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NCERT Solutions

Winds of Change

CBSE · Class 9 · English

NCERT Solutions for Winds of Change — CBSE Class 9 English.

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Reflect and Respond

IDoes anyone in your family use a hand fan? What do you call it in your language? What is it made of?Show solution
Answers will vary. Example: Yes, a hand fan is used in my family. We call it pankha. It is made of palm leaf / bamboo / cloth depending on the type.

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IIWork in pairs. Study the pictures given below carefully and complete the information. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.Show solution
The table can be completed from the chapter like this: Assam — shape and material are not clearly given in the text; Keralapalm leaf; Uttar Pradeshmoonj grass. Discuss the pictures to identify the missing shapes in class.

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IIIWork 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.Show solution
Match each word with its meaning:

- indigenous(iv) local, from where it originated
- innovative(v) new and original in approach
- industrious(i) hardworking
- intricate(vi) elaborate/detailed
- invoked(iii) brought out
- initiatives(ii) actions to improve a situation

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IWork in pairs. Discuss what all you see in a garden. Think of the colours you see and where you see them. Share your responses with your teacher.Show solution
Answers will vary. A garden has many colours and plants: green leaves and grass, red, pink, yellow, and white flowers, brown soil, and blue sky. The colours are seen in flowers, leaves, stems, soil, and sometimes pots or borders.

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IILook at the picture of a garden and a painting given below. Speak about any similarities between the garden and the painting.Show solution
Answers will vary. Example: Just as a garden has different colours, similarly, a painting has different shades. A garden and a painting both show beauty and variety. Colours are common to both. Like a garden, a painting too can look lively and attractive.

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IIILet us acquaint ourselves with the meanings of palette, hue, and canvas.Show solution
Palette is a board used by a painter to mix colours. Hue means a shade of colour. Canvas here means painting or the surface on which a painting is made.

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Check Your Understanding

IWork in pairs to complete the table on pankha. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.Show solution
From the chapter:

- Rajasthan
- appliqué hand fan — made of pieces of fabric sewn onto another cloth
- zardozi hand fan — made with gold threadwork
- temple hand fans — made by engraving brass
- Gujarat
- mirror work hand fans — pure cotton-based fans
- beads hand fan — beads with a silver handle
- Kutch leather hand fans — leather, decorated with thread and wool
- West Bengal
- sola hand fans — made from sola
- Uttar Pradesh
- Phadh hand fans — made with gold, silver zari, silk, and satin frills
- Bihar
- colourful and sturdy bamboo hand fans

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IRead the poem again and complete the summary of each stanza by filling in the blanks.Show solution
The stanza summaries complete as:

1. The earth is portrayed as a rich palette where gardeners' dreams flourish in the form of brushstrokes of seeds, awaiting spring.
2. The garden flowers bloom into a beautiful display of different flowers, resembling a painting by Mother Nature, in the light of morning.
3. Each garden is likened to a wide canvas, integrating art and life. Through the efforts of gardeners, gardens transform into still-life paintings.

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IISelect the appropriate title for each stanza from those given below. There are two extra titles.Show solution
The stanza titles are:

1. Earth and Possibilities
2. Sweet-smelling Blossoms
3. Nature's Work of Art

So the correct matching is 1-4, 2-2, 3-1.

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IIIMatch the poetic devices in Column 1 to the examples in Column 2. Discuss your responses in pairs. Then share the responses with your classmates and teacher.Show solution
Match the poetic devices:

1. Imagery(iv) colours, brushstrokes, blossoms, shades of green
2. Metaphor(vi) garden as a painting, plot as canvas, seeds as brushstrokes
3. Rhyme Scheme(ii) AABB
4. Tone(i) appreciative
5. Mood(vii) joyful
6. Speaker(v) a gardener
7. Alliteration(iii) 'Blossoms bloom'

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Critical Reflection

1(i)State whether the following sentence is true or false.

Pankhas were one of the most popular items of commerce.
Show solution
The statement is false because the chapter says pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes; it does not say they were one of the most popular items of commerce.

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1(ii)Why has the word 'traditional' been used to describe pankhas?Show solution
The word traditional has been used because pankhas were made and used in the old cultural way of different regions of India. They had local materials, distinct designs, and were part of long-established craft practices passed on over time.

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1(iii)Complete the following statement.

The sentence 'They were considered exotic and stylish' is an opinion and not a fact because _____.
Show solution
The sentence is an opinion because words like exotic and stylish express personal judgement. Such descriptions depend on how someone feels, so they cannot be checked like a fact.

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1(iv)Infer one reason for commonality in the use of pankhas across India.Show solution
One reason is that pankhas were useful in daily life across India, so many people used them, though different regions made them in their own styles and materials.

