Chapter 1 of 8
NCERT Solutions
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty)
CBSE · Class 9 · English
NCERT Solutions for How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty) — CBSE Class 9 English.
107 questions36 flashcards5 concepts
Interactive on Super Tutor
Studying How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty)? Get the full interactive chapter.
Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for ncert solutions and more.
1,000+ Class 9 students started this chapter today
82 Questions Solved · 10 Sections
41 worked solutions below. Unlock all 82 free in Super Tutor
Reflect and Respond
IComplete the given word web.Show solution
Complete the web with words connected to grandmother/elderly relatives from the chapter, such as read, study, story, Kashi Yatre, Kannada alphabet, independent, and teacher.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIRead the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.Show solution
Answers will depend on your own experience. You may say, for example: Grandparents speak Kannada/Hindi/Tamil etc.; they spend time reading, resting, praying, or talking; you may spend time with them by talking, helping, or listening to stories; your favourite experience may be hearing their stories; they may not be able to climb stairs easily but enjoy watching you draw, play, or read.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIIRead the following passage. Match the highlighted words with their meanings given in the box below.Show solution
Match each highlighted word to its meaning from the box: protagonist = main character, debate = discussion, episode = a part of a story, community = people living in one particular area, concentration = focus, eagerly = excitedly, convincing = believable, guided = directed.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IRecall the lines of the National Anthem and complete the table given below with the names of the states, mountain ranges, and rivers mentioned in it.Show solution
The national anthem mentions Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Dravida (Tamil Nadu), Utkala, Banga, Vindhya, Himachala/Himalayas, Yamuna, Ganga, and Jumna/Yamuna. If filling the given table, any four correct combinations from the anthem may be written. One suitable set is:
- States/Provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Dravida (Tamil Nadu), Gujarat
- Mountain Ranges: Himalaya, Vindhya
- Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna
- States/Provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Dravida (Tamil Nadu), Gujarat
- Mountain Ranges: Himalaya, Vindhya
- Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIWork in pairs. Discuss what the words 'जय हे' (*Jaya he*) in the last two lines of the National Anthem convey. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.Show solution
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIIRead the underlined words in the given lines of the poem. Choose the odd one out that does not correspond with the meaning of the underlined word.Show solution
The word peerless means incomparable or unmatched. Among the options, valuable does not correspond to that meaning.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
II1Which language(s) do your grandparents or elderly relatives speak?Show solution
This is an open-ended question. A suitable response is: My grandparents speak Kannada and a little Hindi.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
II2How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?Show solution
This is an open-ended response. You may say they spend time reading, talking, praying, or relaxing, and you spend time with them by listening to stories, helping them, or playing with them.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
II3What is your favourite experience with them?Show solution
This is a personal-response question. Example: My favourite experience with them is listening to their stories and spending time together in the evening.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
II4What is something that the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?Show solution
This is a personal-response question. Example: They may not be able to read small print easily, but they enjoy watching me read books aloud or write neatly.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
Check Your Understanding
IComplete the cause and effect table given below based on Part I of the story. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.Show solution
From Part I:
1. The transport system was not very good → the morning papers and weekly magazines arrived late.
2. The grandmother never went to school → she could not read.
3. The grandmother read every episode of Kashi Yatre to her → she was deeply interested in the story and discussed it with her friends.
4. The narrator went to a wedding for a week → when she returned, her grandmother was in tears because she had not been able to read the magazine.
5. The grandmother regretted not going to school → she made sure her children and grandchildren studied well.
6. The grandmother regretted not going to school → she made sure her children and grandchildren studied well.
1. The transport system was not very good → the morning papers and weekly magazines arrived late.
2. The grandmother never went to school → she could not read.
3. The grandmother read every episode of Kashi Yatre to her → she was deeply interested in the story and discussed it with her friends.
4. The narrator went to a wedding for a week → when she returned, her grandmother was in tears because she had not been able to read the magazine.
