L - 3. WIINDS OF CHANGE
INTRODUCTION OF LESSON
The lesson “Winds of Change” highlights how change is an important part of life and society. It explains how new ideas, inventions, and technology bring progress and improve people’s lives. The lesson especially focuses on the development and importance of different kinds of fans and how they make our daily life comfortable.
It also describes the transformation of old hand-operated fans into modern electric fans and advanced cooling systems. This change has made people’s lives easier, more comfortable, and more convenient by saving time and reducing hard work. The lesson teaches us to accept positive changes and use modern inventions wisely for a better future.
ESSENCE OF THE LESSON
👉 The word pankha is derived from pankh, which means a bird's feather.
👉 Pankhas have been used in India since ancient times, as seen in Ajanta cave paints, sculptures, and embroidery.
👉 In olden times, these pankhas were commonly used in homes, temples, farms and in royal courts.
👉 The were made in different sizes, from small tolarge ones operated with ropes.
👉 Different regions of India developed their own unique styles of Pankhas based on local culture and materials. As leather, bamboo,silk,beads and metal were used in making of them.
👉 With the introduction of electric fans, pankhas gradually lost their practical importance.
👉 Presently they have become decorative handicrafts that provide livelihood to many artisans and help preserve the cultural heritage.
WORD MEANINGS
Pankha - a traditional hand fan
Evidence - proof
Carvings - designs, figures
Deities - gods or divine beings
Exotic - unusual and attractive
Substantial- large or important
Distinct - clearly different
Rituals - religious or cultural ceremonies
Applique - decorative needlework where fabric is stiched on fabric.
Ornamental - decorative
Glittering - shining brightly
Indigenous - native or local to a place
Elegant - graceful and stylish
Dainty - small , delicate and pretty
Adventure- arrival
Innovative - new and creative
Sturdy - strong and solid
Antiquity - ancient times
Contemporary - modern
Initiatives - new plans or actions to start something
. Reflect and Respond
Q - 1 Does anyone in your family use a hand fan? What do you call it in your language? What is it made of ?
ANSWER - Sample answer: Yes, hand fans are sometimes used in my family during hot weather or power cuts.
We call it a pankha. It is usually made of palm leaf or bamboo.
II Work in pairs. Study the pictures given below carefully and complete the information. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Assam — Shape: round and Circular. Made - bamboo
Kerala — Shape: leaf-shaped / oval , semi- Circular. -Made of: Palm leaf
Uttar Pradesh - shape - rectangular . Made of: Moonj grass
III Work in pairs. Match the underlined words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2 given on the next page. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
indigenous — local — from where it originated
innovative — new and original in approach
industrious — hardworking
intricate — elaborate/detailed
invoked — brought out
initiatives — actions to improve a situation
👉 Check Your Understanding
I -Work in pairs to complete the table on pankha. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
State- Type of fan. Materials used
Rajasthan. applique hand fan. Pieces of fabric sewn onto cloth with ornamental needlework
Rajasthan. Zardozi hand fan. Gold thread
Rajasthan Temple hand fans. engraved on brass
Gujarat Mirror work hand fans. Cotton based embellished. with mirror
Gujarat. Beads hand fans. Beads
Gujarat (Kutch) leather hand fans. Leather, decorated with. thread and wool
West Bengal. Sola hand fans. Milky white spongy centre of sola
Uttar Pradesh. Phadh hand fans. Pure gold , silver zari, silk and. satin fills
Bihar. Bamboo hand fans. Bamboo
Critical Reflection
Q- 1 Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Over times, pankhas became ............................. ..... from one another.
1 State Whether the Following Statements is true or false.
Pankhas were one of the most popular items of commerce.
Answer - True ( pankhas were traded through trade routes and were valued as crucial cultural goods.
Q-2 Why has the word ' traditional ' been used to describe pankhas?
Answer - The word 'traditional ' has been used for pankhas because they are in use since ancient times and are connected with local culture, customs and regional craftsmanship.
Q-3 Complete the following statement.
The sentence ' they were considered Exotic and stylish ' is an opinion and not a fact because...
Answer - Because Exotic and stylish are personal judgements and can different from person to person.
Q- 4 Infer one reason for commonality in the use of pankhas across India.
Answer - Pankhas were commonly used across India because they were simple tools for cooling and were needed in hot climatic conditions across the country.
(v) Select which one of the two statements is the correct assertion for the given reason.
Reason: Pankhas were made of indigenous materials, unique to the region, with elaborate designs.
