NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2 The Pot Maker (2026-27)

Reflect and Respond 

I. Look at the pictures given below and identify the vocations. Now, list at least five more vocations.

Answer: The pictures show people engaged in the following vocations:

1. The first picture shows a woman weaving a basket.
   Vocation: Basket weaver or artisan

2. The second picture shows a man making pots on a wheel.
   Vocation: Potter

3. The third picture shows a woman weaving cloth on a loom.
   Vocation: Cloth weaver

4. The fourth picture shows a man working with wood.
   Vocation: Carpenter

Five more vocations are:

• Electrician

• Cobbler

• Beautician

• Chef

• Tourist guide
  
  

II. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Question 1: What is common among these pictures?

Answer: All the pictures show people performing traditional, skill-based work. They use their hands, specialised tools, experience, and creativity to make useful products.

Question 2: We refer to such skill-based work as v _ _ a _ _ o _ s.

Answer: Vocations

Question 3: Mention a few differences between handmade and machine-made products.

Answer:

Check Your Understanding

I. Do you think pot making is easy? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer: No, pot making is not easy. Although it may appear simple, it requires physical strength, patience, concentration, and years of practice. A potter must collect and knead the clay, control its moisture, shape it carefully, dry the pots, and fire them correctly.

Even a small mistake can spoil the pot and force the potter to begin again. The work is physically tiring and may not provide a high or steady income. However, passion, regular practice, and proper guidance can help a person master this skilled craft.

II. Would Sentila be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker? Explain.

Answer: Yes, Sentila would be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker. She had a deep interest in pottery and carefully observed experienced potters at work. Although she initially struggled, she continued trying and did not give up.

With Onula’s guidance and her own determination, Sentila learned to shape pots correctly. Her ability to produce beautiful, well-balanced pots showed that she had both natural talent and dedication. Therefore, she was capable of achieving her dream.

III. Do you think Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila? Give a reason.

Answer: Mesoba would support Sentila because he recognised her strong interest in pot making and understood that traditional skills should be passed on to the next generation.

Arenla initially opposed Sentila’s wish because she knew that pot making was physically exhausting and offered little financial reward. She wanted her daughter to choose a more secure vocation. However, she later agreed to teach Sentila. Her hesitation came from concern for Sentila’s future rather than a lack of love or support.

Check Your Understanding

I. Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer: Yes, Onula’s support greatly helped Sentila. She recognised Sentila’s interest and guided her patiently in shaping the clay. She demonstrated the correct technique and encouraged Sentila to observe her mother’s hand movements.

Onula’s kindness and encouragement also restored Sentila’s confidence. Her guidance helped Sentila overcome her nervousness and develop her natural skill in pot making.

II. Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?

Answer: Sentila’s careful observation shows that she is curious, patient, attentive, and deeply interested in pot making. She notices small details, including the way her mother shapes the mouth of a pot.

Her habit of learning through observation also reveals her determination, seriousness, and natural inclination towards the craft.

III. Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.

Answer: The correct sequence of events is:

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.

Answer: A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.

The extract emphasises that pot making demands great effort and several months of labour, but the potter earns only a small amount.

(ii) Why does Arenla want Sentila to learn weaving?

Answer: Arenla wants Sentila to learn weaving because it is less exhausting and less messy than pot making. It can be done indoors in every season and takes less time to complete.

Weaving can also provide clothes for the family and offer better financial returns. Therefore, Arenla considers it a safer and more rewarding vocation for her daughter.

(iii) State one advantage that weaving has over pot making, as per the extract.

Answer: One advantage of weaving is that it can be done indoors throughout the year and provides better financial returns in less time.

(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.

Answer: B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.

(v) ‘And the reward?’ What is the author’s purpose of using a question mark here?

Answer: The author uses the question rhetorically to highlight Arenla’s disappointment. No answer is expected because the next line already reveals that the reward for such exhausting work is only a few rupees.

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 _________ .

Answer:
Onula feels Sentila’s effort at making a pot is clumsy because she is tense, lacks confidence, and is unable to control the clay properly.

(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

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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)

Answer: Created

(v) How might Sentila have felt when she saw ‘the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground’?

Answer: Sentila might have felt disappointed, frustrated, and discouraged because her effort had failed, and the clay did not take the shape she wanted.

