CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 3 ‘Winds of Change’, Line by Line Explanation along with Difficult Word Meanings from Kaveri Book
In the class 9 chapter 3 “Winds of Change” from the Kaveri book, the writer gives details into the craft of making Hand fans. Details regarding the origin of the word ‘Pankha’, history of hand fans, regional variations in designs and materials used to make hand fans, traditional and modern-day uses of hand fans have been shared.
Question: What are the keywords of the class 9 lesson Winds of Change?
Ans. The keywords are as follows-
- Pankha – the Indian name of a hand fan which is derived from ‘Pankh’ meaning a bird’s feather. The smaller version is called a Pankhi.
- Regional crafts – various regions of India have their take on the hand fan which use locally sourced material to make the fan and apply specialised adornemnts to decorate them.
- Cultural heritage – the lesson displays the rich culture of India by discussing the vast variety of hand fans that are made in different states.
- Traditional use of hand fans – Originally, hand fans were used in temples and royal courts to fan deities and kings.
- Modern-day use – in the modern life, hand fans are used as decorative items only.
- Popularity of hand fans – In the modern world, workshops teaching the art of making hand fans are organised to promote the craft.
Winds of Change Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Story Title | Winds of Change |
| Author | Anonymous |
| Book | CBSE NCERT Kaveri Class 9 English |
| Chapter | 3 |
| Narrator | Writer |
| Setting | India |
| Theme | History and evolution of hand fans (pankha) |
- Winds of Change Summary
- Winds of Change Theme based Questions
- Winds of Change Explanation
- Winds of Change Summary in Hindi
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Question: Give a summary of class 9 English lesson Winds of change.
Ans. A Hand Fan also called Pankha in Hindi, the word comes from the word ‘Pankh’ which means bird feather. Pankhi refers to a smaller version of the Pankha. If we turn the pages of history, reference to the use of hand fans dates back to the second century through the Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta caves.
Traditional use of these hand fans was to fan dieties in temples and in royal courts to fan kings. They were sized as small as two inches to big ones that needed the full arms strength to swing them. Various regions of India have developed different versions of hand fans where they use locally sourced natural material.
Modern day use of hand fan is limited to decorative purposes.
Rajasthan presents the following types of hand fans-
- Applique fan where pieces of fabric of various shapes and patterns are sewn together on another bigger piece.
- Zardozi hand fan uses decorative, shiny gold thread embroidery.
- Temple hand fan is made of brass and is engraved, has a long handle.
- Cardboard fans are hand painted with images and are offered to God.
The state of Gujarat presents the following versions of hand fans-
- Cotton-based fans with mirror work and cross stitch embroidery, done by hand
- Bead hand fans with bead work
- Hand-stitched leather fans with thread and wool seams.
The hand fans of Bengal-
- Sola fans – delicate fans with the milky-white spongy centre of sola
- Palm-leaf hand fan – also known an Tal Patar pankha.
Hand fans of Uttar Pradesh-
- Phadh hand fans – decorated with gold, silver zari, silk and satin frill.
Hand fan of Odisha-
- Large palm leaf fan
Hand fan of Bihar-
- Bamboo hand fans which are colourful and sturdy.
Tribal hand fans- use of grass, bamboo sticks, cane, palm with silk, brass and creating geometric patterns to create various designs.
Now, the art of creating hand fans has changed into a commercial business and provides a means of livelihood to the artisans. Steps like workshops in handicraft exhibitions help create awareness about the variety of handfans and promotes them.
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Questions based on the themes / central idea of Winds of Change
Question: What difference between tradition and modern technology does the class 9 lesson ‘Winds of Change’ highlight?
Ans. In the lesson we get to know that the traditional craft of making hand fans is no longer popular because of the advent of mechanised fans and cooling devices. Now, these handmade hand fans are used more for decorative purposes only.
Question: How does the lesson Winds of change show the cultural heritage of India?