5. The grandmother regretted not going to school → she made sure her children and grandchildren studied well.
6. The grandmother regretted not going to school → she made sure her children and grandchildren studied well.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIDo you think the narrator expected to see her grandmother in tears when she returned to the village? If yes, why? If no, why not?Show solution
No. The narrator did not expect it because her grandmother was usually cheerful and had never cried even in difficult situations. She was surprised to see her in tears and did not understand the reason at first.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIIHow might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write?Show solution
The narrator might help by teaching her grandmother the Kannada alphabet, giving her regular practice in reading and writing, and supporting her patiently until she can read on her own.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IState whether the following sentences are true or false. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.Show solution
Based on the story:
1. True — she wanted to learn Kannada to be independent.
2. False — she did not ask someone else; she waited for the narrator.
3. True — the narrator was her first teacher.
4. True — she said there is no age bar for learning.
5. True — she touched the narrator's feet as a teacher.
6. False — the narrator was impressed, not disappointed.
1. True — she wanted to learn Kannada to be independent.
2. False — she did not ask someone else; she waited for the narrator.
3. True — the narrator was her first teacher.
4. True — she said there is no age bar for learning.
5. True — she touched the narrator's feet as a teacher.
6. False — the narrator was impressed, not disappointed.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
1Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away?Show solution
She felt embarrassed because she wanted to keep her illiteracy private. Asking someone else would have made her feel dependent and helpless, and she did not want others to know she could not read.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
2Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?Show solution
The narrator laughs because she thinks it is impossible and funny for a sixty-two-year-old woman with grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and kitchen work to begin learning the alphabet.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
3What significance does the story of *Kashi Yatre* have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?Show solution
*Kashi Yatre* is important because it connected the grandmother with the protagonist and inspired her desire to read. In the story, it also becomes the reason the grandmother decides to learn Kannada so she can read the novel independently.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
4What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?Show solution
It reflects her determination, self-respect, and desire for independence. She does not want to depend on others for reading and wants to manage on her own.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
5What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?Show solution
It shows respect for teachers, recognition of the narrator's effort, and the idea that age does not matter when showing gratitude. It also shows that a teacher should be respected irrespective of age or gender.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
6What does the following line tell us about the broader theme of the story?Show solution
The line tells us that the story's broader theme is determination in learning. If a person is truly committed to a good cause, obstacles like age, fear, or difficulty can be overcome.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
7How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?Show solution
The story highlights the value of education very effectively. The grandmother becomes independent only after learning to read, and education gives her confidence, self-respect, and freedom from dependence on others.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IFill in the blanks by choosing appropriate words from the box given below to complete the summary of the poem.Show solution
Fill the summary from the poem:
1. historical greatness
2. Himavant
3. Ganga
4. Upanishads
5. warriors
6. sages
7. Brahma-knowledge
8. Buddha
9. peerless
10. praise
1. historical greatness
2. Himavant
3. Ganga
4. Upanishads
5. warriors
6. sages
7. Brahma-knowledge
8. Buddha
9. peerless
10. praise
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIComplete the following features about the poem.Show solution
The poem creates a mood of admiration and a tone of pride and praise. The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD... in paired lines. Examples of personification include 'The generous Ganga' and 'the Buddha preached his dhamma here' where human qualities/actions are given to non-human or abstract ideas.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIIWhat is the impact of the refrain, 'she's peerless, let's praise her!'?Show solution
The refrain 'she's peerless, let's praise her!' creates a strong sense of repetition, admiration, and patriotic pride. It emphasizes the poet's deep love for India and makes the poem sound musical and memorable.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IVComplete the following sentence appropriately.Show solution
The phrase 'this sunny golden land' suggests that India is beautiful, rich, and radiant.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
VThe poet uses symbolism. Match the symbols in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2.Show solution
Match the symbols with what they suggest:
1. Himavant → strength and permanence
2. Ganga → purity and generosity
3. Upanishads → spiritual and philosophical legacy
4. Gallant warriors and sages → courage and wisdom
5. Brahma-knowledge and Buddha's Dhamma → knowledge and enlightenment
6. Sunny golden land → richness and glory
1. Himavant → strength and permanence
2. Ganga → purity and generosity
3. Upanishads → spiritual and philosophical legacy
4. Gallant warriors and sages → courage and wisdom
5. Brahma-knowledge and Buddha's Dhamma → knowledge and enlightenment
6. Sunny golden land → richness and glory
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
VIThe poet uses imagery (descriptive language to create vivid mental pictures that appeal to the senses). Give any two examples from the poem.Show solution
Two examples of imagery from the poem are:
- “The mighty Himavant is ours” — this creates a picture of the grand Himalayan mountain range.
