Part II · Pankhas in Modern India 2.1 From Personal Use to Commercial Business

Last updated at July 14, 2026 by

Extract from the Text

“Once crafted mostly for personal use, the pankha handicraft has transformed into a commercial business. Though the pankha culture runs the risk of losing its presence among Indians, different versions of the pankha being crafted has led to a slight increase in its popularity.”

Summary in Bullet Points

  • Transformation: Pankhas were originally made for personal use . Now they have become a commercial business for artisans, sold at fairs, exhibitions, and online . artisans = skilled craft workers who make goods by hand

    Pehle pankha sirf ghar ke use ke liye banta tha. Ab yeh ek commercial business ban gaya hai — artisans isse bech ke paisa kamaate hain.

  • Slight increase in demand: Different creative versions have attracted a new urban customer base , resulting in a small rise in popularity . urban = relating to a city or town

    Nayi designs aane ki wajah se pankha thoda popular hua hai. Shahari log decorative pankha khareed rahe hain.

  • Cultural risk remains: Even with commercial revival, the risk of the pankha culture fading remains. Commerce alone cannot preserve the deeper cultural meaning .

    Business thoda better hua, lekin pankha ka asal culture abhi bhi khatam hone ka darr hai. Sirf bechna culture ko nahi bachata.

NCERT Questions (from the Textbook)
Critical Reflection Part II (NCERT Kaveri pages 75–76)
XI. How does the title "Winds of Change" capture the essence of the chapter?
How to answer: Think about both the literal and figurative meanings of "winds of change" — what has changed about pankhas?
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The title "Winds of Change" works on two levels. Literally, it refers to the pankha, a fan that creates a breeze, connecting directly to the chapter's subject. Figuratively, it captures the transformation the pankha has undergone — from a personal household item used across all levels of society to a commercially traded craft object. The "change" also refers to the impact of technology, which has shifted the pankha from daily use to decorative status. The title thus captures both the cultural product and the forces of modernity that have altered its role in Indian life.

Title "Winds of Change" do tarah kaam karta hai: literal mein pankha jis se hawa aati hai, aur figurative mein pankha ka role badal gaya hai — ghar ke use se commercial business tak.

Board Pattern Questions Mapped to Exam Format
Fill in the Blank 1 mark
The pankha handicraft has transformed from personal use into a ___ business. (commercial / seasonal)
How to answer: Find the exact noun used in the essay to describe this transformation.
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commercial — The text states: ‘the pankha handicraft has transformed into a commercial business.’ This means pankhas are now made to be sold for profit, not just for personal use at home.

Pankha ab commercial business ban gaya hai — personal use se selling tak ka safar.

Short Answer - 3 marks 3 marks
How has the commercial transformation of pankha-making helped artisans? What risk still remains despite this change?
How to answer: Give one benefit (livelihood, income) and name the remaining risk (cultural loss) with explanation (50 words).
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The commercial transformation gives artisans a source of livelihood, allowing them to earn income from their skill and continue practising the craft. However, the risk that remains is the loss of pankha culture — when pankhas are made only for sale and decoration rather than lived use, the deeper cultural meaning, rituals, and community connection slowly fade away.

Benefit : artisans ko income milti hai craft se. Risk : pankha ka asal cultural meaning khatam hone ka darr hai — jab sirf sale ke liye banta hai toh traditions ka connection toot jaata hai.

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