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Class 11 English Chapter 9 My Impression of Assam
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My Impression of Assam
Chapter: 9
TEXTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
1. What does Verrier Elwin say about the tradition of courtesy and hospitality in the modern world? What advice does he give to the people of Assam on this Point?
Ans. Verier Elwin is of the view that the tradition of courtesy and hospitality are vanishing today. The author says he never found so much courtesy and friendliness in ordinary people from shop-keepers, the way you ask on the road, from officials, and above the hill. He said that tradition of hospitality and friendliness is a great and precious thing, it is unfortunately rare in this modern world of competition.
Elwin urges the people of Assam to hold on to their values and traditions of hospitality and friendliness, for this is where lies the appeal of Assam. Verrier Elwin has found a great treasure of old culture among the hill people of Assam. He has asked the hill people of Assam not to be ashamed of their old culture, much of which is noble and beautiful. He has praised the good taste, the sense of colour and form, and the delight in beauty.
2. What difference does Verrier Elwin draw between the Game Sanctuaries of Kenya and Kaziranga ?
Ans. Elwin, an unconventional traveller, visited different countries and noticed a significant difference between the Game Reserves of Kaziranga in Assam and Kenya. In East – Africa there is a sort of tradition that everybody should co – operate to make the sanctuaries a success, a lot of money is spent on them, no one would dream of poaching. You can see in a brief drive in a car hundreds of giraffes, zebras, ostriches, wild elephants and even lions wandering about near the roads in perfect confidence that the odd two – legged creature called man was their friend. But it is not quite the same thing here. The animals are not altogether sure that they are safe; they do not appear so readily that the public does not co- operative in the same way.
3. What appeal does the author make to the scholars of Assam concerning the songs and poems of the state? Why does he make this appeal?
Ans. The author saw, a group of tribal Naga, youths, in a great grove of orange in the setting sun, clad in rich red cloth and having on their heads great white crowns like wings, were marching up and down with spears, and chanting ancient melodies that recalled a long-forgotten world. It was a death chant, and it was one that the author should be proud to have sung over his own body when it goes to the dust.
The author was worried about How many books, how many collections have yet been made of the songs and poems of Assam’s countryside? These old songs are disappearing rapidly; the schoolboys prefer jazz music from Hollywood. But before it is too late, will not some scholars take the trouble- and it will mean a great deal of trouble- to record these things? There must also be a vast treasure of folk-tales and myths in the hills of Assam. The author appeals to the scholars of Assam to take up the task of preserving the song and poem of the states. He makes this appeal because he believes that these song and poems are an important part of the cultural heritage of Assam.
4. Why, according to Verrier Elwin, should wood carving be taught and encouraged in our educational centres?
Ans. The author was excited to see the carving in wood. The Tangkhuls of Manipur make splendid decorations on their houses. So do the Maos and Marams. The Konyaks adorn their morungs; the Angamis make magnificent village gates; the Phoms and other tribes are expert in fashioning images and pipes and in decorating drinking mugs or making toys. Some of these are of extraordinary vigour and beauty. The author fears that if not taught and encouraged at the educational centres. Wood carving might become a thing of the past.
5. You have a great treasure there.”- What treasure is Verrier Elwin referring to and what is his suggestion about the treasure ?
Ans. Verrier Elwin is referring to our culture as a great treasure. Do not be ashamed of your old culture. It is a noble and beautiful thing, much of it. Do not throw it away too readily.’ In Europe they threw away too much and now they are trying desperately to recover it. And to the other people in Assam, the author says that; ‘Never look down on the simple and natural things of your villages. Study them with love and sympathy. You have a great treasure there. Good taste, the sense of colour and form, the delight in beauty, the love of rhythm, the right tone in music- these are things that cannot be manufactured by the factory or ordered by an office. They grow out of the ancient soil and once they are gone, they can never be recovered.
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT
Discuss the following statements in groups of four.
1. There is something to be proud of; it is a grand thing to see creatures of the wild feeling safe even in civilization.
2. The schoolboy prefers jazz music from Hollywood.
3. “The maidens of lovely Assam weave poems on their handlooms.”
Suggested Answer : (Each of the topics have been dealt with in the form of an imaginary dialogue between friends. Students can pick a few points from the given dialogues and then add their own thoughts about the given subject matter.)
1. There is something to be proud of; it is a grand thing to see creatures of the wild feeling safe even in civilization.
Anish : I agree with Verrier Elwin’s statement. It is indeed a great privilege if we can earn the trust of our wild animals and get them to feel safe in our presence. In today’s world with the man-animal conflicts grabbing headlines everywhere, I think it is vital that we allow each creature his own space. And our many natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries allow us to do just that.
Bidyut : Yes, Anish, I think it is imperative that we give each animal its own space where it can lead its life it its own element. The wildlife problems we are facing and the recent spurt in deaths of wild animals that we have observed are mainly caused when we intrude into their area, because this leads to the confrontations between humans and animals, which results in death for them.
