NCERT Textbook: A Snake Charmer's Story | EVS Class 5 PDF Download

 Page 1


A Snake Charmer’s Story 15 15 15 15 15
NAAG GUMPHAN
Designs of this kind are
used in rangoli,
embroidery and as wall
decoration in Saurashtra,
Gujarat and South India
Teacher’s Note : Talk to the children about their experiences related to snakes
before starting with this narrative. This would make the lesson more interesting.
2. A Snake Charmer’s Story
I am Aryanath
I can do something special which
I am sure none of you can do!
Do you know what? I can play
the been! You must be surprised.
Yes, I can make snakes dance
by playing the been. I have learnt
this art from my family
members. We people are known
as Kalbeliyas.
My grandfather Roshan Nathji
was famous amongst our people.
He could easily catch many
poisonous snakes. He tells me
many stories about his past.
Come, listen to his story in his own
words –
2024-25
Page 2


A Snake Charmer’s Story 15 15 15 15 15
NAAG GUMPHAN
Designs of this kind are
used in rangoli,
embroidery and as wall
decoration in Saurashtra,
Gujarat and South India
Teacher’s Note : Talk to the children about their experiences related to snakes
before starting with this narrative. This would make the lesson more interesting.
2. A Snake Charmer’s Story
I am Aryanath
I can do something special which
I am sure none of you can do!
Do you know what? I can play
the been! You must be surprised.
Yes, I can make snakes dance
by playing the been. I have learnt
this art from my family
members. We people are known
as Kalbeliyas.
My grandfather Roshan Nathji
was famous amongst our people.
He could easily catch many
poisonous snakes. He tells me
many stories about his past.
Come, listen to his story in his own
words –
2024-25
16 Looking Around
Dadaji remembers
From the time of my grandfather and great grandfather, we
have always been saperas (snake-charmers). Snakes have
been an important part of our life. We used to move from
village to village carrying our snakes in bamboo baskets.
Whenever we stopped in a village, a
crowd would gather around us. We
would then take out our snakes from
our baskets.
Even after the show, people would
stay on. They knew that in our tinbox
there were many types of medicines
for them. We made these medicines
from plants collected from the forests.
I had learnt all this from my
grandfather. I felt nice that I could
help people with my medicines even
if doctors and hospitals were far off.
In return, people would give us some
money or foodgrains. In this way we
could manage our life.
Sometimes, I was called to places
where someone had been bitten by a snake. From the marks
of the bite I tried to find out which snake had bitten the person.
I would then give a medicine for that. But I have not always
been on time to help. As you know, some snake bites can
even cause death on the spot. But most of the snakes are
not poisonous.
Sometimes, when some farmers would come running for
help shouting “snake, snake”, I would catch that snake.
16 Looking Around
2024-25
Page 3


A Snake Charmer’s Story 15 15 15 15 15
NAAG GUMPHAN
Designs of this kind are
used in rangoli,
embroidery and as wall
decoration in Saurashtra,
Gujarat and South India
Teacher’s Note : Talk to the children about their experiences related to snakes
before starting with this narrative. This would make the lesson more interesting.
2. A Snake Charmer’s Story
I am Aryanath
I can do something special which
I am sure none of you can do!
Do you know what? I can play
the been! You must be surprised.
Yes, I can make snakes dance
by playing the been. I have learnt
this art from my family
members. We people are known
as Kalbeliyas.
My grandfather Roshan Nathji
was famous amongst our people.
He could easily catch many
poisonous snakes. He tells me
many stories about his past.
Come, listen to his story in his own
words –
2024-25
16 Looking Around
Dadaji remembers
From the time of my grandfather and great grandfather, we
have always been saperas (snake-charmers). Snakes have
been an important part of our life. We used to move from
village to village carrying our snakes in bamboo baskets.
Whenever we stopped in a village, a
crowd would gather around us. We
would then take out our snakes from
our baskets.
Even after the show, people would
stay on. They knew that in our tinbox
there were many types of medicines
for them. We made these medicines
from plants collected from the forests.
I had learnt all this from my
grandfather. I felt nice that I could
help people with my medicines even
if doctors and hospitals were far off.
In return, people would give us some
money or foodgrains. In this way we
could manage our life.
Sometimes, I was called to places
where someone had been bitten by a snake. From the marks
of the bite I tried to find out which snake had bitten the person.
I would then give a medicine for that. But I have not always
been on time to help. As you know, some snake bites can
even cause death on the spot. But most of the snakes are
not poisonous.
Sometimes, when some farmers would come running for
help shouting “snake, snake”, I would catch that snake.
16 Looking Around
2024-25
A Snake Charmer’s Story 17
After all, catching snakes was something I had been doing
since my childhood.
Oh, those were the good days. We could help a lot of people
in many ways. We also entertained them. It was not like today
when everyone watches TV for entertainment.
When I grew older, my father taught me how to remove their
poisonous teeth (fangs). He also taught me how to close the
tube of poison in the snake’s mouth.
Teacher’s Note : If possible, explain about poisonous fangs, ducts and their
removal by showing visual aids.
Think and tell
w Have you ever seen anyone playing a been? Where?
w Have you ever seen a snake? Where?
w Were you scared by it? Why?
w Do you think all snakes are poisonous?
w In chapter 1 you read that snakes do not have ears
which you can see. Can the snake hear the been or
does it dance when the been moves? What do you think?
What can we do
Aryanath! your father used to travel with me ever since he was
a young child. He learnt to play the been without being taught.
These days it is diffcult. Now the government has made a
law that no one can catch wild animals and keep them. Some
people kill the animals and sell their skins at high prices. So
they made a law against this. Now, with this law, how will we
earn our livelihood? We people have never killed snakes, and
sold their skin. People say that we keep the snakes in bad
A Snake Charmer’s Story 17
2024-25
Page 4


