Here are the comprehensive, step-by-step Winds of Change Class 9 English NCERT Solution to all the exercises, tables, and grammar sections.
Reflect and Respond
I. Does anyone in your family use a hand fan? What do you call it in your language?
Sample Answer: Yes, my grandmother uses a hand fan during the summers, especially during power cuts. In Hindi, we call it a Pankha.
What is it made of?
Sample Answer: It is typically made of woven palm leaves or bamboo strips with a cloth border.
II. Work in pairs. Study the pictures given below carefully and complete the information. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Assam: Shape: Round/Hat-like (Japi style) | Made of: Bamboo and cane
Kerala: Shape: Spade or Oval | Made of: Palm leaf
Uttar Pradesh: Shape: Rectangular flap | Made of: Moonj grass and cloth
III. Work in pairs. Match the underlined words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2given on the next page. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
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
Check Your Understanding (Winds of Change Class 9 English NCERT Solution)
I. Complete the table on pankha Based on the text, here is the corrected and completed table detailing the traditional hand fans:
| State | Type of Fan | Material Used |
| Rajasthan | appliqué hand fan | pieces of fabric sewn onto another cloth |
| zardozi hand fan | encrusted gold threadwork | |
| temple hand fans | engraved brass | |
| Gujarat | mirror work hand fans | pure cotton-based embellished with mirrors |
| beads hand fan | colourful beads and a silver handle | |
| Kutch hand fans | hand-stitched leather, decorated with thread and wool | |
| West Bengal | sola hand fans | spongy centre of the sola / palm leaves |
| Uttar Pradesh | Phadh hand fans | pure gold, silver zari, silk and satin frills |
| Bihar | bamboo hand fans | colourful and sturdy bamboo |
Critical Reflection (Winds of Change Class 9 English NCERT Solution)
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Extract 1: Over time, pankhas became signicant 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. Each place developed pankhas with distinct materials or a variety of intricate designs, that set them apart from one another.
(i) State whether the following sentence is true or false: Pankhas were one of the most popular items of commerce.
True. The text states that over time, pankhas became significant cultural goods distributed through trade routes.
(ii) Why has the word ‘traditional’ been used to describe pankhas?
Because different villages and towns developed their own unique varieties using local materials over a long period, establishing a deeply rooted cultural practice.
(iii) Complete the following statement: The sentence ‘They were considered exotic and stylish’ is an opinion and not a fact because…
…it is based on subjective human perception and personal taste regarding aesthetics, rather than an objective, measurable truth.
(iv) Infer one reason for commonality in the use of pankhas across India.
Despite different designs, the fundamental need for cooling in India’s hot climate made the use of handheld fans a common necessity across all regions before the advent of electricity.
(v) Select which one of the two statements is the correct assertion for the given reason.
Correct Assertion: A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other. (This perfectly aligns with the reason that they were made of distinct indigenous materials and elaborate designs ).
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. The slight increase in popularity and demand is signicantly factored by the different versions of the pankha being crafted.
(i) Infer one negative impact of technological advancement on pankha.
The beautiful culture of pankhas runs the risk of slowly losing its presence among Indians, becoming obsolete for personal use.
(ii) Complete the statement with an appropriate reason: The writer refers to ‘pankhas’ not just as an object but as a ‘culture’ because…
…they embody the intricate regional traditions, artistry, and historical stories of India’s diverse indigenous artisans.
(iii) Select a line from the extract which depicts how the role of the pankha has changed over the years.
“Once made for personal use, over time this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business…”.
(iv) List one way in which the increase in demand of pankhas might benefit artisans.
It provides them with a commercial platform to create a sustainable livelihood.
(v) Select the factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas.
B. economic demand. (The text notes that the “slight increase in popularity and demand” supports their livelihood ).
II. Answer the following questions. (Winds of Change Class 9 English NCERT Solution)
How does the title ‘Winds of Change’ capture the essence of the chapter?
Answer: The title is a clever pun. “Winds” refers to the function of the fan, while “Change” highlights how pankhas have evolved from a daily personal necessity and royal luxury into commercial, decorative cultural artefacts due to modern technology.
Support 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.’
Answer: Example 1: The Phadh hand fans of Uttar Pradesh are adorned with luxurious materials like pure gold, silver zari, silk, and satin frills, reflecting royal antiquity.
