1 English for Class 9 ( kaveri ) NEW NCRT

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is music compared to in the poem?
Ans: Music is compared to an ocean.

Q2: Where does music pull the poet?
Ans: Music pulls the poet to the shore.

Q3: What aspect of music moves the poet deeply?
Ans: The rhythm of music moves the poet deeply.

Q4: How deeply does music affect the poet?
Ans: Music affects the poet to the core.

Q5: What does the word ‘core’ suggest in the poem?
Ans: It suggests the deepest inner feelings of the poet.

Q6: What is music described as during sadness?
Ans: Music is described as therapy.

Q7: When does the poet feel the need for music?
Ans: The poet needs music when she feels blue.

Q8: What does the phrase ‘feel blue’ mean?
Ans: It means to feel sad.

Q9: What effect does music have on the poet’s mood?
Ans: Music lifts the poet’s spirits.

Q10: What does music ensure during tough times?
Ans: It ensures that the poet can pull through.

Q11: What does ‘pull through’ mean in the poem?
Ans: It means to overcome difficult situations.

Q12: When is the poet most cheerful?
Ans: The poet is most cheerful when music is present.

Q13: What does the poet realise about her happy moments?
Ans: She realises that music was always there.

Q14: How is music described in lonely times?
Ans: Music is described as a needed friend.

Q15: When does music become a needed friend?
Ans: When no one seems to care.

Q16: What feeling does music provide during loneliness?
Ans: Music provides comfort and companionship.

Q17: What kind of bond does the poet share with music?
Ans: The poet shares a deep emotional bond with music.

Q18: What does music give the poet during difficult times?
Ans: Music gives strength and support.

Q19: What quality of music is highlighted in the poem?
Ans: Its healing and comforting quality is highlighted.

Q20: What overall role does music play in the poet’s life?
Ans: Music acts as a constant companion and support system.

Q21: What literary device is used in the line “Music is the ocean”?
Ans: Metaphor.

Q22: Which literary device is used through the repeated phrase “Music is the”?
Ans: Anaphora (Repetition).

Q23: What is the rhyme scheme followed in the poem?
Ans: ABCB rhyme scheme.

Q24: Which literary device is shown in the line “Music lifts my spirits”?
Ans: Personification.

Q25: Why does the poet repeat the word “Music” in the poem?
Ans: To emphasise its importance in the poet’s life.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who is Shruti Sharma?
Ans: Shruti Sharma is a young aspiring violinist mentioned among the main characters.

Q2: Who is Guru Nabin Sharma?
Ans: Guru Nabin Sharma is Shruti’s father, a violinist and principal of music school.

Q3: What instrument does Iqbal play?
Ans: Iqbal plays the flute as a member of the fusion music group.

Q4: What instrument does Avinash play?
Ans: Avinash plays the tabla and is part of the fusion group.

Q5: What instrument does Peter play?
Ans: Peter plays the keyboard as one of the performers in the group.

Q6: Where does Act I take place?
Ans: Act I takes place in Iqbal’s room, which has a small rack, a wooden table with books, and posters of famous flute players.

Q7: What is ‘crescendo’ in music?
Ans: Crescendo means a piece of music that gradually becomes louder and louder.

Q8: How does Shruti feel after rehearsal?
Ans: Shruti feels distressed and is lost in her thoughts during/after the rehearsal.

Q9: What did the newspaper say about Shruti?
Ans: The newspaper praised Shruti as daughter of master violinist Nabin Sharma.

Q10: Why does Shruti hesitate to tell her father?
Ans: Shruti fears her father’s strict views about classical music and fusion styles.

Q11: What does Shruti’s father believe about music?
Ans: He believes only classical Hindustani music with ragas and aalaaps is valuable.

Q12: What does ‘bite the bullet’ mean in the text?
Ans: It means dealing with a difficult situation in a courageous and determined way.

Q13: When does Shruti decide to talk to her father?
Ans: Shruti decides to talk to her father during dinner that same evening.

Q14: What rule does Nabin have about performances?
Ans: Nabin allows only one performance every six months to maintain artistic quality.

Q15: What type of concert does Shruti want to join?
Ans: Shruti wants to participate in an Indo-Western fusion group concert next week.

Q16: How does Nabin react to the fusion concert idea?
Ans: Nabin strongly disapproves and refuses, considering fusion harmful to musical purity.

Q17: What does Leela say about Shruti’s secrecy?
Ans: Leela scolds Shruti for hiding the practice from her father earlier.

