The Pot Maker Short Question Answer

Question 1.
Why does Arenla not want Sentila to learn pot-making?
Answer:
Arenla believes that pot making is a hard and tedious process, which is very
exhausting. On top of that, it brings only small returns. The effort of pot
makers hardly matches the money they earn. Therefore, she wants Sentila to
learn weaving instead, hoping it will provide her daughter with a more
comfortable and secure future.

Question 2.
How does Sentila show determination in learning pottery?
Answer:
From the very beginning, Sentila was determined to learn pottery so she
secretly watches the village pot makers shaping beautiful pots. She practices
secretly despite her mother’s refusal, and continues trying even after
repeated failure, showing strong determination and dedication.

Question 3.
What role does tradition play in the story?
Answer:
Tradition shapes the community’s identity, passing skills from one
generation to another, and Sentila’s journey shows how personal passion can
preserve and continue cultural heritage. The story represents that pottery is
not just about making vessels, it reflects tradition, cultural beliefs and artistic
expression of a community. Thus, we can say that tradition has a significant
role in pottery.

Question 4.
What happens when Sentila is left alone in the pottery shed?
Answer:
When left alone, Sentila instinctively creates perfectly shaped pots, revealing
her natural talent and proving that pot-making is truly her calling. It reflects
her true love and passion for pottery and precisely mentions her speed and
creativity while shaping that beautiful batch.

Question 5.
What is the central message of ‘The Pot Maker’?
Answer:
The story ‘The Pot Maker’ highlights perseverance, respect for traditional
skills, and the importance of following one’s inner calling despite obstacles
and opposition from even close family members. It also conveys the
message that at present the youth needs to promote and preserve such
crafts while following their passion.

Question 6.
Why did Sentila want to become a pot maker?
Answer:
Sentila dreamed of becoming a pot maker like her mother and grandmother
because she was deeply fascinated by the craft. Watching the clay take
shape filled her with joy and inspired her to learn the traditional skill.

Question 7.
Why did Arenla prefer weaving for Sentila?
Answer:
Arenla believed that pot making was a hard and tedious process, which was
very exhausting. On top of that, it brought only small returns. The effort of
pot makers hardly matches the money they earn. Therefore, she wanted
Sentila to learn weaving instead, hoping it will provide her daughter with a
more comfortable and secure future.

Question 8.
Why did Sentila keep her interest in pottery a secret?
Answer:
Sentila overheard her mother complaining about pot making and refusing to
teach her. Fearing disapproval and conflict at home, she chose to hide her
fascination. Instead of giving up, she secretly visited expert potters to learn
the craft on her own. This shows her determination and quiet courage.
Despite obstacles, she remained committed to her dream, carefully
balancing respect for her mother with her strong desire to pursue pottery.

Question 9.
Why was tending the kiln carefully important?
Answer:
The kiln had to be carefully monitored because overfiring or underfiring could
ruin the entire batch of pots. Proper firing ensured that the pots were strong,
well-shaped, and durable for use. It required constant attention, experience,
and precision from the potter. This process highlighted the importance of
skill and patience in pottery, as even a small mistake could affect the final
outcome and waste all the hard work involved.

Question 10.
Why were the villagers concerned about Arenla’s refusal?
Answer:
The villagers feared that if skilled potters did not pass on their knowledge,
the tradition would gradually disappear. Pot making was not just a craft for
them but a symbol of their culture and history. They believed it carried the
identity and heritage of their community. Therefore, they felt it was
everyone’s duty to preserve and continue this tradition by teaching future
generations and keeping the art alive.

Question 11.
Why was Mesoba summoned by the village council?
Answer:
Mesoba was called to explain why Arenla was not teaching Sentila pot
making. The council wanted assurance that the traditional craft would be
passed on to the next generation. They were concerned that the valuable
skill might be lost if it was not properly taught.
This shows the community’s deep respect for tradition and their collective
responsibility to preserve their cultural heritage for the future..

Question 12.
Why was Sentila unable to learn from her mother initially?
Answer:
Although Sentila was eager to learn, she felt tense and frustrated while
working with her mother. The pressure and fear of making mistakes affected
her performance. Her lack of confidence prevented her from shaping the clay
properly despite repeated attempts. This situation shows how emotions can
influence learning. Despite her interest, she struggled to express her skills,
highlighting the need for patience, encouragement, and a supportive
environment to build confidence.

Question 13.
How did Onula help Sentila?
Answer:
Onula noticed Sentila’s tension and calmly guided her through the process.
She patiently demonstrated each step, showing her how to handle the clay
with care. Onula encouraged her to stay relaxed and focused, building her
confidence. She also advised Sentila to carefully observe her mother’s
technique, especially while shaping the mouth of the pot. This guidance
helped Sentila learn more effectively and gradually improve her skills.

The Pot Maker Long Question Answer

Question 1.
Sentila’s desire to learn pot-making goes against her mother’s wishes.
Analyse how Sentila’s persistence reflects the conflict between individual
calling and parental insistence.
Answer:
Sentila’s persistence represents an inner calling that cannot be suppressed
by external authority. While Arenla’s opposition is rooted in practical
concerns such as economic hardship and physical labour, Sentila’s attraction
to pottery is instinctive and deeply personal. This conflict highlights how
parents often prioritise survival and security, whereas children may seek
identity and fulfilment. Sentila does not rebel openly; instead, she learns
quietly, showing respect as well as determination. Her success proves that
true vocation emerges naturally and deserves recognition, even when it
contradicts parental expectations.

Question 4.
How does the timing of Arenla’s death intensify the emotional and thematic
impact of the story?
Answer:
Arenla’s death occurs at the moment Sentila’s identity is fully realised,
creating deep emotional irony. Just as Sentila proves her worth as a pot
maker, she loses the person whose approval mattered most. This timing
reinforces the theme of unspoken understanding and missed reconciliation. It
highlights the cost of suppressed communication within families. The loss
transforms Sentila’s achievement into a moment of grief, reminding readers
that recognition delayed may arrive too late. Thus, the ending deepens both
tragedy and meaning.

