Winds of Change Class 9 Solutions

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, my grandmother uses a hand fan during summer. In Hindi, we call it pankha. It is usually made of palm leaf, bamboo, cane or cloth. Some decorative hand fans are also made of fabric, beads, mirror work or embroidered material.

II. Work in pairs. Study the pictures given below carefully and complete the information.

III. Work in pairs. Match the underlined words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

I. Work in pairs to complete the table on pankha.

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

1. Extract-based Question

Reference: This extract explains how pankhas became cultural goods and how different regions developed their own traditional designs.

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

Answer: False. The text says pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes, but it does not say that they were one of the most popular items of commerce.

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

Answer: The word “traditional” has been used because pankhas have a long history and are connected with local materials, regional designs, temples, royal courts, rituals and community craft practices.

(iii) Complete the following statement. The sentence ‘They were considered exotic and stylish’ is an opinion and not a fact because ______________________.

Answer: The sentence is an opinion and not a fact because “exotic” and “stylish” are based on people’s perception and taste, not on a measurable fact.

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

Answer: One reason for commonality in the use of pankhas across India is the hot climate, which made hand fans useful for cooling people in homes, temples and courts.

(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.

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

2. Extract-based Question

Reference: This extract discusses the declining everyday use of pankhas due to technology and their transformation into decorative and commercial craft items.

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

Answer: One negative impact is that the everyday use of traditional pankhas has reduced because modern electric fans and cooling devices have replaced them.

(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 as a culture because they reflect regional traditions, local materials, craft skills, rituals, stories and the artistic identity of different communities.

(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: Increased demand can give artisans better income, more work opportunities and a sustainable livelihood.

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

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 captures both the literal and symbolic meaning of the chapter. Literally, pankhas create wind. Symbolically, the chapter discusses the changing role of pankhas from practical household objects to decorative craft items and commercial products. It also highlights the need to adapt traditional crafts to modern times.

2. Support the following statement with any two relevant examples from the chapter. ‘The structure and design of pankhas are testimony to the cultural identity of the region.’

Answer: The statement is true because different regions make pankhas using local materials and designs. For example, Rajasthan has appliqué and zardozi hand fans that show ornamental needlework and gold threadwork. Gujarat has mirror work, bead and Kutch leather fans, showing the state’s craft traditions. West Bengal has sola and palm leaf fans, while Uttar Pradesh has Phadh fans with zari and frills.

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 tradition and innovation can help pankhas remain relevant. Traditional craftsmanship preserves cultural identity, regional materials and inherited skills. Innovative designs can make pankhas attractive to modern buyers as decorative items, gifts and sustainable lifestyle products. This balance can increase demand and support artisans.

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

Answer: Pankha-making workshops can introduce people to the craft, teach them about materials and techniques, and create respect for artisans. They can also provide artisans a platform to demonstrate their skill and earn income. Such initiatives spread awareness and help preserve the craft.

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 increase public interest in the craft and create demand for handmade fans. It can give artisans recognition, respect and commercial opportunities. It can also help the craft regain popularity and survive as part of 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: The restriction of pankhas to decorative use shows that they are no longer mainly used for cooling in daily life. Their role has shifted from functional household objects to heritage items, wall decorations, gifts and craft products. This reflects the changing relationship between tradition and modern technology.

I. Read the following pairs of words from the text. Classify the pairs of words given above in the following categories.

Now, find more such word pairs from the text.

Answer: More examples are:

• beads and stones
• grass and metal
• cultures and traditional rituals
• stories and artistry
• bamboo and cane

II. Find the word pairs for the following fixed expressions. Write the meanings of these expressions.

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

IV. Read the following sentences. Underline the verbs.

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

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: Many tribes in India have adopted this handicraft.

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

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

Now, fill in the blanks with the present perfect form of verbs in the following paragraph.

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.