II. Answer the following questions.

Question 1: Describe the process of pot making followed by expert pot makers, as observed by Sentila.

Answer: Sentila observed that expert pot makers followed a slow and demanding process. They first collected suitable clay and carried it home in baskets. The clay was then kneaded and pounded inside bamboo cylinders until it became soft and malleable.

The potters carefully shaped the clay using their hands and tools. The completed pots were dried properly in the sun and later fired in a kiln so that they became hard and durable. The complete process required strength, patience, precision, and careful attention.

Question 2: What warning was given to Mesoba by the village council?

Answer: The village council warned Mesoba that Arenla must teach Sentila the art of pot making. They explained that traditional skills did not belong to any one person but formed part of the community’s shared heritage.

If experienced potters refused to pass on their knowledge, the craft could disappear. Therefore, Arenla had a responsibility to teach the skill to the next generation and help preserve the community’s tradition.

Question 3: How did Sentila feel when she failed at pot making even after a year of training with her mother?

Answer: Sentila felt deeply disappointed and discouraged when she could not make pots successfully even after a year of training. She began to doubt her ability and felt hurt by her repeated failures.

However, she did not give up her dream. Her continued interest and quiet determination showed that she still wanted to improve and master the craft.

Question 4: ‘Onula stood there for a long time as if trying to absorb a new phenomenon’. Explain.

Answer: After Arenla’s cremation, Onula entered the work shed and saw two neat rows of newly made pots. She was astonished because the pots were so similar in shape and quality that they appeared to have been made by two equally skilled potters.

Onula realised that Sentila had finally mastered the craft and had developed remarkable speed and skill. The “new phenomenon” was the unexpected emergence of Sentila as a talented pot maker. Onula stood silently because she was filled with wonder, admiration, and respect.

Question 5: ‘The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual.’ What does this symbolise?

Answer: The statement symbolises that cultural traditions and inherited skills belong to the entire community rather than to one individual. Pot making represents the community’s identity, history, and collective knowledge.

Such skills must be shared and passed from one generation to another. No individual should prevent an interested learner from connecting with the community’s heritage. A tradition remains alive only when people preserve, practise, and teach it.

Question 6: What is the significance of the concluding line of the story, ‘A new pot maker was born’?

Answer: The concluding line marks Sentila’s transformation from an eager observer into a skilled artisan. It signifies not only that she has learned to make pots but also that she has discovered her true identity and vocation.

The line also represents the continuation of the community’s traditional craft. Sentila’s passion, perseverance, and talent ensure that the art of pot making will survive and be carried forward to another generation.

Question 7: What is the role of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams? Elaborate with reference to Sentila.

Answer: Perseverance plays a central role in Sentila’s journey towards becoming a pot maker. Although her mother initially opposed her wish and she repeatedly failed during training, Sentila did not abandon her dream.

She continued observing experienced potters and practised whenever she received an opportunity. Onula’s encouragement helped her regain confidence, but it was Sentila’s steady effort and determination that enabled her to improve.

Her journey shows that success requires patience, resilience, regular practice, and faith in one’s abilities. A person who continues working despite difficulties can eventually overcome failure and fulfil a meaningful dream.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Read the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.

1. She taught Sentila how to dig the clay with a dao, load it onto her carrying basket…

2. Sentila was a quick learner and turned the clay into malleable dough. Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it…

The highlighted words describe the tools and materials required in the process of pot making.
Now, classify the words/phrases given in the box as shown in the table below. One example for each category has been done for you.

Answer:

II. Notice the use of the following words in the text.

These words relate to livelihood and economic aspects that are crucial for any enterprise/ business/vocation.
Work in pairs and find the meanings of the following words related to the economy. You may refer to a dictionary.

Answer:

• Bankrupt: A person or business that is legally unable to pay its debts.

• Credit: Money or goods received on the condition that payment is made later.

• Currency: The system of money used in a particular country.

• Debt: Money that is owed to another person or institution.

• Fiscal: Related to government revenue, taxation, and spending.

• Inflation: A general increase in the prices of goods and services.

• Investment: Money placed in a business, property, or other asset with the aim of earning a return.

• Interest: Extra money paid for borrowing or earned on savings.

Now, frame sentences using each word.

