📘 Kaveri – Unit 3: Winds of Change

Complete Solutions | Textbook Pages 69–85

📄 Textbook Page 69

Reflect and Respond

Q 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, in many families a hand fan is used, especially in summers. In Hindi it is called “Pankha”, in Bengali “Pakha”, and in Tamil “Visiri”. It is commonly made of bamboo, palm leaves, or cloth.

Q II. Complete the information about the three fans:

Answer:

Q III. Match the underlined words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2:

Answer:

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Check Your Understanding

Q I. Complete the table on pankha:

Answer:

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Check Your Understanding (continued)

Answer (remaining rows):

📄 Textbook Pages 74–75

Critical Reflection – Extract 1

Q (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” and were considered “exotic and stylish,” but they are not described as one of the most popular items of commerce.

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

Answer: The word ‘traditional’ has been used because pankhas were made using age-old methods, local materials, and designs that were developed and passed down through generations within specific regions. They became a firmly established part of local culture and heritage, making them “traditional” craft items.

Q (iii). Complete the following statement: “They were considered exotic and stylish” is an opinion and not a fact because ________.

Answer: “They were considered exotic and stylish” is an opinion and not a fact because it is a subjective judgment about the appeal and appearance of pankhas that cannot be objectively proved or measured. Different people may have different opinions about what is exotic or stylish.

Q (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 that all parts of India experience heat, and pankhas served the basic practical purpose of providing relief from the heat. This common need led to widespread and similar use of fans across different regions.

Q (v). Select the correct assertion for the given 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. (Because different regions used locally available materials and their own unique, intricate designs — this made every regional pankha distinct and recognizable.)

📄 Textbook Page 75

Critical Reflection – Extract 2

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

Answer: With the arrival of technology such as electric fans and air conditioners, people no longer need to use hand fans for cooling. As a result, the traditional pankha has slowly been losing its presence and importance in everyday Indian life.

Q (ii). 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 pankhas are not just cooling devices — they carry the traditions, artistry, regional identity, stories, and historical heritage of the communities that make them. Each pankha reflects the lifestyle and values of its region, making it a cultural symbol, not merely a functional object.

Q (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.” This line clearly shows the shift in the role of pankha — from a household item to a commercial product.

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

Answer: The increase in demand gives artisans a sustainable livelihood and a commercial platform to sell their handcrafted pankhas, helping them earn a stable income from their traditional skill.

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

Answer: B — economic demand. (The slight increase in popularity and demand — driven by people wanting unique, traditional craft items — has significantly contributed to turning pankha-making into a commercial business.)

📄 Textbook Pages 75–76

Critical Reflection – Answer the Following Questions

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

Answer: The title ‘Winds of Change’ works on two levels:

• Literally, it refers to the pankha (fan) which creates a breeze or wind when waved.
• Metaphorically, it refers to the changes that have occurred over time in the role and use of pankhas — from being everyday cooling tools used in homes, temples, and royal courts, to becoming decorative craft items and commercial goods. The title captures how the “winds” of time and technology have transformed this ancient tradition.

Q 2. Support the statement: ‘The structure and design of pankhas are testimony to the cultural identity of the region.’ (Two examples)

Answer:

1. Rajasthan’s appliqué hand fan is made from pieces of fabric sewn in different shapes using ornamental needlework — this reflects Rajasthan’s rich textile and embroidery tradition, a core part of its cultural identity.
2. Gujarat’s beads hand fan, covered with colourful beads and with a silver handle, reflects Gujarat’s identity as the centre for bead craft in India — demonstrating how the design of the pankha directly mirrors the region’s most celebrated traditional skill.

Q 3. Evaluate how the balance between preserving traditional craftsmanship and incorporating innovative designs will help pankhas.

Answer: Striking a balance between tradition and innovation is essential to save pankhas from disappearing:

• Preserving traditional craftsmanship maintains the cultural authenticity and heritage value of pankhas — skills like appliqué work, zardozi, and bead craft must be kept intact.
• Incorporating innovative designs helps attract modern consumers who may find purely traditional designs less appealing or less suitable for contemporary home décor.
• Together, this balance ensures the craft remains commercially viable while not losing its cultural soul.
• For example, artisans can experiment with new colour combinations or shapes while retaining the original embroidery or mirror-work techniques — creating products that are both rooted in tradition and relevant to modern tastes.

Q 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 in several ways:

• They spread awareness about the history, cultural significance, and artistry of pankhas to a wider audience.
• They train new artisans and pass the skill to younger generations, ensuring continuity.
• They give artisans a platform to demonstrate their work and connect directly with buyers and enthusiasts.
• They help revive interest in traditional crafts among urban populations and tourists.
• They also create opportunities for artisans to earn a sustainable income by participating in handicraft exhibitions.

