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Unit 1, Lesson 2: Nakshi Kantha

Nakshi Kantha is a kind of embroidered quilt. The name was taken from the Bangla word, 'naksha', which means artistic pattern. It is a kind of traditional craft and is said to be indigenous to Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. The art has been practiced in rural Bengal for centuries. The name Nakshi Kantha became popular after the poet Jasimuddin's poem 'Nakshi Kanthar Math' was published in 1929.

Traditional kanthas are made for family use. Old or new cloth and thread are used to make these quilts. Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Rajshahi, Faridpur, Bogura, and Jashore are most famous for this craft. Now it is produced commercially. You can find them in many expensive handicraft shops in cities. The quilts are now in great demand because of the colorful patterns and designs embroidered on them.

Vocabulary List

Word	Word	Word
Embroidered	Quilt	Artistic
Indigenous	Traditional	Craft
Thread	Pattern	Expensive
Handicraft	Demand	Commercial

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Nakshi Kantha?
   • A type of jewelry
   • A kind of embroidered quilt
   • A type of festival
   • A musical instrument
2. Which Bangla word is Nakshi Kantha derived from?
   • Kantha
   • Naksha
   • Bengal
   • Jasim
3. Which poet popularized Nakshi Kantha?
   • Rabindranath Tagore
   • Jasimuddin
   • Kazi Nazrul Islam
   • Lalon Shah
4. Where is Nakshi Kantha mainly produced?
   • Dhaka and Chittagong
   • Mymensingh and Rajshahi
   • Sylhet and Barishal
   • Khulna and Rangpur
5. What materials are used in making Nakshi Kantha?
   • New silk fabric
   • Old or new cloth and thread
   • Leather and plastic
   • Paper and glass
6. What makes Nakshi Kantha popular?
   • Its weight
   • Its embroidered patterns
   • Its lack of colors
   • Its use of leather
7. Where can one find Nakshi Kantha for sale now?
   • Only in rural villages
   • In expensive handicraft shops
   • In supermarkets
   • At bookstores

Short Questions

1. What is the meaning of the word 'Naksha'?
2. Which regions are famous for making Nakshi Kantha?
3. Who helped popularize Nakshi Kantha?
4. Why has Nakshi Kantha become commercially valuable?
5. What materials are traditionally used in Nakshi Kantha?

Fill in the Blanks

Nakshi Kantha is a type of ________ quilt. The word 'Naksha' means ________ pattern. This craft is popular in ________ and West Bengal. It is traditionally made using old or new ________ and thread. Today, Nakshi Kantha is sold in ________ handicraft shops.

Answers

Word Details

• Orally (Adverb) - Spoken, not written | Bengali: মৌখিকভাবে | IPA: /ˈɔːrəli/ | Example: The stories were passed down orally.
• Ritual (Noun) - A religious or solemn ceremony | Bengali: ধর্মীয় অনুষ্ঠান | IPA: /ˈrɪtʃuəl/ | Example: The festival includes an ancient ritual.
• Migrate (Verb) - To move from one place to another | Bengali: স্থানান্তরিত হওয়া | IPA: /ˈmaɪɡreɪt/ | Example: Many people migrate to cities for jobs.
• Tradition (Noun) - A custom passed down through generations | Bengali: ঐতিহ্য | IPA: /trəˈdɪʃən/ | Example: Folk music is a part of our tradition.
• Ecology (Noun) - The relationship between organisms and their environment | Bengali: পরিবেশবিদ্যা | IPA: /ɪˈkɒlədʒi/ | Example: The ecology of the region is changing.
• Instrument (Noun) - A tool or device used for a purpose | Bengali: যন্ত্র | IPA: /ˈɪnstrəmənt/ | Example: He played a musical instrument.
• Reflection (Noun) - The return of light or an idea | Bengali: প্রতিফলন | IPA: /rɪˈflekʃən/ | Example: The music is a reflection of culture.
• Transformation (Noun) - A thorough or dramatic change | Bengali: পরিবর্তন | IPA: /ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃən/ | Example: The village underwent a transformation.
• Mainstream (Noun) - The dominant trend in society | Bengali: প্রধানধারা | IPA: /ˈmeɪnstriːm/ | Example: Folk music entered the mainstream.
• Fade (Verb) - To lose brightness or strength | Bengali: ফিকে হওয়া | IPA: /feɪd/ | Example: The music began to fade.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is another name for people's music? Folk music ✅
2. How has folk music traditionally been passed down? Via oral tradition ✅
3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of folk song? Jazz ✅
4. What influences the evolution of folk music? The way people live ✅
5. Where is folk music still present despite its decline? In mainstream films and music albums ✅
6. Which materials are commonly used to craft folk music instruments? Bamboo and animal skin ✅
7. What happens to folk music as people migrate to cities? It slowly fades ✅

Short Questions & Answers

1. What are some examples of folk music mentioned in the text?
   Palligiti, Bhatiali, Jari, Sari, Gambhira, Lalon Giti, Paalagan, and the songs of Hason Raja.
2. How are folk music instruments connected to their surroundings?
   Folk music instruments are made from natural materials such as animal skin, bamboo, and calabash, which are found in the local environment.
3. Why is folk music slowly fading?
   As people migrate to cities and villages modernize, traditional folk music is being replaced by newer forms of music.
4. In what ways does folk music reflect people's lives?
   Folk music is influenced by agriculture, food, ecology, seasons, and rituals, making it a form of self-expression for communities.

Fill in the Blanks (With Answers)

1. Folk music is also known as people's music.
2. Traditional folk music is passed down through oral tradition.
3. Palligiti, Bhatiali, Jari, and Lalon Giti are examples of folk music.
4. Folk music instruments are often made from materials like bamboo and animal skin.
5. Even though traditional folk music is fading, it can still be found in mainstream films and music albums.

📖 Key Features

• 📌 Format: Reading Text
• 📌Content: Class VIII – Unit One, Lesson 2: Nakshi Kantha (Page 5)
• 📌 Cmposition Number:1
• 📌 Clarity and Concise: Class VIII
• 📌 Visual Appeal:High Quality Graphics
• 📌 Content: Class VIII – Unit One, Lesson 2: Nakshi Kantha (Page 4)
• 📌 Exercise: Multiple Choice Questions, Short Questions, Fill-in-the-Blanks, and 10 words with IPA transcription, word class, Bengali and English meanings, and example sentences
• 📌 Ideal for: IT-Assisted Classrooms
• 📌 Perfect for: Presentation Purposes and Personal learning too

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