Very Short Answer Questions
Q1: What does the word ‘pankha’ originate from?
Ans: The word pankha originates from ‘pankh’, meaning feather of a bird.
Q2: What does the word ‘pankhi’ denote?
Ans: The word pankhi denotes a small plumed fan used in ancient India.
Q3: Where is evidence of pankhi found?
Ans: Evidence of pankhi is found in Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta.
Q4: To which century do Ajanta wall paintings date back?
Ans: The Ajanta wall paintings date back to the 2nd century CE.
Q5: Where were pankhas used in ancient times?
Ans: Pankhas were used in temples to fan deities and royal courts.
Q6: How did pankhas vary in size?
Ans: Pankhas ranged from tiny two inch ones to large heavy fans.
Q7: What did pankhas become over time?
Ans: Over time, pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through various trade routes.
Q8: How were pankhas considered in earlier times?
Ans: They were considered exotic and stylish items across different regions of India.
Q9: What did different villages develop regarding pankhas?
Ans: Different villages developed their own varieties of traditional pankhas with unique designs.
Q10: Name some materials used to make pankhas.
Ans: Bamboo, cane, palm leaf, silk, brass, leather, and silver were used.
Q11: What is the modern use of pankhas?
Ans: In modern times, pankhas are mainly used for decorative purposes and crafts.
Q12: What does the structure of each fan reflect?
Ans: The structure of each fan reflects the cultural core of its region.
Q13: What is special about appliqué hand fans of Rajasthan?
Ans: Appliqué hand fans use fabric pieces sewn onto cloth with ornamental needlework.
Q14: What distinguishes zardozi hand fans?
Ans: Zardozi hand fans use glittering ornate and encrusted gold threadwork designs.
Q15: What are temple hand fans made of in Rajasthan?
Ans: Temple hand fans are made by engraving brass and have long handles.
Q16: What is special about Gujarat’s mirror work fans?
Ans: Gujarat’s mirror work fans are cotton-based and embellished with decorative mirror work.
Q17: What are beads hand fans covered with?
Ans: Beads hand fans are covered with colourful beads and have silver handles.
Q18: What is Kutch known for in pankha making?
Ans: Kutch is known for hand-stitched leather fans decorated with thread and wool.
Q19: What material is used for Bengal’s pankhas?
Ans: Bengal pankhas are made from the milky-white spongy centre of sola.
Q20: What are palm leaf fans called in Bengal?
Ans: Palm leaf hand fans in Bengal are locally called Tal Patar Pankha.
Q21: Why are Odisha and Bihar fans recognised?
Ans: Odisha and Bihar fans are recognised for their antiquity, rarity, and sturdy designs.
Q22: What materials do tribes use in making fans?
Ans: Tribes use grass, metal, bamboo sticks, cane, and palm leaves for fans.
Q23: What patterns are commonly used by tribes?
Ans: Tribes use geometrical patterns with white ink and red background combinations.
Q24: What risk does pankha culture face today?
Ans: Pankha culture risks slowly losing its presence due to technology and innovations.
Q25: How can pankha craft be preserved?
Ans: Celebrating pankhas and organising workshops can help preserve and spread awareness effectively.