- “The generous Ganga is ours” — this gives a vivid picture of the holy river flowing with grace.
Other possible examples are “this sunny golden land” and “the divinest music has been heard here.”
- “The mighty Himavant is ours” — this creates a picture of the grand Himalayan mountain range.
- “The generous Ganga is ours” — this gives a vivid picture of the holy river flowing with grace.
Other possible examples are “this sunny golden land” and “the divinest music has been heard here.”
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
VIIWhat is the impact of the use of hyphens in the first stanza? Select the options that are true.Show solution
The correct effects of the hyphens are:
- They create deliberate pauses and help reinforce admiration and pride.
- They lend a lyrical, chant-like rhythm to the poem.
So, the correct options are 1 and 3.
- They create deliberate pauses and help reinforce admiration and pride.
- They lend a lyrical, chant-like rhythm to the poem.
So, the correct options are 1 and 3.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
VIIIThe poet uses hyperbole in the poem.Show solution
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IXThe poem is an ode.Show solution
The poem is an ode because it expresses deep admiration and praise for India. It celebrates India’s natural beauty, sacred rivers, ancient scriptures, brave warriors, sages, music, and spiritual heritage. The repeated line “she's peerless, let's praise her!” shows the poet’s loving and respectful tone toward the country.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
XThe poet uses allusion in the poem.Show solution
The allusions in the poem are:
- Upanishads — allusion to the ancient Indian scriptures
- Brahma-knowledge — allusion to spiritual knowledge and self-realisation
- Buddha — allusion to Gautama Buddha and his teachings
These references show India’s deep spiritual and philosophical heritage.
- Upanishads — allusion to the ancient Indian scriptures
- Brahma-knowledge — allusion to spiritual knowledge and self-realisation
- Buddha — allusion to Gautama Buddha and his teachings
These references show India’s deep spiritual and philosophical heritage.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IIRead the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.Show solution
1. strong-willed
2. emotional
3. The clue is “we were sleeping in the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night and there was a full moon.” It shows a rural home and traditional living.
4. The lines that establish a tender atmosphere are:
- “Avva came and sat next to me.”
- “Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.”
5. The aspect NOT emphasised is A. the emotional turmoil of the grandmother.
2. emotional
3. The clue is “we were sleeping in the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night and there was a full moon.” It shows a rural home and traditional living.
4. The lines that establish a tender atmosphere are:
- “Avva came and sat next to me.”
- “Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.”
5. The aspect NOT emphasised is A. the emotional turmoil of the grandmother.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
3What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?Show solution
The story of Kashi Yatre is important in two ways. In the grandmother’s life, it becomes the story she loves most because she identifies with the old woman in the novel and waits eagerly for each episode. In the chapter itself, it is the reason the narrator begins teaching her grandmother to read. Thus, Kashi Yatre connects the grandmother’s emotional desire to read with the theme of literacy, independence, and self-respect.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
6What does the following line tell us about the broader theme of the story?
'For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.'Show solution
This line expresses the main theme of the story: determination can help a person overcome difficulties when the goal is meaningful and good. The grandmother learns to read despite her age, showing that willpower, hard work, and a noble purpose can defeat obstacles like illiteracy, embarrassment, and age.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IThe expression 'hide and seek' is used in the text. This is called a binomial.
Binomials are expressions consisting of two words, usually linked by a conjunction like 'and' or 'or', that are commonly used together in a fixed order. For example: odds and ends, right or wrong.
Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.Show solution
The correct matches are:
1. sink or swim — (vii) succeed or fail without help
2. on and off — (v) sometimes, occasionally
3. mix and match — (i) put different things together to get a range of possibilities
4. all or nothing — (viii) something to be done completely or not at all
5. part and parcel — (ii) complete part of or belong to
6. pick and choose — (iii) choose only the best
7. sooner or later — (iv) at sometime in the future
8. leaps and bounds — (vi) increase or develop very quickly
1. sink or swim — (vii) succeed or fail without help
2. on and off — (v) sometimes, occasionally
3. mix and match — (i) put different things together to get a range of possibilities
4. all or nothing — (viii) something to be done completely or not at all
5. part and parcel — (ii) complete part of or belong to
6. pick and choose — (iii) choose only the best
7. sooner or later — (iv) at sometime in the future
8. leaps and bounds — (vi) increase or develop very quickly
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
IVIn the sentence, 'I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours', the phrase 'passed with flying colours' is an idiom. It means outstanding performance.