Ans. The lesson shares information about the hand made hand fans that were made in various parts of India. We get to know how locally available materials were used, along with hand embroideries to make various designs of hand fans like palm leaf fan, bamboo fan, leather fan, cotton fan, satin fan, etc. This vast variety of hand fans are a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of India.
Question: Discuss the various regional craftsmanships that have been discussed in the lesson Winds of Change.
Ans. The lesson gives an insight into the different regional craftsmanships of India like the mirror work done by the women of Kutch. The leather work of Gujrat, cross stitch embroidery patterns made by hand and exotic bead work are a few other specialities of the state. Rajasthan presents the art of applique work, zardozi and brass work. Bengal brings palm leaf art and Uttar Pradesh has gold and silver embroideries. Bihar has bamboo work which makes it unique.
Question: The lesson Winds of change is thought-provoking in terms of providing economic sustainability to Indian crafts. Discuss.
Ans. The lesson winds of change highlights that how the winds of modern technology have reduced the importance of traditional crafts. Thus, it gets essential to create awareness and popularity so that the craftsmen can get economic benefits through the crafts. Organising workshops in exhibitions is a way to promote inclusivity of the people and bridge the gap between artisans and buyers.
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Winds of Change Lesson Explanation
Question: What is the origination of the word ‘Pankha’? Give the history of the advent of the Pankha.
Passage: The word punkha or pankha originates from the word ‘pankh’, which means feather of a bird. Pankha is used to refer to all fans, whereas the word pankhi denotes a small plumed fan used in ancient India. Evidence of the existence and use of pankhi in India can be found in Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta. These wall paintings date back to the 2nd century CE. Other representations of the punkha can be found in embroidery work, sculptures, and carvings. In ancient times, pankhas were used in temples to fan deities. They were also used in royal courts to fan kings. Pankhas varied in size from a tiny two inch one to large ones requiring a person’s full arm strength to move them.
Word-meanings:
plumed: decorated with feathers
Evidence: proof
representation: something that can visually explain something
Deities: idols of Gods
Explanation / Answer: The origin and use of the word pankha are explained. It comes from the word ‘pankh’, meaning feather, showing that early fans were inspired by bird feathers. The term pankha refers to all types of fans, while pankhi was a smaller, feathered fan used in ancient times. The passage provides historical evidence of pankhas through Ajanta cave paintings which are of 2nd century, and other art forms like embroidery and sculptures. It also explains their importance in ancient India, where they were used in temples to fan deities and in royal courts to serve kings. The pankhas varied in size, from very small to very large ones that required effort to operate. Overall, the passage highlights the cultural and historical significance of pankhas in ancient Indian life.
Question: List the various things that were used to make Pankhas in various regions.
Passage: Over time, pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes. They were considered exotic and stylish. Although there was substantial commonality in their use across India, different villages and towns developed their own varieties of traditional pankhas. Each place developed pankhas with distinct materials or a variety of intricate designs, that set them apart from one another. Bamboo, cane, palm leaf, silk, brass, leather, and silver pankhas, with decorative beads and stones were used depending on geographies, cultures, and traditional rituals.
Word-meanings:
substantial: sufficient large in size
commonality: common features
intricate: something which is finely detailed
Explanation / Answer: Pankhas are shown as not just useful objects but also important cultural items that were traded across regions. They became popular because of their unique and attractive designs. Although pankhas were commonly used across India, each region developed its own special style using local materials and artistic designs. This made every type of pankha unique. Different materials like bamboo, silk, metal, and leather were used depending on the place and culture. Decorations like beads and stones added beauty to them. Overall, the passage highlights the diversity, creativity, and cultural importance of pankhas in different parts of India.
Question: What are the different hand fans made in Rajasthan?
