This MCQ module is based on: Winds of Change — Pankhas of India
TOPIC 7 OF 24
Winds of Change — Pankhas of India
🎓 Class 9
English
CBSE
Theory
Ch 3 — Winds of Change
⏱ ~30 min
🌐 Language: [gtranslate]
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Before You Read
Unit 3 — Theme: Winds of Change | Traditional Crafts & Cultural Identity
Connect to Your World
Does anyone in your family use a hand fan? What do you call it in your language? What is it made of? Share your responses with your partner.
Anticipation Guide
True or False — before reading, predict: "Different regions of India developed their own unique varieties of hand fans." Discuss why you think so.
Visual Prediction
Think of fans from Assam, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh. What differences in shape and material would you expect? Why might geography influence craft materials?
Vocabulary Warm-Up — Match the Words
Match each word from the text to its correct meaning. These words appear in "Winds of Change."
indigenous — (a) imported from abroad / (b) local, originating from the same region / (c) mass-produced
intricate — (a) simple and plain / (b) elaborate and detailed / (c) rough and unfinished
industrious — (a) factory-made / (b) lazy / (c) hardworking and diligent
advent — (a) the arrival or coming of something / (b) the end of something / (c) the making of something
indigenous — (b) local, from the same region | intricate — (b) elaborate and detailed | industrious — (c) hardworking | advent — (a) the arrival of something
Discussion Prompt
The title is "Winds of Change." In what two ways might this phrase apply to the topic of traditional pankhas?
Literally, a fan creates a "wind" or breeze. Figuratively, "winds of change" suggests that traditions are being transformed by technology and modern lifestyles. The title holds both meanings simultaneously — a clever double meaning that invites the reader to think about cultural preservation.
Winds of Change
Unit 3, Kaveri — Class 9 English | Imagery Symbolism Personification
1
The term punkha (or pankha) has its roots in the word pankh, which refers to a bird's feather. While pankha is a general word for all types of fans, pankhi specifically means a small, plumed fan that was used in ancient India. The presence of such fans in India can be traced as far back as the 2nd century CE — evidence of which can be found in the Buddhist murals at Ajanta. These fans also appear in embroidery, sculptures, and stone carvings across the country. Imagery
2
In earlier times, pankhas served important ceremonial functions. They were used in temples to invoke reverence as deities were fanned during rituals. In royal courts, pankhas were waved to cool kings and nobles, signalling both comfort and status. The sizes varied remarkably — from a tiny two-inch fan to enormous ones that required a person's full arm strength. Imagery
3
With the passage of time, pankhas grew into significant cultural objects that travelled along trade routes. They came to be regarded as exotic and fashionable items. Despite a broad commonality in their use across the country, individual villages and towns began developing their own distinct versions of the traditional fan. Each place crafted pankhas using local materials and intricate designs that made them recognisable and unique. Symbolism
4
The variety of materials used in pankha-making is remarkable. Bamboo, cane, palm leaf, silk, brass, leather, and silver were all employed, with decorative beads and precious stones added according to the customs of each geography, culture, and ritual occasion. Such diversity of materials speaks to India's richness in both natural resources and artistic traditions. Imagery
5
In Rajasthan, pankhas hold a special prominence. The appliqué hand fan is an antique style crafted by stitching pieces of fabric in varied shapes onto a base cloth, using ornamental needlework. The zardozi hand fan, by contrast, is decorated with glittering gold thread, a technique known for its encrusted opulence. Temple pankhas, engraved in brass with long handles, are also a Rajasthani tradition, as are painted cardboard fans offered to deities. Imagery
6
The neighbouring state of Gujarat contributes its own indigenous design — elegant pure-cotton fans decorated with mirror work. The bead-covered hand fan, with its silver handle, is a particularly dainty object used as wall decoration. Gujarat is recognised as the centre of bead craft in India. The Kutch region offers hand-stitched leather fans trimmed with thread and wool at the seams. Industrious home-based women workers have produced embroidered fans using traditional cross-stitch and mirror work in multiple shapes and sizes. Imagery
Check Your Understanding — Section A
L1 Recall Q1. Where does evidence of the earliest use of pankhas in India appear?
Evidence of the use of pankhas in ancient India can be found in the Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta, which date back to the 2nd century CE. They also appear in embroidery, sculptures, and carvings.
L2 Understand Q2. Why did different regions develop their own varieties of pankhas despite a common tradition?
Although pankhas were used across India, each village and town had access to different local materials, followed distinct cultural practices, and developed unique artistic traditions. These regional factors led to the creation of pankhas with distinct materials and intricate designs that set each variety apart.