Now, match the idioms related to 'learning' given in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.Show solution
The correct matches are:
1. to hit the books — (iii) to study seriously
2. to draw a blank — (v) to be unable to remember
3. to learn the ropes — (vi) to understand how to do an activity
4. to rack one's brain — (ii) to think very hard
5. to learn by heart — (i) to memorise something
6. burn the midnight oil — (iv) to study or work late into the night
1. to hit the books — (iii) to study seriously
2. to draw a blank — (v) to be unable to remember
3. to learn the ropes — (vi) to understand how to do an activity
4. to rack one's brain — (ii) to think very hard
5. to learn by heart — (i) to memorise something
6. burn the midnight oil — (iv) to study or work late into the night
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
VRead the following sentences from the text and underline the verbs.
1. Secretly, I bought Kashi Yatre which had been published as a novel by that time.
2. I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours.
In sentence 1, verb 'bought' is in simple past tense.
In sentence 2, verb 'had passed' is in past perfect tense.
We use past perfect tense to indicate two completed actions—one occurring earlier (later past) and the other more recently (recent past). The more recent action is expressed in the simple past, while the earlier action takes the past perfect tense.
Examples
- By the time I reached the party, everyone had finished eating.
- When she returned home, her brother had finished the project.Show solution
The verbs are:
1. bought, had been published
2. knew, had passed
So the underlined verbs are bought / had been published in sentence 1 and knew / had passed in sentence 2.
1. bought, had been published
2. knew, had passed
So the underlined verbs are bought / had been published in sentence 1 and knew / had passed in sentence 2.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
V(i)Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs given in brackets.
A. When the delegates ______ (arrive) at the conference, the keynote speaker ______ (already begin) the session.
B. After the students ______ (learn) how to identify fake news online, they ______ (start) verifying information before sharing it.
C. Before Kiran ______ (start) using digital payment platforms, she ______ (ensure) her understanding of online fraud prevention.
D. By the time Varun ______ (recognise) the importance of budgeting, he ______ (exhaust) most of his savings.
E. When Raghu ______ (log in) to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor ______ (already discuss) the importance of strong passwords.Show solution
Use simple past for the later action and past perfect for the earlier action.
A. When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.
B. After the students had learned how to identify fake news online, they started verifying information before sharing it.
C. Before Kiran started using digital payment platforms, she had ensured her understanding of online fraud prevention.
D. By the time Varun recognised the importance of budgeting, he had exhausted most of his savings.
E. When Raghu logged in to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor had already discussed the importance of strong passwords.
A. When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.
B. After the students had learned how to identify fake news online, they started verifying information before sharing it.
C. Before Kiran started using digital payment platforms, she had ensured her understanding of online fraud prevention.
D. By the time Varun recognised the importance of budgeting, he had exhausted most of his savings.
E. When Raghu logged in to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor had already discussed the importance of strong passwords.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
V(ii)Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs given in brackets.
Last year, my parents and I A. ______ (take) a financial planning course. When we B. ______ (review) our expenses, we realised we C. ______ (spend) too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents D. ______ (discuss) ways to save, I E. ______ (open) a savings account.
By the time we F. ______ (set) our budget, the course G. ______ (already introduce) investment strategies. We H. ______ (hurry) to take notes, but many participants I. ______ (complete) their financial plans. Despite that, we J. ______ (enjoy) learning how to manage money wisely.Show solution
The correct forms are:
A. took
B. reviewed
C. had spent
D. discussed
E. opened
F. set
G. had already introduced
H. hurried
I. had completed
J. enjoyed
Completed passage:
Last year, my parents and I took a financial planning course. When we reviewed our expenses, we realised we had spent too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents discussed ways to save, I opened a savings account.
By the time we set our budget, the course had already introduced investment strategies. We hurried to take notes, but many participants had completed their financial plans. Despite that, we enjoyed learning how to manage money wisely.
A. took
B. reviewed
C. had spent
D. discussed
E. opened
F. set
G. had already introduced
H. hurried
I. had completed
J. enjoyed
Completed passage:
Last year, my parents and I took a financial planning course. When we reviewed our expenses, we realised we had spent too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents discussed ways to save, I opened a savings account.
