Looking for Winds of Change Class 9 Questions and Answers? This post provides complete and easy-to-understand solutions to the questions from the NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 3 of Kaveri textbook. The answers are written in simple, student-friendly language and cover the important ideas, details, and themes from the chapter, helping students prepare for both textbook and exam-based questions. With these comprehensive Winds of Change Class 9 question answers, students can develop a clear understanding of the chapter and confidently answer different types of questions in their exams. Students can also download the PDF of the Winds of Change Class 9 Questions and Answers from the link given below for easy revision and offline study.
Table of Contents
Reflect and Respond
I. Does anyone in your family use a hand fan? What do you call it in your language? What is it made of?
Ans. Yes, a hand fan is used in my family, especially during power cuts or when there is a need for quick cooling. We call it a pankha in Hindi. It is usually made of bamboo, palm leaves, or cloth.
II. Work in pairs. Study the pictures given below carefully and complete the information. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Ans.
| Fans | Assam | Kerala | Uttar Pradesh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round/oval | Round/oval | Rectangular/square |
| Made of | Bamboo | Palm leaf | Moonj grass |
III. Work 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.
I visited the crafts fair yesterday. It was a wonderful experience. Each indigenous artefact was an innovative creation of industrious craftspersons with its intricate design. It invoked a sense of respect for the initiatives taken by the government to showcase them.
| Column 1 | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. indigenous | (i) hardworking |
| 2. innovative | (ii) actions to improve a situation |
| 3. industrious | (iii) brought out |
| 4. intricate | (iv) local — from where it originated |
| 5. invoked | (v) new and original in approach |
| 6. initiatives | (vi) elaborate/detailed |
Ans.
| Column 1 | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. indigenous | (iv) local — from where it originated |
| 2. innovative | (v) new and original in approach |
| 3. industrious | (i) hardworking |
| 4. intricate | (vi) elaborate/detailed |
| 5. invoked | (iii) brought out |
| 6. initiatives | (ii) actions to improve a situation |
Difference between Pankha and Pankhi
| Pankha | Pankhi |
|---|---|
| A general term used to refer to all kinds of fans. | Refers specifically to a small, plumed fan. |
| The word originates from ‘pankh’, meaning the feather of a bird. | It denotes a particular type of small fan associated with ancient India. |
| It is a broader term. | It is a more specific term. |
| The chapter discusses pankhas as traditional fans made from materials such as bamboo, cane, palm leaf, silk, brass, leather, etc. | The chapter mentions pankhi in connection with ancient India. |
Check Your Understanding
I. Work in pairs to complete the table on pankha. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
| State | Type of Fan | Material Used |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Appliqué hand fan | ______ |
| ______ | Gold thread | |
| Temple hand fans | ______ | |
| Gujarat | Mirror work hand fans | ______ |
| ______ | beads | |
| ______ | Leather, decorated with thread and wool | |
| West Bengal | Sola hand fans | ______ |
| Uttar Pradesh | ______ | Pure gold, silver zari, silk and satin frills |
| Bihar | ______ | Bamboo |
Ans.
| State | Type of Fan | Material Used |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Appliqué hand fan | Pieces of fabric with ornamental needlework |
| Zardozi hand fan | Gold thread | |
| Temple hand fans | Brass | |
| Gujarat | Mirror work hand fans | Pure cotton with mirror work |
| Beads hand fan | beads | |
| Kutch leather hand fans | Leather, decorated with thread and wool | |
| West Bengal | Sola hand fans | Sola (water grass) |
| Uttar Pradesh | Phadh hand fans | Pure gold, silver zari, silk and satin frills |
| Bihar | Bamboo hand fans | Bamboo |
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
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. 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.
Ans. (i) False. Because:
- Significant cultural goods means pankhas had cultural importance and were traded.
- One of the most popular items of commerce means pankhas were among the most widely or commonly traded goods.
- The passage gives us no information to conclude that they were among the most popular commercial goods.
Exam tip: In True/False questions based on a passage, judge the statement only from the information given in the passage, not from what might be generally true.
(ii) Why has the word ‘traditional’ been used to describe pankhas?
Ans. The word ‘traditional’ has been used because pankhas have been made and used in India for a long time and different regions have developed their own distinctive varieties, materials and designs.