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1(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.
Show solution
The reason says pankhas were made of indigenous materials and had unique elaborate designs. This supports the idea that each kind was different and could be distinguished from the others.

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2(i)Infer one negative impact of technological advancement on pankha.Show solution
One negative impact is that technology has reduced the everyday use of pankhas, so they may slowly lose their presence among Indians and become less common for personal use.

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2(ii)Complete the statement with an appropriate reason.
The writer refers to 'pankhas' not just as an object but as a 'culture' because ________.
Show solution
The writer calls pankhas a culture because they are not just objects; they carry the culture, stories, and artistry of the region that makes them.

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2(iii)Select a line from the extract which depicts how the role of the pankha has changed over the years.Show solution
The line that shows the change is: '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.' It shows the shift from personal use to business and livelihood.

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2(iv)List one way in which the increase in demand of pankhas might benefit artisans.Show solution
One way is that increased demand can give artisans a commercial platform and help them earn a sustainable livelihood.

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2(v)Select the factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas.
A. cultural preservation
B. economic demand
C. technological advancements
D. artisan initiative
Show solution
The chapter says the slight increase in popularity and demand helped the craft become commercial. So the main factor is economic demand.

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II1How does the title 'Winds of Change' capture the essence of the chapter?Show solution
The title Winds of Change captures the chapter’s idea that pankhas have changed over time—from ancient fans used in temples and royal courts to decorative and commercial craft items. It also suggests the changes brought by technology, trade, and modern demand.

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II2Support the following statement with any two relevant examples from the chapter.
'The structure and design of pankhas are testimony to the cultural identity of the region.'
Show solution
Two examples are:

- The appliqué hand fan of Rajasthan, made of pieces of fabric sewn onto another cloth.
- The mirror work hand fans of Gujarat or the zardozi hand fan of Rajasthan with glittering gold threadwork.

These show that the structure and design of pankhas reflect the cultural identity of each region.

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II3The 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.Show solution
Preserving traditional craftsmanship keeps the authentic regional identity of pankhas alive, while innovative designs make them attractive to modern buyers. Together, they help the craft remain relevant, increase demand, and prevent it from disappearing among Indians.

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II4How might initiatives such as pankha-making workshops contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft?Show solution
Workshops can teach people how pankhas are made, create awareness about their beauty and importance, and encourage more people to appreciate and preserve the craft. They also give artisans a platform to show their work.

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II5The writer mentions celebrating pankhas in the concluding part of the chapter. Assess how this could be beneficial to artisans and the craft.Show solution
Celebrating pankhas can help artisans by giving them recognition, more demand, and a commercial platform. It also helps the craft survive by increasing awareness of its cultural value and encouraging people to appreciate and buy it.

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II6How does the restriction of the use of pankha for decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of these traditional fans in modern India?Show solution
The restriction shows that pankhas have changed their role in modern India. They are no longer mainly everyday objects for use; instead, they are mostly valued as traditional decorative craft items. This reflects how a practical household object has become a symbol of heritage, art, and culture.

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1(i)The poet has used a metaphor in 'Brushstrokes of seeds'. Which option from those given below uses a metaphor?Show solution
The metaphor is in “heart of gold”, because it compares a person's heart to gold to show kindness and goodness.

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1(ii)Complete the sentence appropriately.

The phrase 'planted true' is significant because it implies ________.
Show solution
The phrase “planted true” suggests that the seeds have been planted properly, carefully, and with purpose, so that they can grow well.

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1(iii)Why has the poet used the word 'hue' instead of 'colours' in the extract?Show solution
The poet has used “hue” instead of “colours” because hue means a shade of a colour. It sounds more artistic and helps create a more beautiful and delicate image of the garden.

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1(iv)Complete the following analogy correctly with a word from the extract.

Summer: hot :: Spring : ________
Show solution
The extract says “Awaiting spring's vibrant hue.” So the correct word is vibrant.

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1(v)Read the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R) and select the option that is correctly suited.

(A): Gardeners wait for Spring.

(R): Gardens are worth painting in Spring.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

C. (A) is true but (R) is false.

D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
Show solution
Gardeners wait for Spring is true because spring is the season when plants bloom and gardens look their best. Gardens are worth painting in Spring is also true, but it does not explain why gardeners wait for spring. So the correct option is C.

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2(i)What does 'Each plot' refer to in this extract?Show solution
“Each plot” refers to each garden plot or section of land in the garden.

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2(ii)Select which option imitates the rhyme scheme of the extract.Show solution
The extract has the rhyme scheme AABB. Option A follows the same pattern: clear/cheer and beautiful not rhyming, but the paired lines form the intended matched rhyme structure better than option B. So the correct choice is A.

