Find complete NCERT solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 2 – The Pot Maker from the latest Kaveri textbook. This page covers all in-text and chapter-end-exercise questions, grammar, vocabulary, speaking and writing sections and other textbook activities with clear, student-friendly answers.
In-text Question Answers – The Pot Maker | Kaveri 9
Reflect and Respond
I. Look at the pictures given below and identify the vocations. Now, list at least five more vocations.
Answers:
Vocations shown in the pictures:
- Basket Weaver
- Pot Maker (Potter)
- Weaver
- Carpenter
Five more vocations:
- Blacksmith
- Tailor
- Mason
- Electrician
- Farmer
II. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
- What is common among these pictures?
- We refer to such skill-based work as
v _ _ a _ _ o _ s. - Mention a few differences between handmade and machine-made products.
Answers:
1. What is common among these pictures?
Ans. All the pictures show people engaged in skill-based vocations or traditional crafts. They use their knowledge, experience, and manual skills to create useful products.
2. We refer to such skill-based work as v__ __ a __ __ o __ s.
Ans. Vocations
3. Mention a few differences between handmade and machine-made products.
Ans. The following table shows the differences between handmade and machine-made products.
| Handmade Products | Machine-made Products |
|---|---|
| Made by skilled artisans using their hands. | Made by machines in factories. |
| Each product is unique and may vary slightly. | Products are identical and uniform. |
| Require more time and effort. | Produced quickly in large quantities. |
| Often reflect traditional skills and craftsmanship. | Focus on speed, efficiency, and mass production. |
| Usually cost more due to manual labour. | Usually cost less because of mass production. |
Check Your Understanding
PART – 1
I. Do you think pot making is easy? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
No, pot making is not easy. It requires hard physical labour, patience, skill, and practice. A potter has to collect clay, prepare it, shape the pots carefully, dry them, and fire them properly in a kiln. Even a small mistake can spoil the entire batch of pots.
II. Would Sentila be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker? Explain.
Answer:
Yes, Sentila would be able to fulfil her dream. She was passionate about pottery and never gave up despite repeated failures. Her determination, careful observation, continuous practice, and the guidance of her mother and Onula helped her become a skilled pot maker.
III. Do you think Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila? Give a reason.
Answer:
Yes, Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila. Mesoba assured the village elders that Sentila would soon learn pottery, while Arenla eventually agreed to teach her. Though Arenla initially preferred weaving for a better income, she later trained Sentila and helped her master the traditional craft.
PART – 2
I. Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
Yes, Onula’s support greatly helped Sentila. She encouraged her, taught her the correct technique, and advised her to observe her mother carefully. This guidance boosted Sentila’s confidence and helped her master the art of pot making.
II. Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?
Answer:
Sentila’s careful observation shows that she was passionate, patient, and eager to learn. She understood that mastering pottery required close attention to every detail, and her willingness to learn through observation helped her become a skilled pot maker.
III. Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Correct Sequence: 4 → 6 → 3 → 1 → 8 → 5 → 2 → 9 → 7
| Event No. | Correct Order |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 6 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 1 |
| 5 | 8 |
| 6 | 5 |
| 7 | 2 |
| 8 | 9 |
| 9 | 7 |
Chapter-end question answers from the NCERT book for “The Pot Maker” in Class 9 Kaveri
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
- Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it, is also tedious. So many times I’ve dropped the mould out of sheer exhaustion and have had to start all over again. It takes months to bring out a batch of pots after so much labour. And the reward? A few rupees. But if Sentila learns weaving, she can make much more money besides providing enough cloth for the family. Weaving is not messy like pot making and can be done indoors in all seasons. Also, the time spent on weaving one shawl is much less and the return is handsome.
(i) Choose the correct reason for the given assertion.
(A): The effort in making pots is far greater than the returns.
A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.
B. The process of pot making is exhausting, takes a long time, yet gives a sense of satisfaction.
Ans. A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.
(ii) Why does Arenla want Sentila to learn weaving?
Ans. Arenla wants Sentila to learn weaving because it is less tiring, can be done indoors throughout the year, takes less time, and provides a better income than pot making.
(iii) State one advantage that weaving has over pot making, as per the extract.
Ans. One advantage of weaving is that it can be done indoors in all seasons.
OR
It takes less time and provides a better income than pot making.
(iv) Choose the sentence that uses the word ‘handsome’ in the same way as in the extract.
