Winds of Change Class 9 Extra Questions and Answers English Chapter 3
Winds of Change Extra Question Answer
Question 1.
What is the origin of the word 'pankha' and what did it originally denote?
Answer:
The word originates from the word 'pankh', which means the feather of a bird. While 'pankha' refers to all fans, 'pankhi' denoted a small plumed fan used in ancient India.
Question 2.
What historical evidence proves the ancient use of hand fans in India?
Answer:
Evidence of the existence and use of pankhi can be found in the 2nd century CE Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta, as well as in ancient embroidery work, sculptures, and carvings.
Question 3.
Describe the unique features of the zardozi hand fan from Rajasthan.
Answer:
The zardozi hand fan from Rajasthan is unique for its use of glittering, ornate, and encrusted gold thread work.
Question 4.
Why are the Tal Patar Pankha significant in West Bengal?
Answer:
Made from palm leaves, these fans are easy to carry and are perpetually kept as a valued article of possession in Bengali households.
Winds of Change Short Question Answer
Question 5.
How have tribal communities contributed to the craft of pankha-making?
Answer:
Tribes have created their own versions by embedding materials like grass and metal into bamboo sticks. They use geometrical patterns and a combination of white ink on red backgrounds to design their pankhas.
Question 6.
What modern threat does the traditional craft of pankha-making face?
Answer:
With the advent of technology and innovative modern creations (like electric fans and ACs), the beautiful culture of traditional hand fans runs the risk of slowly losing its presence among Indians.
Question 7.
Why were pankhas considered significant cultural goods over time?
Answer:
Pankhas became significant cultural goods because they were traded through different routes and reflected the traditions, materials, and artistic styles of various regions in India.
Question 8.
How does the structure of a pankha reflect the culture of a region?
Answer:
The structure reflects culture through the materials used, designs, embroidery styles, colours, and decorative elements that are unique to each state or community.
Winds of Change Class 9 Extra Question Answer
Question 9.
Why are initiatives like workshops and exhibitions important for pankha-making today?
Answer:
Workshops and exhibitions help spread awareness about the craft, promote artisans' work, and provide them with a sustainable livelihood.
Question 10.
Why were pankhas used in temples and royal courts in ancient times?
Answer:
In ancient times, pankhas were used in temples to fan deities and in royal courts to fan kings, showing respect and honour.
Question 11.
What materials are used by artisans in Bengal to make the delicate pankhas locally referred to as Tal Patar Pankha?
Answer:
Artisans in Bengal use the milky-white spongy centre of solaand also palm leaves to make delicate pankhas locally referred to as Tal Patar Pankha.
Question 12.
In modern times, pankhas have shifted from being everyday utility items to decorative craft items and commercial products that provide livelihood to artisans.
Answer:
In modern times, pankhas have changed from everyday cooling devices to decorative craft items and commercial products that provide livelihood to artisans.
Question 13.
Tribes commonly use materials such as grass, metal, bamboo sticks, cane, palm leaves, silk, and brass to make their handheld fans.
Answer:
Tribes use materials such as grass, metal, bamboo sticks, cane, palm leaves, silk, and brass, often decorating them with geometric patterns and traditional designs.
Question 14.
How does the chapter show that pankhas reflect the cultural identity of different regions in India?
Answer:
The chapter shows that pankhas reflect cultural identity because each region uses its own materials and artistic styles. For example, Rajasthan is known for appliqué and zardozi work, Gujarat for mirror work and bead craft, Bengal for sola and palm leaf fans, and Uttar Pradesh for gold and zari decorations. These designs represent the traditions and craftsmanship of each region.
Winds of Change Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Describe the journey of the pankha from being an item of royal and religious significance to a commercial handicraft.
Answer:
In ancient times, pankhas were primarily used in temples to fan deities and in royal courts to fan kings. They were seen as symbols of respect, honour, and comfort, often carried by attendants as part of royal and religious rituals. Over time, they became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes because they were considered exotic and stylish. Their intricate designs and handcrafted beauty made them highly valued across regions.
Today, with the advent of technology, they are rarely used for cooling but have transformed into a commercial handicraft business. They now serve as decorative items that provide a sustainable livelihood for India's artisans. In addition, they play an important role in preserving traditional craftsmanship and promoting India's rich cultural heritage.
Question 2.
Explain how different states in India have imparted their own cultural identity to the making of pankhas. Give examples.
Answer:
Each region developed pankhas using locally available materials and distinct, intricate designs that reflected its artistic traditions. For instance, Rajasthan creates beautiful appliqué fans decorated with carefully sewn fabric patterns, as well as zardozi fans embellished with rich gold thread work, showcasing royal craftsmanship. Gujarat is known for its cotton-based fans adorned with vibrant mirror work and colourful beads, highlighting the state's love for bright and festive designs. In West Bengal, artisans make use of locally available sola grass and palm leaves, crafting lightweight yet elegant pankhas with delicate detailing.
These regional variations not only demonstrate creativity but also reflect the cultural identity, climate, and natural resources of each geography. Together, they showcase the diversity and richness of India's traditional handicrafts.
Question 3.
Discuss the measures that can be taken to preserve and promote the traditional craft of pankhamaking in modern times.