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2(iii)Select the line from the extract that conveys that gardening blends aesthetic beauty with natural growth.Show solution
The line “Each plot, a canvas wide, / Where art and life coincide.” shows that gardening is both beautiful art and natural growth at the same time.

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2(iv)Complete the following sentence appropriately.
The plot is likened to a canvas suggesting that
__________.
Show solution
The plot is compared to a canvas, which suggests that the garden plot is treated like a work of art and can be shaped creatively.

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2(v)Why has the poet most likely used the word
'wide' instead of 'long' in 'canvas wide'?
Show solution
The poet likely used “wide” instead of “long” because a canvas or garden plot is better imagined as a broad, open space for creativity. Wide suggests richness, openness, and the ability to hold many colours and forms, which suits the poem's artistic comparison.

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II1A painter is compared to a gardener because
__________.
Show solution
A painter is compared to a gardener because both create beauty with care and skill—a painter with colours and a gardener with plants.

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II2A palette is like earth as __________.Show solution
A palette is like earth because it holds colours just as earth holds seeds.

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II3The brushstrokes are like seeds because
__________.
Show solution
The brushstrokes are like seeds because they are used to create life and beauty in a garden, just as seeds do.

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II4A canvas is similar to a garden plot as
__________.
Show solution
A canvas is similar to a garden plot because both are spaces where something beautiful is created.

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III1How does the metaphor 'Brushstrokes of seeds',
enhance the understanding of gardening as an
art form?
Show solution
The metaphor “Brushstrokes of seeds” makes gardening look like art. It shows that planting seeds is not just ordinary work; it is like an artist carefully making strokes on a canvas. This helps us understand that gardening involves creativity, skill, planning, and beauty.

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III2What can you infer about the poet's perspective
on the relationship between nature and creativity
from the following lines?

'Each plot, a canvas wide,/Where art and life
coincide.'
Show solution
These lines show that the poet sees nature and creativity as closely connected. A garden is not just a natural space; it is also like a canvas where art and life come together. The poet suggests that gardening is a creative act, and nature itself becomes a form of art.

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III3Do you think the imagery in the poem successfully
paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind? If yes,
why? If no, why not?
Show solution
Yes. The imagery is successful because the poet uses vivid words like palette, brushstrokes, blossoms, and shades. These create clear mind pictures of colours, flowers, and gardens, so the reader can easily imagine the garden as a beautiful painting.

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III4Support the view that the poet's mention of the
colour yellow, besides red, blue and green, would
have lent effectively to the imagery.
Show solution
Yes, mentioning yellow would have strengthened the imagery because it would add another bright and lively colour to the garden scene. Along with red, blue, and green, yellow would make the picture richer, warmer, and more colourful, helping the reader see the garden more vividly.

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III5Considering the line 'Gardens become paintings
still', what can you interpret about the poet's view
on the timelessness of nature's beauty?
Show solution
The poet seems to believe that nature's beauty is timeless. By saying “Gardens become paintings still,” the poet suggests that a garden continues to look like art, and its beauty does not fade with time. Nature remains a living artwork.

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III6Justify the title of the poem, 'Canvas of Soil'.Show solution
The title “Canvas of Soil” is fitting because the poem presents a garden as a canvas, and the soil as the base on which beauty is created. Just as an artist paints on canvas, gardeners create living art on soil using seeds, colours, and care.

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1(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.
Show solution
The reason says pankhas were made of indigenous materials, unique to the region, and had elaborate designs. This explains why each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other. So the correct option is A.

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2(v)Select the factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas.Show solution
The chapter says pankhas became commercial because of the slight increase in popularity and demand. So the factor is economic demand.

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1(v)Read the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R) and select the option that is correctly suited.

(A): Gardeners wait for Spring.

(R): Gardens are worth painting in Spring.
Show solution
Gardeners wait for Spring is true because spring is the season of growth and bloom. Gardens are worth painting in Spring is not the reason for this. Therefore, (A) is true but (R) is false.

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1(i)State whether the following sentence is true or false.Show solution
The sentence is true if it refers to the chapter's statement that pankhas are now mainly used for decorative purposes.

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1(iii)Complete the following statement.Show solution
The statement is an opinion because words like exotic and stylish express the writer’s view. Such a feeling cannot be measured or proved like a fact, so the sentence is not factual.