Passage: The structure of each fan reflects the cultural core of the region that crafts it. For instance, the appliqué hand fan of Rajasthan is an antique pankha made of pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns sewn onto another cloth with the use of ornamental needlework. Furthermore, the zardozi hand fan of Rajasthan differs in its use of glittering ornate and encrusted gold thread work. In Rajasthan, temple hand fans are popular too. These are made by engraving brass and have a long handle. The painted hand fan, a cardboard pankha featuring various images, is usually offered to gods.
Word-meanings:
Applique: ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck on to a larger piece to form a picture or pattern
Antique: a collectable object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its age and quality
Ornate: elaborately or highly decorated
encrusted: covered or decorated
Engraving: impression or etching
Explanation / Answer: The design of pankhas is shown as a reflection of the culture of different regions. Each area creates fans in its own unique style, showing its traditions and artistic skills.
The passage gives examples from Rajasthan, where different types of decorative fans are made. The appliqué fan is made by stitching colourful fabric pieces, while the zardozi fan is decorated with shining gold thread work. Temple fans made of engraved brass and painted cardboard fans offered to gods are also common.
Overall, the passage highlights how pankhas are not just functional items but also artistic and cultural expressions that represent the identity of a region.
Question: Give details of the various techniques and craft forms used on pankhas in Gujarat state, as mentioned in the class 9 lesson ‘Winds of Change’.
Passage: The adjoining state of Gujarat has its own indigenous take on pankhas. These hand fans are elegant pure cotton-based fans embellished with mirror work. The beads hand fan is covered with colourful beads and has a silver handle. Gujarat is the centre for bead craft in India and these dainty pankhas are commonly used as wall decorations. Kutch is recognised for its hand-stitched leather hand fans decorated with thread and wool at its seams. Gujarat’s industrious home-based women workers have worked tirelessly in the handicraft of pankha-making to produce embroidered hand fans with traditional mirror work and cross-stitch embroidery in different shapes and sizes.
Artisans in Bengal make delicate pankhas from the beautiful milky-white spongy centre of the sola. The palm leaf hand fans are locally referred to as Tal Patar Pankha. They are easy to carry and are perpetually kept as an article of possession in Bengali households.
Word-meanings:
sola: a type of water grass
perpetually: constantly
adjoining: neighbouring
indigenous: native or local
embellished: decorated
dainty: small and attractive
recognised: known or famous
seams: lines where pieces are stitched together
industrious: hardworking
tirelessly: without getting tired
handicraft: handmade work
Explanation / Answer: In this passage, the variety and beauty of pankhas from different regions are described. Gujarat is known for its unique styles, such as cotton fans with mirror work, bead-decorated fans with silver handles, and leather fans from Kutch. The hardworking women of Gujarat play an important role in making these decorative and artistic fans using mirror work and cross stitch patterns. These delicate fans are also used to decorate walls.
The passage also highlights Bengal, where artisans create delicate pankhas from sola (a soft, spongy plant material). Palm leaf fans, called Tal Patar Pankha, are commonly used and kept in homes because they are light and easy to carry.
Overall, the passage shows the rich diversity of traditional pankha-making across India and the skill and dedication of artisans who keep this craft alive.
Question: Describe the Phadh hand fans. Where are they made?
Passage: Other states in India have their own variations of fans as well. The Phadh hand fans of Uttar Pradesh are adorned with pure gold, silver zari, silk, and satin frills. The large palm leaf fans of Odisha as well as Bihar’s colourful and sturdy bamboo hand fans, are all recognised across India due to their antiquity and rarity.
Word-meanings:
antiquity: the distant past
variations: different forms or types
adorned: decorated
zari: fine gold or silver thread used in embroidery
satin: smooth and shiny fabric
frills: decorative edges or trims
sturdy: strong and firm
recognised: known or famous
Explanation / Answer: The diversity of pankhas across different Indian states is highlighted. Each region has its own unique style and design based on local materials and traditions.
The Phadh fans of Uttar Pradesh are richly decorated with gold, silver zari, silk, and satin, making them look luxurious. Odisha’s large palm leaf fans and Bihar’s strong bamboo fans are also well known for their durability and colourful appearance.
