NCERT solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 3: Winds of Change. Exam-ready answers to comprehension, critical reflection and vocabulary questions. All 8 questions are answered, with the key answer highlighted.
How does the title 'Winds of Change' capture the essence of the chapter?
Solution
A pankha creates wind, and "winds of change" means forces that transform things. The chapter shows how the pankha changed from a sacred and royal object to a household item, then to decoration and commerce, and how technology now threatens it; it also hopes for a revival. The title thus combines the object and its changing story.
A pankha creates wind, and "winds of change" means forces that transform things.
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.'
Solution
Rajasthan's zardozi fans with glittering gold thread and brass temple fans reflect its royal and religious traditions. Gujarat, the centre of bead craft, makes cotton fans with mirror work and bead fans; Bengal uses its local sola and palm leaf. Each fan's material and design comes from the region's own crafts and environment.
Rajasthan's zardozi fans with glittering gold thread and brass temple fans reflect its royal and religious traditions.
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.
Solution
Keeping traditional skills, materials and motifs preserves the craft's authenticity and cultural value, while innovative designs (new uses, colours, shapes, décor items, gifts) make pankhas attractive to modern buyers. This balance increases demand, gives artisans income and keeps the craft alive without losing its soul.
How might initiatives such as pankha-making workshops contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft?
Solution
They teach the craft to new learners, spread awareness of its beauty and history, let artisans display and sell their work, connect them with buyers and designers, and inspire young people to take up the craft.
The writer mentions celebrating pankhas in the concluding part of the chapter. Assess how this could be beneficial to artisans and the craft.
Solution
Celebration (exhibitions, festivals, media) raises public appreciation and demand; artisans gain recognition, pride, a market and a sustainable livelihood; and the craft's culture, stories and techniques are passed on.
How does the restriction of the use of pankha for decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of these traditional fans in modern India?
Solution
That pankhas are no longer daily necessities; electric fans do their job. They now serve as cultural symbols, souvenirs and art objects that connect people to heritage, so their role has shifted from utility to identity and aesthetics.
That pankhas are no longer daily necessities; electric fans do their job.
Read the following pairs of words from the text: exotic and stylish, thread and wool, ornate and encrusted, villages and towns, silk and brass, within and outside. Classify the pairs of words in the following categories: Appearance, Place (within and outside), Material. Find more such word pairs from the text.
Solution
Appearance: exotic and stylish; ornate and encrusted. Place: villages and towns; within and outside. Material: thread and wool; silk and brass. More pairs from the text: temples… royal courts (place); grass and metal, cane and palm leaves, gold, silver zari, silk and satin (material); culture, stories and artistry; dainty and colourful.
Appearance: exotic and stylish; ornate and encrusted.
Some common expressions with 'and' have a fixed order which cannot be changed. Find the word pairs for the following fixed expressions and write their meanings. Word 1: 1. high 2. cut 3. facts 4. all 5. wear 6. time 7. thick 8. hard Word 2: tear, fast, sundry, thin, figures, run, again, dry Meanings: (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
Solution
1. high and dry – (i) in a difficult situation, without help or money
2. cut and run – (vii) to make a quick or sudden escape
3. facts and figures – (iii) accurate and detailed information
4. all and sundry – (v) everyone
5. wear and tear – (ii) damage due to normal use
6. time and again – (vi) often
7. (through) thick and thin – (iv) even when there are problems
8. hard and fast – fixed, strict (rules).
1. high and dry – (i) in a difficult situation, without help or money
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