Winds of Change Reflect and Respond | Class 9 English Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read
Winds of Change Reflect and Respond – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Winds of Change Reflect and Respond from Class 9 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Winds of Change
The chapter 'Winds of Change' from the Class 9 English textbook 'Reflect and Respond' introduces students to the rich cultural heritage of India through the exploration of traditional hand fans, known as pankhas. The word 'pankha' originates from the Sanskrit word 'pankh', meaning the feather of a bird, symbolizing the ancient roots of this craft. The chapter traces the evolution of pankhas from their historical use in religious and royal settings to their present status as cultural artefacts and handicrafts. Evidence of pankhas dates back to the 2nd century CE, as seen in Buddhist wall paintings at Ajanta, where small plumed fans called pankhis were used. Historically, pankhas were used to fan deities in temples and kings in royal courts, varying in size from small handheld fans to large ones requiring significant arm strength to operate.
Over centuries, pankhas became significant cultural goods, traded widely and valued for their exotic and stylish appeal. Despite a common purpose across India, different regions developed distinctive pankha varieties, characterized by unique materials and intricate designs. Materials such as bamboo, cane, palm leaf, silk, brass, leather, and silver were used, reflecting the geography, culture, and rituals of each area. For example, Rajasthan is known for appliqué hand fans made of fabric pieces sewn with ornamental needlework, and zardozi fans featuring gold threadwork. Gujarat's pankhas are noted for mirror work and bead embellishments, while Bengal artisans craft delicate fans from sola, a milky-white spongy water grass.
In modern times, the practical use of pankhas has diminished due to technological advancements like electric fans, and their role has shifted towards decorative and cultural significance. This transformation has also turned pankha-making into a commercial enterprise, providing livelihoods to artisans. The chapter highlights efforts to preserve this craft through workshops and exhibitions that celebrate pankhas, helping artisans sustain their traditional skills while adapting to contemporary markets. The chapter encourages appreciation of pankhas not only as objects but as carriers of cultural identity and artistic heritage.
📊 Diagram: Figure on page 1; 0903CH03
🧪 Activity: Reflect and Respond activities on the use and names of hand fans in different languages and regions.
🔗 Connection: Leads to detailed regional variations of pankhas and their cultural significance.
Frequently asked questions
I The poet refers to the shades of green, red, and blue in the poem. Let us read some of the names of different shades of these colours. Now, Discuss in pairs, any two things that you can associate with these colours.
The question asks to discuss any two things associated with the colours green, red, and blue. For example, green can be associated with nature and freshness; red can be associated with love and energy; blue can be associated with calmness and sky. Students should provide their own associations based on their experiences.
II You have studied painting-related words like palette, brushstrokes, shades, hue, colours, and canvas. Now, read the following paragraph and discuss in pairs what the underlined painting-related words might mean. Discuss this way: I think ______ means ______ because the passage talks about ______. Example: I think portrait means a picture of someone’s face because the passage talks about capturing a friend’s features.
Students should read the paragraph and infer meanings of words such as easels, tonal range, portrait, underpainting, mural, etc., by using the context clues in the passage. For example, 'easel' is a stand to hold the canvas; 'tonal range' refers to the range of light and dark shades; 'portrait' is a painting of a person's face; 'underpainting' is the initial layer of paint; 'mural' is a large painting on a wall.
I You will listen to a young girl describe her school garden. As you listen identify which of the following 1–3, she does not talk about. (Transcript for teacher on page 264)
The correct answer is the item that the girl does not talk about in her description. Since the transcript is not provided here, students need to listen carefully to identify which of the three items is not mentioned.
II You will once again listen to the young girl. As you listen, circle the correct answer from the options given below. 1. The colour of flowers in the first row 2. The type of flowers in the second row 3. Position of the type of the useful plants 4. The number of potted evergreen plants 5. The paint colour on the bricks bordering the garden 6. Type of tree in the centre of the garden 7. Things created with waste material
Students should listen carefully to the audio and select the correct options for each statement. For example, if the girl says the first row flowers are white, then option 'white' is correct for Q1. Similarly, for each question, the correct option depends on the audio content.
Ready to ace this chapter?
Get the full Winds of Change Reflect and Respond chapter — interactive notes, diagrams, worked solutions, polls and a free practice quiz — in the ConceptScroll app.
Study smarter with ConceptScroll
Daily NCERT-aligned reels, AI doubt solving and chapter quizzes — all free.
Start learning freeContinue reading
- Follow That Dream Reflect and Respond | Class 9 English Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on Follow That Dream Reflect and Respond for Class 9 English.
- Follow That Dream Reflect and Respond | Class 9 English Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on Follow That Dream Reflect and Respond for Class 9 English.
- Follow That Dream Reflect and Respond | Class 9 English Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on Follow That Dream Reflect and Respond for Class 9 English.