Question Bank — Winds of Change

Section A — MCQs (10 questions, 1 mark each)

1. The word ‘pankha’ originates from the Sanskrit/Hindi word meaning:
   a) feather of a bird
   b) wind
   c) palm leaf
   d) royal court

2. Which state is known for appliqué hand fans and zardozi hand fans?
   a) Gujarat
   b) Rajasthan
   c) West Bengal
   d) Uttar Pradesh

3. Assertion (A): Pankhas were once used in temples to fan deities and in royal courts to fan kings.
   Reason (R): Pankhas varied in size from tiny two-inch fans to large ones requiring full arm strength.
   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.

4. The material used for the Phadh hand fans of Uttar Pradesh includes:
   a) sola and palm leaf
   b) pure gold, silver zari, silk and satin frills
   c) mirror work on cotton
   d) leather decorated with thread and wool

5. Assertion (A): In modern times pankhas are mainly used for decorative purposes.
   Reason (R): The advent of technology and innovative creations has reduced their everyday use.
   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.

6. Which state is recognised as the centre for bead craft in India?
   a) Rajasthan
   b) Bihar
   c) Gujarat
   d) Odisha

7. The word ‘indigenous’ in the text most nearly means:
   a) imported
   b) local—from where it originated
   c) expensive
   d) mass-produced

8. Pankhas became significant cultural goods because they were:
   a) distributed through trade routes and considered exotic
   b) made only of brass
   c) used exclusively in temples
   d) invented in the 20th century

9. The Tal Patar Pankha is associated with which state?
   a) Assam
   b) West Bengal
   c) Kerala
   d) Uttar Pradesh

10. One way to preserve the pankha craft mentioned in the text is:
    a) stopping all commercial sales
    b) pankha-making workshops and exhibitions
    c) replacing traditional materials with plastic
    d) banning the use of any new designs

Section B — Reference to Context (3 extracts, 4 marks each)

Extract 1

“Over time, pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes. They were considered exotic and stylish. Although there was substantial commonality in their use across India, different villages and towns developed their own varieties of traditional pankhas.”

(i) Who or what is the speaker/context of this passage?
(ii) What does the phrase “exotic and stylish” suggest about how pankhas were viewed?
(iii) Identify the literary device used in “substantial commonality”.
(iv) Infer why different regions developed distinct pankhas.

Extract 2

“With time and the advent of technology and innovative creations, the beautiful culture of pankhas runs the risk of slowly losing its presence among Indians. 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.”

(i) What is the context of this extract?
(ii) Explain the meaning of “runs the risk of slowly losing its presence”.
(iii) Identify one literary device in the extract.
(iv) How has the role of the pankha changed according to this passage?

Extract 3

“Gujarat’s industrious home-based women workers have worked tirelessly in the handicraft of pankha-making to produce embroidered hand fans with traditional mirror work and cross-stitch embroidery in different shapes and sizes.”

(i) Who are being described in this extract?
(ii) What does the word “industrious” tell us about these workers?
(iii) Name one literary device used.
(iv) What materials or techniques are mentioned?

Section C — Short Answer (5 questions, 3 marks each)

1. How does the structure of each pankha reflect the cultural core of its region? Give two examples.
2. Why does the writer say that pankhas run the risk of losing their presence among Indians?
3. Mention any two traditional uses of pankhas in ancient India.
4. How have pankha-making workshops and exhibitions helped artisans?
5. What materials are used to make pankhas in Bihar and Odisha?

Section D — Long Answer (2 questions, 6 marks each)

1. “The structure and design of pankhas are testimony to the cultural identity of the region.” Justify the statement with examples from at least three states mentioned in the text.
2. “Celebrating pankhas allows contemporary pankha makers to demonstrate their craft and regain its popularity.” In the light of this statement, discuss how the pankha craft can be preserved while also providing livelihood to artisans.

Section E — Language and Writing (2 questions, 4 marks each)

1. From the unit, match the following words with their meanings (any four): indigenous, intricate, invoked, initiatives, antiquity, advent.
2. Write a short paragraph (80–100 words) on “How traditional crafts like the pankha can be kept alive in the age of technology”, drawing ideas from the unit.