Textbook Solutions: The Unshakeable Bhungas | New English Ferry: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets - Class 5 PDF Download

B. Tick (✓) the correct answers.

1. Pankhuri's family lived in a ________
(a) high-rise
(b) bhunga
(c) two-storey building
(d) bungalow
Ans: (b)
The passage mentions that Pankhuri's family lived in bhungas.

2. There were ______ members in Pankhuri's family.
(a) three
(b) four
(c) five
(d) six
Ans: (c)
The passage introduces Pankhuri, her father Kamalbhai, her mother Kokilaben, her grandfather Premjibhai, and her grandmother Ba.

3. A terrible earthquake hit Gujarat on 26 _____ 2001.
(a) November
(b) December
(c) January
(d) February
Ans: (c)
The passage states that the earthquake hit Gujarat on 26 January 2001.

4. Pankhuri belongs to a tribe called ________
(a) Ahir
(b) Jadeja
(c) Halaypotra
(d) Rabari
Ans: (d)
The passage mentions that Pankhuri belongs to the Rabari tribe.

5. The _______ shape of the bhungas keeps them safe during earthquakes.
(a) circular
(b) rectangular
(c) square
(d) uneven
Ans: (a)
The passage highlights that the circular shape of bhungas makes them disaster-resistant.

6. A single lamp can light up a bhunga due to _______
(a) bright colour of its walls
(b) mirror work on its walls
(c) mirror work on the ceiling
(d) walls made of glass
Ans: (b)
The passage mentions that mirror work on the inside walls reflects light, allowing a single lamp to light up the home.

C. Answer these questions.

1. Why was Pankhuri suddenly asking so many questions one day?
Ans: Pankhuri was curious about the shape of buildings, specifically why houses in their village were circular while city buildings were like boxes. She was trying to understand the reason behind the different architectural styles.

2. What are the features of the bhungas that make them disaster-resistant?
Ans: The circular shape, lightweight thatched roofs, low walls plastered with mud, twigs, and dung make bhungas disaster-resistant. The thick mud walls also protect against heat.

3. When and why did the people of Kutch decide to build bhungas?
Ans: After the earthquake in 1951 that destroyed the region, the people of Kutch decided to build bhungas for their homes. The circular design of bhungas has been in use since then.

4. How do the Rabaris manage to stay comfortable in the extreme temperatures of Kutch?
Ans: The features of the bhungas, such as small openings to keep rooms cool in summers and warm in winters, reflective lippan kaam on the outer surface acting as an insulator, and roofs made of bamboo sticks, help the Rabaris stay comfortable in extreme temperatures.

5. Do the Rabaris have to go to the city to earn a living? Why or why not?
Ans: No, the Rabaris don't have to go to the city to earn a living. Their traditional skills like embroidery, block printing, bandhani printing, and lippan kaam are famous worldwide. Additionally, bhungas are cost-effective as they are made with natural materials, and every member of the tribe has a home.

Think and answer.

1. What do you think is the most important thing that we can learn from the Rabari people?
Ans: One possible answer could be that we can learn the importance of sustainable and disaster-resistant architecture, using natural materials and traditional knowledge to adapt to the local environment.

2. Would you like to make friends with Pankhuri? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Answers may vary. Possible reasons could include wanting to learn more about Pankhuri's culture, lifestyle, and experiences, or simply finding her curiosity and knowledge about their traditional homes interesting.