Q18: What happens when Shruti practises in Act III?
Ans: Shruti practises with friends while her parents enter and quietly watch them.

Q19: How does Nabin react after watching the performance?
Ans: Nabin praises the performance, claps proudly, and appreciates Shruti’s musical excellence.

Q20: What does Nabin offer the children after the performance?
Ans: Nabin offers the children his music room for regular practice with better equipment.

Q21: What does Shruti promise her parents?
Ans: Shruti promises she will always take her art seriously and not hide again.

Q22: Why did Nabin initially oppose fusion music?
Ans: Nabin feared Shruti would lose connection with traditional music and family values.

Q23: What does Leela reveal about Nabin’s past?
Ans: Leela reveals that Nabin went against his family’s tradition of vocal music to play the violin, which was then considered unusual.

Q24: How did Nabin succeed in his musical journey?
Ans: Nabin worked very hard, building his career through dedication and strong determination.

Q25: What change occurs in Nabin’s attitude at the end?
Ans: Nabin realises his fears were baseless and supports Shruti’s fusion music journey.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: Where had the athletes come from to participate in the race?
Ans: The athletes had come from all over the country to compete.

Q2: What were the athletes competing for in the race?
Ans: The athletes were competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals in the race.

Q3: How long had the athletes trained before the event?
Ans: The athletes had trained for many weeks and months before the games.

Q4: Where did the spectators gather to watch the race?
Ans: The spectators gathered around the old field to cheer the participants.

Q5: What was the final event of the day?
Ans: The final event of the day was the hundred-yard dash race.

Q6: How were the athletes positioned before the race began?
Ans: The athletes stood at the starting line, ready and waiting for the signal.

Q7: What signalled the start of the race?
Ans: The pistol explosion signalled the start, and runners immediately charged ahead.

Q8: What happened to the smallest athlete during the race?
Ans: The smallest athlete stumbled, staggered, and fell down onto the asphalt track.

Q9: How did the fallen athlete react after falling?
Ans: The fallen athlete cried out in frustration and anguish after losing balance.

Q10: What happened to the athlete’s dreams after he fell?
Ans: His dreams and efforts were dashed in the dirt after falling.

Q11: What did the other eight runners do after the boy fell?
Ans: The eight runners stopped running and turned back to help the fallen boy.

Q12: How did the runners help the fallen athlete?
Ans: They helped the young boy stand up and brought him back on his feet.

Q13: What did all the nine runners do after helping him?
Ans: All nine runners joined hands and continued the race together slowly.

Q14: How did the race change after the runners joined hands?
Ans: The hundred-yard dash was reduced to a walk as runners moved together.

Q15: What was written on the banner above the runners?
Ans: A banner above them displayed the words Special Olympics during the race.

Q16: How did the race finally end?
Ans: The race ended with all nine athletes finishing together holding hands.

Q17: How many gold medals were given at the end?
Ans: All nine athletes were awarded gold medals at the end of the race.

Q18: How did the spectators react to the runners’ actions?
​Ans: The spectators gave a standing ovation, showing great appreciation for their gesture.

Q19: What did the runners’ beaming faces show?
Ans: The nine beaming faces expressed happiness and conveyed emotions beyond words.

Q20: What does the word ‘anguish’ mean in the poem?
Ans: The word anguish means extreme pain or suffering experienced by the athlete.

Q21: What does the word ‘asphalt’ refer to?
Ans: Asphalt refers to a hard black substance used to make roads and paths.

Q22: What does the phrase ‘stumbled’ mean?
Ans: Stumbled means to step awkwardly, lose balance, and almost fall down.

Q23: Identify an example of alliteration used in the poem.
Ans: The phrase “stumbled and staggered” shows alliteration through the repetition of the initial ‘s’ sound.

Q24: Describe the tone of the poem.
Ans: The tone shifts from excitement and tension at the beginning to warmth, empathy, and joy towards the end.

Q25: How is repetition used in the poem?
Ans: The word “Nine” is repeated to emphasise unity and highlight the idea of collective success.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who is Sheetal Devi mentioned in the lesson?
Ans: Sheetal Devi is a para-archer honoured with the Arjuna Award in January 2024.

Q2: What do Paralympic Games celebrate?
Ans: Paralympic Games celebrate resilience and extraordinary talent of athletes with disabilities globally.

Q3: What types of disabilities do Paralympic athletes have?
Ans: Paralympic athletes have locomotor, sensory, or intellectual disabilities affecting their abilities.

