the given assertion. (A): The effort in making pots is far greater than the returns.
Answer: A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.
(ii) Why does Arenla want Sentila to learn weaving?
Answer: Arenla wants Sentila to learn weaving because weaving is less messy, can be done indoors in all seasons, takes less time and gives better returns. It can also provide cloth for the family.
(iii) State one advantage that weaving has over pot making, as per the extract.
Answer: One advantage of weaving is that it can be done indoors in all seasons. It also gives better financial returns than pot making.
(iv) Choose the sentence that uses the word ‘handsome’ in the same way as in the extract.
Answer: B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.
(v) ‘And the reward?’ What is the author’s purpose of using a question mark here?
Answer: The question mark is used to emphasise Arenla’s frustration. It highlights the contrast between the hard labour involved in pot making and the very small reward received for it.
2. Extract-based Question
Reference: This extract is from the scene where Onula observes Sentila’s failed attempt and offers to teach her how to make a perfect pot.
(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. Onula feels Sentila’s effort at making a pot is clumsy because ______________.
Answer: Onula feels Sentila’s effort is clumsy because Sentila is too tense and the clay is not yielding the correct shape.
(ii) Choose the correct option. “Don’t worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.” This shows that Onula was _____________.
Answer: C. thoughtful and generous
(iii) Which among the following is the effect of a cause?
Answer: A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.
(iv) ‘Onula fashioned a beautiful pot.’ Here, the word ‘fashioned’ means ______________. (created/styled)
Answer: created
(v) How might Sentila have felt when she saw ‘the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground’?
Answer: Sentila might have felt ashamed, frustrated, disappointed and helpless because she had tried hard but failed to shape the clay properly.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. Describe the process of pot making followed by expert pot makers, as observed by Sentila.
Answer: Expert pot makers first collected the grey and red clay and mixed it with water. They pounded the clay to soften it and make it suitable for shaping. Then they pushed the left hand into the softened clay and rotated it while using a spatula in the right hand to shape the pot. After two or three days, the pots were given a final touch to retain their shape and test consistency. They were then dried in the sun and fired carefully in a kiln on a bed of hay and dried bamboo.
2. What warning was given to Mesoba by the village council?
Answer: The village council warned Mesoba to remind Arenla that it was her duty to teach Sentila the skill of pot making. The elders said that traditional skills did not belong to any individual but to the community, and experts were obliged to pass them on.
3. How did Sentila feel when she failed at pot making even after a year of training with her mother?
Answer: Sentila felt ashamed, frustrated and disappointed when she failed to learn pot making even after a year of training. However, she did not give up her dream.
4. ‘Onula stood there for a long time as if trying to absorb a new phenomenon’. Explain.
Answer: Onula stood there in wonder because she saw two neat rows of pots, one made by Arenla and the other by Sentila. She could not distinguish between the two batches. This showed that Sentila had finally mastered the craft, which was a powerful and surprising realisation for Onula.
5. ‘The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual,’ what does this symbolise?
Answer: This symbolises that traditional skills are part of a community’s cultural heritage. They are not private possessions. They must be preserved and passed on so that the identity and history of the people continue.
6. What is the significance of the concluding line of the story, ‘A new pot maker was born’?
Answer: The line means that Sentila has finally become a skilled pot maker. It also suggests that the tradition of pot making will continue through her. The line marks the fulfilment of Sentila’s dream and the birth of a new craftsperson.
7. What is the role of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams? Elaborate with reference to Sentila.
Answer: Perseverance plays a central role in pursuing dreams. Sentila fails many times and struggles for almost a year, but she continues to learn. She observes expert potters, accepts Onula’s guidance and carefully watches her mother’s techniques. Her success proves that patience, effort and determination can help a person achieve even a difficult dream.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context – Solutions
I. Classify the words/phrases given in the box as shown in the table below.
| Tools / Implements | Raw Materials | Process |
|---|---|---|
| dao, kiln, spatula, basket, cylinders | dough, bamboo, clay, bed of hay | pounding, rotating, shaping |