Answer:

• Bankrupt: The company went bankrupt after it failed to repay its loans.

• Credit: I purchased the television on credit and paid for it later.

• Currency: The currency of India is the rupee.

• Debt: He fell into debt after borrowing more money than he could repay.

• Fiscal: The government announced a new fiscal policy to control spending.

• Inflation: Inflation has increased the prices of food and clothing.

• Investment: Buying shares may be a useful long-term investment.

• Interest: The bank charges interest on the money it lends.
  
  

III. Read the following sentences from the text. The main clause has been underlined, and the subordinate clause has been circled.

Subordinate clauses that act like nouns and perform the same functions as a subject or object are called noun clauses.

1. Complete the following sentences with suitable noun clauses.

(i) The elders emphasised that ____________________ .

Answer: The elders emphasised that traditional skills should be passed on to the next generation.

(ii) Mesoba explained why _____________________ .

Answer: Mesoba explained why Arenla was unwilling to teach pottery to Sentila.

(iii) Onula’s promise was that ____________________ .

Answer: Onula’s promise was that she would patiently teach Sentila the art of pot making.

(iv) Sentila observed her mother carefully when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which _________ .

Answer: Sentila observed her mother as she shaped the pot's mouth, a task that required great skill and steady hand movements.

(v) The kiln, where _________ , required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing.

Answer: The kiln, where the pots were baked and hardened, required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing.

2. Read the following sentences from the text. Underline the main clause and circle the subordinate clause.

(i) Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank where the grey and red clay was found.

Answer:

Main clause: Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank
Subordinate clause: where the grey and red clay was found

(ii) She started on the next one, and like a sprinter who had suddenly found momentum…

Answer:

Main clause: She started on the next one
Subordinate clause: who had suddenly found momentum

(iii) … skills such as pot making, which not only catered to the needs of the people…
Subordinate clauses that act like adjectives and give further description of the noun in the main clause are called adjectival or relative clauses.

Answer:

Main clause: skills such as pot making
Subordinate clause: which not only catered to the needs of the people

3. Complete the following sentences with suitable relative clauses.

(i) Sentila, whose _________ , practised the craft diligently.

Answer: Sentila, whose interest in pottery was strong, practised the craft diligently.

(ii) The village council, where _________ , sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.

Answer: The village council, where important community decisions were taken, sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.

(iii) The potter’s hands, which _________ , shaped the clay into beautiful creations.

Answer: The potter’s hands, which moved skilfully and carefully, shaped the clay into beautiful creations.

(iv) Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which _________ .

Answer: Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which she believed was more useful and profitable for the family.

(v) Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who _________ .

Answer: Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who respected the village council’s decision.

4. Read the highlighted words in the following lines from the text.

Onula saw her taking out some clay.
… make as many pots as they could.
… did not belong to any individual.
Slowly, she walked away from this place of wonder.
… they would not have enough days of sunshine …

The highlighted words are determiners. Determiners are words that come before nouns and specify something about their quantity, definiteness, or ownership.

Here is a list of the most frequently used determiners-

a, an, the (Articles)
this, that, these, those (Demonstratives)
my, our, your, his, her, its, their, one’s (Possessives)
one, two, three, etc. (Definite numerals)
some, any, no, all, both, much, many, few, less, several, little (Indefinite numerals)
each, every, either, neither(Distributives).

(i) Find out some more determiners from the text.

Answer: Some more determiners from the text are: her, his, the, one, no, my, a, entire, all, any, every, some, another, many, and enough.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners. The first two blanks have been done for you.
A. The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in _________ elegant floral shop.
B. The carpenter crafted _________ unique tables, and _________ became the centrepiece in _________ furniture collection.
C. _________ of _________ apprentices in _________ culinary class demonstrated _________ knife skills during the intense cooking session.
D. _________ of _________ sculptures were displayed at _________ art exhibition, showcasing _________ diverse artistic skills.

Answer:

A. an
B. some, one, his
C. All, the, the, their
D. Some, the, the, their

Listen and Respond

I. You will listen to a man speak about stone statues.

As you listen, complete the given paragraph by filling in the blanks with the exact words you listen to.
(Transcript for teacher on page 261)
A statue is carved to create a shape that is 1. _________ .
Among the many things stone is used for making stone 2. _________ is one of them. India has some of the most 3. _________ stone sculptures, as is obvious from its many stone monuments across the country.