Q4: What do Paralympics aim to do beyond competition?
Ans: Paralympics aim to quell stereotypes and redefine possibilities beyond mere sports competition.

Q5: When did Bharat first participate in the Paralympics?
Ans: Bharat first participated in the Paralympics in 1968, marking its debut appearance.

Q6: When did India win its first Paralympic medal?
Ans: India won its first Paralympic medal in swimming during the year 1972.

Q7: Who is Dr. Deepa Malik?
Ans: Dr. Deepa Malik is an Indian Paralympian and recipient of several prestigious awards.

Q8: What illness was Dr. Deepa Malik diagnosed with?
Ans: Dr. Deepa Malik was diagnosed with a spine tumour at the age of twenty-nine.

Q9: What was the result of her surgery?
Ans: Doctors declared she would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of life.

Q10: What choices did Dr. Malik face after her condition?
Ans: She could either waste life in remorse or transform it into limitless possibilities.

Q11: Why did Dr. Malik switch to para-athletics?
Ans: She loved sports and had been a swimmer, so switched to para-athletics.

Q12: When did her breakthrough moment occur?
Ans: Her breakthrough moment came during the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games competition.

Q13: What medal did she win in 2016 Paralympics?
Ans: She secured a silver medal in the shot-put event at Rio Paralympics.

Q14: What does Dr. Malik believe about physical limitations?
Ans: She believes physical limitations do not define one’s true potential and abilities.

Q15: What challenge did Dr. Malik face from society?
Ans: People often underestimated her abilities, creating significant societal challenges during her journey.

Q16: How did she overcome these challenges?
Ans: She used mental resilience, family support, and fortitude to overcome challenges successfully.

Q17: How do Paralympics change societal attitudes?
Ans: They showcase strength and skill of athletes, breaking preconceived notions about disabilities.

Q18: What impact did Paralympics have on Dr. Malik’s life?
Ans: Paralympics gave her a new lease of life and helped push boundaries.

Q19: What does Dr. Malik advocate for?
Ans: She advocates inclusivity, accessibility, and strengthening emotional health of persons with challenges.

Q20: How does she support para sportspersons?
Ans: She supports them by providing equipment and helping people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Q21: What does she believe about youth?
Ans: She believes youth is the voice of tomorrow and plays an important role.

Q22: What activities does she organise in schools and colleges?
Ans: She organises disability sports awareness and advocacy sessions in schools and colleges.

Q23: What is her goal for society?
Ans: Her goal is creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity equally.

Q24: What advice does she give about setbacks?
Ans: She advises that every setback is an opportunity to prove personal strength.

Q25: How does she describe disability?
Ans: She describes disability as a unique strength waiting to be unleashed fully.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: When does the poet faintly recall his mother during play?
Ans: The poet recalls his mother when a familiar tune seems to hover over his playthings.

Q2: What creates the memory of the mother in the first stanza?
Ans: A soft tune associated with his mother creates the memory.

Q3: How did the poet’s mother soothe him as a child?
Ans: She soothed him by humming a song while rocking his cradle.

Q4: In which season does the poet recall his mother through fragrance?
Ans: He recalls her in the early autumn season.

Q5: What natural element carries the memory of the mother in the second stanza?
Ans: The fragrance of shiuli flowers carries the memory.

Q6: What makes the scent of shiuli flowers significant to the poet?
Ans: It reminds him of his mother’s presence.

Q7: What religious element is connected with the mother’s memory?
Ans: The scent of morning temple service is connected with her memory.

Q8: From where does the poet observe the sky?
Ans: He observes the sky from his bedroom window.

Q9: What does the poet do while looking at the sky?
Ans: He sends his eyes into the blue distance of the sky.

Q10: What emotion does the sky evoke in the poet?
Ans: It evokes the calm presence of his mother.

Q11: What does the stillness in the sky remind the poet of?
Ans: It reminds him of his mother’s gentle gaze.

Q12: Why can the poet not clearly remember his mother?
Ans: Because he lost her early and only has faint sensory memories.

Q13: What role does sound play in the poem?
Ans: Sound triggers the poet’s memory of his mother.

Q14: Which sense is activated by the shiuli flowers?
Ans: The sense of smell is activated.

Q15: What type of imagery is used in the first stanza?
Ans: Auditory imagery is used.

Q16: What type of imagery is used in the second stanza?
Ans: Olfactory imagery is used.