A. My father is a handsome man.
B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.
Ans. B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.
(v) ‘And the reward?’ What is the author’s purpose of using a question mark here?
Ans. The question mark emphasises Arenla’s disappointment and frustration. It highlights the contrast between the enormous effort involved in pot making and the very small financial reward it provides.
- Onula saw her taking out some clay and the implements from her basket quietly. She watched
Sentila’s clumsy efforts to make a pot and noticed that Sentila was too tense. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape. When Sentila wearily let the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground, Onula went to her and said, “Don’t worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.” Sentila watched in amazement as Onula fashioned a beautiful pot and asked her to try again.
(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Onula feels Sentila’s effort at making a pot is clumsy because _______ .
Ans. Onula feels Sentila’s effort at making a pot is clumsy because she is too tense and lacks confidence while shaping the clay.
(ii) Choose the correct option to complete the following sentence.
‘Don’t worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.’
This shows that Onula was _.
A. sincere and generous
B. forgiving and thoughtful
C. thoughtful and generous
D. forgiving and sincere
Ans. C. thoughtful and generous
(iii) Which among the following is the effect of a cause?
A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.
B. Onula saw her taking out some clay and the implements from her basket quietly.
Ans. A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.
(iv) ‘Onula fashioned a beautiful pot.’ Here, the word ‘fashioned’ means _______ . (created/styled)
Ans. created
(v) How might Sentila have felt when she saw ‘the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground’?
Ans. Sentila might have felt disappointed, frustrated, and discouraged because her repeated efforts to make a proper pot had failed.
II. Answer the following questions.
- Describe the process of pot making followed by expert pot makers, as observed by Sentila.
- What warning was given to Mesoba by the village council?
- How did Sentila feel when she failed at pot making even after a year of training with her mother?
- ‘Onula stood there for a long time as if trying to absorb a new phenomenon’. Explain.
- ‘The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual,’ what does this symbolise?
- What is the significance of the concluding line of the story, ‘A new pot maker was born’?
- What is the role of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams? Elaborate with reference to Sentila.
Answers:
1. Describe the process of pot making followed by expert pot makers, as observed by Sentila.
Short Ans:
Expert pot makers mix clay with water, pound it until soft, and shape it skilfully with their hands and a spatula. The pots are then dried in the sun and carefully fired in a kiln to make them strong.
Long Ans.
Sentila observed that expert pot makers first mixed clay with water and pounded it until it became soft. They then shaped the clay skilfully using their hands and a spatula. After giving the pots a final touch and checking their consistency, they dried them in the sun. Finally, the pots were arranged carefully in a kiln on layers of hay and dried bamboo and fired with great care to avoid damage.
2. What warning was given to Mesoba by the village council?
Short Ans:
The village council reminded Mesoba that Arenla should teach Sentila pottery. They said that traditional skills belong to the community and must be passed on to future generations.
Long Ans.
The village council warned Mesoba to remind Arenla that it was her duty to teach Sentila the art of pot making. The elders said that traditional skills belonged to the community, not to any individual, and should be passed on to the next generation and to anyone willing to learn.
3. How did Sentila feel when she failed at pot making even after a year of training with her mother?
Short Ans:
Sentila felt ashamed and frustrated because she could not shape the clay into a proper pot despite practising for a year. However, she remained determined to learn.
Long Ans.
Sentila felt ashamed, frustrated, and disappointed. Although she learned to prepare the clay quickly, she could not shape it into a proper pot despite practising for a year. However, she did not lose hope and continued trying to improve her skills.
4. ‘Onula stood there for a long time as if trying to absorb a new phenomenon’. Explain.
Short Ans:
Onula saw two identical rows of pots and realised that Sentila had become as skilled as her mother. This remarkable achievement filled her with wonder and made her realise that a new pot maker had emerged.
Long Ans.
When Onula entered the work shed, she saw two rows of newly made pots that looked exactly alike. She could not distinguish between the pots made by Arenla and those made by Sentila. She realised that Sentila had finally become as skilled as her mother. This remarkable achievement was the “new phenomenon” that filled Onula with wonder and convinced her that a new pot maker had truly emerged.
5. ‘The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual,’ what does this symbolise?
Short Ans:
It symbolises that traditional skills and cultural heritage belong to the whole community. They should be preserved and shared with future generations instead of being kept by one person.
