Short & Long Questions: What a Tank! | English Santoor Class 5 - New NCERT PDF Download

Short Answer Questions  

Q1. What are Ooranis?
Ans: Ooranis are traditional ponds in Tamil Nadu that store rainwater. They supply water for drinking, farming, and protection from floods.

Q2. Why are Panam Keni wells special?
Ans: Panam Keni wells in Kerala never dry up even in summer. They are famous for providing water all year round.

Q3. What are Tankas used for?
Ans: Tankas are underground tanks in Rajasthan that store rainwater. Families use them for six to seven months.

Q4. Where are overhead water tanks usually built?
Ans: They are built on the rooftops of houses. These tanks can store hundreds or thousands of litres of water.

Q5. What are Punjab’s water tanks known for?
Ans: They are known for their creative shapes like flowers, roosters, tractors, or even aeroplanes.

Q6. How do Tankas help people in deserts?
Ans: Tankas collect rainwater in the desert and keep it safe. This helps families survive long dry months.

Q7. What is the main purpose of Ooranis?
Ans: The main purpose is to store rainwater. This helps people during times when water is scarce.

Q8. How do Punjab’s water tanks reflect people’s interests?
Ans: The shapes of the tanks show what people like. For example, football fans build tanks shaped like footballs.

Q9. What material is used to build rooftop tanks?
Ans: Rooftop tanks are made of cement and steel frames. Concrete is used to give them proper shapes.

Q10. Why are traditional water systems still important today?
Ans: They are cheap, eco-friendly, and reliable. Many villages still depend on them for water.

Long Answer Questions  

Q1. Describe how Ooranis help communities in Tamil Nadu.
Ans: Ooranis are large ponds that collect and store rainwater. They provide water for drinking and farming in villages. They also protect people from floods by holding extra rainwater. Even today, many communities depend on them as a safe and sustainable water source.

Q2. Explain why Panam Keni wells are considered unique in Kerala.
Ans: Panam Keni wells are dug using special techniques that prevent them from drying. They provide water even during the hottest summers. Villagers trust these wells for daily use. Their design shows how traditional wisdom solved water problems effectively.

Q3. How do Tankas work in Rajasthan’s desert areas?
Ans: Tankas are underground tanks built in the Thar desert. They store rainwater collected during the monsoon. Families use this water for six to seven months. Tankas are essential in deserts where other water sources are not available.

Q4. Describe how overhead water tanks supply water in houses.
Ans: Overhead tanks are built on rooftops and filled either by hand or by motor. Once filled, they supply water through taps and pipes. These tanks can hold hundreds or even thousands of litres. They make water available for cooking, bathing, and cleaning.

Q5. How are Punjab’s water tanks designed and constructed?
Ans: Punjab’s tanks are made of cement and supported by steel frames. Workers mould concrete into shapes like roosters, tractors, or aeroplanes. These are then placed on rooftops to store water. The designs show both creativity and utility.

Q6. In what way do Punjab’s tanks express people’s identity?
Ans: Each tank design reflects the owner’s interests or occupation. Farmers choose tractors or roosters, while sports lovers may choose a football. This makes every tank unique. It also shows pride in culture and lifestyle through art.

Q7. Why are traditional water systems still relevant today?
Ans: Traditional systems like Ooranis, Tankas, and Panam Keni wells are low-cost and eco-friendly. They work without electricity and save rainwater. They also teach the value of conserving resources. Even modern communities can learn from these methods.

Q8. Compare modern rooftop tanks with traditional Tankas.
Ans: Rooftop tanks are built with cement and supply water through taps. Tankas are underground and used in deserts. Both store water, but rooftop tanks rely on pipes while Tankas depend on rain. Each system suits its region’s needs.

Q9. How do creative water tanks bring beauty to Punjab’s villages?
Ans: Punjab’s tanks are shaped like animals, flowers, or machines. This makes villages look colourful and unique. They are not just useful but also artistic. They show how daily life can combine with creativity.

Q10. What lessons can we learn from India’s water management practices?
Ans: India’s methods show the wisdom of using local solutions. Every region developed a system suited to its climate. From deserts to coastal areas, people found ways to store water. These practices remind us of the importance of saving and respecting water.