Question 5.
Describe the hardships faced by Arenla as a pot maker. Why did she not
want Sentila to follow the same profession?
Answer:
Arenla faced many hardships as a pot maker. She had to travel sixteen
kilometres to the riverbank to collect grey and red clay, climbing down steep
slopes and carrying heavy loads back to the village. The process of pounding
stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders was exhausting. She often dropped
the mould out of fatigue and had to restart her work. It took months to
prepare a batch of pots, yet the reward was only a small amount of money.
In contrast, weaving was less messy, could be done indoors throughout the
year, and brought better income. Because of these physical and financial
struggles, Arenla did not want Sentila to suffer the same difficulties.

Question 6.
Explain how Onula played a crucial role in Sentila’s success as a pot maker.
Answer:
Onula played a vital role in building Sentila’s confidence and skill. Unlike
Arenla, who silently watched her daughter struggle, Onula recognised that
Sentila’s tension prevented her from shaping the clay properly. She patiently
demonstrated the technique and encouraged her to try again. Under Onula’s
calm guidance, Sentila successfully made a beautiful pot. Onula also advised
her to observe her mother carefully, especially while shaping the mouth of
the pot. This practical advice helped Sentila improve her technique. Onula’s
encouragement, understanding, and timely guidance gave Sentila the
confidence she needed to master the craft and eventually succeed as a pot
maker.

Question 7.
How does the author portray the emotional bond between Sentila and
Arenla?
Answer: The emotional bond between Sentila and Arenla is complex and
restrained. Arenla appears strict and distant, refusing to teach her daughter
pot making due to her own painful experiences. However, her actions reveal
concern for Sentila’s well-being and future. Despite her silence, Arenla allows
Sentila to work beside her and eventually gives her the opportunity to prove
herself. Sentila, on the other hand, deeply admires her mother and seeks her
approval. Her grief at Arenla’s death and her plea for forgiveness show deep
love and regret. The bond is finally expressed through the silent passing of
skill from mother to daughter.

Question 10.
Describe Onula’s character and explain how her guidance and support
helped Sentila overcome her difficulties in learning pot making.
Answer:
Onula is a kind, patient, and understanding woman who plays a significant
role in Sentila’s success. As a middle-aged widow who supervises the girls’
dormitory, she shows empathy towards Sentila’s struggles and recognises
her hidden potential. Unlike Arenla, Onula understands that Sentila’s main
problem is her lack of confidence rather than ability. She gently guides her
by demonstrating the process of pot making and encouraging her to practise
without fear. Her calm and supportive approach helps Sentila relax and
focus. Onula also gives valuable advice, such as observing her mother’s
technique carefully, especially while shaping the mouth of the pot.

The Pot Maker Extract Based Questions and

Answers
1. Ever since Sentila became old enough to accompany her mother to the
fields and forests, she began to dream of becoming a pot maker like her
mother and grandmother. However Arenla, her mother, wanted her to
become a weaver. On days when she managed to stay at home while her
parents went to the fields, Sentila approached expert potters to learn the
skill. They were at first amused by the little girl’s insistence as they thought
that she would soon outgrow her childish passion for the craft. (Page 34)
Comprehension Questions:

Question 1.
What is Sentila doing at the start of the extract?
(a) Learning weaving
(b) Helping her mother
(c) Observing potters at work
(d) Playing with her brother
Answer:
(c) Observing potters at work

Question 2.
Why does Sentila’s mother prefer weaving for her?
Answer:
Sentila’s mother, Arenla, preferred weaving for her daughter because she
wanted Sentila to learn a different skill rather than pot making. While Sentila
dreamed of becoming a pot maker like her mother and grandmother, Arenla
hoped she would take up weaving, perhaps believing it was a more suitable
or valuable craft for her future.

Question 3.
Why did Sentila visit expert potters?
Answer:
Sentila visited the expert potters because she wanted to learn the skill of pot
making. Her mother, Arenla, preferred weaving for her, but whenever Sentila
managed to stay at home while her parents went to the fields, she
approached the potters to practice and gain knowledge of the craft she truly
loved.

Question 4.
Complete the sentence appropriately:
‘Sentila approached expert potters to learn the skill.’ The line shows Sentila
is ________ towards pottery.
Answer:
attracted deeply.

Question 5.
What does Sentila DOES NOT dream of?
(a) Becoming a pot maker like her mother
(b) Becoming a pot maker like her grandmother
(c) Become a weaver
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(c) become a weaver.

Question 6.
Justify the following statement:
“The expert potters find Sentila’s approach amusing.”
Answer:
The expert potters find Sentila’s approach amusing as she belonged to a
potter’s family and they were not aware of Arenla’s reluctance to teach her
daughter the art of pot making.

Question 7.
Which word from the passage can correctly replace ‘pleased’?
Answer:
amused

Question 8.
Find a word from the extract which means the same as ‘strong desire’.
Answer:
insistence

Question 9.
Sentila tried to learn pot making when:
(a) Her mother was teaching her
(b) She was forced by the village elders
(c) Her parents went to the fields and she stayed at home
(d) The expert potters invited her

Question 12.
Arenla encouraged Sentila to become a pot maker like her mother and
grandmother. (True or False)

Ans) False

2. Her mother was complaining about Sentila’s indifference to weaving. She

said, “I shall not teach her pot making as it has brought no joy to me and
only a pittance for my troubles. The riverbank, where the grey and red clay
required for making pots is found, is sixteen kilometres from here. I need to
climb down a sheer drop to the riverbank and my back aches from carrying
the heavy load uphill all the way to the village. 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. (Page 34)

Comprehension Questions:

Question 1.
Her mother was complaining about Sentila’s indifference to weaving’ means:
(a) She did not help in household work
(b) She showed no interest in weaving
(c) She wanted to leave the village
(d) She wasted money
Answer:
(b) She showed no interest in weaving

Question 2.
What does pot making means to Arenla?
Answer:
For Arenla, pot making is a burdensome and tiring task. She finds no joy in it
because it involves long hours of hard labour, painful effort, and very little
reward (only a few rupees).

Question 3.
From where did Sentila’s mother collect clay for making pots?
Answer:
Sentila’s mother collected clay from the riverbank, sixteen kilometres away
from the village, where grey and red clay was found.

