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

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who was teaching Pankhuri's class about earthquakes?
Ans: Kajaldi, their class teacher.

Q2: What is the meaning of "Rabari" or "Rahabari"?
Ans: It means 'someone who lives outside or goes out of the path.'

Q3: Why are the houses in Pankhuri's village circular?
Ans: After an earthquake in 1956, people in Kutch adopted the circular design of bhungae for disaster resistance.

Q4: What is lippan kaam, and what does it do?
Ans: Lippan kaam is decorative mud-washing on the outer surface of bhungae, which acts as an insulator reflecting heat.

Q5: How did the circular shape of bhungae protect Pankhuri's village during the earthquake of 2001?
Ans: The circular shape and construction of bhungae made them disaster-resistant, and all the bhungae survived the earthquake.

Q6: Why don't the people of Pankhuri's tribe need to go to cities to earn a living?
Ans: They are known for embroidery, block printing, bandhani printing, and lippan kaam, which are famous worldwide, providing a sustainable living.

Q7: What material are bhungae made from?
Ans: Bhungae are made with materials available in nature, including mud, twigs, dung, bamboo sticks, grass, and rope.

Q8: What is the purpose of the small windows in bhungae?
Ans: The small windows help keep the rooms well-ventilated and cool, facing each other for optimal airflow.

Q9: How do the mud walls of bhungae protect against extreme weather?
Ans: The thick mud walls act as insulation, keeping the rooms cool in summers and warm in winters.

Q10: What is the role of lippan kaam in lighting up the homes?
Ans: Lippan kaam on the inner walls reflects light, making a single lamp enough to light up the home.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of the circular shape of bhungae in disaster resistance.
Ans: The circular shape of bhungae, combined with lightweight thatched roofs and low walls, proved disaster-resistant during the 2001 earthquake. This design disperses forces, preventing collapse.

Q2: Describe the features of bhungae that make them suitable for extreme weather conditions.
Ans: Bhungae have small openings for ventilation, thick mud walls for insulation, and lippan kaam for reflecting heat. These features keep the rooms cool in summers and warm in winters.

Q3: How did the people of Pankhuri's tribe adapt their housing after the 1956 earthquake?
Ans: After the earthquake, they adopted the circular design of bhungae, using materials from nature, which proved to be disaster-resistant and sustainable.

Q4: Discuss the economic activities of Pankhuri's tribe and how it contributes to their sustainable living.
Ans: The tribe engages in embroidery, block printing, bandhani printing, and lippan kaam, which are globally renowned. This provides them with a sustainable livelihood without needing to go to cities.

Q5: Explain the role of lippan kaam in the construction and functionality of bhungae.
Ans: Lippan kaam is decorative mud-washing on the outer surface of bhungae, acting as an insulator reflecting heat. On the inner walls, it enhances lighting, reducing the need for multiple lamps.

Q6: How does the construction of bhungae contribute to environmental sustainability?
Ans: Bhungae are constructed using materials available in nature, reducing the environmental impact. The circular design and insulation features also contribute to energy efficiency.

Q7: Discuss the educational and informative aspects of Pankhuri's class lesson on earthquakes.
Ans: The class discussed earthquake-resistant architecture, emphasizing the circular design of bhungae in contrast to the box-shaped buildings in cities. This knowledge helps students understand their traditional housing's value.

Q8: Elaborate on the uniqueness of Pankhuri's tribe in terms of housing, economic activities, and self-sufficiency.
Ans: The tribe's circular bhungae, sustainable economic activities, and self-sufficient lifestyle showcase their uniqueness. They don't need to go to cities for livelihood, maintaining a traditional way of life.

Q9: Explain how the circular shape of bhungae protects against both earthquakes and storms.
Ans: The circular shape disperses forces during earthquakes, preventing collapse. Additionally, the low profile and thatched roofs make them resistant to storms, ensuring the safety of the inhabitants.

Q10: Reflect on the cultural and traditional aspects of Pankhuri's tribe, emphasizing the importance of passing on the art of bhunga construction from generation to generation.
Ans: The cultural significance lies in the intergenerational transfer of knowledge about bhunga construction. This ensures the preservation of their traditional way of life and sustainable housing practices.