In-text Questions and Answers
- Question: Find out how many new states have been created in the last 10 years. Is each of these states considered its own region?
Answer:
In the last 10 years, one new state, Telangana, was created in 2014. It became separate from Andhra Pradesh. Each state is usually considered a region because it has its own language, culture, and traditions that make it unique.
- Question: Discover when the language you speak at home was first used in writing.
Answer:
I speak Hindi at home. Hindi started to be used in writing around the 12th century. It developed from earlier languages like Sanskrit and Prakrit. Over time, it became widely used in literature and government.
- Question: Did women have a role in these stories of heroes?
Answer:
Yes, women sometimes appeared in these stories. They were often shown as brave and loyal, supporting their husbands. For example, some stories talk about the practice of “sati,” where a widow would join her husband on the funeral pyre. However, most stories focused more on male heroes.
- Question: Are there stories of heroes or heroines in your town or village? What qualities are they known for, and how are they similar or different from the Rajput heroes?
Answer:
In my village, we have stories about a heroine named Maya who saved children from a flood. She is known for her courage and kindness. Like the Rajput heroes, she showed bravery. However, unlike the Rajputs who were warriors, Maya was an ordinary person who became a hero through her actions.
- Question: Learn more about one of the classical dance forms mentioned.
Answer:
I learned about Kathakali, a classical dance from Kerala in South India. Kathakali is known for its colorful costumes and elaborate makeup. Dancers use facial expressions and hand gestures to tell stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Question: Compare the temple shown here with one you studied earlier.
Answer:
The temple in this chapter has a unique style with curved roofs called “dochala” or “chauchala,” resembling traditional huts. It is made of terracotta with detailed decorations. The earlier temple we studied had tall towers called “shikharas” and was made of stone. Both are places of worship but show different architectural styles based on their regions.
- Question: Why do you think some stories were not written down but passed on orally?
Answer:
Many stories were not written down because the people telling them did not know how to write or didn’t have access to writing materials. They shared stories by speaking or singing, which was a part of their tradition. Oral storytelling made it easy to pass stories from one generation to the next.
Exercise Questions and Answers
Let’s Recall
- Question: Match the following correctly:
- Anantavarman
- Jagannatha
- Mahodayapuram
- Kangra
- Mangalakavya
- Miniature
Options:
- Kerala
- Bengal
- Orissa
- Puri
- Himachal Pradesh
- Mughal Court
Answer:
- Anantavarman – Orissa
- Jagannatha – Puri
- Mahodayapuram – Kerala
- Kangra – Himachal Pradesh
- Mangalakavya – Bengal
- Miniature – Mughal Court
- Question: What is Manipravalam? Name a book written in that language.
Answer:
Manipravalam is a language that mixes Malayalam and Sanskrit. The word means “diamonds and corals,” symbolizing the two languages. A famous book written in Manipravalam is “Lilatilakam,” which is about grammar and poetry.
- Question: Who supported and promoted the dance form Kathak?
Answer:
The Mughal emperors and their nobles were major supporters of Kathak. Later, the Nawabs of Awadh, like Wajid Ali Shah, also promoted Kathak. Their patronage helped Kathak develop into a classical dance form.
- Question: What are the main architectural features of Bengal temples?
Answer:
Bengal temples often have curved roofs and are built in styles called “dochala” (two roofs) or “chauchala” (four roofs), resembling traditional thatched huts. They are usually built on a square platform. The walls are decorated with terracotta tiles showing scenes from stories and daily life.
Imagine
- Question: Imagine you are a Rajput prince. How would you like your story to be told?
Answer:
As a Rajput prince, I would want my story to highlight my bravery and honor. Stories would tell of my courage in battles and my dedication to protecting my kingdom. I would like minstrels to sing about my loyalty to my people and my willingness to sacrifice for them.
Let’s Discuss
- Question: Why did storytellers (minstrels) share tales of heroes?
Answer:
Minstrels shared tales of heroes to keep their memories alive and inspire others. By telling these stories, they encouraged people to be brave and uphold values like loyalty and honor. It was a way to teach and motivate the community.
- Question: Why do we know more about the cultural practices of rulers than those of ordinary people?
Answer:
Rulers had the resources to build grand buildings, support artists, and keep records of their achievements. They left behind monuments, writings, and art. Ordinary people did not have the means to record their lives, so less information about their cultural practices has survived.
- Question: Why did conquerors try to control the temple of Jagannatha at Puri?
Answer:
The temple of Jagannatha at Puri was an important religious center. By controlling it, conquerors could gain legitimacy and support from the local people. It showed that they respected the local culture and religion, making their rule more acceptable.
- Question: Why were temples built in Bengal?
Answer:
Temples in Bengal were built by wealthy individuals and groups to show their devotion and improve their social standing. Building a temple was a way to gain respect and recognition. It also provided a place for worship and helped promote local deities.
Let’s Do
- Question: Describe the most important features of the culture in your region, focusing on buildings, performing arts, and painting.
Answer:
I live in Punjab. Our culture is vibrant and lively. Buildings like the Golden Temple in Amritsar are famous for their beautiful architecture. In performing arts, Bhangra and Giddha are popular dances performed during festivals. Painting styles like Phulkari involve intricate embroidery patterns that are also a part of our traditional clothing.
- Question: Do you use different languages for speaking, reading, and writing? Find out about one major work in your language and explain why you like it.
Answer:
I speak Bengali at home, read in Bengali and English, and write in both languages. A major work in Bengali is “Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali.” I like it because the poems are beautiful and talk about nature, love, and devotion in a way that is easy to understand and feel.
- Question: Choose one state each from North, West, South, East, and Central India. List common foods from each, noting differences and similarities.
Answer:
- North India (Punjab): Roti, Sarson da Saag, Lassi.
- West India (Maharashtra): Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Puran Poli.
- South India (Kerala): Rice, Sambar, Appam, Coconut Chutney.
- East India (West Bengal): Rice, Fish Curry, Rasgulla.
- Central India (Madhya Pradesh): Poha, Jalebi, Dal Bafla.
Differences: Staple foods vary—rice is common in the South and East, while wheat is common in the North. Spices and cooking methods differ.
Similarities: All regions have a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Sweets are popular everywhere.
- Question: Choose any two regions in India and list the typical clothing worn by men and women. Discuss what you found.
Answer:
Region 1: Gujarat
- Women: Wear sarees and chaniya choli with mirror work.
- Men: Wear dhoti or churidar and kurta with a turban.
Region 2: Tamil Nadu
- Women: Wear sarees, often in bright colors with gold borders.
- Men: Wear veshti (a type of dhoti) and shirt.
Discussion:
Clothing styles are influenced by climate and culture. In Gujarat, mirror work reflects the sunny climate. In Tamil Nadu, lightweight fabrics suit the hot weather. Traditional clothing is important in festivals and ceremonies in both regions.