II. Find the meanings of the following words related to economy. Now, frame sentences using each word.
| Word | Meaning | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| bankrupt | Unable to pay debts. | The company became bankrupt after heavy losses. |
| credit | Money borrowed or the ability to borrow money. | The shopkeeper gave the customer goods on credit. |
| currency | The money used in a country. | The Indian currency is the rupee. |
| debt | Money that one owes to another person or organisation. | He worked hard to repay his debt. |
| fiscal | Related to government money, taxes or public finance. | The fiscal policy affected the country’s economy. |
| inflation | A general rise in prices. | Inflation makes daily goods more expensive. |
| investment | Money put into something to gain profit later. | Education is a valuable investment in the future. |
| interest | Extra money paid on borrowed or deposited money. | The bank pays interest on savings accounts. |
III. Noun Clauses
1. Complete the following sentences with suitable noun clauses.
| No. | Answer |
|---|---|
| (i) | The elders emphasised that Arenla must pass on the skill of pot making to Sentila. |
| (ii) | Mesoba explained why Arenla had delayed teaching Sentila pot making. |
| (iii) | Onula’s promise was that she would teach Sentila how to make a perfect pot. |
| (iv) | Sentila observed her mother carefully when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which helped her understand the final technique. |
| (v) | The kiln, where the pots were fired, required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing. |
2. Underline the main clause and identify the subordinate clause.
| No. | Main Clause | Subordinate Clause |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank | where the grey and red clay was found |
| (ii) | She started on the next one | who had suddenly found momentum |
| (iii) | Skills such as pot making did not belong to any individual | which not only catered to the needs of the people |
3. Complete the following sentences with suitable relative clauses.
| No. | Answer |
|---|---|
| (i) | Sentila, whose passion for pot making was very strong, practised the craft diligently. |
| (ii) | The village council, where the elders met to discuss community matters, sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance. |
| (iii) | The potter’s hands, which moved deftly over the clay, shaped the clay into beautiful creations. |
| (iv) | Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which could help the family earn better returns. |
| (v) | Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who was expected to teach Sentila the inherited skill. |
4. Determiners
(i) Find out some more determiners from the text.
Answer: Some determiners from the text are: the, a, her, his, this, that, some, many, all, each, one, another, any, enough, much, few.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners.
| No. | Answer |
|---|---|
| A. | The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in an elegant floral shop. |
| B. | The carpenter crafted several unique tables, and one became the centrepiece in his furniture collection. |
| C. | Each of the apprentices in the culinary class demonstrated their knife skills during the intense cooking session. |
| D. | Several of the sculptures were displayed at an art exhibition, showcasing their diverse artistic skills. |
Listen and Respond – Answers
I. You will listen to a man speak about stone statues. As you listen, complete the given paragraph by filling in the blanks with the exact words you listen to.
| No. | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. | visually interesting three-dimensional |
| 2. | sculptures |
| 3. | fascinating and mesmerising |
II. You will now listen to the man speaking about some steps involved in making stone statues. As you listen, select the six correct steps out of the nine given.
Answer: The six correct steps are:
- 6. choose the stone
- 3. measure the weight and dimensions of the statue
- 1. carve to remove large unwanted portions of the stone
- 9. work to bring out the imagined shape
- 5. refine the creation within the stone
- 8. detach the creation from the stone as the final statue
Speaking Activity – Sample Role-play
Work in pairs and choose two characters from the story — Sentila and one other character. Prepare a role-play between Sentila and the chosen character.
Sample Role-play: Sentila and Onula
Sentila: I feel disappointed because I have tried many times, but the clay does not take the right shape.
Onula: Do not worry, Sentila. You are tense. Pot making needs patience, confidence and rhythm.
Sentila: I wish I could make pots like my mother. I have watched her, but my hands do not move like hers.
Onula: Your desire is strong. First, watch carefully. Then try slowly. Let your hands feel the clay.
Sentila: When you shaped the pot so easily, it made me feel that I too could learn with proper guidance.
Onula: You can learn. Next time, observe how your mother shapes the mouth and rim of the pot.
Sentila: Thank you, Onula. I will not give up. I want to become a true pot maker.
Onula: That is the spirit. A skill grows with practice, courage and patience.