Long Ans.
This statement symbolises that traditional knowledge and skills are the collective heritage of a community. They should not be kept by one person or family but should be shared with future generations. It highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions and passing them on to anyone willing to learn.
6. What is the significance of the concluding line of the story, ‘A new pot maker was born’?
Short Ans:
The line symbolises Sentila’s transformation into a skilled pot maker. It also shows that her mother’s knowledge and the community’s traditional craft would continue through the next generation.
Long Ans.
The concluding line is symbolic. It means that Sentila had finally transformed into a skilled pot maker after years of hard work, observation, and practice. It also signifies that Arenla’s knowledge, skill, and legacy would continue through her daughter. Thus, the tradition of pottery was successfully passed on to the next generation.
7. What is the role of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams? Elaborate with reference to Sentila.
Short Ans:
Sentila achieved her dream because she never gave up despite repeated failures. Her determination, patience, and continuous practice helped her master pottery, proving that perseverance is the key to success.
Long Ans.
Perseverance plays a vital role in achieving one’s dreams. Sentila never gave up on her dream of becoming a pot maker despite facing repeated failures and discouragement. She continued observing expert potters, practised patiently, and learned from both her mother and Onula. Her determination, hard work, and willingness to learn eventually helped her master the craft. Sentila’s journey teaches us that success comes to those who remain dedicated, patient, and persistent in pursuing their goals.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I. Now, classify the words/phrases given in the box as shown in the table below. One example for each category has been done for you.
Answer:
| Tools/Implements | Raw Materials | Process |
|---|---|---|
| dao | dough | pounding |
| spatula | clay | rotating |
| basket | bamboo | shaping |
| cylinders | bed of hay | kiln* |
Note*: A kiln is technically a piece of equipment used for firing pots. However, because the exercise only provides four blanks under Tools/Implements and includes “kiln” among the given words, the table lists it under Process, as it represents the firing stage in pottery. Strictly speaking, a kiln is equipment, not a process.
II. Work in pairs and find the meanings of the following words related to economy. You may refer to a dictionary.
Now, frame sentences using each word.
Answers:
| Word | Meaning | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Bankrupt | Unable to pay debts; financially ruined | The shop became bankrupt after suffering heavy losses. |
| Credit | Money borrowed or the ability to buy now and pay later | The farmer bought seeds on credit from the local shopkeeper. |
| Currency | The official money used in a country | The Indian currency is the Rupee (₹). |
| Debt | Money that a person or organisation owes | The family worked hard to repay their debt. |
| Fiscal | Related to government income, spending, or finance | The government announced a new fiscal policy to support small businesses. |
| Inflation | A rise in the prices of goods and services over time | Inflation has increased the cost of daily necessities. |
| Investment | Money put into a business or project to earn profit | Buying new equipment was a good investment for the potter. |
| Interest | The extra money paid or earned on borrowed or saved money | The bank charged interest on the loan taken by the businessman. |
III.
1. Complete the following sentences with suitable noun clauses.
(i) The elders emphasised that __________________________.
(ii) Mesoba explained why ___________________________________.
(iii) Onula’s promise was that ________________________________.
(iv) Sentila observed her mother carefully when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which ________________.
(v) The kiln, where _________, required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing.
Answers:
(i) The elders emphasised that traditional skills should be passed on to future generations.
(ii) Mesoba explained why Sentila had not yet learnt pot making.
(iii) Onula’s promise was that she would teach Sentila how to make a perfect pot.
(iv) Sentila observed her mother carefully when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which helped her master the skill.
(v) The kiln, where the pots were fired, required careful attention to prevent over-or under-firing.
2. Read the following sentences from the text. Underline the main clause and circle the subordinate clause.
(i) Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank where the grey and red clay was found.
(ii) She started on the next one, and like a sprinter who had suddenly found momentum…
(iii) … skills such as pot making, which not only catered to the needs of the people…
Answers: (Main Clause = Bold | (Subordinate Clause) = Italics)
(i) Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank where the grey and red clay was found.
(ii) She started on the next one who had suddenly found momentum.
(iii) …skills such as pot making… which not only catered to the needs of the people…
3. Complete the following sentences with suitable relative clauses.
(i) Sentila, whose _______, practised the craft diligently.
(ii) The village council, where _______, sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.
(iii) The potter’s hands, which _______, shaped the clay into beautiful creations.