Q17: What type of imagery is used in the third stanza?
Ans: Visual imagery is used.

Q18: What does the repeated line emphasise in the poem?
Ans: It emphasises the poet’s incomplete memory of his mother.

Q19: What does the hovering tune symbolise?
Ans: It symbolises the lingering memory of the mother.

Q20: What does the fragrance in the poem represent?
Ans: It represents emotional connection and remembrance.

Q21: What does the wide sky symbolise in the poem?
Ans: It symbolises the vast and ever-present memory of the mother.

Q22: What floats in the air during autumn mornings?
Ans: The smell of shiuli flowers floats in the air.

Q23: What feeling is associated with the mother’s gaze?
Ans: A feeling of calmness and affection.

Q24: What kind of flower is shiuli?
Ans: Shiuli is a fragrant night-blooming flower.

Q25: What is another name for shiuli flower?
Ans: It is also known as Parijat or Harsingar.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: What did Ravi’s mother wish someone would invent?
Ans: Ravi’s mother wished someone would invent a memory vitamin for elderly people.

Q2: What was Grandpa doing while sitting in the rocking chair?
Ans: Grandpa was holding a newspaper inches from his nose to read it.

Q3: What did Ravi’s mother think about Grandpa’s hearing, vision, and memory?
Ans: She believed Grandpa did not hear, see, or remember things very well.

Q4: Why did Grandpa come to live with Ravi’s family?
Ans: Grandpa came because he was getting too old to live on his own.

Q5: What mistake caused Grandpa to be admitted to hospital?
Ans: Grandpa was admitted after he accidentally took a double dose of medicines.

Q6: Why did Grandpa get lost once?
Ans: Grandpa forgot the way back home after going for a walk alone.

Q7: Why did Ravi’s mother forbid Grandpa from going out alone?
Ans: She feared it was dangerous since Grandpa might forget directions and get lost.

Q8: What did Grandpa dislike about city life?
Ans: Grandpa disliked the noise and bustle of crowded city life very much.

Q9: What accident happened to Grandpa in his town house garden?
Ans: Grandpa slipped, fell, and lay outside all night without anyone helping him.

Q10: What instruction did Ravi’s mother give before leaving for work?
Ans: She told Ravi not to let Grandpa go out alone as it was dangerous.

Q11: How did Ravi feel when his mother spoke loudly to Grandpa?
Ans: Ravi winced because his mother spoke loudly as if Grandpa were a child.

Q12: What games did Ravi suggest playing with Grandpa?
Ans: Ravi suggested playing chess or watching a cricket match on television together.

Q13: Why was Ravi impressed by Grandpa’s chess skills?
Ans: Grandpa played chess cleverly and helped Ravi improve his game greatly.

Q14: Where did Grandpa say he wanted to go before leaving?
Ans: Grandpa said he would walk to the corner shop for a Tamil newspaper.

Q15: Why did Ravi decide to follow Grandpa secretly?
Ans: Ravi followed secretly to ensure Grandpa remained safe and did not face harm.

Q16: Where was Grandpa’s first stop after leaving home?
Ans: Grandpa’s first stop was the children’s park where he bought peanuts.

Q17: Why did Ravi hide behind a bush in the park?
Ans: Ravi hid behind a bush to observe Grandpa without being noticed by him.

Q18: What embarrassing situation did Ravi face in the park?
Ans: Ravi was questioned by a child’s mother and had to crawl away embarrassed.

Q19: What did Grandpa eat and drink at the tea stall?
Ans: Grandpa drank tea, ate bananas, and enjoyed ice cream despite restrictions.

Q20: Why did Ravi feel anxious while watching Grandpa cross the road?
Ans: Ravi felt anxious seeing Grandpa zigzag through traffic and hearing screeching brakes.

Q21: What mistake did Ravi make while following Grandpa onto the bus?
Ans: Ravi followed a stranger wearing Grandpa’s cap, thinking he was his grandfather.

Q22: Why did the stranger have Grandpa’s cap?
Ans: The stranger said a kind old man gave him the cap because of heat.

Q23: How did Ravi feel when he could not find Grandpa?
Ans: Ravi felt frantic, worried, and anxious about Grandpa’s safety and whereabouts.

Q24: What did Ravi discover when he returned home?
Ans: Ravi found Grandpa safe at home, sleeping peacefully and snoring gently.

Q25: What gift did Grandpa give Ravi on his own birthday?
Ans: Grandpa gifted Ravi a hardcover book titled The Best Detective Stories.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is the earth compared to in the poem?
Ans: The earth is compared to a palette.