Answer: A statue is carved to create a shape that is 1. a visually interesting three-dimensional shape. Among the many things stone is used for, making stone 2. sculptures is one of them. India has some of the most 3. fascinating and mesmerising stone sculptures, as is obvious from its many stone monuments across the country.

II. You will now listen to the man speaking about some steps involved in making stone statues. As you listen, select the six correct steps out of the nine given.

(Transcript for teacher on page 261)

1. carve to remove large unwanted portions of the stone

2. set up the different tools

3. measure the weight and dimensions of the statue

4. Leave the statue in water to firm up overnight

5. refine the creation within the stone

6. Choose the stone

7. begin carving from the centre

8. detach the creation from the stone as the final statue

9. work to bring out the imagined shape

Answer: The six correct steps in chronological order are:

• 6. Choose the stone

• 3. Measure the weight and dimensions of the statue

• 1. carve to remove large unwanted portions of the stone

• 9. Work to bring out the imagined shape

• 5. Refine the creation within the stone

• 8. Detach the creation from the stone as the final statue

Speaking Activity 

Work in pairs and choose two characters from the story-Sentila and one other character [Arenla, Mesoba, Onula or a village elder].
Prepare to speak from the chosen character’s perspective based on information from the story and the understanding of the intentions of the characters.
Prepare a role-play between Sentila and the chosen character. The conversation between the characters should cover the following points.

Sentila’s desire to learn pot making
the challenges she faces
the advice or perspective the other character offers
Students can use direct quotes from the story and creatively expand on the characters’ thoughts and feelings.

You may use the following sentence prompts.

I feel/felt _________ because…
I wish/wished _________ because…
When you said/did _________ , it made me feel/think _________ because…

Answer:

1. Role-play conversation between Sentila and Arenla

• Sentila: Mother, I wish to speak to you. I feel restless because my heart longs to learn pot making like you and Grandmother.

• Arenla: Sentila, I feel worried because I know how painful and exhausting this work is. I do not want you to suffer as I have.

• Sentila: I wish you would understand my desire because whenever I watch you shaping clay, I feel proud and inspired. When you said I should become a weaver, it made me feel disappointed because pot making is my true passion.

• Arenla: When you insist on learning pot making, it makes me anxious because I remember the long walks to the riverbank and the heavy loads of clay. I wish you could choose an easier life.

• Sentila: I understand that the challenges are great. I felt frustrated when my hands trembled and the clay would not take shape. However, I still want to learn and improve.

• Arenla: I understand your determination. I feel proud because you are willing to work hard, but remember that this craft requires patience and discipline.

• Sentila: I promise that I will observe you and practise sincerely. I wish to carry forward our family’s tradition because it connects me to you and our community.

• Arenla: If your wish is genuine, learn with dedication. I will guide you, but you must remain strong in both body and mind.

• Sentila: Thank you, Mother. I feel hopeful because you are willing to support me.

2. Role-play conversation between Sentila and Mesoba

• Sentila: Father, I want to tell you something. I feel confused because Mother wants me to become a weaver, but my heart wishes to learn pot making.

• Mesoba: Sentila, I feel concerned because I know how difficult pot making is. It has caused your mother a great deal of pain and exhaustion.

• Sentila: I wish Mother would trust me because I genuinely want to learn. When she said that pot making brought her no joy, it made me feel sad because I see beauty in her work.

• Mesoba: When you speak with such determination, it makes me proud because you are not afraid of hard work. However, I also worry about your health and future.

• Sentila: I understand the challenges. I felt frustrated when the clay would not take shape in my hands, but I am willing to continue practising.

• Mesoba: Confidence and patience are important. I wish you to grow stronger because this craft demands both physical strength and discipline.

• Sentila: I am ready to work hard, Father. I feel hopeful because I believe I can carry forward our tradition.

• Mesoba: If your heart is truly set on this craft, learn with dedication and respect. I will support you, but remember that perseverance is the key to success.

• Sentila: Thank you, Father. I feel encouraged because you believe in me.

Writing Task

Reflective Writing – Identifying Skills and Passion

Reflective writing encourages introspection and thoughtful exploration of personal experiences, skills, and aspirations. It helps individuals gain deeper insights into themselves and their goals through structured reflection.