Question 4.
Pick the similar word from the passage for the words ‘Wearisome and Tiring’.
Answer:
Tedious

Question 5.
Why did Sentila’s mother refuse to teach her pot making?
(a) She thought Sentila was too young
(b) The craft brought her no joy and little money
(c) The village council had banned it
(d) She was physically unwell
Answer:
(b) The craft brought her no joy and little money
Question 6.
What can we infer from the given statement, “Sentila’s mother was unhappy
with her daughter.”
Answer:
From the statement “Sentila’s mother was unhappy with her daughter” we
can inter that Arenla was disappointed because Sentila showed little interest
in weaving, the skill her mother wanted her to learn. Arenla felt frustrated
that Sentila was indifferent to weaving and instead secretly admired pot
making. This unhappiness came from the clash between Arenla’s wish for her
daughter’s future and Sentila’s own passion for pot making.

Question 7.
How much does a potter earn after a long hardship?
Answer:
Only a few rupees

Question 8.
Fill in the blank with a correct word from the brackets.
The physical hardship mentioned in the extract is ________ , carrying the
heavy load uphill.
(walking a long distance/selling the pots).
Answer:
Walking a long distance

Question 9.
What does the phrase “a pittance for my troubles” suggest?
(a) She earned a lot of money
(b) She received very little reward for her hard work
(c) She was satisfied with her earnings
(d) She worked only occasionally

Question 12.
Her back aches from carrying the heavy load uphill all the way to the village.
(True or False)

3. Mesoba was summoned by the village council and asked to explain why
Arenla was refusing to pass on the skill to her daughter. He replied in a
humble tone, “Uncles and elder brothers, Arenla has never said that she will
not teach our daughter pot making; it is only that we wanted her to grow
stronger after her illness. You will soon see Sentila making the best pots in
the village.” After listening to Mesoba’s explanation, the elders decided to let
him go, cautioning him to remind Arenla that it was her duty to teach her
daughter the skill that was handed down from generation to generation.
They also told him that skills such as pot making, which not only catered to
the needs of the people but also symbolised the tradition and history of the
people, did not ‘belong’ to any individual. (Page 36)

Comprehension Questions:

Question 1.
Mesoba addressed the elders as “Uncles and elder brothers” to show:
(a) Fear
(b) Anger
(c) Respect and humility
(d) Superiority
Answer:
(c) Respect and humility

Question 2.
Why was Mesoba summoned by the village council?
Answer:
Mesoba was summoned by the village council to explain why Arenla was
refusing to pass on the skill of pot making to her daughter, Sentila. The
elders were concerned that this traditional craft might not be passed on to
the next generation.

Question 3.
How did Mesoba defend Arenla before the elders?
Answer:
Mesoba defended Arenla by humbly explaining that she had never refused to
teach Sentila. He said they only wanted Sentila to regain her strength after
her illness. He assured the council that soon they would see Sentila making
the best pots in the village.

Question 4.
Fill in the blank with the correct option from the brackets.
Skills like pot making were handed down from ________ to ________ .
(generation, generation/community, families)
Answer:
generation, generation

Question 5.
The elders allowed Mesoba to go after:
(a) Punishing him for not following the tradition and culture.
(b) Listening to his explanation and not to punish him.
(c) Warning him that the skill must be handed down from generation to
generation.
(d) Forcing him to leave the village if Sentila is not taught the art of pot
making.
Answer:
(c) Warning him that the skill must be handed down from generation to
generation.

Question 6.
Which character of Mesoba is revealed when he defended his wife by telling
lie?
Answer:
Protective

Question 7.
Why did the elders believe that Arenla had a duty to teach her daughter?
Answer:
The elders believed Arenla had a duty to teach her daughter because pot
making was a traditional skill passed down through generations and was
important for preserving their culture.

Question 8.
The elders believed that pot making was a private matter and did not
concern the community. (True or False)
Answer:
False (Reason: The village elders cautioned Mesoba that Sentila should be
taught pot making as the skill must be handed down from generation to
generation and symbolised tradition and history.)

Question 9.
According to the elders, pot making symbolised:
(a) Wealth and status
(b) Personal achievement
(c) Tradition and history of the people
(d) Modern progress

4. One evening, when everyone except Sentila went to attend a musical

evening, 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.
Sentila took another lump of clay and with a confidence she had never felt
before, started the process all over again following the instructions she had
just received. She created a beautiful pot! When it was done, she sat there
admiring her work but Onula said, “The mouth of the pot is all wrong.”
Sentila looked at Onula in frustration who smiled and said, “When you work
with your mother next time, watch her carefully when she is shaping the
mouth of the pot. You are a quick learner and you will do well.” (Pages 38-
39)

Comprehension Questions:

Question 1.
Sentila’s first attempt at making a pot can best be described as:
(a) Perfect
(b) Misshapen
(c) Effortless
(d) Careless
Answer:
(b) Misshapen

Question 2.
What made Sentila stay back alone one evening?
Answer:
Sentila stayed back because everyone else had gone to attend a musical
evening. This gave her the chance to quietly take out clay and implements
from her basket to try making a pot on her own.

Question 3.
What did Onula observe about Sentila’s first attempt at making a pot?
Answer:
Onula noticed that Sentila was tense and nervous, which made her efforts
clumsy. The clay did not take the right shape, and eventually Sentila let the
misshapen lump fall flat on the ground out of weariness.

Question 4.
Onula criticised Sentila harshly for making a mistake in shaping the mouth of
the pot. (True or False)
Answer:
False (Reason: Rather Onula went to her and offered to teach her how to
make a perfect pot.)

Question 5.
Onula’s reaction to Sentila’s failure shows that she was:
(a) Strict and angry
(b) Indifferent
(c) Encouraging and patient
(d) Jealous
Answer:
(c) Encouraging and patient

Question 6.
Why was the clay unable to take the right shape in Sentila’s hands?
Answer:
The clay was unable to take the right shape because Sentila was too tense
and nervous. Her clumsy efforts and lack of confidence made the clay resist
forming properly, and eventually she dropped the misshapen lump out of
weariness.