L4 Analyse Q3. What does the variety of materials used in pankha-making suggest about India's cultural identity?
The variety of materials — bamboo, silk, brass, leather, palm leaf, and beads — reflects India's diversity in natural resources and its equally rich tradition of local craftsmanship. The choice of material in each region was shaped by geography, culture, and ritual, making each pankha a product of its environment and community identity.
7
Artisans in Bengal craft delicate pankhas from the spongy, milky-white inner pith of the sola plant — a type of water grass. These fans, locally called Tal Patar Pankha, are lightweight, easy to carry, and a perpetually cherished possession in Bengali households across generations.
8
Other states add to this tapestry of tradition. The Phadh hand fans of Uttar Pradesh are adorned with pure gold, silver zari, silk, and satin frills. Bihar's bamboo fans are sturdy and colourful, while Odisha's large palm leaf fans are recognised across India for their antiquity and rarity. Imagery
9
Tribal communities across India have also made the pankha their own, embedding grass and metal into frames of bamboo and cane. Their pankhas often feature bold geometrical patterns, striking white ink on red backgrounds, resulting in visually powerful creations that draw attention to tribal artistry. Imagery
10
Yet, in contemporary India, the beautiful tradition of pankha-making faces a slow erosion. With the advent of technology and mass-produced cooling devices, fewer people use hand fans for practical purposes. The pankha, once an everyday household object, has largely shifted to a decorative or ceremonial role. Personification The craft itself "runs the risk" of fading from everyday life — a poignant reminder of how modernity can quietly displace tradition.
11
Despite these challenges, there is a cautious optimism. The pankha has transformed from a personal use item into a commercial product, providing livelihood to artisans. As demand increases — particularly for diverse, crafted versions — artisans have an opportunity to sustain their craft economically. The slight uptick in popularity signals that the culture of the pankha is not entirely lost.
12
The most meaningful step towards preservation is celebrating the pankha — appreciating the artistry, stories, and culture it embodies. Workshops in handicraft exhibitions, both in India and abroad, help spread awareness and give artisans a sustainable commercial platform. Recognising the pankha as a cultural treasure, rather than a quaint curiosity, is how this tradition will endure. Symbolism
Check Your Understanding — Complete the Table
Fill in the blanks based on your reading. Discuss your answers with your classmates.
| State | Type of Fan | Material Used |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Appliqué hand fan | ______________________ |
| ______________________ | Zardozi fan | Gold thread |
| Gujarat | Mirror work hand fan | ______________________ |
| West Bengal | ______________________ | Sola pith |
| Uttar Pradesh | Phadh hand fan | ______________________ |
| Bihar | ______________________ | Bamboo |
Rajasthan appliqué: pieces of fabric, ornamental needlework | Zardozi state: Rajasthan | Gujarat mirror work: pure cotton | West Bengal fan: Sola/Tal Patar Pankha | UP Phadh: pure gold, silver zari, silk, satin frills | Bihar fan: colourful bamboo hand fan
Word Power — Key Vocabulary
Click any highlighted word in the passage to open its definition. Study these words from the text.
indigenous
adjective
Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; local to the region where it is found.
"Gujarat has its own indigenous take on pankhas."
innovative
adjective
New and original in approach; introducing or using new ideas or methods.
"Innovative creations have transformed the pankha industry."
industrious
adjective
Consistently hardworking and diligent; putting great effort into one's work.
"Gujarat's industrious home-based women workers produced embroidered fans."
intricate
adjective
Very detailed, elaborate, and complex in design or structure.
"Each place developed pankhas with intricate designs."
perpetually
adverb
Constantly; at all times, without interruption.
"Tal Patar Pankhas are perpetually kept as articles of possession."
antiquity
noun
The distant past; the quality of being ancient or of great age.
"Bihar's fans are recognised for their antiquity and rarity."
encrusted
adjective
Covered or decorated with a hard surface layer of gems, stones, or other ornamentation.
"The zardozi fan uses ornate and encrusted gold threadwork."
advent
noun
The arrival or beginning of a notable event or development.
"With the advent of technology, pankhas face the risk of fading."
sustainable
adjective
Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level over time without exhausting resources.
"Workshops help artisans create a sustainable livelihood."
Theme Web — Winds of Change
Click on a theme node to explore the central ideas of this text
Cultural Heritage: The pankha is one of India's oldest cultural artefacts, with evidence dating back to the 2nd century CE. It was used in temples, royal courts, and homes, carrying within it centuries of artistic and spiritual meaning. Preserving it means preserving a living connection to India's past.