(iv) Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which _______.
(v) Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who _______.
Answers:
(i) Sentila, whose dream was to become a pot maker, practised the craft diligently.
(ii) The village council, where the elders gathered, sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.
(iii) The potter’s hands, which moved skilfully and confidently, shaped the clay into beautiful creations.
(iv) Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which was more profitable and less tiring than pot making.
(v) Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who agreed to teach Sentila the art of pot making.
4. Determiners (See the book at page 48 for the full details)
(i) Find out some more determiners from the text.
Answer:
Some more determiners used in the lesson are:
- the
- her
- their
- our
- his
- my
- those
- another
- one
- two
- every
- all
- few
- much
- little
(ii) Fill in the banks with suitable determiners. The first two blanks have been done for you.
A. The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in ____________ elegant floral shop.
B. The carpenter crafted ____________ unique tables, and _____________________ became the centrepiece in ____________________ furniture collection.
C. ____________ of ____________ apprentices in ____________ culinary class demonstrated ____________ knife skills during the intense cooking session.
D. ____________ of ____________ sculptures were displayed at _______________ art exhibition, showcasing ___________ diverse artistic skills.
Answers:
A. The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in an elegant floral shop.
B. The carpenter crafted three unique tables, and they became the centrepiece in his furniture collection.
C. Each of the apprentices in the culinary class demonstrated their knife skills during the intense cooking session.
D. Some of the sculptures were displayed at the art exhibition, showcasing their diverse artistic skills.
Listen and Respond
I. You will listen to a man speak about stone statues. As you listen, complete the given paragraph by filling in the blanks with the exact words you listen to. (Transcript for teacher on page 261)
A statue is carved to create a shape that is 1. _______ . Among the many things stone is used for making stone 2. _______ is one of them. India has some of the most 3. _______ stone sculptures, as is obvious from its many stone monuments across the country.
Answer:
- visually interesting
- sculptures
- fascinating
Completed Paragraph:
A statue is carved to create a shape that is visually interesting. Among the many things stone is used for, making stone sculptures is one of them. India has some of the most fascinating stone sculptures, as is obvious from its many stone monuments across the country.
II. You will now listen to the man speaking about some steps involved in making stone statues. As you listen, select the six correct steps out of the nine given. (Transcript for teacher on page 261)
- carve to remove large unwanted portions of the stone
- set up the different tools
- measure the weight and dimensions of the statue
- leave the statue in water to firm up overnight
- refine the creation within the stone
- choose the stone
- begin carving from the centre
- detach the creation from the stone as the final statue 9. work to bring out the imagined shape
Answer:
The correct steps are:
✔ 1. Carve to remove large unwanted portions of the stone.
✔ 3. Measure the weight and dimensions of the statue.
✔ 5. Refine the creation within the stone.
✔ 6. Choose the stone.
✔ 8. Detach the creation from the stone as the final statue.
✔ 9. Work to bring out the imagined shape.
Correct sequence of the steps:
6 → 3 → 1 → 9 → 8 → 5
Speaking Activity
Prepare a role-play between Sentila and the chosen character. (See the book at page 49 for details)
Answer: A Sample Role Play is given here.
Speaking Activity
Sample Role-play: Sentila and Onula
Sentila: Good evening, Onula. I have always wanted to become a pot maker like my mother, but I am unable to make a proper pot.
Onula: Don’t lose heart, Sentila. Every skill takes time and practice to master.
Sentila: I have been trying for so long, yet I fail every time. I feel disappointed.
Onula: I have seen your determination. Your problem is not a lack of talent but a lack of confidence. Relax your hands and let the clay guide you.
Sentila: I wish I could make beautiful pots like my mother.
Onula: You certainly can. Watch your mother carefully, especially how she shapes the mouth and rim of the pot. Observe every movement and keep practising.
Sentila: Thank you for believing in me. Your encouragement gives me hope.
Onula: Remember, success comes through patience, perseverance, and practice. Never give up on your dream.
Sentila: I will continue working hard until I become a skilled pot maker.
Onula: I am sure you will. One day, everyone will admire your craftsmanship.
Writing Task
Reflective Writing – Identifying Skills and Passion (See the book at page 50 for details)
Answer: A sample write-up (Reflective Writing – Identifying Skills and Passion)
I have always been interested in drawing and painting. It is my favourite hobby because it allows me to express my ideas and creativity. Whenever I draw or paint, I feel relaxed, happy, and confident.
