Chapter 3: Winds of Change

Suggested Answer:
Yes, elders in my family sometimes use a hand fan during summer or during power cuts. In my language, it is called a pankha. It may be made of palm leaf, bamboo, cloth, paper, cane, or grass, depending on the region and style.

Suggested Answer:

Answer:

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Answer:

(i) True. Pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes.

(ii) The word “traditional” has been used because pankhas are old craft objects rooted in Indian culture, regional practices, rituals and indigenous materials.

(iii) The sentence “They were considered exotic and stylish” is an opinion and not a fact because it expresses a judgement of taste and appeal, not something that can be measured or proved in the same way as a historical fact.

(iv) One reason for commonality in the use of pankhas across India is the need for cooling in a warm climate. Pankhas were also used in temples, homes and royal courts across different regions.

(v) The correct assertion is A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other.

Answer:

(i) One negative impact of technological advancement is that the everyday use of traditional pankhas has reduced, and they now risk slowly disappearing from Indian homes.

(ii) The writer refers to pankhas not just as an object but as a culture because they carry regional identity, stories, artistry, traditional knowledge and craft practices.

(iii) The line is: “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) An increase in demand can benefit artisans by giving them better income, more work opportunities and a sustainable livelihood.

(v) The factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas is B. economic demand.

1. How does the title “Winds of Change” capture the essence of the chapter?
The title captures both the literal and symbolic meaning of the chapter. Literally, pankhas create wind or air. Symbolically, the chapter discusses changing times, where traditional hand fans have moved from everyday use to decorative and commercial objects. It also points to the need to preserve this craft through new awareness and initiatives.

2. Support the statement: “The structure and design of pankhas are testimony to the cultural identity of the region.”
The statement is true because each region uses materials and designs connected with its local culture. For example, Rajasthan has appliqué, zardozi and brass temple hand fans, reflecting its textile and ornamental traditions. Gujarat has mirror work, bead craft and leather hand fans, showing its strong embroidery and craft identity. West Bengal has sola and palm leaf fans, while Uttar Pradesh has Phadh fans decorated with zari, silk and satin frills.

3. How can preserving traditional craftsmanship and incorporating innovative designs help pankhas survive?
Traditional craftsmanship preserves the cultural identity, handmade skill and regional uniqueness of pankhas. Innovative designs make them attractive to modern buyers and suitable for contemporary homes, exhibitions and gifting. A balance of tradition and innovation can help pankhas remain culturally authentic while also becoming commercially viable.

4. How might pankha-making workshops contribute to preserving this traditional craft?
Pankha-making workshops can spread awareness about the craft, teach people the process of making pankhas, and create respect for artisans. They also allow younger generations to learn traditional skills and help artisans demonstrate their work. Such workshops can increase demand and provide artisans with livelihood opportunities.

5. How could celebrating pankhas be beneficial to artisans and the craft?
Celebrating pankhas can bring attention to their cultural value, history and artistry. It can help artisans gain recognition, attract buyers and earn a sustainable income. It can also revive public interest in traditional crafts and prevent them from disappearing.

6. How does the restriction of the use of pankha for decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of these fans in modern India?
Earlier, pankhas were used for cooling in homes, temples and courts. With the arrival of electric fans, coolers and air-conditioners, their practical use declined. Today, they are mostly used as decorative craft items. This shows that pankhas have shifted from being daily-use objects to symbols of heritage, art and cultural memory.

Answer:
More such word pairs from the text: beads and stones, shapes and patterns, shapes and sizes, bamboo and cane, gold and silver.

Answer:

Answer:
(i) The students have to take the English exam tomorrow.
(ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to take a seat.
(iii) My scooter ran into a car.
(iv) I must take responsibility for my success.
(v) I would like to improve my grammar.

Answer:

Puppets have long fascinated audiences worldwide. Puppeteers have created intricate characters and captivating stories with their skillful artistry. They have mastered the delicate movements that bring these lifeless figures to life, entertaining both children and adults. Over the years, puppetry has evolved, using modern technology while preserving traditional techniques. Many puppeteers have passed down their craft through generations, ensuring its continuity. They have performed in theatres, on television, and at festivals, conveying important cultural narratives.

Likely 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.

Note: This is an audio-based task. Final answers should be checked against the classroom audio/transcript.

Sample Answer: Hand Fan

Hello everyone, I am a traditional hand fan. I am light, portable and easy to use. I may be made of palm leaf, bamboo, cloth, paper or grass. People like me because I do not need electricity and can be carried anywhere. My weakness is that I need human effort to work, so I cannot cool a whole room like an electric fan. What makes me unique is my cultural beauty. In many regions of India, I am decorated with embroidery, beads, mirror work and colourful patterns.

Answer:

A Paper Hand Fan

A paper hand fan is a simple handmade artefact used for creating air manually. It is usually made of coloured paper, glue and a wooden or paper handle. The fan is semi-circular in shape when opened and folded when closed.

To make the fan, a rectangular sheet of coloured paper is folded in equal pleats from one end to the other. The lower end of the folded paper is tied or pasted firmly. A handle is attached at the base to hold the fan. The upper part spreads out in a curved shape when opened.

Paper hand fans are commonly used in craft activities, school exhibitions and decorations. They can also be used during summer or during cultural events. They are light in weight and easy to carry.

Sample Answer: Clay Diya

Name of object: Clay diya
Physical characteristics: A small bowl-shaped earthen lamp, usually brown or terracotta in colour.
Material: Natural clay and water.
Region: Clay diyas are made in many parts of India and are especially used during festivals such as Diwali.
Traditional use: They are used for lighting homes, temples and courtyards during festivals and prayers.
Process: Clay is shaped by hand or on a potter’s wheel, dried in the sun and fired in a kiln.
Modern use: Today, clay diyas are also painted, decorated and used as eco-friendly festive decorations.

Suggested Process:
1. Take a rectangular sheet of coloured paper.
2. Fold the paper in equal pleats from one side to the other.
3. Press the folds firmly so that the fan holds its shape.
4. Tie or paste the lower end tightly.
5. Attach an ice-cream stick or cardboard strip as a handle.
6. Open the upper folds gently to form a fan shape.
7. Decorate the fan with colours, patterns or small stickers.

Suggested Response:
“The Last Leaf” is a story about hope, sacrifice and the healing power of art. Johnsy is seriously ill and believes that she will die when the last leaf falls from an ivy creeper. Behrman, an old artist, paints a leaf on the wall during a storm so that Johnsy will not lose hope. The painted leaf gives her the will to live. The story shows that art can inspire courage and that true sacrifice can save another person’s life.