Class 9 English Solution Chapter: 3 Winds of Change

Chapter 3: Winds of Change - Complete Solutions

Reflect and Respond (Page 89)

I. Does anyone in your family use a hand fan? What do you call it in your language? What is it made of?
(This answer will be personal. Here is an example)

  • Yes/No: Yes, my grandmother uses a hand fan.

  • Name in my language: We call it a "Pankha" or "Birsinghada" (Example from Hindi/Punjabi).

  • Made of: It is usually made of dried palm leaves or woven bamboo.

II. Complete the table about fans from different states.

FansThe State it is fromShapeMade of
Mora PankhaAssamRound or OvalBamboo and cane
Palm leaf fanKeralaCircular or FoldableDried Palm leaves
Phadh hand fanUttar PradeshRectangular or CircularCloth with Zari (gold thread)

III. Match the underlined words with their meanings.

Column 1 (Word)Column 2 (Meaning)
1. indigenous(iv) local—from where it originated
2. innovative(v) new and original in approach
3. industrious(i) hardworking
4. intricate(vi) elaborate/detailed
5. invoked(iii) brought out
6. initiatives(ii) actions to improve a situation

Reading for Meaning (Page 90-93)

The chapter explains:

  • The word Pankha comes from "Pankh" (bird's feather).

  • Ancient evidence of fans exists in Ajanta wall paintings (2nd century CE).

  • Fans were used to fan kings and deities.

  • Different regions of India developed unique fans using local materials like bamboo, silk, brass, and leather.

  • Today, hand fans are mostly used for decoration and are a traditional craft.

  • The chapter discusses fans from Rajasthan (appliqué, zardozi), Gujarat (mirror work, beads, leather), West Bengal (sola), Uttar Pradesh (Phadh), Odisha, and Bihar.

  • Modern technology affects the demand for hand fans, but initiatives like workshops help preserve this heritage.


Check Your Understanding (Page 93-94)

I. Complete the table on Pankha.

StateType of FanMaterial Used
RajasthanAppliqué hand fan / Zardozi hand fanGold thread, fabric, brass
GujaratMirror work hand fans / Beads hand fan / Leather hand fanCotton, beads, silver, leather, thread, wool
West BengalSola hand fan / Tal Patar PankhaSola (milky-white spongy wood), palm leaf

II. Answer the following questions based on extracts.

1. Extract 1 (Page 90)

  • (i) True or False: False (The text says they became significant cultural goods, not necessarily the "most popular item of commerce").

  • (ii) Why has the word 'traditional' been used? Because different places developed their own unique styles and materials passed down through generations.

  • (iii) 'Exotic and stylish' is an opinion, not a fact because: It is a matter of personal feeling. What one person finds exotic, another might not. Fact can be proven, but this is a feeling.

  • (iv) One reason for commonality in use: They were commonly used for fanning people, in temples, and in royal courts across India.

  • (v) Correct assertion for the reason: B. The text says each place used distinct materials and intricate designs.

2. Extract 2 (Page 92)

  • (i) One negative impact of technology: The beautiful culture of pankhas is losing its presence among Indians (people are using electric fans/ACs).

  • (ii) Pankha is a 'culture' because: It is not just an object but represents stories, traditions, artistry, and the heritage of a region.

  • (iii) Line showing change of role: "Once made for personal use, over time this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business."

  • (iv) One way increased demand benefits artisans: It provides them with a commercial platform to create a sustainable livelihood.

  • (v) Factor for commercialisation: B. economic demand (and C. technological advancements also push it as a craft item).

III. Answer the following questions (Page 94-96).

  1. How does the title 'Winds of Change' capture the essence of the chapter?

    • The title is perfect because it has two meanings. Literally, the chapter is about fans (which create wind). Figuratively, it talks about how the "wind of change" (modern technology) has changed the role of hand fans from daily use to decorative craft, and how new initiatives are again changing their future.

  2. Two examples of pankhas showing cultural identity:

    • Rajasthan's Zardozi fan: Shows the region's rich tradition of royal embroidery and gold threadwork.

    • Gujarat's Mirror work fan: Reflects the local craft of mirror embroidery done by home-based women workers.

    • West Bengal's Sola fan: Shows the use of local 'sola' wood, which is light and unique to the region's marshy areas.

  3. Balance between preserving tradition and incorporating innovation:

    • If we only preserve old designs, people might lose interest. If we only innovate, we might lose the craft's soul. A balance—like using traditional mirror work on a new shape of fan—keeps the craft alive, interesting for buyers, and relevant in modern homes, helping it survive.

  4. How can pankha-making workshops help?

    • They teach the skill to a new generation.

    • They make people aware of the beauty and effort behind the craft.

    • They give artisans a place to sell their fans, helping them earn a living.