Q2: What happens to the dreams of gardeners?
Ans: The dreams of gardeners seep into the earth.

Q3: How are seeds described in the poem?
Ans: Seeds are described as brushstrokes.

Q4: What is a palette according to the lesson?
Ans: A palette is a thin board where a painter mixes colours.

Q5: What does the term ‘hue’ mean?
Ans: Hue means a shade or variation of a colour.

Q6: What does ‘canvas’ refer to in this lesson?
Ans: Canvas refers to a surface used for painting.

Q7: What is special about the palette of earth?
Ans: It is rich and deep.

Q8: What are the seeds doing after being planted?
Ans: They are awaiting spring’s vibrant hue.

Q9: Which season is mentioned in the poem?
Ans: Spring is mentioned in the poem.

Q10: What are blossoms doing in the morning light?
Ans: Blossoms are dancing in the morning light.

Q11: Which colours are mentioned in the poem?
Ans: Green, red, and blue are mentioned.

Q12: What is each plot described as?
Ans: Each plot is described as a wide canvas.

Q13: Who works on the gardens according to the poem?
Ans: Those who till the land work on the gardens.

Q14: What does imagery mean as a poetic device?
Ans: Imagery means creating mind pictures using words like colours and blossoms.

Q15: What is a metaphor in poetry?
Ans: A metaphor is a comparison made without using words like like or as.

Q16: What is the rhyme scheme mentioned in the poem?
Ans: The rhyme scheme used in the poem is AABB pattern.

Q17: What does tone refer to in poetry?
Ans: Tone refers to what the poet feels while writing the poem.

Q18: What does mood refer to in poetry?
Ans: Mood refers to what the reader feels while reading the poem.

Q19: What is an allegory?
Ans: An allegory is a device expressing deeper meanings beyond the surface meaning.

Q20: What can the garden symbolise in the poem?
Ans: The garden can symbolise life’s journey, growth, and changing seasons.

Q21: How is nature described in the poem?
Ans: Nature is described as artwork that is ever new.

Q22: What do blossoms look like in the poem?
Ans: Blossoms look like a painted sight.

Q23: What do the words ‘painted sight’ suggest?
Ans: They suggest beauty like a painting.

Q24: What happens in the hands of those who till?
Ans: Gardens become paintings.

Q25: What is shown through ‘art and life coincide’?
Ans: It shows that art and life exist together in the garden.

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.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who is described as sowing secrets in furrows and watching them grow?
Ans: A farmer sows seeds in furrows and watches them grow over time.

Q2: Who creates items from wheel to kiln step by step?
Ans: A potter creates items using wheel and kiln, shaping clay step by step.

Q3: Who lays foundations brick by brick to build houses?
Ans: A mason lays foundations brick by brick to build houses for people.

Q4: Who works with pots, pans, and spices to create dishes?
Ans: A cook works with pots, pans and spices creating dishes that taste nice.

Q5: How do the people in the riddles contribute to society?
Ans: These people contribute to society by providing essential goods, services and skilled work.

Q6: What does the poem celebrate about Bharat?
Ans: The poem celebrates the varied vocations in Bharat, highlighting craftspeople and their work.

Q7: What do artisans with lutes express in the poem?
Ans: Artisans with lutes hail varied emotions and celebrate dreams echoing in streets.

Q8: What are carpenters admired for in the poem?
Ans: Carpenters create anything out of wood with mathematical precision in their work.

Q9: What role do electricians play according to the poem?
Ans: Electricians work with cables and wires to brighten our lives.

Q10: What activities do boatmen perform in the poem?
Ans: Boatmen gather nets from the shore, sail, sing and tell tales of life at sea.

Q11: What do shoemakers affirm in the poem?
Ans: Shoemakers affirm the quality of their work for feet that walk, dance, run and jump.

Q12: How is the cook’s singing described in the poem?
Ans: The cook’s singing is described as delicious suggesting it is pleasing and enjoyable.

Q13: What does the line about vocation and identity mean?
Ans: The voice of vocation represents identity showing each person’s work defines who they are.

Q14: What is the tone of the poem?
Ans: The tone is celebratory and reverential showing admiration and respect for artisans.

Q15: What mood is present throughout the poem?
Ans: The poem has a joyful mood capturing vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions.

Q16: What examples show auditory imagery in the poem?
Ans: Auditory imagery includes artisans with lutes, electricians humming, and boatmen singing.

