1.3 The Pankhas of Rajasthan

Last updated at July 14, 2026 by

Extract from the Text

“The structure of each fan reflects the cultural core of the region that crafts it. For instance, the appliqué hand fan of Rajasthan is an antique pankha made of pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns sewn onto another cloth with the use of ornamental needlework. Furthermore, the zardozi hand fan of Rajasthan differs in its use of glittering ornate and encrusted gold threadwork.”

Summary in Bullet Points

  • Appliqué pankha: Fabric pieces sewn onto another cloth using ornamental needlework . Intricate and antique . ornamental = decorative; antique = old and therefore valuable or rare

    Appliqué pankha : kapde ke tukde ek kapde par siyal jaate hain beautiful stitching se. Bahut purana aur intricate design.

  • Zardozi pankha: Uses glittering, ornate, encrusted gold threadwork . The most opulent Rajasthani variety.

    Zardozi matlab sone ke dhaage se kaam. Yeh pankha bahut shahi aur chamakdar hota hai.

  • Temple fans: Made by engraving brass with a long handle. Offered during worship .

    Temple fan : brass (peetal) par naqkashi karke banaya jaata hai, lambe handle ke saath. Bhagwan ko dhoop karne ke liye use hota hai.

  • Painted pankha: Cardboard fan with various images, usually offered to gods .

    Painted pankha : cardboard par images painted hoti hain. Yeh bhi gods ko offer kiya jaata hai.

NCERT Questions (from the Textbook)
Check Your Understanding. NCERT Kaveri page 74
I. I. Complete the table. Name the type of fan and the material used in each state.
State Type of Fan Material Used
Rajasthan Appliqué hand fan _________________
_________________ Gold thread (zardozi)
Temple hand fans _________________
Gujarat Mirror work hand fans _________________
_________________ Beads, silver handle
_________________ Leather, decorated with thread and wool
West Bengal Sola hand fans / Tal Patar Pankha _________________
Uttar Pradesh _________________ Pure gold, silver zari, silk and satin frills
Bihar _________________ Bamboo
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Answers:
State Type of Fan Material Used
Rajasthan Appliqué hand fan Fabric pieces in different shapes, ornamental needlework
Zardozi hand fan Gold thread (zardozi)
Temple hand fans Engraved brass, long handle
Gujarat Mirror work hand fans Pure cotton with mirror work
Bead hand fans Beads, silver handle
Kutch leather fans Leather, decorated with thread and wool
West Bengal Sola hand fans / Tal Patar Pankha Sola (water grass) / palm leaf
Uttar Pradesh Phadh hand fans Pure gold, silver zari, silk and satin frills
Bihar Bamboo hand fans Bamboo

Yahan har state ka fan aur material yaad rakho — Rajasthan mein applique, zardozi aur brass temple fans; Gujarat mein mirror work, bead aur Kutch leather fans; Bengal mein sola aur palm leaf wale pankhe; UP mein Phadh fans jisme gold-silver zari lagti hai.

Board Pattern Questions Mapped to Exam Format
Fill in the Blank 1 mark
The zardozi hand fan of Rajasthan is distinguished by its use of glittering ___ gold threadwork. (ornate / plain)
How to answer: Find the exact adjective the writer uses before ‘gold threadwork’.
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ornate — The text says ‘glittering ornate and encrusted gold threadwork.’ Ornate means highly decorated; this describes the elaborate, jewel-like appearance of the zardozi fan.

Zardozi pankha mein ornate (bahut decorated) sone ke dhaage ka kaam hota hai.

Short Answer - 3 marks 3 marks
Describe any two types of pankhas from Rajasthan and explain how each reflects the cultural identity of the region.
How to answer: Name two varieties, give their materials/technique, then link each to regional culture (50 words).
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Rajasthan’s appliqué pankha is made of fabric pieces sewn with ornamental needlework, reflecting the state’s rich tradition of fabric art and embroidery. Its zardozi pankha , with encrusted gold threadwork, mirrors Rajasthan’s royal heritage and association with opulent craftsmanship. Both varieties use methods that have been passed down as part of the region’s artistic identity for generations.

Rajasthan ke do fans: Appliqué (kapda + ornamental stitching = fabric art tradition) aur Zardozi (gold thread = royal heritage). Dono Rajasthan ke culture ka mirror hain.

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