Question 7.
How did Onula help Sentila improve her skills?
Answer:
Onula encouraged Sentila not to worry and demonstrated how to make a
perfect pot. She guided her step by step, boosting Sentila’s confidence. With
Onula’s instructions, Sentila tried again and successfully created a beautiful
pot. Onula then advised her to carefully watch her mother’s technique,
especially when shaping the mouth of the pot, so she could improve further.

Question 8.
Find a word from the extract which means the same as ‘tiredly’.
(a) wearily
(b) fashion
(c) process
(d) misshapen
Answer:
(a) wearily

Question 9.
Sentila stayed back alone to practice pot making shows that:
(a) She is a disobedient girl who does not follow rules
(b) She wanted to prove to her mother that she can become a potter without
her guidance.
(c) She is very diligent and inclined to pot making
(d) She has no interest towards pot making.

5. During the next pot making session, Sentila observed how her mother
held the left hand and the spatula, how she slackened the rhythm when
fashioning the mouth of the pots and how a strip of elongated dough was
added to the mouth to make the rim. Then, on a bright sunny day, Arenla
told Sentila that they should try to make as many pots as they could,
otherwise they would not have enough days of sunshine to dry them. They
went to the shed quite early to begin. As usual, Arenla completed a batch
quickly and asked Sentila to take over. Complaining that she had a headache
and a backache, she went out telling Sentila to try and make as many pots
as she could. Sentila was surprised and reluctantly began to beat the dough
in perfect coordination with her left hand. (Page 39)

Comprehension Questions:

Question 1.
Sentila learned the technique of shaping the rim by:
(a) Reading about it
(b) Watching her mother carefully
(c) Guessing on her own
(d) Asking the village elders
Answer:
(b) Misshapen

Question 2.
What did Sentila carefully observe during the next pot making session?
Answer:
Sentila stayed back because everyone else had gone to attend a musical
evening. This gave her the chance to quietly take out clay and implements
from her basket to try making a pot on her own.

Question 3.
What can we infer from the given statement, ‘Arenla want to make as many
pots as possible on that sunny day.’
Answer:
Onula noticed that Sentila was tense and nervous, which made her efforts
clumsy. The clay did not take the right shape, and eventually Sentila let the
misshapen lump fall flat on the ground out of weariness.

Question 4.
Arenla stayed in the shed and closely supervised Sentila throughout the
session. (True or False)
Answer:
False (Reason: Rather Onula went to her and offered to teach her how to
make a perfect pot.)
Question 5.
Onula’s reaction to Sentila’s failure shows that she was:
(a) Strict and angry
(b) Indifferent
(c) Encouraging and patient
(d) Jealous
Answer:
(c) Encouraging and patient

Question 6.
Why was the clay unable to take the right shape in Sentila’s hands?
Answer:
The clay was unable to take the right shape because Sentila was too tense
and nervous. Her clumsy efforts and lack of confidence made the clay resist
forming properly, and eventually she dropped the misshapen lump out of
weariness.

Question 7.
How did Onula help Sentila improve her skills?
Answer:
Onula encouraged Sentila not to worry and demonstrated how to make a
perfect pot. She guided her step by step, boosting Sentila’s confidence. With
Onula’s instructions, Sentila tried again and successfully created a beautiful
pot. Onula then advised her to carefully watch her mother’s technique,
especially when shaping the mouth of the pot, so she could improve further.

Question 8.
Find a word from the extract which means the same as ‘tiredly’.
(a) wearily
(b) fashion
(c) process
(d) misshapen
Answer:
(a) wearily

Question 9.
Sentila stayed back alone to practice pot making shows that:
(a) She is a disobedient girl who does not follow rules
(b) She wanted to prove to her mother that she can become a potter without
her guidance.
(c) She is very diligent and inclined to pot making
(d) She has no interest towards pot making
Question 10.
Why did Onula say that the mouth of the pot was wrong?

Question 11.
What quality of Onula is revealed in this extract?

Question 12.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate option from the brackets:
Sentila was ________ to see Onula fashioning a ‘beautiful pot’.
(amazed/worried)

5. During the next pot making session, Sentila observed how her mother
held the left hand and the spatula, how she slackened the rhythm when
fashioning the mouth of the pots and how a strip of elongated dough was
added to the mouth to make the rim. Then, on a bright sunny day, Arenla
told Sentila that they should try to make as many pots as they could,
otherwise they would not have enough days of sunshine to dry them. They
went to the shed quite early to begin. As usual, Arenla completed a batch
quickly and asked Sentila to take over. Complaining that she had a headache
and a backache, she went out telling Sentila to try and make as many pots
as she could. Sentila was surprised and reluctantly began to beat the dough
in perfect coordination with her left hand. (Page 39)

Comprehension Questions:

Question 1.
Sentila learned the technique of shaping the rim by:
(a) Reading about it
(b) Watching her mother carefully
(c) Guessing on her own
(d) Asking the village elders
Answer:
(b)Watching her mother carefully

Question 2.
What did Sentila carefully observe during the next pot making session?
Answer:
Sentila carefully observed how her mother used her left hand and spatula,
slowed the rhythm while shaping the mouth of the pots, and added a strip of
clay to form the rim.

Question 3.
What can we infer from the given statement, ‘Arenla want to make as many
pots as possible on that sunny day.’
Answer:
Arenla wanted to make as many pots as possible on that sunny day as the
dry season was going to end and sunshine would be less in the coming days.

Question 4.
Arenla stayed in the shed and closely supervised Sentila throughout the
session. (True or False)
Answer:
False (Reason: Arenla, went out of the shed complaining of headache and
backache).

Question 5.
Arenla wanted to use the sunny day because:
(a) She liked working in sunlight
(b) The pots needed sunshine to dry
(c) The shed was too dark
(d) The villagers were away
Answer:
(b) The pots needed sunshine to dry

Question 6.
How did Arenla demonstrate the correct technique of shaping the mouth of
the pot?
Answer:
Arenla slackened the rhythm when fashioning the mouth of the pots and how
a strip of elongated dough was added to the mouth to make the rim.

Question 7.
Why did Arenla leave the shed and ask Sentila to continue the work alone?
Answer:
Arenla complained of a headache and backache and went out of the shed,
asking Sentila to continue making pots on her own.