  5. How can 'celebrating pankhas' benefit artisans and the craft?

    • Celebrating (through fairs, exhibitions, articles) creates demand. When people appreciate the craft, they are more willing to buy it. This provides income for artisans, encouraging them to continue their work and keep the tradition alive.

  6. How does decorative use reflect changing cultural role?

    • Earlier, pankhas were active, useful objects. Now, being used only for decoration shows they are no longer a necessity but a symbol of art and heritage. Their role has changed from a tool for comfort to a piece of cultural art.


Vocabulary and Structures in Context (Page 96-99)

I. Classify word pairs from the text.

AppearancePlaceMaterial
exotic and stylishvillages and townsthread and wool
ornate and encrustedwithin and outsidesilk and brass

(Other pairs from text: scorching summer winds, swirling sandstorms)

II. Find word pairs for fixed expressions.

Word 1Word 2Fixed ExpressionMeaning
1. highdryhigh and dry(i) in a difficult situation, without help
2. cutdrycut and dry- (not directly matched, meaning "simple and decided")
3. factsfiguresfacts and figures(iii) accurate and detailed information
4. allsundryall and sundry(v) everyone, not just a few special people
5. weartearwear and tear(ii) damage due to normal use
6. timeagaintime and again(vi) often; repeatedly
7. thickthinthick and thin(iv) even when there are problems
8. hardfasthard and fast- (not directly matched, meaning "fixed, cannot be changed")

III. Choose correct collocations.

  1. (i) take the English exam

  2. (ii) take a seat

  3. (ii) ran into a car

  4. (i) take responsibility

  5. (ii) improve my grammar

IV. Fill in the blanks with Present Perfect Tense.
Puppets have long fascinated audiences worldwide. Puppeteers (i) have created intricate characters and captivating stories with their skillful artistry. They (ii) have mastered the delicate movements that bring these lifeless figures to life. Over the years, puppetry (iii) has evolved, using modern technology. Many puppeteers (iv) have passed down their craft through generations. They (v) have performed in theatres, conveying important cultural narratives.


Listen and Respond (Page 99)

I. Choose four true statements from the dialogue.

  • Statement 3: Rohan believes Grandma enjoys sitting in the verandah during the evenings. (True)

  • Statement 4: Priya knows Grandma likes to keep special items close to her. (True)

  • Statement 5: Rohan thinks a pankha with intricate designs would be too delicate for Grandma's liking. (True)

  • Statement 6: Priya suggests choosing between a bamboo pankha with beadwork or an embroidered pankha with mirror work. (True)
    (The false statements are 1, 2, and 7)


Speaking Activity (Page 100)

Imagine you are a fan.
(Example for a Ceiling Fan)

  • Introduce yourself: Hello, I am your ceiling fan. I live in the center of your room.

  • Describe yourself: I have three or four long blades made of plastic or wood. I have a motor in my middle that makes me spin.

  • What I like about myself: I like that I can cool down a whole room by myself. I am very strong and fast.

  • My weakness: I cannot move with you. I can only cool the space right under me. I also stop working when the electricity goes off!

  • What makes me unique: I can run for hours and hours without getting tired.


Writing Task (Page 100)

Describe an artefact you have made.
(Example - A Clay Diya/Candle holder)

Title: My Handmade Clay Diya

Last month in my craft class, I made a small clay diya (oil lamp). It was a simple but fun project. First, I took a lump of soft, brown potter's clay. I rolled it into a smooth ball. Then, I pressed my thumb into the center to make a small, deep bowl. Using my fingers, I carefully pinched the edges to make the shape neat and even. I smoothed the sides with a little water to remove any cracks. After it dried for a day, I painted it bright orange and yellow. My diya is about two inches wide and small enough to fit in my palm. It is round like a small cup. We can put oil and a cotton wick in it and light it during festivals like Diwali.


Learning Beyond the Text (Page 100-105)

I. Make a presentation on an art/craft item from your region.
(Example - Madhubani Painting from Bihar)

  • Name: Madhubani Painting (also called Mithila art).

  • Appearance: It has very bright colors like red, yellow, and blue. It has complex geometric patterns, flowers, and pictures of gods and nature. There is no empty space; the whole canvas is filled.

  • Material: Traditionally, it was made on mud walls or paper. Colours were made from natural things like turmeric (yellow), rice powder (white), and flowers.

  • Region: Mithila region of Bihar.

  • Traditional Use: Women painted these on the walls of their home for weddings and festivals to bring good luck.

  • Origin Story: It is said that King Janaka ordered his kingdom to paint the walls for the wedding of his daughter, Sita, to Lord Rama.

  • Evolution: Now, it is done on canvas, cloth, and even pots. It is sold all over the world.

  • Use today: It is mostly a decorative art. You can use it as a wall hanging to make your room look beautiful and traditional.

