The new NCERT Class 9 English textbook Kaveri aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting Indian literature and cultural rootedness . Unit 3: The Winds of Change is an expository article that explores the rich tradition of Indian hand fans, or pankhas, tracing their journey from ancient utility items to decorative cultural artefacts . At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we believe such texts help students connect with India’s cultural heritage while developing essential language skills.
📘 Full Lesson Summary
Origin and Meaning of Pankha
The words “punkha” or “pankha” originate from the word “pankh,” meaning the feather of a bird . A smaller version, the “pankhi,” was a small plumed fan used in ancient India . Evidence of these fans can be found in Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta dating back to the 2nd century CE, as well as in embroidery, sculptures, and carvings .
Ancient Uses and Cultural Significance
In ancient times, pankhas served important ceremonial roles. They were used in temples to fan deities, showing their connection to worship and ritual practice. They were also used in royal courts to fan kings, linking them to power and prestige . Pankhas varied widely in size—some were as small as two inches, while others were very large and required a person’s full arm strength to operate .
Regional Diversity and Materials
Although the basic use of fans was common across India, different villages and towns developed their own traditional varieties . Artisans used diverse materials based on geography and cultural practices:
Pankhas in Modern Times
In modern times, the use of pankhas has been restricted mainly to decorative purposes, and they have become traditional craft items in India . With the advent of electric fans and air conditioners, their practical everyday use declined. However, the craft has transformed into a commercial business, providing livelihood to many artisans, especially home-based women workers in states like Gujarat .
Preserving the Craft
The chapter stresses the need to preserve this traditional craft through:
Celebrating and appreciating pankhas and the stories behind them
Providing artisans with platforms to display and sell their work
Promoting workshops and handicraft exhibitions
🧠 Key Themes and Message
📝 Solved MCQs with Answers
1. The word ‘pankha’ originates from the word:
(a) Pankhi
(b) Pankh
(c) Pankti
(d) Pankaj
Answer: (b) The words ‘punkha’ or ‘pankha’ come from the word ‘pankh,’ meaning feather of a bird .
2. Evidence of ancient pankhas can be found in:
(a) Mughal miniature paintings
(b) Ajanta cave paintings
(c) Ajanta cave paintings dating back to the 2nd century CE
(d) Mughal miniature paintings dating back to the 2nd century CE
Answer: (c) Evidence can be seen in Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta dating back to the 2nd century CE .
3. In ancient times, pankhas were used in:
(a) Temples only
(b) Royal courts only
(c) Temples and royal courts
(d) Schools and colleges
Answer: (c) Pankhas were used in temples to fan deities and in royal courts to fan kings .
4. Which state is known for zardozi hand fans?
(a) Gujarat
(b) West Bengal
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (c) Rajasthan is known for appliqué and zardozi hand fans decorated with glittering gold thread embroidery .
5. What are palm leaf fans called in West Bengal?
(a) Phadh fans
(b) Tal Patar Pankha
(c) Zardozi fans
(d) Appliqué fans
Answer: (b) In Bengal, palm leaf fans are locally called Tal Patar Pankha .
6. In modern times, pankhas are mostly used for:
(a) Cooling in daily life
(b) Temple rituals
(c) Decorative purposes
(d) Travel
Answer: (c) In modern times, pankhas are no longer used for everyday cooling and are mostly decorative and traditional craft items .
7. What does the title “Winds of Change” refer to?
(a) The breeze created by pankhas
(b) The changing role of pankhas over time
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) The weather in India
Answer: (c) The title reflects both the literal breeze created by pankhas and the changes in their cultural role over time .
📝 Solved Questions and Answers
Short Answer Questions
Q1. How does the title “Winds of Change” capture the essence of the chapter?
Answer: The title works on two levels. On the surface, a pankha is a hand fan that creates a breeze or wind, so the title playfully names the very object the essay is about . On a deeper level, “change” refers to how the pankha’s role has shifted over time—from being a functional item used in temples and royal courts to a decorative craft piece in modern India . The title also hints at the need for change in attitudes to preserve this dying art form .