Question 8.
Fill in the blank with the correct option from the brackets.
A strip of elongated dough was added to the mouth to make the ________ .
(rim/handle)
Answer:
rim

Question 9.
Sentila began to beat the dough in perfect coordination with her left hand,
which shows:
(a) She was careless
(b) She lacked interest
(c) She had learnt the skill properly
(d) She was afraid

Question 10.
Why was Sentila surprised when her mother asked her to take over?

Question 11.
What does this extract reveal about Sentila’s growth and confidence?

Question 12.
Find a word from the extract which means the same as ‘unwillingly’.

6. Before long, she realised that the pot was ready. She started on the next
one, and like a sprinter who had suddenly found momentum, she continued
making pot after pot with the same speed and dexterity that she had noticed
in her mother’s hands. Finally, when she looked at her row of pots, she saw
that she had made just one short of her mother’s tally. Exhausted from the
labour, she decided to go into the house and join her mother for lunch. When
she reached the threshold, she found her mother lying on the floor. She was
not breathing. Sentila ran towards the common area in the village for help.
(Page 40)

Comprehension Questions:

Question 1.
On the basis of the extract, select the correct option.
The phrase “like a sprinter who had suddenly found momentum” suggests
that Sentila:
(a) Was running away
(b) Had gained confidence and speed
(c) Was afraid
(d) Wanted to stop working
Answer:
(b) Had gained confidence and speed

Question 2.
Sentila realised that she had mastered the art of pot making. Justify.
Answer:
Sentila realised she had mastered pot making when she could make pot after
pot with speed and skill, almost matching her mother’s tally. This showed her
confidence and control over the craft.

Question 3.
Explain the comparison between Sentila and a sprinter. What does it
suggest?
Answer:
The comparison to a sprinter suggests that Sentila suddenly gained speed,
confidence and rhythm. Just like a runner who finds momentum, she worked
swiftly and effortlessly without hesitation.

Question 4.
Find a word from the extract which means the same as ‘skill and quickness’.
Answer:
Dexterity

Question 5.
Sentila had made:
(a) More pots than her mother
(b) The same number of pots as her mother
(c) One pot less than her mother’s tally
(d) Very few pots
Answer:
(c) One pot less than her mother’s tally

Question 6.
How did Sentila’s speed and dexterity compare with her mother’s?
Answer:
Sentila worked with almost the same speed and dexterity as her mother. She
made only one pot less than her mother’s tally, showing that she had nearly
matched her mother’s skill.

Question 7.
Why was Sentila exhausted after making the pots?
Answer:
Sentila was exhausted because making pots required continuous physical
effort and concentration. She had worked without stopping and produced
many pots, which drained her energy.

Question 8.
Sentila was satisfied because she had made more pots than her mother.
(True or False)
Answer:
False (Reason: Sentila made one pot less than her mother’s tally)

Question 9.
After seeing her mother lying on the floor, Sentila:
(a) Sat beside her quietly
(b) Continued making pots
(c) Ran to the village common area for help
(d) Called Onula only

Question 10.
What shocking sight did Sentila see when she entered the house?

Question 11.
How does this extract mark a turning point in the story?

Question 12.
Complete the sentence appropriately:
Sentila continued making pots with the same speed and ________ that she
had noticed in her mother’s hands.

7. On her way back, Onula noticed that the door to the work shed was
slightly ajar. Out of curiosity, she stepped inside and abruptly stopped in her
tracks; two neat rows of newly-made pots stood side by side. She could find
nothing to tell one batch from the other. She was sure that it was not the
handiwork of one person alone. Onula stood there for a long time as if trying
to absorb a new phenomenon. Slowly she walked away from this place of
wonder, as she considered it to be, because she believed that she had just
witnessed a profound revelation in the two batches of still moist pots,
standing side by side in perfect symmetry inside the shed.

A new pot maker was born. (Pages 40-41)

Comprehension Questions:

Question 1.
The door to the work shed was:
(a) Locked
(b) Wide open
(c) Slightly ajar
(d) Broken
Answer:
(c) Slightly ajar
Question 2.
What did Onula notice when she stepped into the work shed?
Answer:
Onula noticed that the door of the work shed was slightly open. When she
entered, she saw two neat rows of newly-made pots placed side by side.

Question 3.
Why was Onula unable to distinguish between the two batches of pots?
Answer:
Onula was unable to distinguish between the two batches because both rows
of pots were equally well-shaped and symmetrical. The workmanship was so
similar that there was no visible difference.

Question 4.
Fill in the blank with the correct option from the brackets.
Onula believed she had witnessed a profound revelation in the shed shows
that she was ________ extremely. (content/disheartened)
Answer:
content

Question 5.
Onula stood for a long time in the shed because she was:
(a) Angry
(b) Confused and thoughtful
(c) Tired
(d) Waiting for someone
Answer:
(b) Confused and thoughtful

Question 6.
‘Onula believed that the pots were not the handiwork of one person alone.’
Justify.
Answer:
Onula believed the pots were not made by a single person because Sentila’s
words, as she ran after her mother’s dead body asking for forgiveness and
saying, “I did not wish it to happen this way; it simply came to me, ” made
her feel that something unusual had happened. When she later entered the
work shed, she saw two neat rows of newly-made pots standing side by side
in perfect symmetry. Their shape, size, and finish were so perfect that no
one could tell they were made by two people. But Sentila’s words stayed in
Onula’s mind, and she then understood that the pots were made by both
Sentila and Arenla.
Question 7.
Onula considered the shed to be a “place of wonder.” What does it reflect?
Answer:
Onula considered the shed a “place of wonder” because she realised that
Sentila had mastered the craft. It felt like witnessing something
extraordinary and unexpected.

Question 8.
Find a word from the extract which means the same as ‘suddenly’.
Answer:
abruptly

Question 9.
The two batches of pots were standing in:
(a) A messy pile
(b) Perfect symmetry
(c) Different corners
(d) Broken condition

Question 10.
What does the phrase “a profound revelation” suggest in this context?

Question 11.
What can we infer from the given statement,: “A new pot maker was born.”