Gaurav : No doubt, our wild animals are scared to come out and be seen in the presence of humans and civilization. But friends, both of you have failed to mention the fact that human wants and greed have increased with time and I believe it is one of the main reasons for the man-animal conflicts. Even Verrier Eiwin mentioned this. The rate at which wild animas are poached in our part of the world is among one of the worst. And thís is something that has been going on for a long time.
Rahul : Indeed. As Elwin himself said, we the people of this state are supposed to be kind and compassionate in our ways, with kindness towards animals deep-rooted in our culture, but yet we prefer to kill them for personal gains. So, I feel, unless we start protecting our wildlife and abstain from such mindless killing, no animal will ever feel safe in our presence. And it is a matter of shame for all of us that we cannot even protect our natural world. The day wild creatures feel safe in our sanctuaries will truly be an accomplishment and a proud time for us all. And it all begins with protecting them and their habitat.
2. The schoolboy prefers jazz music from Hollywood.
Pranami : The current trend is to ape the West, and many of today’s youth are mislead to think that it would make them appear chic and fashionable amongst their peers. But in our haste to appear ‘modern’, we should nòt ignore our roots and our ancient melodies that have been sung by our ancestors for hundreds of years.
Rashmi : In some cases, it might be that they have not been fortunate enough to find an able teacher who could rekindle their interest in traditional songs. Often we are subjected to drab, hand me down versions of some of the most mellifluous tunes. This in turn causes many to lose interest in singing and learning such songs. I believe if they could hear the songs being sung by a true artist, they too would realise how valuable these melodies are. In fact, Verrier Elwin too was deeply influenced by the death chant being sung by the youths and believe, the setting, amidst the orange grove and the youths dressed in their traditional garbs, too played a part in him being bewitched by the ancient melodies he heard there.
Kunal : I agree with Rashmi. The ambience and’ more importantly the person who is singing the melody, can affect our perception towards these things to a large extent. if the singer is one who is well versed in the traditional ways and melodies and sings it in the way it ought to be, the listeners are sure to be captivated. Because nearly all of the ancient melodies are each pieces of art by themselves, being honed and passed down from generation to generation.
Meena : I agree with all your points of view but I personally feel that sometimes it is also a matter of exposure. Jazz songs and the other western melodies can be heard playing in every other yard but it is difficult to find an original rendering of the, ancient melodies. This might be one of the reasons that many of our generation have been drawn to the western melodies.
But they are integral part of our culture and we should hold onto them. So, my suggestion would be to popularise these Songs, so that the common populace too can learn and sing them. And in doing so, we would also be creating a record. Of sorts, ensuring that the tunes are never lost in the passage of time
3. “The maidens of lovely Assam weave poems on thel handlooms.”
Pranjal : I cannot agree more with Gandhiji’s observation regarding the maidens of Assam weaving poems on their handlooms. The artistic superiority and creativity of the maidens have been equated to poems by him. The plethora of motifs and patterns that the maidens weave are often the cynosure of all eyes. The various designs usually are inspired by nature and tend to increase the beauty of the yarn.
Ram : Truly it speaks volumes about the weaver’s innate sense of beauty. Even in the remotest villages, the maidens produce textiles of such exquisite beauty that can put many a sophisticated industrialisť’s products to shame. The sense of arrangement of colour and patterns is so refined that nothing ever clashes or seems out of place.
Mohan : Yes, but sadly, this beautiful tradition is on the wane, with a scarcity of space to set up looms in urbane households as well as the reluctance of some girls to learn and be a part of this beautiful tradition. Many others, though are interested, but have no viable source to teach them the intricacies of this glorious art.
Saurav : I think to prevent this art form from dying; centres could be set up in our cities and towns, where any willing person would be initiated into the art of weaving. This will also ensure that the people understand the toil and genius that goes into the weaving of these beautiful clothes which we often take from granted. Weaving is truly a priced tradition of our state and we should hold on to it at every cost.
THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE
An interesting aspect of Verrier Elwin’s use of language is seen in his fondness of paradox: he loves to present an improbable combination of opposing qualities.
Note these expressions:
1. have now lived in India… for a quarter of a century, but I feal I know very little about it. On the other hand, I have spent about four months in Assam, and so, naturally, I know everything about it
2. Last year I went to East Africa and there for two months I spent a lot of time in the game Sanctuaries…I did not succeed in seeing a single rhino. Yet, Assam, within a couple of hours I saw a dozen rhino.
3. The East Africans are carnivorous, violent people (but no one dreams of poaching); but here in India we are traditionally wedded to non-violence and to a real sense of brotherhood with animals, (but the animals are not altogether sure that they are safe.)
4. You can see more of the treasures of the Assam tribes at Oxford or Cambridge than you can here.
The pattern of contrast in the above sentences makes the language of Verrier Elwin distinctive. Look up the lesson closely and try to find out any feature of language that strikes you as special or distinctive.
Suggestion : Another feature of language present in the writing style of Verrier Elwin is the use of informal or colloquial words such as chap, buck up, old fellow, etc. Then he has also used humour to spice his writings. For e.g. he describes his chase by a rhino as a dubious privilege.