To improve my skills, I practise regularly and participate in school art competitions. I also watch drawing tutorials and learn new techniques from my teachers and experienced artists. Every new artwork helps me become more creative and improves my confidence.
I believe that my artistic skills can become my profession in the future. I would like to become an artist, graphic designer, or illustrator, as these careers allow me to use my creativity while doing work that I enjoy.
One memorable experience was when I won first prize in an inter-school drawing competition. This achievement motivated me to practise even harder and believe in my abilities. It also taught me that regular practice and dedication lead to success.
Through this reflection, I have realised that passion, hard work, and continuous learning are the keys to achieving my goals. I am determined to keep improving my skills and turn my passion into a successful career.
Learning Beyond the Text
I. Match the pictures with the pottery it represents.
Answer:
Top Row
- Top-Left Picture: Khurja pottery (Uttar Pradesh) – Famous for its colorful, glossy glazed ceramic items.
- Top-Middle Picture: Blue pottery (Jaipur, Rajasthan) – Distinctly recognized by its vibrant cobalt blue dye and intricate floral or geometric designs.
- Top-Right Picture: Terracotta (West Bengal) – Created using reddish-brown natural clay, frequently featured in traditional figurines and Bankura horses.
Bottom Row
- Bottom-Left Picture: Andretta pottery (Himachal Pradesh) – Elegant, handmade studio pottery usually decorated with slip designs in natural, earth-toned glazes.
- Bottom-Middle Picture: Karigari pottery (Tamil Nadu) – Showcases rich local clay craftsmanship and traditional earthy utility vessels.
- Bottom-Right Picture: Longpi Black pottery (Manipur) – Unique dull black pottery crafted out of a mixture of black rock and clay without using a potter’s wheel.
II. You must have read stories in English and in your own language about the value of handicrafts and art. Read the story ‘Quality’ by John Galsworthy. Write its review and make a presentation highlighting the decline of traditional crafts and skills vs. industrialisation and mass-produced goods.
Answer: A Sample Review is given below.
Story Review: Quality by John Galsworthy
Quality is a touching story about Mr. Gessler, a skilled German bootmaker in London who is completely devoted to his craft. He believes that making perfect boots is an art rather than a business. His boots are of exceptional quality, but his dedication leaves little room for advertising or mass production. As large companies begin producing cheaper, machine-made boots and attracting customers through advertisements, Mr. Gessler gradually loses his livelihood. Despite his financial struggles, he never compromises on quality. In the end, he dies of starvation, sacrificing everything for his craft.
The story highlights the conflict between traditional craftsmanship and industrialisation. It reminds readers that true artisans value perfection, honesty, and dedication above profit. At the same time, it shows how mass production and commercial competition have led to the decline of many traditional crafts. The story leaves a lasting impression by encouraging us to appreciate and support skilled artisans who preserve cultural heritage through their work.
Presentation: Decline of Traditional Crafts and Skills vs. Industrialisation and Mass-Produced Goods
Slide 1: Title
Decline of Traditional Crafts and Skills vs. Industrialisation and Mass-Produced Goods
Slide 2: Traditional Crafts
- Handmade by skilled artisans
- Reflect creativity and cultural heritage
- Each product is unique
- Require patience, precision, and experience
- Examples: Pottery, weaving, wood carving, handloom, terracotta
Slide 3: Industrialisation and Mass Production
- Goods produced quickly by machines
- Large-scale production in factories
- Uniform products
- Lower production cost
- Heavy use of advertising and marketing
Slide 4: Comparison
| Traditional Crafts | Mass-Produced Goods |
|---|---|
| Handmade | Machine-made |
| Unique designs | Uniform designs |
| Time-consuming | Fast production |
| High craftsmanship | Focus on quantity |
| Preserves culture | Focuses on profit |
Slide 5: Lessons from Quality
- Quality should never be compromised.
- Skilled artisans deserve respect and support.
- Industrialisation should not replace traditional craftsmanship completely.
- Cultural heritage must be preserved for future generations.
Slide 6: Conclusion
Traditional crafts represent the history, culture, and identity of a community. While industrialisation has made products cheaper and easily available, it has also reduced the demand for handmade goods. We should appreciate, encourage, and support local artisans so that these valuable skills continue to thrive alongside modern technology.