The passage emphasizes that these traditional fans are valued across India not only for their beauty but also for their ancient origin and uniqueness.
Question: How have the tribal communities of India contributed to the craft of fan-making? Discuss with reference to the class 9 chapter ‘Winds of Change’.
Passage: Many tribes in India have adopted this handicraft to make their own versions of the handheld fan. Materials such as grass and metal are embedded into the fans using bamboo sticks and grass. Cane and palm leaves are used, with silk and brass being reserved for antique pieces of these hand fans. The use of geometrical patterns and the white ink and red background combinations have helped the tribes create multiple beautifully designed pankhas.
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. The slight increase in popularity and demand is significantly factored by the different versions of the pankha being crafted.
Word-meanings:
advent: arrival
tribes: groups of people with common culture and traditions
adopted: started using
handicraft: handmade art or work
embedded: fixed or inserted into something
cane: a type of plant used for making items
reserved: kept for special use
antique: old and valuable
geometrical patterns: designs using shapes like circles, squares, etc.
Explanation/ Answer: The contribution of tribal communities to pankha-making is highlighted. They use natural materials like grass, cane, and palm leaves and create unique designs with geometric patterns and color combinations. Some special pankhas are also made using silk and brass, showing their artistic richness.
However, the passage also points out that with modern technology and new inventions, traditional pankhas are slowly losing their importance in daily life. Earlier, they were made for personal use, but now they have become part of a business that provides income to artisans.
Despite the decline, the demand for different creative versions of pankhas has helped keep the craft alive to some extent. The passage stresses both the cultural value of this art and the need to preserve it.
Question: How can we preserve the craft of fan-making?
Passage: One of the first steps to preserve the essence of the craft is by celebrating pankhas, and appreciating the culture, stories, and artistry that this handicraft invokes. This allows contemporary pankha makers to demonstrate their craft and regain its popularity. It also helps provide them with a commercial platform to create a sustainable livelihood. Initiatives such as pankha-making workshops, both within and outside the handicraft exhibitions help spread awareness about the beauty and importance of this craft in India’s culture.
Word Meanings
preserve: protect and maintain
essence: main quality or spirit
appreciating: valuing or admiring
artistry: creative skill
invokes: brings to mind
contemporary: modern-day
demonstrate: show or display
regain: get back
commercial platform: business opportunity
Explanation/ Answer: The importance of preserving the traditional craft of pankha-making is emphasized. It suggests that by celebrating and appreciating pankhas, people can help keep this cultural art alive.
Encouraging modern artisans to showcase their skills helps in bringing back the popularity of pankhas. Providing them with business opportunities also supports their livelihood in a sustainable way.
Activities like workshops and exhibitions play a key role in spreading awareness among people about the beauty and cultural importance of pankhas. Overall, the passage highlights the need to protect and promote this traditional craft for future generations.
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Winds of Change FAQs
Question: Who is the narrator of Winds of Change?
Ans. The narrator of Winds of Change is anonymous, not mentioned.
Question: What is the theme of the class 9 story Winds of Change?
Ans. The central message of the story Winds of Change is the history and cultural significance of the craft of making hand fans.
Question: What is Phadh hand fan?
Ans. The Phadh fans of Uttar Pradesh are richly decorated with gold, silver zari, silk, and satin, making them look luxurious.
Question: What were Pankhas used for in ancient times?
Ans. In ancient times they were used in temples to fan dieties.
Question: What is the story Winds of change about?
Ans. The story Winds of change is about the history of hand fans. The lesson discusses the craft of making handfans as is seen in various regions of India. It gives a peek into the various materials used to make ornate hand fans, their uses, etc.