II. Make your own hand fan.
(Instructions - can be adapted to text)

  1. Take a strong, rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard.

  2. Draw a simple design (like a leaf or a semi-circle).

  3. Cut out the shape.

  4. Decorate it with colorful markers, paint, or stickers.

  5. Paste a long, flat ice-cream stick to the bottom as a handle.

  6. Your simple hand fan is ready!

III. Read 'The Last Leaf' (Page 102-105). (This is for self-reading. Key themes: Hope, sacrifice, and the power of art to give someone the will to live).


Canvas of Soil (Poem) - Page 107-111

The poem compares gardening to painting.

Check Your Understanding (Page 107-108)

I. Fill in the blanks for the summary of each stanza.

  1. The soil is portrayed as a rich palette where gardeners' dreams flourish in the form of seeds, awaiting spring.

  2. The garden flowers into a beautiful display of different blooms, resembling a painting by Mother Nature, in the light of morning.

  3. Each garden is likened to a wide canvas, integrating art and life. Through the efforts of gardeners, gardens transform into still-life paintings.

II. Select the appropriate title for each stanza.

  1. Nature's Work of Art

  2. Gardens as Living Canvases

III. Match the poetic devices.

Poetic DeviceExample
1. Imagery(iv) colours, brushstrokes, blossoms, shades of green
2. Metaphor(vi) garden as a painting, plot as canvas
3. Rhyme Scheme(ii) AABB
4. Tone(i) appreciative
5. Mood(vii) joyful
6. Speaker(v) a gardener
7. Alliteration(iii) 'Blossoms bloom'

Critical Reflection (Page 109-111)

I. Answer questions on extracts.

1. "Brushstrokes of seeds, planted true, Awaiting spring's vibrant hue."

  • (i) Option using a metaphor: B. She has a heart of gold. (Metaphor compares heart to gold without 'like' or 'as').

  • (ii) 'Planted true' implies: The seeds are sown carefully and with the right intention to grow well.

  • (iii) Why 'hue' instead of 'colours'? 'Hue' is a more artistic, painterly word that fits the theme of the poem perfectly.

  • (iv) Complete analogy: Summer: hot :: Spring : vibrant.

  • (v) Assertion (A) and Reason (R): B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). (Gardeners wait for spring because it is the growing season, not specifically because gardens are worth painting, though that's also true).

2. "Each plot, a canvas wide, Where art and life coincide."

  • (i) 'Each plot' refers to: Each small section or bed in a garden.

  • (ii) Same rhyme scheme (AABB): A. beautiful and clear / laughter and cheer.

  • (iii) Line blending beauty and growth: "Where art and life coincide."

  • (iv) Compare painter and gardener:

    1. A painter is compared to a gardener because both create something beautiful using their skills and tools.

    2. A palette is like earth as both hold the raw materials (colours on palette, seeds/soil in earth) needed to create art.

    3. Brushstrokes are like seeds because both are the delicate, careful actions that lead to the final beautiful result (a painting or a garden).

    4. A canvas is similar to a garden plot as both are the blank surface or space where the artist (painter or gardener) brings their creation to life.

II. Answer the following questions.

  1. 'Brushstrokes of seeds' enhances understanding because: It helps us see that planting a seed is not just a physical act but a creative, careful, and artistic action. Just as a painter places each brushstroke with care, a gardener places each seed with a hope for the future.

  2. Inference about poet's perspective: The poet sees nature and art as not separate but deeply connected and equal. A garden is not just a piece of nature; it is a work of art. And true art is alive and natural.

  3. Does imagery paint a vivid picture? Yes, completely. Words like "blossoms bloom," "shades of green, red, and blue," and "dancing in the morning light" create a clear, colorful, and joyful image in the reader's mind.

  4. Effect of mentioning the colour yellow: Adding yellow would make the imagery even richer. Yellow is the colour of sunshine, marigolds, and lemons. It would add a feeling of warmth, happiness, and energy to the garden scene, making it more complete.

  5. 'Gardens become paintings still' - poet's view on timelessness: The word "still" means both "motionless" (like a photograph) and "even now" (continuing into the present). The poet suggests that the beauty of a garden, captured as art, lasts forever, just like a great painting.

  6. Justify the title 'Canvas of Soil': The title is perfect because it replaces the artist's canvas with soil, the gardener's base. It immediately tells us the poem will compare gardening to painting, showing that just as an artist uses a canvas, a gardener uses the earth to create natural, living art.


Listen and Respond (Poem) - Page 113-114

I. Identify what the girl does NOT talk about.

  • The girl talks about the type of flowers (1) and the number of potted plants (3). She does NOT talk about the source of water for the garden (2). (Answer: 2. source of water)

II. Circle the correct answer.

  1. Colour of flowers in first row: pink

  2. Type of flowers in second row: rose

  3. Position of useful plants: left and right corners

  4. Number of potted evergreen plants: 20

  5. Paint colour on bricks: white and red

  6. Type of tree in centre: banyan

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