A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other.
B. Pankhas were used by many people.
Answer: A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other.
Extract 2
With time and----------------------‐----- the pankhas being crafted.
- (i) Infer one negative impact of technological advancement on pankha.
Answer: A negative impact is that pankhas are slowly losing their presence among Indians.
(ii) Complete the statement with an appropriate reason.
The writer refers to ‘pankhas’ not just as an object but as a ‘culture’ because _.
Answer: they carry stories, artistry, traditions, and regional identity, not just practical use.
(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 and now provides some form of livelihood to India’s artisans.”
(iv) List one way in which the increase in demand of pankhas might benefit artisans.
Answer: It can provide artisans with livelihood.
(v) Select the factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas.
A. cultural preservation
B. economic demand
C. technological advancements
D. artisan initiative
Answer: B. economic demand
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” reflects the shift from traditional handmade pankhas to modern electric fans. It shows how technology and changing lifestyles have transformed people’s daily lives. Handmade pankhas, once commonly used, gradually lost importance because electric fans became more convenient and effective. Thus, the title symbolises social progress and changing traditions in modern society.
Q-2 Support the statement with any two relevant examples from the chapter.
Answer- Rajasthan ’s applique and zardozi pankhas are decorated with gold thread and beautiful needlework, reflecting the royal culture and rich craftsmanship of the region. Bengal’s sola pankhas are made from natural sola plants and display delicate artistic skill. These examples show how the design and materials of pankhas represent the traditions, lifestyle, and cultural identity of different regions.
.Q-3 The chapter mentions pankhas running the risk of slowly losing their presence among Indians. Evaluate how the balance between preserving traditional craftsmanship and incorporating innovative designs in the creation of pankhas will help in this regard.
Answer- Balancing traditional craftsmanship with innovative designs can help pankhas remain important in modern times. Traditional methods preserve cultural heritage, while new designs attract modern buyers. This combination increases the popularity and market value of pankhas. As a result, artisans get better opportunities, and the traditional craft continues to survive for future generations.
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 by training new artisans and spreading awareness about its cultural importance. These workshops encourage young people to learn traditional skills and develop interest in handmade crafts. They also support artisans by promoting their work and ensuring that the art of pankha-making is passed on to future generations.
Q-5 The writer mentions celebrating pankhas in the concluding part of the chapter. Assess how this could be beneficial to artisans and the craft.
Answer -Celebrating pankhas through exhibitions, fairs, and cultural programmes can increase appreciation for this traditional craft. It helps artisans gain recognition and improve their sales and income. Such celebrations also encourage people to value India’s cultural heritage. As public interest grows, artisans feel motivated to continue their craft and preserve it successfully.
Q-6 . How does the restriction of the use of pankha for decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of these traditional fans in modern India?
Answer -The use of pankhas mainly for decoration shows that modern technology has replaced their practical importance. Earlier, pankhas were commonly used for cooling, but electric fans now serve that purpose more effectively. However, traditional pankhas still survive as decorative and cultural items, reflecting their artistic value and connection with India’s rich heritage.
COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q.1. How has the transformation of old fans into modern cooling devices changed people’s lives? What values do we learn from this development?
Answer -The transformation of old hand-operated fans into modern electric fans and advanced cooling devices has greatly changed people’s lives. In earlier times, people depended on manual fans and natural air for comfort during hot weather. It required physical effort and did not provide enough relief. With the invention of electric fans, coolers, and air conditioners, life has become easier, more comfortable, and convenient. People can now work, study, and sleep peacefully even during extreme summer conditions.
This development also shows the power of human intelligence, creativity, and scientific progress. It teaches us that inventions are made to solve problems and improve human life. The lesson encourages us to accept positive changes and use technology wisely for the benefit of society.
Q.2. “Change is necessary for progress.” Explain this statement with reference to the lesson Winds of Change.
Answer- The lesson “Winds of Change” clearly explains that change is an important part of growth and progress. In the past, people used simple hand fans to get relief from heat. Over time, new ideas and technology led to the invention of electric fans and other modern cooling systems. These inventions made life more comfortable and reduced human effort.
The lesson shows that if people continue to think creatively and accept change, society can develop in many ways. Scientific inventions not only save time and energy but also improve the quality of life.
The transformation of old fans into modern devices is a perfect example of how positive change brings comfort, convenience, and progress. Thus, the lesson teaches us to welcome new ideas and advancements for a better future.
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