By the time we set our budget, the course had already introduced investment strategies. We hurried to take notes, but many participants had completed their financial plans. Despite that, we enjoyed learning how to manage money wisely.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
Critical Reflection
1(i)Complete the following sentence with the appropriate option.Show solution
The phrase “never seen her cry in the most difficult situations” shows that the grandmother is strong-willed and emotionally resilient. She does not break down easily.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
1(ii)Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets.Show solution
Grandmother did not reply because she was likely too emotional after seeing that she could not read the magazine and felt helpless.
Not sure why a step works? check your working in Super Tutor
1(iii)Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.
1(iv)Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?
I(5)Which of the following aspect is NOT emphasised in the given extract?
II(1)What does the grandmother’s statement, “I want to be independent,” reveal about her character?
2(ii)Fill in the blank with the appropriate option from those given in brackets.
2(iii)Complete the following with a suitable reason.
2(iv)List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.
2(v)How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?
IRead the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
1Complete the sentence.
2Choose the correct option to complete the sentence given below.
3The poet uses the word 'generous' to describe the Ganga. Why?
4Why has the movement of the river been described as graceful?
5Fill in the blank with the correct option from the words given in the brackets.
IIAnswer the following questions.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
IThe expression 'hide and seek' is used in the text. This is called a binomial.
IIRead the following words from the text given in the box below.
IIIIdentify any five words with prefixes from the story and make sentences using each.
IVIn the sentence, 'I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours', the phrase 'passed with flying colours' is an idiom. It means outstanding performance.
VRead the following sentences from the text and underline the verbs.
V(i)Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs given in brackets.
V(ii)Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs given in brackets.
Listen and Respond
IYou will listen to a speaker talk about digital literacy. As you listen, complete the following sentences with one to three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 259)
IYou will listen to four people talk about the places they like to travel to. As you listen, write the speaker number for the two pictures given. (Transcript for teacher on page 260)
IIYou will once again listen to the four speakers. As you listen, match the given statements to the speaker. There are two statements that you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 260)
Speaking Activity
IChoose your topic and speak 'for' and 'against' for not more than one minute each.
IIn pairs, take turns to speak about the aspects of your village/town/city that you feel are an asset. It could be about geographical, cultural, traditional features, or even its history.
Writing Task
IAs a socially responsible citizen, you strongly believe that students can contribute significantly in promoting adult literacy. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper emphasising the importance of student participation in adult literacy camps conducted by various organisations. Discuss the benefits of such initiatives for both students and society. Suggest effective ways to spread awareness and encourage more students to volunteer for this noble cause.
IWrite a paragraph about a place that you have visited which has stayed in your memory.
Learning Beyond the Text
IIndia has 22 major languages according to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Each language has its own unique identity. Talk to your classmates and teacher and complete the given table with words from any five Indian languages.
IIDo you know?
IIITalk to your grandparents and find out which book or magazine they enjoy reading. Buy a copy of it and present it to them as a gift.
ISearch for poems or songs dedicated to India, your motherland, in your regional language. Share them with your classmates and explain their meaning too.
IIIn groups of six, prepare an interdisciplinary project on India's major geographical features. For each feature, describe the region, explain its importance in the lives of the people living there and mention the languages spoken in that region. Include one example of each of the following.
Vocabulary in Context
IComplete the table by choosing words from the poem.
IIComplete the following table by adding a different suffix to form new words. Also, create a sentence using the created word. One example has been done for you.
Reading for Meaning
IWhen I was a girl of about twelve, I used to stay in a village in north Karnataka with my grandparents. Those days, the transport system was not very good, so we used to get the morning paper only in the afternoon. The weekly magazine used to come one day late. All of us would wait eagerly for the bus, which used to come with the papers, weekly magazines and the post.
At that time, Triveni was a very popular writer in the Kannada language. She was a wonderful writer. Her style was easy to read and very convincing. Her stories usually dealt with complex psychological problems in the lives of ordinary people and were always very interesting.
At that time, Triveni was a very popular writer in the Kannada language. She was a wonderful writer. Her style was easy to read and very convincing. Her stories usually dealt with complex psychological problems in the lives of ordinary people and were always very interesting.
IIUnfortunately for Kannada literature, she died very young. Even now, after forty years, people continue to appreciate her novels.
