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This section provides NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Essay 7: Bridges, to help students understand Kumudini Lakhia’s journey as a dancer and choreographer, exploring her personal experiences, influences, and the evolution of her artistic vision in Indian classical dance. These concise, textbook-based answers are designed for exam success and effective revision. You can also download the free PDF for quick reference.
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Explore Notes of Class 11 English Woven Words
NCERT Solutions Class 11 English Woven Words Essay 7: Bridges
Here are the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Essay 7: Bridges, crafted to enhance comprehension of the essay’s themes, personal narrative, and artistic insights for effective revision.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
1. How did the author feel about her mother’s passion to make her a dancer?
The author, Kumudini Lakhia, felt a mix of resistance and eventual acceptance towards her mother’s passion to make her a dancer. Initially, she was reluctant and found the rigorous training burdensome, viewing it as an imposition rather than a personal choice. However, as she grew older, she recognised the value of this early exposure, crediting her mother for instilling discipline and laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to dance, transforming her initial ambivalence into gratitude.
2. What were the lessons of life learnt in her younger days that Kumudini carried into her adult life?
In her younger days, Kumudini learned lessons of discipline, perseverance, and the importance of questioning traditions while respecting them. She absorbed the value of hard work through her dance training and the need to adapt to challenges, such as societal expectations for women. These lessons shaped her adult life by guiding her innovative approach to choreography, her establishment of dance institutions, and her ability to balance tradition with modernity, fostering resilience and creativity in her professional journey.
3. How did Kumudini react to her mother’s death?
Kumudini reacted to her mother’s death with profound grief but also with a sense of closure and renewed dedication to her art. She felt a deep emotional void, reflecting on the sacrifices her mother made for her training. This loss motivated her to honour her mother’s legacy by channelling her sorrow into her dance work, using it as a bridge between personal loss and artistic expression, which strengthened her resolve to innovate and teach others.
4. What were the concepts that Kumudini Lakhia represent through Duvidha, Atah Kim and Panch Paras?
Through her choreographic works, Kumudini Lakhia represented concepts of duality, identity, and human relationships. In Duvidha, she explored the conflict between tradition and modernity, portraying the inner dilemmas faced by individuals. Atah Kim delved into philosophical questions of existence and self-discovery, drawing from ancient texts. Panch Paras examined the interconnectedness of human experiences across five elements, symbolising unity and diversity in life, using dance to convey these abstract ideas through movement and narrative.
5. How does Kumudini Lakhia describe her guru Ramgopal’s influence on her?
Kumudini Lakhia describes her guru Ramgopal’s influence as transformative and liberating, crediting him with expanding her horizons in dance. He introduced her to a broader, more experimental approach, encouraging her to break free from conventional forms and explore global influences. Ramgopal’s mentorship instilled confidence and a questioning spirit, shaping her into an innovative choreographer who blended Indian classical traditions with contemporary elements, viewing him as a pivotal bridge in her artistic evolution.
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT
Discuss the following in pairs or in small groups
1. Exceptionally talented people are born so; talent cannot be cultivated.
This statement can be debated by considering Kumudini Lakhia’s life, where innate talent was nurtured through rigorous training and discipline from a young age. While some may argue that exceptional talent is innate, as seen in prodigies, the essay illustrates how cultivation through persistent effort and guidance can refine and elevate it. In discussions, students can explore examples from the text, such as her mother’s role and guru Ramgopal’s influence, to argue that while talent may be born, its exceptional realisation often requires cultivation, blending nature and nurture.
2. Discipline and a questioning spirit can coexist in an individual.
Kumudini Lakhia exemplifies how discipline and a questioning spirit can coexist, as she adhered to the rigours of classical dance training while challenging traditional norms to innovate. Discipline provided the foundation for her technique, while her questioning spirit allowed her to experiment and evolve. Groups can discuss how this balance is essential for personal and artistic growth, drawing from her experiences of respecting gurus yet pushing boundaries, showing that the two qualities complement rather than contradict each other.
3. “Before you begin experimenting, you need to perfect the technique with which you experiment.”
This quote from the essay underscores Kumudini’s philosophy that mastery of fundamentals is crucial before innovation. She perfected classical dance techniques under her gurus before venturing into experimental choreography. In group talks, students can analyse how this approach ensures authenticity and depth in creative works, using examples from her productions like Duvidha, where technical precision supported thematic exploration, emphasising the importance of a strong base for meaningful experimentation.
4. Kumudini Lakhia’s life is an inspiring illustration of the emancipation of women.
Kumudini Lakhia’s life illustrates women’s emancipation through her defiance of societal constraints, pursuing dance professionally in a male-dominated field, and establishing institutions that empower other women artists. Her journey from a reluctant trainee to a renowned choreographer highlights breaking barriers, independence, and leadership. Discussions can focus on how her story inspires by showing resilience against gender biases, the role of family support in emancipation, and her contributions to making dance inclusive, serving as a model for women’s empowerment.
APPRECIATION
1. The significance of reading an autobiography lies in drawing lessons from another life. What is the significance of Kumudini’s account for us as readers?
The significance of Kumudini’s autobiographical account lies in its ability to inspire readers by demonstrating how personal challenges can be transformed into artistic triumphs. It offers lessons on perseverance, innovation, and the integration of life experiences into creative work, encouraging readers to pursue passions despite obstacles. For students, it highlights the value of discipline and questioning in personal growth, providing insights into the world of Indian classical dance and the broader themes of cultural evolution and self-realisation.
2. Pick out instances from the passage that reflect the sensitivity of the author.
Instances reflecting the author’s sensitivity include her emotional reflection on her mother’s sacrifices and death, where she expresses deep gratitude and sorrow, revealing a tender familial bond. Another is her empathetic portrayal of societal pressures on women, showing awareness of gender struggles. Additionally, her description of dance as a bridge connecting personal emotions to universal themes demonstrates her sensitive insight into human experiences, using art to convey vulnerability and depth.
3. ‘I can see clear bridges between my life experiences and my work in dance.’ How does Kumudini Lakhia weave episodes from the two realms in her account?
Kumudini Lakhia weaves episodes from her life experiences and dance work by drawing parallels between personal milestones and choreographic themes. For instance, her mother’s influence and early training form the foundation for her disciplined approach in pieces like Panch Paras, which explore human interconnectedness. Her guru Ramgopal’s guidance bridges to experimental works like Atah Kim, reflecting philosophical inquiries from her life. Through such integrations, she illustrates how losses, joys, and challenges in life directly inform the narratives and movements in her dance, creating a cohesive tapestry of personal and artistic realms.
Also Read: NCERT Solutions Class 11 English Hornbill Poem 1 A Photograph (Free PDF)
Download NCERT Solutions Class 11 English Woven Words Essay 7: Bridges
You can download the free PDF of NCERT Solutions Class 11 English Woven Words Essay 7: Bridges for effective revision.
Download more NCERT Solutions of Class 11 English ‘Woven Words’ here!
| Essay 1: My Watch |
| Essay 2: My Three Passions |
| Essay 3: Patterns of Creativity |
| Essay 4: Tribal Verse |
| Essay 5: What is a Good Book? |
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