Q17: Why is the line repeated at the beginning and end?
Ans: The repeated line emphasises celebration of Bharat and highlights varied voices of vocations.

Q18: What does ‘affirm’ mean in the context of shoemakers?
Ans: Affirm means to declare with confidence about the quality of their work.

Q19: What do quality shoes help with according to the poem?
Ans: Quality shoes help feet to walk, dance, run, jump, and return home.

Q20: Which phrase shows each worker’s contribution is distinct?
Ans: “Each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else” shows that each worker’s contribution is distinct.

Q21: What does the electrician humming suggest?
Ans: Electrician humming suggests readiness for work and a positive attitude towards duties.

Q22: What do craftspersons celebrate in the poem?
Ans: Craftspersons celebrate their craft woven with colours and myriad hues.

Q23: Which poetic device is used in the phrase ‘delicious singing of the cook’?
Ans: Metaphor is used, as singing is compared to something delicious.

Q24: What is said about the designer and mason in the poem?
Ans: The designer and mason are described as creating rhythm in their work.

Q25: What does the poet hear echoing in the streets?
Ans: The poet hears dreams and emotions echoing in the streets.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: What did Sentila dream of becoming from a young age?
Ans: Sentila dreamed of becoming a pot maker like her mother and grandmother.

Q2: What did Arenla want Sentila to become instead of a pot maker?
Ans: Arenla wanted Sentila to become a weaver to earn more money.

Q3: Why did Sentila secretly visit expert potters?
Ans: Sentila secretly visited expert potters to learn the skill of pot making.

Q4: What did Sentila overhear about her mother’s opinion on pot making?
Ans: Sentila overheard her mother saying pot making brought no joy and only a small amount of money.

Q5: How far was the riverbank where clay was found?
Ans: The riverbank where clay was found was sixteen kilometres away from the village.

Q6: Why did Arenla find pot making difficult?
Ans: Arenla found pot making difficult because it was tiring and involved heavy labour.

Q7: What advantage did weaving have over pot making?
Ans: Weaving could be done indoors in all seasons and earned more money.

Q8: What did Sentila enjoy while watching potters work?
Ans: Sentila enjoyed watching the clay being shaped into pots with careful movements.

Q9: What tool did potters use to shape the clay?
Ans: Potters used a spatula to shape the rotating clay into proper forms.

Q10: What happened to pots after shaping and finishing?
Ans: After shaping, pots were dried in the sun before being placed in the kiln.

Q11: Why was careful firing of the kiln important?
Ans: Careful firing was important because over firing or under firing ruined the entire batch.

Q12: Why did villagers worry about Arenla not teaching Sentila?
Ans: Villagers worried there would be no expert potters if skills were not passed.

Q13: What did the village council tell Mesoba?
Ans: The council said it was Arenla’s duty to teach her daughter pot making.

Q14: What did the elders say about skills like pot making?
Ans: Elders said such skills symbolised tradition and did not belong to individuals.

Q15: How did Sentila initially perform when learning pot making?
Ans: Sentila struggled and could not even hold the lump of clay properly.

Q16: How long did Sentila try learning from her mother unsuccessfully?
Ans: Sentila tried learning pot making from her mother for almost one year unsuccessfully.

Q17: Who was Onula and how did she help Sentila?
Ans: Onula was a kind widow who  supervised the girls’ dormitory guided and  taught Sentila pot making.

Q18: Why did Sentila’s early attempts at pot making fail?
Ans: Sentila’s attempts failed because she was too tense and lacked confidence.

Q19: What did Onula advise Sentila to observe carefully?
Ans: Onula advised Sentila to observe her mother carefully while shaping the pot mouth.

Q20: What special technique did Sentila learn for shaping the pot’s mouth?
Ans: Sentila learnt to slacken rhythm and add dough strip to form rim.

Q21: What happened when Sentila practised pot making alone in the shed?
Ans: Sentila made many pots quickly with the same speed and skill as her mother.

Q22: How did Sentila’s number of pots compare with her mother’s?
Ans: Sentila made just one pot less than her mother.

Q23: What tragic event occurred when Sentila went to call her mother?
Ans: Sentila found her mother lying on the floor and not breathing.

Q24: What did Onula observe in the work shed after Arenla’s death?
Ans: Onula saw two identical rows of pots that seemed made by two people.

Q25: What does the line “A new pot maker was born” signify?
Ans: The line signifies that Sentila had finally mastered pot making skill successfully.