Regional Diversity: From Rajasthan's zardozi fans to Bengal's sola pith fans and Gujarat's mirror-work fans, each state developed its own identity through the pankha. The text celebrates how a single tradition can manifest in beautifully diverse forms across a vast country.
Artisan Livelihood: As commercial interest in pankhas grows, artisans — particularly women workers — have found a means of economic sustenance. The text emphasises that supporting this craft is not just cultural preservation but also economic empowerment for skilled workers.
Threat of Modernity: The spread of electric fans and air conditioning has reduced the practical need for hand fans. The text presents this as a "risk" to the craft — suggesting that unless deliberate efforts are made, this tradition may quietly disappear from everyday Indian life.
Craft Preservation: The text proposes active steps — workshops, exhibitions, and celebrations — to keep the pankha tradition alive. Preservation is not passive; it requires deliberate, community-driven initiatives that connect the craft to modern audiences.
Craft as Identity: "The structure of each fan reflects the cultural core of the region that crafts it." The pankha is not merely an object — it is a symbol of a community's identity, values, and creative heritage. To lose the pankha is to lose part of what makes each region of India unique.
Extract-Based Questions (CBSE Format)
Read each extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. These are in the CBSE Critical Reflection format.
Extract 1
"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."
L1(i) State whether the following sentence is True or False: "Pankhas were one of the most popular items of commerce."
False. The extract states that pankhas "became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes" and were "considered exotic and stylish," but it does not claim they were among the most popular commercial items. The emphasis is on cultural exchange, not commercial dominance.
L2(ii) Why has the word 'traditional' been used to describe pankhas?
The word 'traditional' is used because pankhas were not mass-produced items but were crafted through techniques passed down through generations within each community. They were rooted in local customs, rituals, and aesthetics, making them expressions of cultural continuity rather than mere products.
L4(iii) Complete the following: "They were considered exotic and stylish" is an opinion and not a fact because ___________.
It is an opinion because what is "exotic" or "stylish" depends on the perspective and cultural context of the observer. These are subjective judgements that reflect a particular viewpoint — likely that of outsiders or trading partners — rather than a verifiable, objective property of the fans themselves.
L4(iv) Infer one reason for the commonality in the use of pankhas across India.
India's predominantly warm climate meant that a cooling device was a near-universal need across all regions. This shared environmental condition created a broad common use for the pankha, even as each region gave it its own distinctive form and decoration.
L5(v) Select 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.
A. The use of region-specific materials and intricate, locally developed designs is precisely what made each variety of pankha visually and culturally distinct. Option A directly links the reason (unique materials and elaborate designs) to the consequence (distinguishability).
Extract 2
"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."
L4(i) Infer one negative impact of technological advancement on the pankha.
Technology has made electric fans and air conditioners widely accessible, reducing the practical need for hand fans. As a result, fewer people use pankhas in their daily lives, diminishing demand for the craft and threatening the livelihoods of artisans who depend on it.
L4(ii) Complete the statement: "The writer refers to pankhas not just as an object but as a 'culture' because ___________."
The writer calls it a 'culture' because the pankha embodies the stories, artistic practices, community knowledge, and regional identity of the people who make and use it. It is not just a physical object but a living expression of tradition, craft skill, and cultural memory passed down through generations.
L2(iii) Select a line from the extract that depicts how the role of the pankha has changed over the years.
"Once made for personal use, over time this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business." This line clearly marks the shift from pankha as a domestic, handcrafted object to a commodity produced and sold within a commercial market.
L1(iv) List one way in which the increase in demand of pankhas might benefit artisans.
An increase in demand gives artisans a regular source of income, enabling them to continue practising and passing on their craft. It creates a sustainable livelihood that allows skilled craftspeople — especially women and tribal artisans — to earn from their traditional skills.
L5(v) Select the factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas: A. cultural preservation B. economic demand C. technological advancements D. artisan initiative
B. Economic demand. The extract states that the "slight increase in popularity and demand" is what has driven pankhas into the commercial space. It is the market demand for different crafted versions that has turned the pankha from a personal item into a commercial product.
Critical Reflection — Answer the Questions
L4 Analyse 1. How does the title 'Winds of Change' capture the essence of the chapter?
The title works on two levels. Literally, a pankha creates a wind or breeze — its very purpose is to move air. Figuratively, "winds of change" refers to the cultural and technological transformations that are reshaping the pankha tradition. The craft that once created cooling winds now faces the winds of modernity, which threaten to sweep away this age-old tradition. The title thus captures both the identity of the object and the challenge it faces in contemporary India.
L4 Analyse 2. Support the statement: 'The structure and design of pankhas are testimony to the cultural identity of the region.' Give two examples from the chapter.
