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Every important word from the essay with its meaning and the context in which it appears.
pankha
any fan; from
pankh
(feather of a bird)
The central subject of the essay — used for all types of fans
pankhi
a small plumed fan used in ancient India
Depicted in Ajanta wall paintings (2nd century CE)
indigenous
local; originating from the place where it is found
“Gujarat has its own indigenous take on pankhas”
intricate
very detailed and complex in design
“a variety of intricate designs” — what sets each regional pankha apart
exotic
unusual and striking; originating from a distant place
“considered exotic and stylish” as pankhas spread through trade routes
zardozi
embroidery using gold or silver metallic thread
Rajasthan’s most opulent pankha variety
appliqué
fabric pieces sewn onto another cloth with ornamental needlework
Rajasthan’s antique pankha style
encrusted
covered or decorated with a layer of jewels or embellishment
“glittering ornate and encrusted gold threadwork” (zardozi pankha)
sola
a type of water grass with a milky-white spongy centre
Material used for Bengali pankhas (Tal Patar Pankha)
perpetually
constantly; always present
“perpetually kept as an article of possession in Bengali households”
antiquity
the distant past; great age
“recognised across India due to their antiquity and rarity” (UP fans)
advent
the arrival of something new
“with the advent of technology” (electric fans, ACs)
innovative
new and original in approach
“the advent of technology and innovative creations”
invokes
brings out; calls upon
“the culture, stories, and artistry that this handicraft invokes”
sustainable livelihood
long-term, steady income that can be maintained over time
What workshops and exhibitions help artisans achieve
industrious
hardworking
“Gujarat’s industrious home-based women workers”