A Snake Charmer’s Story 15 15 15 15 15
NAAG GUMPHAN
Designs of this kind are
used in rangoli,
embroidery and as wall
decoration in Saurashtra,
Gujarat and South India
Teacher’s Note : Talk to the children about their experiences related to snakes
before starting with this narrative. This would make the lesson more interesting.
2. A Snake Charmer’s Story
I am Aryanath
I can do something special which
I am sure none of you can do!
Do you know what? I can play
the been! You must be surprised.
Yes, I can make snakes dance
by playing the been. I have learnt
this art from my family
members. We people are known
as Kalbeliyas.
My grandfather Roshan Nathji
was famous amongst our people.
He could easily catch many
poisonous snakes. He tells me
many stories about his past.
Come, listen to his story in his own
words –
2024-25
16 Looking Around
Dadaji remembers
From the time of my grandfather and great grandfather, we
have always been saperas (snake-charmers). Snakes have
been an important part of our life. We used to move from
village to village carrying our snakes in bamboo baskets.
Whenever we stopped in a village, a
crowd would gather around us. We
would then take out our snakes from
our baskets.
Even after the show, people would
stay on. They knew that in our tinbox
there were many types of medicines
for them. We made these medicines
from plants collected from the forests.
I had learnt all this from my
grandfather. I felt nice that I could
help people with my medicines even
if doctors and hospitals were far off.
In return, people would give us some
money or foodgrains. In this way we
could manage our life.
Sometimes, I was called to places
where someone had been bitten by a snake. From the marks
of the bite I tried to find out which snake had bitten the person.
I would then give a medicine for that. But I have not always
been on time to help. As you know, some snake bites can
even cause death on the spot. But most of the snakes are
not poisonous.
Sometimes, when some farmers would come running for
help shouting “snake, snake”, I would catch that snake.
16 Looking Around
2024-25
A Snake Charmer’s Story 17
After all, catching snakes was something I had been doing
since my childhood.
Oh, those were the good days. We could help a lot of people
in many ways. We also entertained them. It was not like today
when everyone watches TV for entertainment.
When I grew older, my father taught me how to remove their
poisonous teeth (fangs). He also taught me how to close the
tube of poison in the snake’s mouth.
Teacher’s Note : If possible, explain about poisonous fangs, ducts and their
removal by showing visual aids.
Think and tell
w Have you ever seen anyone playing a been? Where?
w Have you ever seen a snake? Where?
w Were you scared by it? Why?
w Do you think all snakes are poisonous?
w In chapter 1 you read that snakes do not have ears
which you can see. Can the snake hear the been or
does it dance when the been moves? What do you think?
What can we do
Aryanath! your father used to travel with me ever since he was
a young child. He learnt to play the been without being taught.
These days it is diffcult. Now the government has made a
law that no one can catch wild animals and keep them. Some
people kill the animals and sell their skins at high prices. So
they made a law against this. Now, with this law, how will we
earn our livelihood? We people have never killed snakes, and
sold their skin. People say that we keep the snakes in bad
A Snake Charmer’s Story 17
2024-25
18 Looking Around
conditions. If we wanted, we too could have earned a lot of
money by killing snakes.  But we would never do that. Snakes
are our treasure, that we pass on from one generation to
another. We even gift snakes to our daughters when they get
married. In our Kalbelia dance we also have movements similar
to the dance of the snake.
Aryanath, you will have to
make a different life for
yourself. You have got your
father’s gift of playing the
been. You and your
cousins can form a been
party and entertain people.
But do not waste this
knowledge about snakes
you have got from your
elders.
Share your knowledge
about snakes with children
who live in
towns and cities. Tell them, that they should
not be scared of snakes. Help them to recognise
poisonous snakes.
Tell them how snakes are friends of the
farmers. They eat the rats in the fields, otherwise
rats would eat the crops.
Now you tell our story. Also make a new story
of your life, to tell your grandchildren.
Musical instruments used in been party
Been, tumba, khanjiri and dhol. Except dhol all
the other three instruments are made from dried
gourd (lauki)
Pankaj Gorana
Kalbeliya dance
Mani Babbar
18 Looking Around
Teacher’s Note : This narrative focuses on the relationship and interdependence
between snake-charmers and snakes. By talking about more such communities
it can be clarified that most of them do not treat animals badly (which is a common
perception). We should also not hurt/tease animals.
2024-25
Page 5