Question 12.
Onula could easily identify which pots were made by Sentila and which by
Arenla. (True or False)

8. Ever since Sentila became old enough to accompany her mother to the
fields and forests, she began to dream of becoming a pot maker like her
mother and grandmother. However, Arenla, her mother, wanted her to
become a weaver. On days when she managed to stay at home while her
parents went to the fields, Sentila approached expert potters to learn the
skill. They were at first amused by the little girl’s insistence as they thought
that she would soon outgrow her childish passion for the craft. Sentila did
not disclose her fascination with pot making at home as she had overheard a
conversation between her parents one night. Her mother was complaining
about Sentila’s indifference to weaving. She said, “I shall not teach her pot
making as it has brought no joy to me and only a pittance for my troubles.
(i) Choose the correct reason for the given assertion.
(A): Sentila did not tell her mother about her interest in pot making.
A. She was afraid that her mother would scold her for neglecting weaving.
B. She wanted to surprise her mother by becoming a skilled potter.
Answer:
A. She was afraid that her mother would scold her for neglecting weaving.

(ii) Why were the expert potters amused by Sentila?

Answer:
The expert potters were amused because they thought Sentila’s interest in
pot making was childish and that she would soon outgrow her passion for the
craft.

(iii) State one hardship Arenla faces in making pots.

Answer:
Arenla has to climb down a steep riverbank to collect clay and carry the
heavy load uphill, which causes her back to ache.

(iv) Choose the sentence that uses the word “pittance” in the same way as in
the extract.
A. He was given a pittance for his day’s hard work.
B. She donated a pittance of time to help her friend.
Answer:
A. He was given a pittance for his day’s hard work.

(v) What does Arenla’s statement, “I shall not teach her pot making…” reveal
about her feelings?
Answer:
It reveals Arenla’s disappointment and frustration. She feels that pot making
has brought her hardship and little reward, and she does not want her
daughter to suffer the same struggles.

9. Sentila continued her visits to watch the potters at work. She saw how the
clay was mixed with water and pounded, how careful they were when they
pushed their left hand into a lump of the softened clay and how deftly they
rotated the lump as they started giving shape to the rotating clay with a
spatula held in the right hand. The regular tap of the spatula on the clay was
music to her ears as she watched in fascination the pot emerging out of a
shapeless lump right in front of her eyes.
After two or three days, the pots would be given a final touch up to retain
the required shape and to test the consistency. Only then would the pots be
taken out to dry in the sun before being loaded on to a kiln in a uniform
pattern on a bed of hay and dried bamboo and covered with another layer of
the same materials, and then the kiln would be fired. One had to tend the
fire carefully as over firing or under firing would ruin the entire batch.

(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.

The potters had to tend the fire carefully because
Answer:
The potters had to tend the fire carefully because overfiring or underfiring
would ruin the entire batch of pots.

(ii) Choose the correct option to complete the following sentence.

“The regular tap, tap of the spatula on the clay was music to her ears.”
This shows that Sentila felt _______ .
A. bored and tired
B. fascinated and delighted
C. nervous and confused
D. careless and impatient
Answer:
B. fascinated and delighted

(iii) Which among the following is the effect of a cause?

A. The pots were dried in the sun before being loaded onto the kiln.
B. The pots were given a final touch up to retain the required shape and test
consistency.
Answer:
A. The pots were dried in the sun before being loaded onto the kiln.

(iv) “The pot emerging out of a shapeless lump…”

Here, the word “emerging” means _______ (appearing/disappearing).
Answer:
appearing

(v) How did Sentila feel while watching the pot take shape from the clay?
Answer:
Sentila felt fascinated and joyful as she watched the pot emerge from a
shapeless lump. The sound of the spatula felt like music to her, showing her
deep interest and passion for pot making.

10. The villagers raced to the house and sent for Mesoba. When Arenla’s
body was being carried out of the house the next morning, Sentila ran after
it, shouting, “Mother, I did not wish it to happen this way; it simply came to
me. Please forgive me.” Those who heard her did not understand what she
meant, except for Onula. She intuitively sensed that something momentous
had happened. On her way back, Onula noticed that the door to the work
shed was slightly ajar. Out of curiosity, she stepped inside and abruptly
stopped in her tracks; two neat rows of newly-made pots stood side by side.
She could find nothing to tell one batch from the other. She was sure that it
was not the handiwork of one person alone. Onula stood there for a long
time as if trying to absorb a new phenomenon. Slowly she walked away from
this place of wonder, as she considered it to be, because she believed that
she had just witnessed a profound revelation in the two batches of still moist
pots, standing side by side in perfect symmetry inside the shed. A new pot
maker was born.

(i) Choose the correct reason for the given assertion.

(A): Onula sensed that something momentous had happened.
A. She saw two identical rows of pots and realised that Sentila had mastered
the craft.
B. She heard the villagers talking about Arenla’s illness.
Answer:
A. She saw two identical rows of pots and realised that Sentila had mastered
the craft.

(ii) Why did Sentila run after her mother’s body, shouting for forgiveness?
Answer:
Sentila felt guilty because she believed that her sudden mastery of pot
making had something to do with her mother’s death. She thought her
success had come at a painful cost.

(iii) What made Onula believe that the pots were not the handiwork of one
person alone?
Answer:
Onula noticed that the two neat rows of newlymade pots were identical, and
she could not tell one batch from the other, suggesting that both mother and
daughter had made them.

(iv) Choose the sentence that uses the word “momentous” in the same way
as in the extract.
A. Winning the match was a momentous occasion for the team.
B. She made a momentous mistake in her homework.
Answer:
A. Winning the match was a momentous occasion for the team.

(v) What does the line “A new pot maker was born” suggest?
Answer:
The line suggests that Sentila had finally mastered the art of pot making and
had inherited her mother’s skill. It symbolises the continuation of tradition
and the birth of a true artisan.

Extra Questions of The Pot Maker for Practice

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What did Sentila overhear one day?

Question 2.
What made Sentila sit admiring at her first pot?

Question 3.
What made Onula surprised after observing the two rows of pots in the shed?

Question 4.
How did Arenla teach Sentila after the Village council’s intervention?