Q 5. Assess how celebrating pankhas could be beneficial to artisans and the craft.

Answer: Celebrating pankhas — through exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events — can benefit artisans and the craft in the following ways:

• It gives contemporary pankha makers greater visibility and recognition, which boosts their confidence and reputation.
• It creates a commercial platform where artisans can sell their work and earn a sustainable livelihood.
• It increases public appreciation for the craft, which drives demand and helps pankhas remain relevant.
• It preserves the cultural stories and artistry embedded in each pankha for future generations.
• It also inspires more people to learn and continue the craft, preventing it from dying out.

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

Answer: The restriction of pankhas to decorative use reflects a significant cultural and lifestyle shift in modern India:

• With the widespread availability of electric fans and air conditioners, pankhas are no longer needed for practical cooling — their functional role has disappeared.
• As a result, they are now valued primarily as decorative art objects, cultural artefacts, and souvenirs — symbols of heritage rather than utility.
• This shows how technology has changed the way Indians live — from a manual, traditional way of life to a technology-dependent modern lifestyle.
• However, this shift has also paradoxically helped preserve pankhas as craft items, since they now have a niche market as decorative and collectible objects, both within India and internationally.

📄 Textbook Page 76

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

Q I.1. Classify the word pairs in the correct categories:

Answer:

More word pairs from the text:

• bamboo and cane (material)
• shapes and sizes (appearance)
• culture and tradition (abstract)
• embroidery and mirror work (material/technique)

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Vocabulary – Fixed Expressions

Q II. Complete the fixed expressions table and match meanings:

Answer:

Matching meanings with correct word pairs:

(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 → 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

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Vocabulary – Collocations

Q III.1. Choose the appropriate word collocations:

Answer:

(i) The students have to give the English exam tomorrow. (give an exam = correct collocation)

(ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to take a seat. (take a seat = correct collocation)

(iii) My scooter ran into a car. (ran into = correct collocation for an accident)

(iv) I must take responsibility for my success. (take responsibility = correct collocation)

(v) I would like to improve my grammar. (improve grammar = correct collocation)

Grammar – Present Perfect Tense

Q IV. Fill in the blanks with present perfect form of verbs:

Answer:

Puppets have long fascinated (fascinate) audiences worldwide. Puppeteers (i) have created (create) intricate characters and captivating 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.

📄 Textbook Page 79

Listen and Respond

Q I. Choose four statements out of seven that are true:

Answer: The four true statements are:

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.

(Statements 1, 5, and 7 are false based on the context of the dialogue.)

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Writing Task – Sample Factual Description of an Artefact

Q I. Describe an artefact you have made in craft class:

Answer (Sample — Madhubani Bookmark):

The artefact I made is a Madhubani-style painted bookmark. It is rectangular in shape, approximately 15 cm long and 4 cm wide, with a smooth cardboard base. It is painted using black ink outlines filled with bright colours — red, yellow, green, and blue — in the traditional Madhubani style of Bihar.

The materials used include thick cardboard, black sketch pens for outlines, poster colours, and a laminating sheet to make it durable. A small hole is punched at the top with a decorative thread passed through it.

This style of painting originates from the Mithila region of Bihar. Traditionally, Madhubani art was made on walls and cloth to mark festivals and ceremonies. The designs typically feature nature motifs — flowers, birds, fish, and geometric patterns.

📄 Textbook Pages 82–85

The Last Leaf (by O. Henry) – Story Summary for Revision

(No comprehension questions are set for this story within pages 1–17 of the PDF. It is provided under “Learning Beyond the Text” for reading and enjoyment.)

Quick Summary for understanding:

Key Events:

1. Johnsy falls ill with pneumonia and loses the will to live.
2. She starts counting falling ivy leaves, convinced the last one will mean her death.
3. Sue fetches Behrman and tells him about Johnsy’s condition.
4. On a stormy night, Behrman secretly goes out and paints a realistic ivy leaf on the wall — so perfectly that Johnsy cannot tell it from a real one.
5. The leaf “survives” storm after storm, giving Johnsy hope and the will to live.
6. Johnsy recovers — but Behrman, who painted the leaf in the cold stormy night, dies of pneumonia.
7. Sue reveals to Johnsy that the last leaf was Behrman’s masterpiece — painted the very night the real last leaf fell.

Theme: The story shows how selfless sacrifice and art can save lives. Behrman gave his life to give Johnsy a reason to live — making the painted leaf his greatest masterpiece.

📌 Quick Revision – Key Points for Pages 69–85: