Poem 1: Bharat Our Land
Complete Poem Solutions | CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri
Reflect and Respond
R1ActivityPage 23
Recall the lines of the National Anthem and complete the table with the names of the states, mountain ranges, and rivers mentioned in it.
Answer:
Note: “Sindh” is mentioned in the National Anthem as part of the larger historical-cultural geography of the subcontinent.
| States / Provinces | Mountain Ranges | Rivers |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha, Dravida, Utkala, Banga | Vindhya, Himachal | Yamuna, Ganga |
Note: “Sindh” is mentioned in the National Anthem as part of the larger historical-cultural geography of the subcontinent.
R2DiscussionPage 23
Discuss what the words ‘जय हे’ (Jaya he) in the last two lines of the National Anthem convey.
Suggested Answer:
The words ‘जय हे’ mean “victory be to you” or “glory be to you”. They express respect, pride, devotion and celebration. In the National Anthem, these words convey a collective prayer for the victory, unity and glory of the nation.
The words ‘जय हे’ mean “victory be to you” or “glory be to you”. They express respect, pride, devotion and celebration. In the National Anthem, these words convey a collective prayer for the victory, unity and glory of the nation.
R3VocabularyPage 23
Choose the odd one out that does not correspond with the meaning of the underlined word.
Answer:
| Word / Phrase | Options | Odd One Out |
|---|---|---|
| peerless | valuable, incomparable, unmatched | valuable |
| sanctified | blessed, purified, applauded | applauded |
| auspicious | fortunate, fantastic, favourable | fantastic |
| hoary antiquity | ancient times, recent past, time immemorial | recent past |
Check Your Understanding
1SummaryPage 25
Fill in the blanks by choosing appropriate words from the box to complete the summary of the poem.
Answer:
The poem is a tribute to India, celebrating its natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and 1. historical greatness. The poet praises the 2. Himavant, describing it as mighty and unparalleled. The 3. Ganga is depicted as generous and graceful, while the 4. Upanishads are honoured as sacred and unmatched. The poem highlights the contributions of 5. warriors and 6. sages who have enriched the land with their bravery and wisdom. It also acknowledges the presence of 7. Brahma-knowledge and the teachings of 8. Buddha, highlighting India’s deep-rooted spiritual and philosophical traditions. The poet repeatedly asserts that India is 9. peerless, urging everyone to 10. praise her.
The poem is a tribute to India, celebrating its natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and 1. historical greatness. The poet praises the 2. Himavant, describing it as mighty and unparalleled. The 3. Ganga is depicted as generous and graceful, while the 4. Upanishads are honoured as sacred and unmatched. The poem highlights the contributions of 5. warriors and 6. sages who have enriched the land with their bravery and wisdom. It also acknowledges the presence of 7. Brahma-knowledge and the teachings of 8. Buddha, highlighting India’s deep-rooted spiritual and philosophical traditions. The poet repeatedly asserts that India is 9. peerless, urging everyone to 10. praise her.
2Poem FeaturesPages 25–26
Complete the following features about the poem: mood, tone, rhyme scheme and examples of personification.
Answer:
1. Mood: Patriotic, proud and uplifting.
2. Tone: Reverential, admiring and celebratory.
3. Rhyme scheme: The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme; it is written in free verse style.
4. Examples of personification: Bharat is referred to as “she”, and the Ganga is described as “generous” with unmatched “grace”.
1. Mood: Patriotic, proud and uplifting.
2. Tone: Reverential, admiring and celebratory.
3. Rhyme scheme: The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme; it is written in free verse style.
4. Examples of personification: Bharat is referred to as “she”, and the Ganga is described as “generous” with unmatched “grace”.
3AppreciationPage 26
What is the impact of the refrain, ‘she’s peerless, let’s praise her!’?
Answer: The refrain creates a strong sense of admiration and national pride. It repeatedly reminds the reader that India is unique and incomparable. It also gives the poem a lyrical and chant-like quality, making the message memorable and powerful.
4MetaphorPage 26
Complete the sentence: India is metaphorically described as ‘this sunny golden land,’ suggesting that it is _________.
Answer: India is metaphorically described as “this sunny golden land,” suggesting that it is bright, prosperous, glorious, blessed and full of hope.
5SymbolismPage 26
Match the symbols in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2.
Answer:
| Symbol | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| Himavant | strength and permanence |
| Ganga | purity and generosity |
| Upanishads | spiritual and philosophical legacy |
| Gallant warriors and sages | courage and wisdom |
| Brahma-knowledge and Buddha’s Dhamma | knowledge and enlightenment |
| Sunny golden land | richness and glory |
6ImageryPage 26
The poet uses imagery. Give any two examples from the poem.
Answer:
Two examples of imagery are:
1. “The mighty Himavant” — creates a visual image of the great Himalayan range.
2. “The generous Ganga” — creates an image of the river flowing gracefully and nourishing the land.
Other examples include “this sunny golden land” and “the divinest music”.
Two examples of imagery are:
1. “The mighty Himavant” — creates a visual image of the great Himalayan range.
2. “The generous Ganga” — creates an image of the river flowing gracefully and nourishing the land.
Other examples include “this sunny golden land” and “the divinest music”.
7Poetic DevicePages 26–27
What is the impact of the use of hyphens in the first stanza? Select the options that are true.
Answer:
The correct options are:
1. Creates deliberate pauses to reinforce the sense of admiration and pride.
3. Lends to the lyrical quality, giving it a measured, chant-like rhythm.
5. Presents a key element of India’s greatness before the hyphen and makes a strong assertion about its uniqueness after the hyphen.
The correct options are:
1. Creates deliberate pauses to reinforce the sense of admiration and pride.
3. Lends to the lyrical quality, giving it a measured, chant-like rhythm.
5. Presents a key element of India’s greatness before the hyphen and makes a strong assertion about its uniqueness after the hyphen.
8HyperbolePage 27
The poet uses hyperbole in the poem. Identify examples from the poem.
Answer:
Examples of hyperbole are:
1. “there’s no equal anywhere on earth”
2. “which other river can match her grace?”
3. “what scriptures else to name with them?”
4. “she’s peerless”
These expressions are exaggerated to highlight India’s greatness and uniqueness.
Examples of hyperbole are:
1. “there’s no equal anywhere on earth”
2. “which other river can match her grace?”
3. “what scriptures else to name with them?”
4. “she’s peerless”
These expressions are exaggerated to highlight India’s greatness and uniqueness.
9OdePage 27
The poem is an ode. Identify examples from the poem that correspond to it being an ode.
Answer:
The poem is an ode because it expresses deep admiration and praise for Bharat. Examples include references to the mighty Himavant, the generous Ganga, the sacred Upanishads, gallant warriors, sages, divine music and spiritual knowledge. The refrain “she’s peerless, let’s praise her!” clearly shows reverence and celebration, which are important features of an ode.
The poem is an ode because it expresses deep admiration and praise for Bharat. Examples include references to the mighty Himavant, the generous Ganga, the sacred Upanishads, gallant warriors, sages, divine music and spiritual knowledge. The refrain “she’s peerless, let’s praise her!” clearly shows reverence and celebration, which are important features of an ode.
10AllusionPages 27–28
Identify the matching allusions from the poem based on the given explanations.
Answer:
| Explanation | Allusion from the Poem |
|---|---|
| Ancient Indian scriptures that form the philosophical core and symbolise deep wisdom and enlightenment. | Upanishads |
| Spiritual knowledge associated with self-realisation and ultimate truth. | Brahma-knowledge |
| Gautama Buddha’s teachings of compassion, non-violence and enlightenment. | Buddha’s Dhamma |
Critical Reflection
CR 1Extract BasedPages 28–29
Read the extract beginning “The mighty Himavant is ours…” and answer the questions.
Answer:
1. The word “mighty” refers to the strength, grandeur and power of the Himavant.
2. The question mark at the end of the fourth and sixth line is used to (ii) emphasise a point.
3. The poet uses the word “generous” to describe the Ganga because the river gives water, fertility, life and sustenance to millions of people. It nourishes the land selflessly.
4. The movement of the river is described as graceful because it flows smoothly, calmly and beautifully through the land.
5. The poet is implying that the Upanishads are unmatched in their wisdom and spiritual depth.
1. The word “mighty” refers to the strength, grandeur and power of the Himavant.
2. The question mark at the end of the fourth and sixth line is used to (ii) emphasise a point.
3. The poet uses the word “generous” to describe the Ganga because the river gives water, fertility, life and sustenance to millions of people. It nourishes the land selflessly.