The statement is well-supported by two examples. First, Rajasthan's zardozi fan, decorated with glittering gold thread, reflects the region's association with opulence, royalty, and intricate needlework traditions. Second, Gujarat's mirror-work fan, crafted by home-based women workers, reflects the state's reputation for bead craft and its strong tradition of community-based artisanship. In each case, the fan's materials and style speak directly to local identity and heritage.
L5 Evaluate 3. Evaluate how the balance between preserving traditional craftsmanship and incorporating innovative designs in pankha-making will help the craft survive.
A thoughtful balance between tradition and innovation is essential for the pankha's survival. Preserving traditional techniques — such as appliqué needlework or sola pith crafting — ensures cultural continuity and maintains the craft's authenticity. At the same time, incorporating innovative designs makes pankhas more attractive to contemporary buyers. This dual approach allows artisans to appeal to both heritage enthusiasts and modern consumers, creating a commercially viable product that does not compromise its cultural soul. Without innovation, the craft risks becoming irrelevant; without tradition, it loses the very identity that makes it valuable.
L4 Analyse 4. How might initiatives such as pankha-making workshops contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft?
Pankha-making workshops serve multiple purposes simultaneously. They spread awareness about the historical and cultural significance of the craft to a wider audience. They provide artisans with a platform to demonstrate their skills, potentially attracting buyers and collaborators. They also help in transmitting craft knowledge to younger generations, ensuring continuity. Additionally, handicraft exhibitions give artisans commercial opportunities beyond their local communities, enabling them to reach national and international markets.
L5 Evaluate 5. Assess how celebrating pankhas could benefit both artisans and the craft itself.
Celebrating pankhas benefits artisans by generating commercial interest, bringing them recognition, and providing income through sales and commissions. For the craft itself, celebration creates a sense of cultural pride and relevance. When people appreciate pankhas not just as functional objects but as artistic and cultural treasures, they are more likely to buy them, recommend them, and support their continued production. This increased visibility can help pull the craft back from the brink of obscurity and connect it with new generations of admirers.
L4 Analyse 6. How does the restriction of the use of pankha to decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of traditional fans in modern India?
When an everyday object is reduced to a decorative item, it signals a shift in function — from utility to symbol. The pankha's move from a practical cooling device to a wall decoration or ceremonial object reflects how modern conveniences have replaced traditional tools. However, this shift is not entirely negative; as a decorative item, the pankha continues to carry cultural meaning and aesthetic value. It becomes an artefact of identity rather than of function, representing the region it comes from and the hands that made it.
Grammar in Context — The Present Perfect Tense
The text uses the present perfect tense frequently. This tense describes actions completed in the past that have relevance or connection to the present.
Formation: Subject + have/has + Past Participle
Use has with singular third-person subjects (he, she, it); use have with all others (I, you, we, they, plural nouns).
In modern times, pankhas have become traditional craft items in India.
Gujarat's industrious home-based women workers have worked tirelessly in the handicraft of pankha-making.
This handicraft has transformed into a commercial business.
Sentence Transformation Practice
Convert these sentences into the present perfect tense:
Simple Past: Many tribes adopted this handicraft.
Present Perfect: Many tribes have adopted this handicraft.
Simple Past: The artisans preserved their traditional techniques.
Present Perfect: The artisans have preserved their traditional techniques.
Simple Past: The demand for pankhas increased slightly.
Present Perfect: The demand for pankhas has increased slightly.
Fill in the Blanks — Present Perfect
Complete the passage about puppetry using the present perfect form of the verbs given in brackets.
Puppets have long fascinated (fascinate) audiences worldwide. Puppeteers (i) __________ (create) intricate characters and captivating stories with their skilful artistry. They (ii) __________ (master) the delicate movements that bring these lifeless figures to life, entertaining both children and adults. Over the years, puppetry (iii) __________ (evolve), using modern technology while preserving traditional techniques. Many puppeteers (iv) __________ (pass) down their craft through generations, ensuring its continuity. They (v) __________ (perform) in theatres, on television, and at festivals, conveying important cultural narratives.
(i) have created | (ii) have mastered | (iii) has evolved | (iv) have passed | (v) have performed
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Fixed Expressions with 'and'
Some common expressions with 'and' have a fixed order — the shorter word comes first. Match the pairs and their meanings.