(iii) Complete the following statement.
The sentence ‘They were considered exotic and stylish’ is an opinion and not a fact because ______________________.
Ans. it expresses a personal or subjective judgement about the appearance and appeal of pankhas, rather than something that can be objectively proven.
(iv) Infer one reason for commonality in the use of pankhas across India.
Ans. One reason could be that pankhas were useful for providing air and keeping people cool, making them useful in different parts of India.
(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.
Ans. A. Each kind of pankha could be distinguished from the other.
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 significantly factored by the different versions of the pankha being crafted.
(i) Infer one negative impact of technological advancement on pankha.
Ans. As time passes, modern technology and new inventions have changed the way people live. Because modern devices can provide cooling more easily, people may no longer use or value traditional hand fans as they once did.
As a result, the traditional culture and importance of pankhas may gradually disappear from people's lives.
The paragraph presents two opposite effects of modern change:
| Negative effect | Positive effect |
|---|---|
| Technology may cause traditional pankhas to lose their presence. | Pankha-making has become a commercial activity. |
| People may use pankhas less for practical purposes. | Selling pankhas can provide livelihoods to artisans. |
| Traditional culture is at risk of fading. | New varieties can increase popularity and demand. |
(ii) Complete the statement with an appropriate reason.
The writer refers to ‘pankhas’ not just as an object but as a ‘culture’ because ___________.
Ans. they represent the traditional craftsmanship, cultural identity, stories, materials and artistic practices of different regions of India.
(iii) Select a line from the extract which depicts how the role of the pankha has changed over the years.
Ans. “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.”
(iv) List one way in which the increase in demand of pankhas might benefit artisans.
Ans. An increase in demand can provide artisans with more income and a sustainable livelihood by creating greater opportunities to sell their handcrafted pankhas.
(v) Select the factor that has contributed to the commercialisation of pankhas.
A. cultural preservation
B. economic demand
C. technological advancements
D. artisan initiative
Ans. B. economic demand
II. Answer the following questions.
1. How does the title ‘Winds of Change’ capture the essence of the chapter?
Ans. The title ‘Winds of Change’ captures the essence of the chapter because it highlights the changing role and status of traditional pankhas in India. Earlier, pankhas were used for practical purposes, but in modern times, their use has largely become decorative. At the same time, technology poses a threat to their traditional culture. However, new designs, increasing demand, exhibitions and workshops can help preserve and promote this craft. Thus, the title reflects both the changes taking place in pankha culture and the efforts to preserve it.
2. 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.’
Ans. The structure and design of pankhas reflect the cultural identity of their regions in the following ways:
- Rajasthan: Its appliqué hand fans are made from pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns, decorated with ornamental needlework. Its zardozi fans are decorated with ornate gold threadwork.
- Gujarat: Its hand fans are made from pure cotton and embellished with traditional mirror work, while its bead fans are decorated with colourful beads and have silver handles.
Thus, the materials, patterns and traditional techniques used in different regions make their pankhas unique expressions of their cultural identity.
3. 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 in the creation of pankhas will help in this regard.
Ans. A balance between traditional craftsmanship and innovative designs can help pankhas remain relevant in modern times. Traditional materials, techniques and regional designs should be preserved because they represent India's cultural heritage. At the same time, new designs, shapes and creative ideas can make pankhas more attractive to modern consumers. This can increase their popularity and demand, provide artisans with a sustainable livelihood and encourage younger generations to continue the craft. In this way, innovation can support rather than replace tradition.
4. How might initiatives such as pankha-making workshops contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft?
Ans. Pankha-making workshops can create awareness about the beauty and cultural importance of the craft. They give people an opportunity to learn about the traditional process and appreciate the skill of artisans. Such workshops can also encourage more people to take an interest in pankha-making and help artisans promote and sell their products.
5. The writer mentions celebrating pankhas in the concluding part of the chapter. Assess how this could be beneficial to artisans and the craft.
Ans. Celebrating pankhas can help people appreciate their cultural, artistic and traditional value. It can provide contemporary pankha makers with a platform to demonstrate their skills and help the craft regain popularity. Increased awareness and demand can create more opportunities for artisans to sell their products and earn a sustainable livelihood. Therefore, celebrating pankhas can benefit both the artisans and the preservation of the traditional craft.