Question 5.
What did Sentila observe in her mother’s pot making after returning from the
dormitories?

Question 6.
Why is the ending described as “a new pot maker was born”? What deeper
meaning does it convey?

The Pot Maker Textbook Questions (NCERT

Solution)
Check Your Understanding
I. Do you think pot making is easy? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Ans. No, pot making is not easy at all. It involves fetching heavy clay from a riverbank
sixteen kilometres away, pounding it in bamboo cylinders, carefully shaping it with a
spatula and tending a kiln precisely to avoid over or under firing. Each batch takes
months of labour. Even experienced potters face exhaustion and failure. Sentila’s
struggle to learn the craft for almost two years further confirms that pot making
requires extraordinary skill, patience and physical endurance.
II. Would Sentila be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker? Explain.
Ans. Yes, Sentila ultimately fulfils her dream through extraordinary perseverance and
Onula’s compassionate guidance. Despite almost two years of failed attempts, she
achieves mastery on the final day when left alone in the work shed. She makes an
entire row of pots matching her mother’s quality and quantity, proving that passionate
dreams combined with determined practice ultimately triumph over all obstacles and
opposition. The story’s concluding line “A new pot maker was born” beautifully confirms
her complete achievement.
III. Do you think Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila? Give a reason.
Ans. Initially Arenla strongly opposed Sentila learning pot making, preferring weaving
for practical economic reasons. However after the village council’s firm intervention,
Mesoba convinced Arenla to teach Sentila. Though Arenla’s teaching appeared passive
and detached, her final deliberate act of leaving Sentila alone in the work shed suggests
she eventually supported her daughter’s dream quietly, giving her the independence
needed to discover her own natural mastery of the craft.
IV. Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Ans. Yes, Onula’s support was absolutely crucial and transformative for Sentila. Without
her timely intervention, Sentila might have abandoned her dream entirely after
repeated failures. Onula correctly identified the root cause of Sentila’s failure ,
excessive tension rather than lack of ability. Her patient encouragement and specific
technical guidance gave Sentila both the emotional confidence and practical insight she
needed. Her advice to observe her mother shaping the pot’s mouth ultimately unlocked
Sentila’s natural ability completely.
V. Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?
Ans. Sentila’s careful observation of her mother’s hands while making pots reveals
several important qualities , her sharp intelligence, keen observational skills, deep
determination and genuine willingness to learn from every available opportunity. Even
after Onula’s guidance, she understands that patient observation of an expert is
essential for mastering the finer details of any traditional craft. This quality of learning
through careful, focused observation ultimately proves to be the key that finally unlocks
her mastery of pot making.
VI. Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence. Share
your answer with your classmates and teacher.

The village council called Mesoba to know about Arenla’s unwillingness to

1.
teach pottery to Sentila.

Arenla made a new batch of pots and asked Sentila to continue the work as
2.
she was unwell.

3. Sentila observed how other expert potters crafted beautiful pots.

4. Sentila was passionate about pottery but did not share it with her mother.

5. Onula guided Sentila in the art of pot making.

Sentila overheard her mother saying that pot making was a tiring job and that
6.
she earned very little from it.

Onula observed two rows of pots inside the work shed, which she felt was the
7.
work of two people.
 Sentila learnt the art of pot making for a year from her mother, but was
8.
unsuccessful.

Sentila was able to make pots quickly and skillfully, just one less than her
9.
mother’s.

Ans.

Orde
Event
r

1st Sentila was passionate about pottery but did not share it with her mother.

Sentila overheard her mother saying that pot making was a tiring job and that
2nd
she earned very little from it.

3rd Sentila observed how other expert potters crafted beautiful pots.

The village council called Mesoba to know about Arenla’s unwillingness to teach
4th
pottery to Sentila.

Sentila learnt the art of pot making for a year from her mother, but was
5th
unsuccessful.

6th Onula guided Sentila in the art of pot making.

Arenla made a new batch of pots and asked Sentila to continue the work as she
7th
was unwell.

Sentila was able to make pots quickly and skillfully, just one less than her
8th
mother’s.

Onula observed two rows of pots inside the work shed, which she felt was the
9th
work of two people.