Answer:
To preserve the craft, it is essential to celebrate pankhas by appreciating the culture, stories, and artistry behind them. Organizing pankha-making workshops and handicraft exhibitions helps spread awareness about their beauty and importance. Additionally, providing contemporary artisans with a commercial platform ensures they have a sustainable livelihood, which encourages the continuation of the craft.
Schools and cultural institutions can also include traditional crafts like pankha-making in their curriculum to nurture respect for indigenous art forms. Social media campaigns and collaborations with designers can help present pankhas in modern settings, making them relevant to today's generation. By blending tradition with innovation, we can ensure that this beautiful craft not only survives but flourishes in the years to come.
Question 4.
How have pankhas evolved over time, and what challenges do they face today? Explain in detail.
Answer:
Pankhas have evolved from being simple handheld fans used in temples and royal courts to becoming important cultural and decorative items. In ancient India, they were used to fan deities and kings. Over time, different regions developed their own styles using local materials such as bamboo, palm leaves, silk, brass, leather, beads, and silver. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bengal, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh created unique designs reflecting their culture and traditions.
In modern times, pankhas are mostly decorative items and have become a source of livelihood for artisans. However, with the advent of technology and modern electric fans, the traditional culture of pankha-making is slowly losing popularity. Efforts such as workshops and exhibitions are helping preserve this beautiful craft and support artisans.
Question 5.
Justify the title Winds of Change in the context of the evolving role of traditional Indian hand fans.
Answer:
'Winds of Change' is a perfect title because it has a dual meaning. Literally, fans are used to create "winds" to cool people down. Figuratively, the chapter documents the "change" in the fan's purpose and survival. It traces how the pankha changed from an everyday utility and royal symbol to a decorative cultural artifact due to the "winds of change" brought by modern technology.
The title also suggests how progress and innovation can transform traditional lifestyles and crafts. As electric fans and air conditioners became common, the handmade pankha gradually lost its practical importance. However, even amid change, it continues to survive as a symbol of heritage, reminding us of the artistry and history woven into everyday objects.
Winds of Change Extract Based Questions and Answers
Extract 1
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
"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."
Question 1.
What is threatening the presence of pankhas in India?
Answer:
The advent of technology and innovative creations (like modern cooling appliances).
Question 2.
How has the primary purpose of this handicraft changed over time?
Answer:
It has changed from being an item made strictly for personal use to a commercial business that provides a livelihood for artisans.
Question 3.
Find a word in the extract that means 'the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event'.
Answer:
Advent.
Extract 2
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
"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."
(a) What does advent mean in the above line?
Answer:
'Advent' means arrival or beginning.
(b) Why is the culture of pankhas at risk?
Answer:
The culture of pankhas is at risk because modern technology and electric fans have replaced traditional hand fans.
(c) What feeling does the line express?
Answer:
The line expresses concern about the gradual loss of traditional culture.
(d) The main reason for the decline of pankhas is:
(A) Lack of materials
(B) Lack of skilled artisans
(C) Modern technology and innovation
(D) High cost of production
Answer:
(C) Modern technology and innovation
Multiple Choice Questions
Choose the correct option.
Question 1.
Where does the word 'punkha' or 'pankha' originate from?
(a) A type of grass
(b) The feather of a bird
(c) A royal court
(d) A decorative bead
Answer:
(b) The feather of a bird
Question 2.
What are the Phadh hand fans of Uttar Pradesh adorned with?
(a) Mirror work and cross-stitch
(b) Sola and palm leaves
(c) Pure gold, silver zari, silk, and satin frills
(d) Geometrical patterns in white ink
Answer:
(c) Pure gold, silver zari, silk, and satin frills
Question 3.
Which material is traditionally used in the making of sola hand fans in West Bengal?
(a) Bamboo
(b) Palm leaves
(c) Milky-white spongy centre of sola
(d) Silk and brass
Answer:
(c) Milky-white spongy centre of sola
Question 4.
Why are pankhas at risk of losing their presence in modern India?
(a) They are too expensive to produce.
(b) They are difficult to decorate.
(c) Technology and modern innovations have replaced their functional use.
(d) People do not consider them artistic anymore.
Answer:
(c) Technology and modern innovations have replaced their functional use.
Fill in the Blanks
Question 1.
In ancient times, pankhas were used in ............ to fan deities.
Answer:
temples
Question 2.
The appliqué hand fan of ............ is an antique pankha made of pieces of fabric sewn onto another cloth.
Answer:
Rajasthan
Question 3.
In West Bengal, palm leaf hand fans are locally referred to as .............
Answer:
Tal Patar Pankha
Question 4.
The milky-white spongy centre used to make delicate pankhas in Bengal is called .............
Answer:
sola
True or False
Question 1.
The painted hand fan of Rajasthan is usually offered to gods. ............
Answer:
True
Question 2.
Kutch is recognised for its hand-stitched silk hand fans. ............
Answer:
False (Kutch is recognised for hand-stitched leatherhand fans decorated with thread and wool)
Question 3.
In ancient times, pankhas were used only for decorative purposes. ............
Answer:
False (They were used in temples and royal courts)