(Students can look for other language features too).
WORKING WITH WORDS
1. Notice the following uses of the word “art” in the text.
1. There is the art of work, the art of music.
2. ..the plastic and graphic art of a country.
3. The art of personal decoration is another thing.
4. Art, of course, is a big word.
Given below are four different senses of the word “art”. Match the meanings to the uses listed below.
1. thing produced to express beauty.
2. a skilful method of doing.something.
3. the making or expression of what is beautiful or true.
4. fine skill in the making or doing of anything.
Ans.
| 1. There is the art of work,the art of music. | 3. the making or expression of what is beautiful or true. |
| 2. …. The plastic and graphic art of a country. | 4. fine skill in the making or doing of another thing. |
| 3. Art personal decoration is another thing. | 2. a skilful method of doing something. |
| 4. Art of course is a big word. | 1. Think produced to express beauty. |
II Notice the different senses of the word intoxicate
1. to cause loss of control of action because of alcohol.
2. to bring out strong feelings of wild excitement.
Locate the word in paragraph 2 of the lesson and match the meaning of the word “intoxicate” from the context.
Ans. “As a sort of poet and artist, I have always loved and sought for beauty, and here in Assam I have been intoxicated with the delight of the natural scene, the grace and charm of the people and also with a certain beauty in human relationship.
Meaning: 2. to bring out strong feelings of wild excitement.
III. The author uses a few colloquial words and expressions in the passage to make the language less formal. Note these expressions.
1. …the chap you ask the way on the road.
2. ….a charming old fellow referring to a rhino).
3. …. buck up the Game Sanctuaries.
4. ….Do not throw it away too readily. (culture) These expressions bring the author closer to us. We feel as if he is talking to us informally.
THINGS TO DO
Collect some folk songs and folk tales your region by either interviewing some old persons of your locality who may have some interest in them or you can look up some books that are available in your language. Paraphrase/translate them into English.
Suggestion : Students shall do themselves.
NOTES
Understanding the text.
The tasks given cover the entire lesson and help in skimming Scanning the text to locate the information sought and to dr inferences based on the facts presented.
Talking about the text :
The tasks given require group work activities to enable students to develop oral communication skills. Students will give their own point of view orally before engaging them in writing what they. had talked about in the form of resumes.
Thinking about language :
The aim is to enable the students to look at the text closely for distinctive features of the language used by the author.
Things to do
The aim is to relate the topic of the text to the students’ real-life experiences giving an awareness of the folk traditions in their culture.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. How long did the author live in Assam?
Ans:- The author lived in Assam for four months.
2. What are the things that can not be manufactured by the factory?
Ans:- The Author says that the good taste, the sense of colour and form, the delight in beauty, the love of rhythm, the right tone in music these are the things that cannot be manufactured by the factory or ordered by an office.
3. What does the author say about the Rhino seen in Assam?
Ans:- The author says he saw a dozen rhinos in Assam within a couple of hours. He adds that some of them were angry but one old rhino was not angry.
4. What does the author say to the people of Assam?
Ans:- The author says to the hill people of Assam, do not be ashamed of your old culture. It is a noble and beautiful thing, much of it. Do not throw it away too readily. In Europe they threw away too much and now they are trying desperately to recover it. And to the other people of Assam. He said to never look down on the simple and natural things of your village. Study them with love and sympathy. People of Assam had a great treasure. Good taste, the sense of colour and form, the delight in beauty, the love of rhythm, the right tone in music these are the things that cannot be manufactured by the factory or ordered by an office. They are out of the ancient soil and once they are gone they can never be recovered.
5. Describe the author’s experience in hill areas?
Ans:- The author was captivated by the beauty of the hill people he encountered and highlighted the need to protect their cultural and ecological heritage. Elwin praises the warm hospitality of the people in Assam, particularly the hill tribes.
Elwin appreciates the artistic talents of the hill people, including their wooden carvings, woven materials, and personal decorations. He emphasises that their innate sense of colour, tone, and balance creates harmony in their art. He urges the indigenous hill people to take pride in their heritage and prevent it from fading away.
Elwin expresses his interest in the people living in the hills of Assam and their artistic contributions. He laments the lack of a museum to preserve and showcase their works. He gives an example of the Kabuls, a Naga tribe, and their captivating death chant, which may not be recorded and could be lost to history. He also mentions the decline of oral traditions, such as folk tales, due to the popularity of Western music among the younger generation.
6. Explain the author’s view regarding the self decoration in Assam?
Ans:- The art of personal decoration, Author noticed among the hill people of Assam.The author saw some car ornaments made by Kabuls and Kachas from the lovely blue wings of birds. They also use scintillating wings of beetles, the natural stones, beads of cowries and flowers for their beautiful decoration.
7. What does the author say about Kaziranga National park and Why?
Ans:- The author visits Kaziranga National Park, which is known for its rhinos. Elwin notes that, unlike parks in East Africa, where animals are well-protected, the parks in Assam face threats from poachers. He encourages everyone to take action to safeguard the animal populations in these parks.
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