One of her novels, called *Kashi Yatre*, was appearing as a serial in the Kannada weekly *Karmaveera* then. It is the story of an old lady and her ardent desire to go to Kashi or Varanasi. Most Hindus believe that going to Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is the ultimate *punya*. This old lady also believed in this, and her struggle to go there was described in that novel. In the story there was also a young orphan girl who falls in love but there was no money for the wedding. In the end, the old lady gives away all her savings without going to Kashi. She says, 'The happiness of this orphan girl is more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.'
My grandmother, Krishtakka, never went to school so she could not read. Every Wednesday the magazine would come and I would read the next episode of this story to her. During that time she would forget all her work and listen with the
One of her novels, called *Kashi Yatre*, was appearing as a serial in the Kannada weekly *Karmaveera* then. It is the story of an old lady and her ardent desire to go to Kashi or Varanasi. Most Hindus believe that going to Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is the ultimate *punya*. This old lady also believed in this, and her struggle to go there was described in that novel. In the story there was also a young orphan girl who falls in love but there was no money for the wedding. In the end, the old lady gives away all her savings without going to Kashi. She says, 'The happiness of this orphan girl is more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.'
My grandmother, Krishtakka, never went to school so she could not read. Every Wednesday the magazine would come and I would read the next episode of this story to her. During that time she would forget all her work and listen with the
IIIAfter hearing what happened next in *Kashi Yatre*, she would join her friends at the temple courtyard where we children would also gather to play hide and seek.
IVOnce I went for a wedding with my cousins to the neighbouring village. In those days, a wedding was a great event. We children enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We would eat and play endlessly, savouring the freedom because all the elders were busy. I went for a couple of days but ended up staying there for a week.
When I came back to my village, I saw my grandmother in tears. I was surprised, for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations. What had happened? I was worried.
“*Avva*, is everything all right? Are you okay?”
I used to call her *Avva*, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka.
She nodded but did not reply. I did not understand and forgot about it. In the night, after dinner, we were sleeping in the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night and there was a full moon.
*Avva* came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead. I realised she wanted to speak. I asked her, “What is the matter?”
When I came back to my village, I saw my grandmother in tears. I was surprised, for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations. What had happened? I was worried.
“*Avva*, is everything all right? Are you okay?”
I used to call her *Avva*, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka.
She nodded but did not reply. I did not understand and forgot about it. In the night, after dinner, we were sleeping in the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night and there was a full moon.
*Avva* came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead. I realised she wanted to speak. I asked her, “What is the matter?”
V'When I was a young girl, I lost my mother. There was nobody to look after and guide me. My father was a busy man and got married again. In those days people never considered education essential for girls, so I never went to school. I got married very young and had children. I became very busy. Later I had grandchildren and always felt so much happiness in cooking and feeding all of you. At times I used to regret not going to school, so I made sure that my children and grandchildren studied well...'
41 more solved questions in How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty)
Every remaining exercise is solved step by step in Super Tutor, plus practice quizzes and flashcards for this chapter. Free to start.
Stuck on a step?
Ask Super Tutor AI to explain any solution on this page in a simpler way — free, 24x7.
Ask a Doubt FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What are the important topics in How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty) for CBSE Class 9 English?
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty) covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 9 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty) — CBSE Class 9 English?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 107 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.
Where can I get free NCERT Solutions for How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty) Class 9 English?
This page has free step-by-step NCERT Solutions for every exercise question in How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty) (CBSE Class 9 English) — written the way examiners award marks: given, formula, working, answer.
Sources & Official References
- NCERT Official — ncert.nic.in
- CBSE Academic — cbseacademic.nic.in
- CBSE Official — cbse.gov.in
- National Education Policy 2020 — education.gov.in
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
More resources for How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty)
Practice Quiz
Test yourself with a quick quiz
Important Questions
Practice with board exam-style questions
Revision Notes
Key points for last-minute revision
Formula Sheet
All formulas in one place
Chapter Summary
Understand the chapter at a glance
Concept Maps
See how topics connect visually
Study Plan
Step-by-step plan to ace this chapter
Flashcards
Quick-fire cards for active recall
Syllabus
What topics to cover
For serious students
Get the full How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ( Sudha Murty) chapter — for free.
Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for CBSE Class 9 English.