Answer: The four true statements are:

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

I. Work in groups of four. Choose one kind of fan and imagine yourself to be that fan.

Sample 1: Hand Fan

I am a traditional hand fan. I am light, colourful and easy to carry. I may be made of bamboo, palm leaf, cloth or decorated material. I like that I can be used without electricity. My weakness is that I need human effort to work. What makes me unique is my cultural beauty and handmade design.

Sample 2: Ceiling Fan

I am a ceiling fan. I am fixed to the ceiling and I cool an entire room. I run on electricity and help people feel comfortable in summer. I like that I can serve many people at the same time. My weakness is that I cannot work without electricity. What makes me unique is my usefulness in homes, schools and offices.

Sample 3: Table Fan

I am a table fan. I can be placed on a table or floor and moved from one place to another. I like that I give direct air to a person. My weakness is that I make some noise and need electricity. What makes me unique is my portability and convenience.

Sample 4: Handheld Fan

I am a handheld fan. I am small, modern and easy to carry. I may work with a battery or charger. I like that people can carry me while travelling. My weakness is that my battery can run out. What makes me unique is that I combine modern technology with the simple idea of a fan.

I. Describe an artefact you have made in your craft class or learnt from someone. Do not include your opinion in the factual description.

Sample Answer: Paper Hand Fan

The artefact is a paper hand fan. It is made using coloured chart paper, two ice-cream sticks, glue and decorative tape. The fan has a semi-circular shape when opened and a folded shape when closed.

To make it, a rectangular sheet of coloured paper is folded in equal pleats. The pleated paper is then pressed together at one end. Two sticks are pasted on the outer folds to provide support and a handle. Decorative tape or small paper flowers may be pasted on the fan to make it attractive.

Paper hand fans are light and easy to carry. They can be used during school exhibitions, craft displays and cultural activities. They are also useful for explaining the traditional idea of hand fans in a simple way.

I. Identify any art or craft item from your region and make a presentation describing its features, materials, process involved in making it, and its usage.

Sample: Madhubani Painting

Name of the craft: Madhubani painting

Region: Bihar

Materials: Handmade paper, cloth or wall surface; natural or synthetic colours; brushes, twigs or nibs.

Features: It has bold lines, bright colours, floral patterns, animals, birds and mythological themes.

Process: First, the outline is drawn. Then patterns are filled in with colours. Empty spaces are often covered with lines, dots and decorative motifs.

Usage: It is used for wall decoration, greeting cards, fabric designs, home décor and cultural exhibitions.

II. Make your own hand fan. Display it in class and describe the process used to make it.

Sample Process:

1. Take a rectangular sheet of coloured paper.
2. Fold it in equal pleats from one end to the other.
3. Press one end firmly to form the base.
4. Paste two sticks on the outer sides to make handles.
5. Decorate the fan with small paper designs.
6. Open the pleats gently to form the fan shape.

III. Read and enjoy the story The Last Leaf.

Suggested Response: The story teaches that art can inspire hope and save life. Behrman’s painted leaf gives Johnsy the courage to live. Like traditional crafts, the story shows that art is not merely decoration; it can have emotional and human value.

Question 1. What is the origin of the word pankha?

Answer: The word pankha comes from the word “pankh”, which means the feather of a bird.

Question 2. Where were pankhas used in ancient India?

Answer: In ancient India, pankhas were used in temples to fan deities and in royal courts to fan kings.

Question 3. Why are regional pankhas different from one another?

Answer: Regional pankhas differ because they are made from local materials and reflect local designs, rituals, climates and craft traditions.

Question 4. Why has the everyday use of pankhas reduced?

Answer: Their everyday use has reduced because modern electric fans and cooling devices have replaced traditional hand fans.

Question 5. How can pankha-making be preserved?

Answer: Pankha-making can be preserved through workshops, exhibitions, awareness programmes, innovative designs and fair market support for artisans.

Question 6. What does the chapter teach us about traditional crafts?

Answer: The chapter teaches that traditional crafts are part of India’s cultural identity. They should be respected, preserved and adapted for modern times.