Example 2: Gujarat’s hand fans incorporate elegant pure cotton embellished with traditional mirror work and colourful beads, showcasing the region’s famous beadcraft and embroidery heritage.
The 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 will help in this regard.
Answer: Preserving traditional craftsmanship maintains the cultural essence and storytelling of the craft, while innovative designs (like making them decorative items) adapt them for modern markets, creating a sustainable demand and preventing the craft from dying out.
How might initiatives such as pankha-making workshops contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft?
Answer: These workshops spread awareness about the beauty and cultural importance of the craft, provide contemporary makers a platform to demonstrate their skills, and help regain popularity.
The writer mentions celebrating pankhas in the concluding part of the chapter. Assess how this could be beneficial to artisans and the craft.
Answer: Celebrating pankhas appreciates the culture and artistry behind them. This boosts their popularity and demand, providing artisans with a commercial platform to earn a sustainable livelihood and keeping the craft alive.
How does the restriction of the use of pankha for decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of these traditional fans in modern India?
Answer: It indicates a shift from functional utility (cooling) to aesthetic appreciation. With the advent of electric fans and ACs, pankhas are now valued primarily as traditional craft items that represent India’s rich heritage rather than daily necessities.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context (Winds of Change Class 9 English NCERT Solution)
I. Classify the pairs of words given in the text into categories:
Based on the list provided in the image, here is the classification of the word pairs into the three categories:
| Appearance | Place | Material |
|---|---|---|
| exotic and stylish | within and outside | thread and wool |
| ornate and encrusted | villages and towns | silk and brass |
Appearance: Words that describe how something looks (e.g., exotic, stylish, ornate, encrusted).
Place: Words that refer to locations or positions (e.g., within, outside, villages, towns).
Material: Words that refer to what something is made of (e.g., thread, wool, silk, brass).
II. Find 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.
Winds of Change Class 9 English NCERT Solution
high and dry: (i) in a difficult situation, without help or money
wear and tear: (ii) the damage to object due to normal use
facts and figures: (iii) accurate and detailed information
thick and thin: (iv) even when there are problems or difficulties
all and sundry: (v) everyone, not just a few special people
time and again: (vi) often; on many or all occasions
cut and run: (vii) To make a quick or sudden escape(Note: The pair “hard and fast” means strict or rigid, but since there is no meaning (viii) provided in the text exercise block, it remains the unpaired outlier).
III. Collocations Choose the appropriate word collocations :
(i) The students have to take the English exam tomorrow.
(ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to take a seat.
(iii) My scooter ran into a car.
(iv) I must take responsibility for my success.
(v) I would like to improve my grammar.
IV. Read the following sentences. Underline the verbs.
1. In modern times, pankhas have become traditional craft items in India.
2. Gujarat’s industrious home-based women workers have worked tirelessly in the handicraft of pankha-making.
3. Many tribes in India have adopted this handicraft.
4. Once made for personal use, this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business.
Now Fill in the blanks with the correct present perfect form of the verbs :
Puppeteers (i) have created intricate characters and captivating stories…
They (ii) have mastered the delicate movements…
Over the years, puppetry (iii) has evolved…
Many puppeteers (iv) have passed down their craft…
They (v) have performed in theatres…
Listen and Respond & Beyond the Text (Winds of Change Class 9 English NCERT Solution)
I. Dialogue Listening Activity
(Note: As this exercise requires listening to an audio transcript on page 263 which is not visible here, the true statements usually focus on practical constraints like grandma’s mobility and traditional tastes. Based on standard NCERT logic for this chapter’s listening exercise, the generally accepted correct statements are) :
2. Priya suggests getting a pankha that can be easily moved around.
3. Rohan believes Grandma enjoys sitting in the verandah during the evenings.
4. Priya knows Grandma likes to keep special items close to her.
6. Priya suggests choosing between a bamboo pankha with beadwork or an embroidered pankha with mirror work.
Speaking & Writing Task Outlines :
Speaking: When adopting the persona of a fan (e.g., a Ceiling Fan), focus on speed, reach (cooling a whole room), and weakness (cannot be carried around, needs electricity).
Writing: For the factual description, use a structured format: Name of object -> Physical characteristics (size, colour, materials) -> Origin/Region -> Traditional usage -> Modern usage. Maintain a passive, objective voice without personal opinions.
Read more: Vitamin M Class 9 NCERT Solution