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Summary of the Lesson Winds of Change in Hindi
हाथ के पंखे को हिंदी में ‘पंखे’ भी कहते हैं। यह शब्द ‘पंख’ से आया है, जिसका मतलब होता है चिड़िया का पंख। ‘पंखी’ पंखे के छोटे रूप को कहते हैं। अगर हम इतिहास के पन्ने पलटें, तो हाथ के पंखों के इस्तेमाल का ज़िक्र दूसरी सदी से मिलता है। यह अजंता की गुफाओं में बनी बौद्ध भित्ति-चित्रों में देखा जा सकता है।
इन हाथ के पंखों का पारंपरिक इस्तेमाल मंदिरों में देवी-देवताओं को हवा देने के लिए और राजदरबारों में राजाओं को हवा देने के लिए किया जाता था। इनका आकार दो इंच जितना छोटा भी हो सकता था और इतना बड़ा भी कि उन्हें घुमाने के लिए पूरे हाथ की ताकत लगानी पड़ती थी। भारत के अलग-अलग इलाकों में हाथ के पंखों के अलग-अलग रूप विकसित हुए हैं, जिनमें वे वहीं मिलने वाली प्राकृतिक चीज़ों का इस्तेमाल करते हैं।
आजकल हाथ के पंखों का इस्तेमाल सिर्फ़ सजावट के लिए किया जाता है।
राजस्थान में हाथ के पंखों के ये प्रकार मिलते हैं:
- एप्लिक पंखा: इसमें अलग-अलग आकार और डिज़ाइन के कपड़े के टुकड़ों को एक बड़े कपड़े पर सिलकर जोड़ा जाता है।
- ज़रदोज़ी हाथ का पंखा: इसमें सजावटी, चमकीले सुनहरे धागे की कढ़ाई की जाती है।
- मंदिर का हाथ का पंखा: यह पीतल का बना होता है, इस पर नक्काशी होती है और इसका हैंडल लंबा होता है।
- गत्ते के पंखे: इन पर हाथ से चित्र बनाए जाते हैं और इन्हें भगवान को चढ़ाया जाता है।
गुजरात राज्य में हाथ के पंखों के ये रूप मिलते हैं:
- सूती पंखे: इनमें शीशे का काम और क्रॉस-स्टिच कढ़ाई होती है, जो हाथ से की जाती है।
- मोतियों वाले हाथ के पंखे: इनमें मोतियों का काम होता है।
- हाथ से सिले हुए चमड़े के पंखे: इनमें धागे और ऊन की सिलाई होती है।
बंगाल के हाथ के पंखे:
- सोला पंखे: ये नाज़ुक पंखे होते हैं, जिनके बीच में सोला (एक तरह का पौधा) का दूधिया-सफेद और नरम हिस्सा होता है।
- ताड़ के पत्ते का हाथ का पंखा: इसे ‘ताल पातर पंखा’ भी कहते हैं।
उत्तर प्रदेश के हाथ के पंखे:
- ‘फाध’ हाथ के पंखे: इन्हें सोने और चांदी की ज़री, रेशम और साटन की झालरों से सजाया जाता है।
ओडिशा का हाथ का पंखा:
- ताड़ के पत्ते का बड़ा पंखा।
बिहार का हाथ का पंखा:
- बांस के हाथ के पंखे: ये रंग-बिरंगे और मज़बूत होते हैं।
आदिवासी हाथ के पंखे: इनमें घास, बांस की डंडियों, बेंत और ताड़ के पत्तों के साथ रेशम और पीतल का इस्तेमाल करके अलग-अलग डिज़ाइन और ज्यामितीय पैटर्न बनाए जाते हैं।
अब, हाथ के पंखे बनाने की कला एक व्यापार बन गई है और कारीगरों को रोज़ी-रोटी का ज़रिया देती है। हस्तशिल्प प्रदर्शनियों में वर्कशॉप जैसे कदम हाथ के पंखों की अलग-अलग किस्मों के बारे में जागरूकता फैलाने और उन्हें बढ़ावा देने में मदद करते हैं।
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