I. Follow the steps given below to create a write-up about your skills and passions.

Step 1: Introduction
Reflect on your passions and the skills you currently possess or are developing. Consider why these activities or interests are meaningful and enjoyable to you.

Step 2: Describing skills
Describe specific activities or practices you engage in to nurture your skills. This could include hobbies, classes (art, music, coding, etc.), workshops, or personal projects.

Step 3: Passion into profession
Identify which of these skills you believe have the potential to turn your passion into a profession. Explain why you think these skills are crucial or advantageous in your chosen field.

Step 4: Examples and reflection
Provide examples or anecdotes that illustrate how your skills and passions complement each other. Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your career aspirations and personal growth.

Step 5: Conclusion
Summarise your reflections. Discuss any insights gained about yourself, your skills, and your career ambitions through this exercise.

Answer:

Everyone has certain skills and passions that make them unique. The activities that I enjoy most are drawing, writing, reading, and creating interesting learning materials. These interests allow me to express my ideas and develop my imagination.

I regularly sketch and colour to improve my creativity. I also maintain a journal and write short stories to communicate my thoughts clearly. Preparing worksheets, rhymes, and educational games helps me understand how learning can be made enjoyable. Reading books and observing the world around me provide fresh ideas and improve my knowledge.

My passion for creativity and teaching has the potential to become a profession. Skills such as clear communication, storytelling, drawing, and lesson planning are valuable for a teacher, writer, or educational content creator. These skills can help make difficult ideas easier and more engaging for learners.

For example, I once wrote a rhyme about healthy food, and children enjoyed singing it while learning about good eating habits. I also created a picture-based vocabulary worksheet that helped students understand new words quickly. These experiences showed me that creativity can support meaningful learning.

Reflecting on my interests has helped me realise that regular practice can turn a passion into a useful skill and eventually into a profession. I want to continue improving my abilities so that I can use them to help others learn and grow.

Learning Beyond the Text 

I. Pottery is practised in many parts of our country and each region has its unique style.

Find out about the different styles of indigenous pottery of your region and other regions of our country. Some notable styles include:

Khurja pottery from Uttar Pradesh
Blue pottery from Jaipur
Terracotta from West Bengal
Andretta pottery from Himachal Pradesh
Karigari pottery from Tamil Nadu
Longpi Black pottery from Manipur

1. Match the pictures with the pottery it represents.

Answer:

The pictures can be matched with the following pottery styles:

1. Khurja pottery from Uttar Pradesh

2. Blue pottery from Jaipur

3. Terracotta from West Bengal

4. Andretta pottery from Himachal Pradesh

5. Karigari pottery from Tamil Nadu

6. Longpi Black pottery from Manipur

II. You must have read stories in English and in your own language about the value of handicrafts and art. Read the story ‘Quality’ by John Galsworthy. Write its review and make a presentation highlighting the decline of traditional crafts and skills vs. industrialisation and mass-produced goods.

Answer: Students can read the story ‘Quality’ by John Galsworthy on pages 52-56 of the textbook and prepare their own review and presentation comparing traditional craftsmanship with industrialisation and mass-produced goods.

Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2 The Pot Maker Solutions

Vedantu provides NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2 The Pot Maker for the 2026-27 academic session. The chapter focuses on the dignity of labour, handmade crafts, vocational skills, family expectations, community tradition, and the courage needed to follow one’s passion.

The solutions include clear answers for extract-based questions, short-answer questions, grammar exercises, vocabulary tasks, speaking activities, writing tasks, and learning-beyond-the-text activities. Students can use these solutions for quick revision, classroom discussion, assignment writing, and exam preparation. The downloadable FREE PDF also helps students revise the complete chapter offline.

CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2 Study Materials

Students can use the Chapter 2 study materials below to revise the lesson, practise extra questions, and strengthen their understanding of the story and language exercises.

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The chapter-wise NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri help students revise all lessons from the textbook in a structured way. These resources provide clear explanations and answers for textbook questions, grammar activities, vocabulary tasks, and writing exercises.

Related Study Material for Class 9 English

The following Class 9 English study materials support regular learning, grammar practice, writing improvement, and exam preparation. Students can use them along with the Kaveri textbook solutions for better understanding.