4. The movement of the river is described as graceful because it flows smoothly, calmly and beautifully through the land.
5. The poet is implying that the Upanishads are unmatched in their wisdom and spiritual depth.
CR 2Long AnswerPage 29
Answer the following questions.
1. How does the poem reflect a strong connection to cultural identity and heritage?
The poem reflects cultural identity and heritage by celebrating India’s mountains, rivers, scriptures, sages, warriors, music and spiritual traditions. References to the Himavant, Ganga, Upanishads, Brahma-knowledge and Buddha’s Dhamma show India’s ancient wisdom and civilisational richness.
2. What can you infer about the poet’s attitude towards India from the repeated phrase ‘she’s peerless, let’s praise her!’?
The repeated phrase shows that the poet has deep admiration, love and pride for India. He believes that India is unique and incomparable. The phrase also reveals his patriotic and reverential attitude.
3. What does the line ‘many a sage has sanctified this land’ suggest about India’s spiritual heritage?
The line suggests that India has been blessed by the presence, wisdom and teachings of many sages. It presents India as a sacred land where spiritual knowledge and moral wisdom have flourished for ages.
4. How does the poet connect warriors and music to India’s greatness?
The poet connects warriors with bravery and sacrifice, and music with artistic and cultural excellence. By mentioning both, he shows that India’s greatness comes from courage as well as refined culture.
5. How does this poem foster a sense of national pride?
The poem fosters national pride by reminding readers of India’s natural beauty, ancient wisdom, spiritual depth, brave warriors and rich cultural traditions. It encourages readers to honour and praise the motherland.
The poem reflects cultural identity and heritage by celebrating India’s mountains, rivers, scriptures, sages, warriors, music and spiritual traditions. References to the Himavant, Ganga, Upanishads, Brahma-knowledge and Buddha’s Dhamma show India’s ancient wisdom and civilisational richness.
2. What can you infer about the poet’s attitude towards India from the repeated phrase ‘she’s peerless, let’s praise her!’?
The repeated phrase shows that the poet has deep admiration, love and pride for India. He believes that India is unique and incomparable. The phrase also reveals his patriotic and reverential attitude.
3. What does the line ‘many a sage has sanctified this land’ suggest about India’s spiritual heritage?
The line suggests that India has been blessed by the presence, wisdom and teachings of many sages. It presents India as a sacred land where spiritual knowledge and moral wisdom have flourished for ages.
4. How does the poet connect warriors and music to India’s greatness?
The poet connects warriors with bravery and sacrifice, and music with artistic and cultural excellence. By mentioning both, he shows that India’s greatness comes from courage as well as refined culture.
5. How does this poem foster a sense of national pride?
The poem fosters national pride by reminding readers of India’s natural beauty, ancient wisdom, spiritual depth, brave warriors and rich cultural traditions. It encourages readers to honour and praise the motherland.
Vocabulary in Context
V1SuffixesPage 29
Complete the table by choosing words from the poem.
Answer:
| Suffix | Meaning | Example from Poem |
|---|---|---|
| -ous | full of, having the qualities of | generous |
| -ity | the state of being very old or ancient | antiquity |
| -est | superlative form | divinest |
| -less | without something | peerless |
V2Word FormationPage 30
Complete the table by adding a different suffix to form new words. Also, create a sentence using the created word.
Answer:
| Suffix | Created Word | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| -tion | indication | The dark clouds were an indication that it would rain soon. |
| -ive | creative | The creative student designed a beautiful poster on India’s heritage. |
| -ment | achievement | Winning the debate was a great achievement for the team. |
| -ed | blessed | India is blessed with rivers, mountains and rich traditions. |
Listen and Respond
L1Audio BasedPages 30–31
Listen to four people talk about the places they like to travel to. Write the speaker number for the two pictures and match the statements to the speaker.