A Snake Charmer’s Story 15 15 15 15 15
NAAG GUMPHAN
Designs of this kind are
used in rangoli,
embroidery and as wall
decoration in Saurashtra,
Gujarat and South India
Teacher’s Note : Talk to the children about their experiences related to snakes
before starting with this narrative. This would make the lesson more interesting.
2. A Snake Charmer’s Story
I am Aryanath
I can do something special which
I am sure none of you can do!
Do you know what? I can play
the been! You must be surprised.
Yes, I can make snakes dance
by playing the been. I have learnt
this art from my family
members. We people are known
as Kalbeliyas.
My grandfather Roshan Nathji
was famous amongst our people.
He could easily catch many
poisonous snakes. He tells me
many stories about his past.
Come, listen to his story in his own
words –
2024-25
16 Looking Around
Dadaji remembers
From the time of my grandfather and great grandfather, we
have always been saperas (snake-charmers). Snakes have
been an important part of our life. We used to move from
village to village carrying our snakes in bamboo baskets.
Whenever we stopped in a village, a
crowd would gather around us. We
would then take out our snakes from
our baskets.
Even after the show, people would
stay on. They knew that in our tinbox
there were many types of medicines
for them. We made these medicines
from plants collected from the forests.
I had learnt all this from my
grandfather. I felt nice that I could
help people with my medicines even
if doctors and hospitals were far off.
In return, people would give us some
money or foodgrains. In this way we
could manage our life.
Sometimes, I was called to places
where someone had been bitten by a snake. From the marks
of the bite I tried to find out which snake had bitten the person.
I would then give a medicine for that. But I have not always
been on time to help. As you know, some snake bites can
even cause death on the spot. But most of the snakes are
not poisonous.
Sometimes, when some farmers would come running for
help shouting “snake, snake”, I would catch that snake.
16 Looking Around
2024-25
A Snake Charmer’s Story 17
After all, catching snakes was something I had been doing
since my childhood.
Oh, those were the good days. We could help a lot of people
in many ways. We also entertained them. It was not like today
when everyone watches TV for entertainment.
When I grew older, my father taught me how to remove their
poisonous teeth (fangs). He also taught me how to close the
tube of poison in the snake’s mouth.
Teacher’s Note : If possible, explain about poisonous fangs, ducts and their
removal by showing visual aids.
Think and tell
w Have you ever seen anyone playing a been? Where?
w Have you ever seen a snake? Where?
w Were you scared by it? Why?
w Do you think all snakes are poisonous?
w In chapter 1 you read that snakes do not have ears
which you can see. Can the snake hear the been or
does it dance when the been moves? What do you think?
What can we do
Aryanath! your father used to travel with me ever since he was
a young child. He learnt to play the been without being taught.
These days it is diffcult. Now the government has made a
law that no one can catch wild animals and keep them. Some
people kill the animals and sell their skins at high prices. So
they made a law against this. Now, with this law, how will we
earn our livelihood? We people have never killed snakes, and
sold their skin. People say that we keep the snakes in bad
A Snake Charmer’s Story 17
2024-25
18 Looking Around
conditions. If we wanted, we too could have earned a lot of
money by killing snakes.  But we would never do that. Snakes
are our treasure, that we pass on from one generation to
another. We even gift snakes to our daughters when they get
married. In our Kalbelia dance we also have movements similar
to the dance of the snake.
Aryanath, you will have to
make a different life for
yourself. You have got your
father’s gift of playing the
been. You and your
cousins can form a been
party and entertain people.
But do not waste this
knowledge about snakes
you have got from your
elders.
Share your knowledge
about snakes with children
who live in
towns and cities. Tell them, that they should
not be scared of snakes. Help them to recognise
poisonous snakes.
Tell them how snakes are friends of the
farmers. They eat the rats in the fields, otherwise
rats would eat the crops.
Now you tell our story. Also make a new story
of your life, to tell your grandchildren.
Musical instruments used in been party
Been, tumba, khanjiri and dhol. Except dhol all
the other three instruments are made from dried
gourd (lauki)
Pankaj Gorana
Kalbeliya dance
Mani Babbar
18 Looking Around
Teacher’s Note : This narrative focuses on the relationship and interdependence
between snake-charmers and snakes. By talking about more such communities
it can be clarified that most of them do not treat animals badly (which is a common
perception). We should also not hurt/tease animals.
2024-25
A Snake Charmer’s Story 19
Write
w Have you ever seen animals being used for entertainment
of people? (For example, in a circus, on the road, or in a
park)
– When and where did you see this?
– Which animal show did you see?
w How did people behave with the animals in the show?
w Was anyone teasing the animals? How?
w What kind of questions came to your mind after seeing
that animal show?
Imagine that you are an animal in a cage. Think how you
would feel. Complete the following sentences :
w I am afraid when 
w I wish I 
w I am sad when 
w If I had a chance I would 
w I do not like it at all when 
2024-25