Book - Kaveri L- The Pot maker

           L- 2.           The Pot Maker

                                  By - Temsula  Ao 

INTRODUCTION OF WRITER    

Temsula Ao was a famous Indian writer, poet, and professor from Nagaland. She was known for writing about the life, culture, traditions, and struggles of the Naga people. Her writings are simple, meaningful, and deeply connected with human emotions and village life. She received many awards for her contribution to literature. Through her stories, she highlighted values like hard work, honesty, and respect for traditional art and culture.

INTRODUCTIONS OF The LESSON  -The Pot Maker

The Pot Maker is a beautiful lesson written by Temsula Ao. It tells the story of a skilled village potter who makes clay pots with great care and dedication. The lesson highlights the importance of traditional craftsmanship and the dignity of labour. It also shows how modern machines and changing times affect the lives of local artisans. Through this lesson, the writer teaches us to respect hardworking people and preserve traditional skills and art.

Characters of The Pot Maker

Santila – The main character and a hardworking pot maker.

Onula – A caring and supportive character in Santila’s life.

Santila’s  Mother – She is loving, caring, and supportive. She represents traditional family values and village life.

Villagers / Customers – They buy and use the pots made by Santila.

MESSAGE  Of  The LESSON 

The lesson The Pot Maker gives the message that every form of honest work deserves respect and dignity. It teaches us to value hardworking artisans and traditional craftsmen who preserve culture through their skills. The story also highlights the importance of patience, dedication, simplicity, and family support. Through Santila’s life, the writer reminds us that traditional art and cultural heritage should be protected and appreciated even in the modern world.

CHECK  YOUR  UNDERSTANDING 

 Q - 1 Do you think pot making is easy? If yes, why? If no, why not? In the poem “The Pot Maker”.

 Answer - No, pot making is not easy. The passage shows that it requires a lot of hard work, patience, and skill. The potter has to travel far to collect clay, carry heavy loads, and pound the clay to soften it. Shaping the clay on the wheel also requires great care and practice. After shaping, the pots must be dried in the sun and fired in a kiln at the correct temperature. Even a small mistake in shaping or firing can ruin the entire batch. Therefore, pot making is a difficult and demanding craft.

Q-2 Would Sentila be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker? Explain.

 Answer - Yes, Sentila is able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker. From childhood, she shows a deep interest in the craft and patiently observes expert potters at work. Even though her mother, Arenla, is initially reluctant to teach her, Sentila continues practising and learning. With the guidance of Onula and by carefully watching her mother’s techniques, she gradually improves. Finally, she succeeds in making a row of beautiful pots that are as good as her mother’s. This shows that her determination, patience, and passion help her achieve her dream.

Q-3 Do you think Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila? Give a reason. In the chapter “The Pot Maker”.

Answer -Yes, Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila. Mesoba already shows support when he tells the village council that people will soon see Sentila making the best pots in the village. Although Arenla is initially reluctant because pot making is hard work and does not earn much money, she eventually teaches Sentila the skill. This shows that despite her worries, Arenla also supports her daughter’s interest and helps her learn the craft.

CHECK  YOUR  UNDERSTANDING 

 Q- 1 Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? In the chapter “The Pot Maker”.

 Answer -Yes, Onula’s support helped Sentila greatly. She encouraged Sentila when she felt frustrated and taught her the correct way to shape a pot. Onula also helped her relax and gain confidence, which allowed Sentila to work better with the clay. She guided Sentila to observe her mother carefully while shaping the mouth of the pot. With this encouragement and guidance, Sentila improved her skills and finally succeeded in making beautiful pots.

Q-2 Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?

 Answer -This shows that Sentila is very determined, patient, and eager to learn. Even though she faced difficulties at first, she carefully watched her mother’s techniques and tried to understand every step of the process. Her keen observation and strong interest helped her improve and eventually become a skilled pot maker.

Q-3 Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence. 

1. Sentila was passionate about pottery but did not share it with her mother. 
2. Sentila observed how other expert potters crafted beautiful pots. 
3. Sentila overheard her mother saying that pot making was a tiring job and earned little money. 
4. The village council called Mesoba to know about Arenla’s unwillingness to teach pottery to Sentila. 
5. Sentila learnt the art of pot making from her mother for a year but was unsuccessful. 
6. Onula guided Sentila in the art of pot making. 
7. Arenla made a new batch of pots and asked Sentila to continue the work as she was unwell. 
8. Sentila was able to make pots quickly and skilfully, just one less than her mother’s. 
9. Onula observed two rows of pots in the shed, which she felt were the work of two people. 
10. Answers  - 4, 3 ,6,1, 8,5, 2, 9,7