Q2. Support the statement with any two relevant examples: “The structure and design of pankhas are testimony to the cultural identity of the region.”
Answer: The statement is supported by two clear examples from the chapter :
The zardozi hand fan of Rajasthan uses glittering gold threadwork, reflecting the rich and royal heritage of Rajasthan, known for its opulence and grandeur.
The beads hand fan of Gujarat is covered with colourful beads and has a silver handle, reflecting Gujarat’s identity as the centre of bead craft in India and the artistic skills of its home-based women workers.
Q3. Why are pankhas losing their presence in modern India?
Answer: With the advancement of technology and the advent of electric fans, coolers, and air conditioners, the practical need for hand fans has reduced significantly . People now prefer modern cooling devices that are more convenient and effective. However, pankhas still remain important as cultural and artistic objects, even though their everyday use has declined .
Q4. How might initiatives such as pankha-making workshops contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft?
Answer: Pankha-making workshops can contribute to preservation in several ways :
They spread awareness about the history, cultural significance, and artistry of pankhas.
They provide a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and connect with potential buyers.
They teach younger generations the techniques of pankha-making, ensuring the knowledge is not lost.
By generating public interest, they can increase commercial demand, making the craft economically viable.
Long Answer Questions
Q5. Discuss the regional diversity of pankhas in India as described in the chapter.
Answer: The chapter beautifully illustrates the regional diversity of pankhas across India :
Rajasthan is known for appliqué fans (fabric pieces stitched onto cloth), zardozi fans (gold thread embroidery), engraved brass temple fans with long handles, and painted cardboard fans offered to gods.
Gujarat produces cotton fans with mirror work, bead-covered fans with silver handles, and hand-stitched leather fans from Kutch decorated with thread and wool. Home-based women workers play a key role in making these embroidered fans.
West Bengal is famous for sola (water grass) fans and palm leaf fans known as Tal Patar Pankha, commonly found in households.
Uttar Pradesh produces Phadh fans adorned with pure gold, silver zari, silk, and satin frills.
Odisha and Bihar are known for large palm leaf fans and sturdy bamboo fans.
Tribal communities create pankhas using grass, metal, cane, palm leaves, and bamboo sticks, decorated with geometrical patterns and white ink on red backgrounds.
The structure of each fan reflects the cultural core and artistic traditions of its region .
Q6. Evaluate how the balance between preserving traditional craftsmanship and incorporating innovative designs can help save the pankha craft.
Answer: Balancing traditional craftsmanship with innovative designs is a very effective way to save the pankha culture :
If artisans stick only to traditional methods, they may struggle to attract modern buyers who prefer contemporary aesthetics.
If they completely abandon tradition, the cultural value of the pankha will be lost.
By combining both—keeping traditional materials and techniques while adding new patterns or modern designs—artisans can appeal to a wider audience.
This approach makes pankhas relevant in today’s world while preserving their cultural roots. It creates a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring the craft survives and thrives .
Q7. How does the shift of pankhas from functional objects to decorative items reflect changing cultural roles in modern India?
Answer: The shift of pankhas from functional objects to decorative items reflects how modernisation has changed Indian lifestyle and culture :
With the widespread use of electric fans and air conditioners, the practical need for hand fans has reduced significantly.
However, the fact that pankhas are still kept as decorative items shows that people still value them for their aesthetic and cultural significance.
This reflects a bittersweet change—while pankhas are no longer a daily necessity, they are still respected as symbols of Indian heritage and craftsmanship.
This shift also shows how traditional crafts often find new roles in society to survive, adapting to changing times while maintaining their cultural importance.
🌟 How Dhingra Classes Helps Students Excel
At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we provide:
Conceptual understanding – Exploring the deeper meaning of texts and their cultural significance.
Exam-focused preparation – Practice with MCQs, short and long answer questions, and extract-based questions.
Interactive learning – Group discussions, quizzes, and doubt-clearing sessions.
Personalized attention – Helping every student build confidence and excel.
📞 Contact Dhingra Classes Nashik
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