6. How does the restriction of the use of pankha for decorative purposes reflect the changing cultural role of these traditional fans in modern India?
Ans. In ancient India, pankhas had several practical and cultural uses. They were used in temples to fan deities and in royal courts to fan kings. Over time, technological advancements and modern inventions reduced their practical importance. In modern India, their use has largely been restricted to decorative purposes, and they are now regarded as traditional craft items. This shows that pankhas have changed from functional objects to objects valued mainly for their artistic and cultural significance.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I. Read the following pairs of words from the text.
| exotic and stylish villages and towns thread and wool silk and brass ornate and encrusted within and outside |
1. Classify the pairs of words given above in the following categories. One example has been done for you.
| Appearance | Place | Material |
|---|---|---|
| within and outside | ||
Now, find more such word pairs from the text and share them with your classmates and teacher.
Ans.
| Appearance | Place | Material |
|---|---|---|
| exotic and stylish | villages and towns | thread and wool |
| ornate and encrusted | within and outside | silk and brass |
Some other examples of similar word pairs are:
- culture and stories
- beauty and importance
- shapes and sizes
- geographies and cultures
- beads and stones
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.
| Some common expressions with ‘and’ have a fixed order which cannot be changed. The shortest expression comes first. For example, bread and butter (*not butter and bread) |

Now, match the following meanings with the correct word pairs created above.
- (i) in a difficult situation, without help or money–
- (ii) the damage to object due to normal use –
- (iii) accurate and detailed information –
- (iv) even when there are problems or difficulties–
- (v) everyone, not just a few special people–
- (vi) often; on many or all occasions–
- (vii) To make a quick or sudden escape –
Ans.
| Word 1 | Word 2 | Fixed Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| high | dry | high and dry | in a difficult situation, without help or money |
| cut | run | cut and run | to make a quick or sudden escape |
| fact | figures | facts and figures | accurate and detailed information |
| all | sundry | all and sundry | everyone, not just a few special people |
| wear | tear | wear and tear | the damage to an object due to normal use |
| time | again | time and again | often; on many or all occasions |
| thick | thin | thick and thin | even when there are problems or difficulties |
| hard | fast | hard and fast | strict and fixed; not easily changed |
III. Read the following word combinations from the text.
- sustainable livelihood
- aesthetically pleasing
- appreciating the culture
| The given phrases are conventional combinations just like fixed expressions. Such combinations are called collocations. |
1. Choose the appropriate word collocations for the following sentences.
- (i) The students have to (take/give) the English exam tomorrow.
- (ii) The interviewer asked the candidate to (take/have) a seat.
- (iii) My scooter (dashed against/ran into) a car.
- (iv) I must (take/own) responsibility for my success.
- (v) I would like to (tone up/improve) my grammar.
Ans.
- (i) take. We say take an exam.
- (ii) have. We say have a seat.
- (iii) ran into. Run into means to collide with or accidentally hit something.
- (iv) take. The correct collocation is take responsibility.
- (v) improve. The natural expression is improve my grammar.
IV. Read the following sentences. Underline the verbs.
- In modern times, pankhas have become traditional craft items in India.
- Gujarat’s industrious home-based women workers have worked tirelessly in the handicraft of pankha-making.
- Many tribes in India have adopted this handicraft.
- Once made for personal use, this handicraft has transformed into a commercial business.
| The underlined verbs refer to the past, but have relevance to the current or present time. This form of tense is called the present perfect tense. Recently completed actions also take the present perfect form of tense. |
Now, fill in the blanks with the present perfect form of verbs in the following paragraph. One example has been done for you.
Puppets have long fascinated (fascinate) audiences worldwide. Puppeteers (i) ______ (create) intricate characters and captivating stories with their skillful artistry. They (ii) __________ (master) the delicate movements that bring these lifeless figures to life, entertaining both children and adults. Over the years, puppetry (iii) ___________ (evolve), using modern technology while preserving traditional techniques. Many
puppeteers (iv) __________ (pass) down their craft through generations, ensuring its continuity. They (v) ________ (perform) in theatres, on television, and at festivals, conveying important cultural narratives.
Ans.
- (i) have created
- (ii) have mastered
- (iii) has evolved
- (iv) have passed
- (v) have performed