Critical Reflection.
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. 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 far more practical and
profitable than pot making. Weaving can be done indoors in all seasons, takes
significantly less time than making a batch of pots and earns considerably more money.
It also provides enough cloth for the family’s needs. Compared to the exhausting and
poorly rewarded work of pot making, weaving offers Sentila a cleaner, more comfortable
and financially secure livelihood for her future.
(iii) State one advantage that weaving has over pot making, as per the
extract.
Ans. One clear advantage of weaving over pot making is that weaving can be done
indoors in all seasons without any mess. Unlike pot making which requires travelling to
distant riverbanks, pounding heavy clay and carefully tending a kiln outdoors, weaving
is a clean indoor activity that can be practiced comfortably throughout the year
regardless of weather conditions, making it a far more convenient and practical skill for
daily living and earning a livelihood.
(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.
The word “handsome” in the extract means large or considerable in amount, referring
to good financial returns. Option B uses “handsome” in the same sense of substantial
profit, while Option A uses “handsome” to describe physical appearance which is a
completely different meaning.
(v) ‘And the reward?’ What is the author’s purpose of using a question mark
here?
Ans. The author uses a question mark after “And the reward?” to create a powerful
rhetorical effect. The question invites the reader to pause and anticipate the answer,
making the contrast between enormous effort and minimal reward far more striking. It
reflects Arenla’s deep frustration, bitterness and irony about the economic reality of pot
making. The dramatic pause created by the question mark makes the answer “A few
rupees” hit with maximum emotional impact and painful irony.
2. 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. she is too tense and anxious while working, which prevents her hands from
moving with the natural sensitivity, confidence and relaxed coordination required to
successfully shape the clay into a proper pot.
(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 must have felt deeply frustrated, ashamed and discouraged when the
misshapen lump fell flat on the ground. After months of determined practice and
desperate desire to succeed, this repeated failure would have filled her with self-doubt
and hopelessness. The extract describes her as “wearily” letting the lump fall,
suggesting physical and emotional exhaustion. She must have felt that her dream of
becoming a pot maker was slipping permanently beyond her reach despite all her
passionate efforts.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. Describe the process of pot making followed by expert pot makers, as
observed by Sentila.
Ans. Sentila carefully observes the entire pot making process during her secret visits to
expert potters. First the clay is mixed with water and pounded thoroughly until soft and
malleable. The potter then pushes the left hand carefully into a lump of softened clay
while deftly rotating it. A spatula held in the right hand shapes the rotating clay with
regular tapping sounds. After two or three days the pots receive a final touch-up to
retain shape and test consistency. The pots are then dried in the sun before being
loaded onto a kiln on a bed of hay and dried bamboo, covered with the same materials
and carefully fired. The fire must be tended precisely as both over-firing and under-
firing would ruin the entire batch.
2. What warning was given to Mesoba by the village council?
Ans. The village council warned Mesoba that Arenla was obligated to teach pot making
to Sentila and to anyone who wished to learn the craft. The elders firmly reminded him
that traditional skills like pot making do not belong to any individual person but to the
entire community. They emphasized that such skills symbolize the tradition and history
of the people and must be passed down from generation to generation. They cautioned
Mesoba to remind Arenla that teaching her daughter this traditional craft was her
cultural duty and community responsibility.
3. How did Sentila feel when she failed at pot making even after a year of
training with her mother?
Ans. Sentila felt deeply ashamed, frustrated and discouraged when she failed to master
pot making despite almost a year of training with her mother. The text describes her
hanging her head in shame and frustration when she could not even hold the lump of
dough properly while her mother effortlessly transformed the same lump into a
beautiful pot. These repeated failures must have been particularly painful because of
her intense, lifelong passion for the craft and her desperate desire to succeed in
fulfilling her deepest dream.
4. ‘Onula stood there for a long time as if trying to absorb a new
phenomenon’. Explain.
Ans. When Onula discovered the work shed after Arenla’s death, she found two
identical rows of freshly made pots standing side by side. She intuitively understood
that one row had been made by Arenla and the other by Sentila , and that both rows
were of equal quality and skill. This was a profound and extraordinary moment , she
was witnessing the perfect transmission of a traditional craft from mother to daughter
at the exact moment of the mother’s death. She stood for a long time trying to absorb
the deep spiritual and cultural significance of what she was witnessing.
5. ‘The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual,’
what does this symbolise?
Ans. This powerful statement by the village council symbolizes the deeply collective
and communal nature of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. It represents the
idea that traditional skills like pot making are not private property to be guarded or
withheld but living expressions of a community’s shared identity, history and values.
Every skilled practitioner is merely a temporary custodian of knowledge that belongs to
the entire people across generations. This philosophy ensures that cultural traditions
survive beyond any individual’s lifetime, continuously renewed through willing
transmission to new generations.
6. What is the signi􀠸cance of the concluding line of the story, ‘A new pot
maker was born’?
Ans. The concluding line carries profound literal and symbolic significance. Literally it
announces that Sentila has successfully achieved mastery of pot making, fulfilling her
lifelong passionate dream. Symbolically it affirms that the ancient tradition of pot
making will continue beyond Arenla’s death through her daughter’s skilled hands. The
word “born” suggests not merely skill acquisition but a deeper transformation , Sentila
has been reborn as a cultural guardian of her community’s heritage. The line also
suggests a spiritual continuity , as one pot maker dies, another is born, ensuring the
tradition lives forever.
7. What is the role of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams? Elaborate with
reference to Sentila.
Ans. Perseverance plays an absolutely essential role in pursuing one’s dreams as
powerfully demonstrated through Sentila’s journey. Her dream of becoming a pot maker
faces multiple serious obstacles , her mother’s strong opposition, almost two years of
repeated failure and deep personal frustration. Yet she never abandons her dream. She
secretly visits expert potters, continues practicing despite humiliating failures and even
practices alone in the dormitory. When she finally makes an entire row of pots matching
her mother’s skill, it is through accumulated years of determined practice. Sentila
teaches us that genuine dreams require not just passion but unwavering perseverance
despite repeated failure and discouragement.

Q1. Read the passage and answer the questions.

Sentila continued her visits to watch the potters at work. She saw how the clay was
mixed with water and pounded, how carefully they pushed their left hand into a lump of
softened clay and how deftly they rotated the lump.

(a) What did Sentila observe during her visits?

Sentila observed the process of pot making.
She watched how clay was mixed, pounded, softened and shaped by expert potters.

(b) What does “deftly” mean here?

“Deftly” means skilfully.

The word shows the expert control potters had while rotating the clay.

(c) What does this passage reveal about Sentila?

The passage shows that Sentila was observant and deeply interested in pot making.

She did not only admire the pots. She carefully studied the method.

(d) Which theme appears in this passage?

The theme of skill-based learning appears here.

Sentila learns by watching experienced craftspersons at work.

Q2. Why did Sentila hide her fascination with pot making at
home?
Sentila hid her fascination because she knew her mother did not want her to become a
pot maker.

She had heard Arenla say that pot making brought little income and much physical
strain. This made Sentila keep her interest quiet.

Q3. What can students infer from Sentila’s repeated visits to

expert potters?
Students can infer that Sentila was serious about learning the craft.

She continued visiting potters even without her mother’s direct support. Her actions
show persistence and passion.

Q4. Why did the village council question Mesoba?

The village council questioned Mesoba because Arenla was not teaching Sentila pot
making.

The elders believed that traditional skills belonged to the community. They did not want
the craft to disappear.

Q5. Read the passage and answer the questions.

“The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity. I hear Bharat celebrating, the
varied voices I hear!”
(a) What does “vocation” mean here?
“Vocation” means skill-based work or occupation.

The poem uses the word to honour different kinds of work.

(b) What does the line say about identity?

The line says that a person’s work becomes part of who they are.

Each worker’s skill, rhythm and contribution shape identity.

(c) Why does the poet mention Bharat?

The poet mentions Bharat to show the diversity of vocations across India.

The poem connects work, culture and national identity.

(d) What is the tone of the passage?

The tone is celebratory and respectful.

The poet honours craftspersons, workers and their skills.