Answer: This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be completed after listening to the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
Statements to match:
1. The green surroundings look beautiful visually.
2. The group visits make even the difficult areas seem easy.
3. The quietness of the environment here leads to a peaceful experience.
4. The risk and thrill in such an area is what is most appealing.
5. The dry expanse promises to appeal to the spirit of exploration.
6. The sight of such beauty is very inviting and has to be captured.
Statements to match:
1. The green surroundings look beautiful visually.
2. The group visits make even the difficult areas seem easy.
3. The quietness of the environment here leads to a peaceful experience.
4. The risk and thrill in such an area is what is most appealing.
5. The dry expanse promises to appeal to the spirit of exploration.
6. The sight of such beauty is very inviting and has to be captured.
Speaking Activity
S1Pair WorkPages 31–32
Speak about the aspects of your village, town or city that you feel are an asset.
Sample Answer:
One thing that I find truly wonderful about my city is its cultural diversity. People from different regions live here and celebrate many festivals together. If I had to describe my city in one word, it would be “vibrant”. I have always been fascinated by the way people here balance tradition with modern life. What I want other people to know about my city is that it has historical places, lively markets, delicious food and warm-hearted people. I feel a deep sense of pride when I think about its culture, language and heritage.
One thing that I find truly wonderful about my city is its cultural diversity. People from different regions live here and celebrate many festivals together. If I had to describe my city in one word, it would be “vibrant”. I have always been fascinated by the way people here balance tradition with modern life. What I want other people to know about my city is that it has historical places, lively markets, delicious food and warm-hearted people. I feel a deep sense of pride when I think about its culture, language and heritage.
Writing Task
W1Paragraph WritingPage 32
Write a paragraph about a place that you have visited which has stayed in your memory.
Answer:
A Memorable Visit to the Mountains
Last year, I visited the hills with my family during the summer vacation. We went there to enjoy the cool weather and spend time close to nature. I travelled with my parents and cousins. Before the journey, we packed warm clothes, medicines, snacks and a camera. We stayed in a small guest house surrounded by pine trees. During the trip, we walked through quiet paths, visited a local market, watched the sunrise and took many photographs. The fresh air, peaceful surroundings and beautiful mountains made the visit unforgettable. The place has stayed in my memory because it made me feel calm, happy and close to nature.
A Memorable Visit to the Mountains
Last year, I visited the hills with my family during the summer vacation. We went there to enjoy the cool weather and spend time close to nature. I travelled with my parents and cousins. Before the journey, we packed warm clothes, medicines, snacks and a camera. We stayed in a small guest house surrounded by pine trees. During the trip, we walked through quiet paths, visited a local market, watched the sunrise and took many photographs. The fresh air, peaceful surroundings and beautiful mountains made the visit unforgettable. The place has stayed in my memory because it made me feel calm, happy and close to nature.
Learning Beyond the Text
LB 1Regional Language ActivityPage 32
Search for poems or songs dedicated to India, your motherland, in your regional language. Share them with your classmates and explain their meaning.
Suggested Answer:
Students may choose a patriotic poem or song in their regional language. They should mention the title, poet or lyricist, language, main theme and meaning. The explanation should highlight how the poem or song expresses love for India, respect for the motherland, pride in culture, unity, courage or sacrifice.
Students may choose a patriotic poem or song in their regional language. They should mention the title, poet or lyricist, language, main theme and meaning. The explanation should highlight how the poem or song expresses love for India, respect for the motherland, pride in culture, unity, courage or sacrifice.
LB 2Project WorkPage 32
Prepare an interdisciplinary project on India’s major geographical features.
Sample Project Outline:
| Feature | Example | Importance | Languages Spoken in the Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountains | Himalayas | Source of rivers, climate barrier, tourism and biodiversity. | Hindi, Dogri, Kashmiri, Nepali, Tibetan languages and others. |
| Rivers | Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, Godavari | Support agriculture, drinking water, transport, culture and pilgrimage. | Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and others. |
| Deserts | Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch | Known for unique ecology, culture, crafts, tourism and desert life. | Rajasthani, Hindi, Gujarati, Kutchi and others. |
| Valleys | Kangra Valley, Nubra Valley | Known for agriculture, beauty, tourism and settlement. | Hindi, Dogri, Ladakhi and local languages. |
| Islands | Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep | Important for marine biodiversity, tourism and coastal culture. | Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Nicobarese and others. |
| Plateaus | Deccan, Malwa, Meghalaya | Rich in minerals, forests, agriculture and tribal culture. | Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Khasi, Garo, Hindi and others. |
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