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1(v)Select which one of the two statements is the correct assertion for the given reason.
2(ii)Complete the statement with an appropriate reason.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I1Classify the pairs of words given above in the following categories. One example has been done for you.
IIFind the word pairs for the following fixed expressions. Write the meanings of these expressions by selecting them from the box given below. One example has been done for you.
III1(i)The students have to (take/give) the English exam tomorrow.
III1(ii)The interviewer asked the candidate to (take/have) a seat.
III1(iii)My scooter (dashed against/ran into) a car.
III1(iv)I must (take/own) responsibility for my success.
III1(v)I would like to (tone up/improve) my grammar.
IV1In modern times, pankhas have become traditional craft items in India.
IV2Gujarat's industrious home-based women workers have worked tirelessly in the handicraft of pankha-making.
IV3Many tribes in India have adopted this handicraft.
IV4Once made for personal use, this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business.
IV5Puppeteers (i) _____ (create) intricate characters and captivating
3(i)Choose the appropriate word collocations for the following sentences.
4Read the following sentences. Underline the verbs.
IV(i)_____ (create) intricate characters and captivating
IV(ii)_____ (master) the delicate movements that bring these lifeless figures to life, entertaining both children and adults.
IV(iii)_____ (evolve), using modern technology while preserving traditional techniques.
IV(iv)_____ (pass) down their craft through generations, ensuring its continuity.
IV(v)_____ (perform) in theatres, on television, and at festivals, conveying important cultural narratives.

Listen and Respond

IYou will listen to a dialogue between a boy and a girl discussing which type of pankha they should choose as a gift. As you listen, choose four statements out of seven that are true from 1–7 given below. (Transcript for teacher on page 263)1. 1. Rohan thinks Grandma prefers heavier items because they feel more substantial.
2. 2. Priya suggests getting a pankha that can be easily moved around.
3. 3. Rohan believes Grandma enjoys sitting in the verandah during the evenings.
4. 4. Priya knows Grandma likes to keep special items close to her.
5. 5. Rohan thinks a pankha with intricate designs would be too delicate for Grandma's liking.
6. 6. Priya suggests choosing between a bamboo pankha with beadwork or an embroidered pankha with mirror work.
7. 7. Rohan decides they should buy the pankha without consulting their mom.
II1The colour of flowers in the first row
II2The type of flowers in the second row
II3Position of the type of the useful plants
II4The number of potted evergreen plants
II5The paint colour on the bricks bordering the garden
II6Type of tree in the centre of the garden
II7Things created with waste material
IIYou will once again listen to the young girl. As you listen, circle the correct answer from the options given below.

Speaking Activity

IWork in groups of four. Look at the pictures of the four different kinds of fans given below.
IPeople wish to have a garden at home. Some like a flower garden and some a vegetable garden. Think and note some advantages of both these types, as gardens for homes.
IIWould you like to have a flower garden or a vegetable garden at home? Why?
IIWould you like to have a flower garden or a vegetable garden at home? Why?

Take turns with your partner and speak your points aloud, one by one, by using the given sentence prompts to express your preference, with reasons.

Writing Task

IDescribe an artefact you have made in your craft class or learnt from someone.
IWrite a descriptive piece of two to three paragraphs describing the details and colours in the garden you have visited.
IDescribe an artefact you have made in your craft class or learnt from someone.

Begin with collection and organisation of the facts with the help of the pointers given above. Do not include your opinion in the factual description.

Learning Beyond the Text

IIdentify any art or craft item from your region and make a presentation describing its features, materials, and process involved in making it, its usage, etc. You may refer to the points given on the next page.
IIYou can also make your own hand fan. Take ideas from the pictures given below and in groups of four, make your own hand fan. Display the hand fans in the class and describe the process used to make it.
IIIYou must have read stories about the impact of art, painting, etc. in your life, in English and in your own languages. Now, read and enjoy the story given below.
ISelect any TWO assignments. Any one from 1 or 2, and any one from 3 or 4
IIYou must have read poems and songs about beauty of nature and different seasons in English and in your own language. Now, read and enjoy the poem given below.
I 1Do research and collect information on any FIVE famous gardens of India, such as Amrit Udyan, Brindavan Gardens, and many others.
IMini-Project
I2Explore various art forms (painting, sculpture) inspired by gardens. Select an art piece and analyse how the garden is represented.
I3Design a garden on paper or using digital tools.
I4Approach a local gardener or a landscaping expert for an interview.

Vocabulary in Context

IIYou have studied painting-related words like palette, brushstrokes, shades, hue, colours, and canvas. Now, read the following paragraph and discuss in pairs what the underlined painting-related words might mean. Discuss this way:

I think ______ means ______ because the passage talks about ______.

Example: I think portrait means a picture of someone's face because the passage talks about capturing a friend's features.

Canvas of Soil

Critical Reflection I 2(ii)Select which option imitates the rhyme scheme of the extract.

A. beautiful and clear
laughter and cheer

B. beautiful and clear
laughter and tears
Vocabulary in Context IThe poet refers to the shades of green, red, and blue in the poem. Let us read some of the names of different shades of these colours.

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