Word Pairs from the Text
exotic and stylish — Appearance: unusual and fashionable-looking
thread and wool — Material: fibres used in textile crafts
silk and brass — Material: fabric and metal combined in craft
within and outside — Place: both internal and external spaces
ornate and encrusted — Appearance: decorative and gem-covered
villages and towns — Place: small and larger settlements
Fixed Expressions — Complete the Table
Find Word 1 for each fixed expression and match meanings:
| Word 1 | and | Word 2 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| high | and | tear | ______ |
| cut | and | run | ______ |
| all | and | sundry | everyone, not just a few special people |
| wear | and | tear | damage to an object due to normal use |
| time | and | again | often; on many occasions |
| thick | and | thin | even when there are problems or difficulties |
| hard | and | dry | in a difficult situation without help or money |
| fact | and | figures | accurate and detailed information |
Collocations from the Text
Choose the correct collocation in each sentence:
(i) The students have to (take / give) the English exam tomorrow.
(ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to (take / have) a seat.
(iii) My scooter (dashed against / ran into) a car.
(iv) I must (take / own) responsibility for my success.
(v) I would like to (tone up / improve) my grammar.
(ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to (take / have) a seat.
(iii) My scooter (dashed against / ran into) a car.
(iv) I must (take / own) responsibility for my success.
(v) I would like to (tone up / improve) my grammar.
(i) take the exam | (ii) take a seat | (iii) ran into a car | (iv) take responsibility | (v) improve my grammar
Writing Task — Factual Description
Describe an artefact you have made in your craft class or learnt about from someone. A factual description presents information objectively — without the writer's opinions.
Format: Factual Description of an Artefact
Paragraph 1:Name of the object + physical characteristics (shape, size, colour, appearance)
Paragraph 2:Material(s) used + process of making it
Paragraph 3:Region it belongs to + traditional uses + how it has evolved over time
Word Limit:80–100 words | No personal opinions — only facts
Useful Expressions for Factual Writing
The [object] is a [shape/size/colour] object made of ___.
It originates from ___ and is traditionally used for ___.
The process involves ___ and requires ___.
Over time, ___ has come to be used for ___.
It is characterised by ___ and distinguished by ___.
The craft is practised by ___ in the region of ___.
Sample: The Bamboo Hand Fan of Bihar
The bamboo hand fan of Bihar is a circular, flat object approximately 30 centimetres in diameter. It is crafted from the thin, flexible strips of dried bamboo, woven tightly together in a circular pattern. The surface is often painted in vivid colours — red, yellow, and green — creating bold geometrical designs.
The process begins with harvesting young bamboo, which is then split, flattened, and woven by skilled artisans. The coloured designs are applied using natural or synthetic dyes once the weaving is complete.
This fan originates from the rural communities of Bihar and was traditionally used in homes to provide cooling during the summer months. Today, it is increasingly sold as a decorative item at craft fairs and exhibitions across India.
The bamboo hand fan of Bihar is a circular, flat object approximately 30 centimetres in diameter. It is crafted from the thin, flexible strips of dried bamboo, woven tightly together in a circular pattern. The surface is often painted in vivid colours — red, yellow, and green — creating bold geometrical designs.
The process begins with harvesting young bamboo, which is then split, flattened, and woven by skilled artisans. The coloured designs are applied using natural or synthetic dyes once the weaving is complete.
This fan originates from the rural communities of Bihar and was traditionally used in homes to provide cooling during the summer months. Today, it is increasingly sold as a decorative item at craft fairs and exhibitions across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'Winds of Change'?
The central theme is the tension between cultural preservation and modern change. The text celebrates India's rich tradition of pankha-making across different states while warning that this heritage is under threat from technology and changing lifestyles. It argues for active celebration and support of artisans as the path to preservation.
What is present perfect tense and why is it used in this text?
The present perfect tense (have/has + past participle) describes actions completed in the past that have relevance to the present. It is used in this text — e.g., "pankhas have become traditional craft items" — to show how historical changes continue to influence the current situation of the craft.
Name any three states mentioned in the text and their unique pankha traditions.
1. Rajasthan — Zardozi fans with gold threadwork and appliqué fans with ornamental needlework. 2. Gujarat — Mirror-work cotton fans and bead-covered fans with silver handles, especially from Kutch. 3. West Bengal — Delicate Tal Patar Pankha made from the milky-white inner pith of the sola plant.
What does the text suggest as a solution to the decline of pankha-making?
The text suggests celebrating pankhas — appreciating the culture, artistry, and stories they carry. Specific initiatives include pankha-making workshops and participation in handicraft exhibitions, both within India and internationally. These steps give artisans commercial platforms, spread awareness, and help create sustainable livelihoods for craftspeople.
What is Winds of Change — Pankhas of India about in NCERT Class 9 Kaveri?
Winds of Change — Pankhas of India is from NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri (NEP 2020 textbook) covering literary and language concepts with vocabulary, devices, and CBSE-aligned exercises.
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