Writing Task – Reflective Writing
I. Follow the steps given below to create a write-up about your skills and passions.
Sample Write-up: My Skills and Passion
I have always been interested in drawing and designing. This passion gives me happiness because it allows me to express my thoughts through colours, shapes and patterns. Whenever I draw, I feel calm and creative.
To improve my skill, I practise sketching regularly. I watch tutorials, observe nature, try new designs and take part in school art activities. I also maintain a small sketchbook where I draw whenever I get a new idea.
I believe this skill can become a profession in the future. Drawing and design are useful in fields such as illustration, animation, architecture, fashion design and graphic design. These professions require creativity, patience and observation.
Once, I designed a poster for a school event. My teacher appreciated it and displayed it on the notice board. That experience gave me confidence and made me realise that my hobby could become something meaningful.
Through this reflection, I have understood that skills grow only through regular practice. Passion gives direction, but effort turns passion into achievement. I would like to continue improving my art and use it in a creative profession one day.
Learning Beyond the Text – Suggested Answers
I. Pottery is practised in many parts of our country and each region has its unique style. Match the pictures with the pottery it represents.
Suggested answer based on the pictures:
| Picture Position | Pottery Style |
|---|---|
| Top left | Khurja pottery from Uttar Pradesh |
| Top middle | Blue pottery from Jaipur |
| Top right | Terracotta from West Bengal |
| Bottom left | Andretta pottery from Himachal Pradesh |
| Bottom middle | Karigari pottery from Tamil Nadu |
| Bottom right | Longpi Black pottery from Manipur |
II. Read the story ‘Quality’ by John Galsworthy. Write its review and make a presentation highlighting the decline of traditional crafts and skills vs. industrialisation and mass-produced goods.
Sample Review
Quality by John Galsworthy is a touching story about Mr Gessler, a skilled bootmaker who values craftsmanship above profit. He makes excellent boots with care, patience and honesty. However, his business declines because large firms attract customers through advertisements and mass production.
The story highlights the struggle of traditional artisans in a world dominated by industrialisation. Mr Gessler’s boots are of high quality, but people prefer faster and more convenient products from big companies. The story shows that traditional crafts often suffer when customers value speed and publicity more than skill and sincerity.
The story is relevant to The Pot Maker because both texts show that craft is not only a livelihood but also a matter of identity, dignity and tradition. Traditional skills need support, respect and preservation.
Presentation Points
- Traditional crafts require skill, patience and personal effort.
- Mass-produced goods are faster and cheaper but may lack individuality.
- Industrialisation has reduced demand for handmade products.
- Artisans need support through fair prices, exhibitions, workshops and awareness.
- Traditional crafts preserve culture and community identity.
Extra Questions for Revision
Question 1. Why did Sentila want to become a pot maker?
Answer: Sentila wanted to become a pot maker because she was fascinated by the craft. She admired how shapeless clay could be turned into beautiful pots.
Question 2. Why did Arenla prefer weaving for Sentila?
Answer: Arenla preferred weaving because it was cleaner, could be done indoors, took less time and gave better returns than pottery.
Question 3. What role did the village council play in the story?
Answer: The village council reminded Mesoba and Arenla that pot making was a traditional skill of the community and must be passed on to the next generation.
Question 4. Why was Onula important in Sentila’s journey?
Answer: Onula gave Sentila practical guidance and emotional support. She helped Sentila gain confidence and understand the technique of shaping pots.
Question 5. What does the story teach us about traditional crafts?
Answer: The story teaches us that traditional crafts are part of community identity and history. They must be respected, preserved and passed on.
Question 6. How does Sentila show perseverance?
Answer: Sentila keeps learning even after many failures. She observes experts, practises regularly, accepts guidance and finally becomes a skilled pot maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of The Pot Maker?
The story is written by Temsula Ao.
What is the main theme of The Pot Maker?
The main theme is the preservation of traditional skills through passion, perseverance and community responsibility.
Who is Sentila?
Sentila is the young girl in the story who dreams of becoming a pot maker like her mother and grandmother.
Why did Arenla not want Sentila to learn pottery at first?
Arenla knew that pottery was tiring, messy and poorly paid. She wanted Sentila to learn weaving because it seemed more practical and profitable.
What does “A new pot maker was born” mean?
It means Sentila has mastered the craft of pottery and will carry forward the community’s traditional skill.