NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1

Literacy is the ability to read, write, understand, and use language to communicate, learn, and act independently. In Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1, literacy shapes Krishtakka’s journey from dependence to confidence, while cultural pride connects the prose and poem through respect for language, learning, heritage, and the nation.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 help students answer the textbook questions from How I Taught My Grandmother to Read by Sudha Murty and Bharat Our Land by Subramania Bharati. The chapter includes reading comprehension, extract-based questions, vocabulary, prefixes, idioms, grammar, speaking tasks, and writing practice. These Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 solutions are written in a clear school-answer format so students can understand the story, poem, themes, and language exercises easily.

Key Takeaways

• Main idea: Learning has no age limit and literacy gives personal independence.
• Story focus: Krishtakka learns to read Kannada because she does not want to depend on others.
• Poem focus: “Bharat Our Land” celebrates India’s mountains, rivers, scriptures, wisdom, and heritage.
• Language skills: The chapter practises binomials, prefixes, idioms, past perfect tense, letter writing, and paragraph writing.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 Structure 2026

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

Reflect and Respond

I. Complete the given word web.

Answer:
A word web for reading and writing may include:

• Learning
• Knowledge
• Independence
• Confidence
• Books
• Language
• Communication
• Education
• Imagination
• Self-respect

II. Answer the questions.

1. Which language(s) do your grandparents or elderly relatives speak?
   My grandparents speak Hindi and their regional language. Some elderly relatives also understand English, but they are more comfortable speaking in their mother tongue.
2. How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?
   They spend their time reading, praying, gardening, watching television, meeting neighbours, and talking to family members. I spend time with them by listening to their stories, helping them use mobile phones, and discussing family memories.
3. What is your favourite experience with them?
   My favourite experience is listening to their childhood stories because those stories teach me about family values, culture, and life in earlier times.
4. What is something that the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?
   They may not use digital devices easily, but they enjoy watching me use a phone, search for information online, make video calls, or play educational games.

Reading for Meaning

III. Match the highlighted words with their meanings.

Check Your Understanding: Part I

I. Complete the cause and effect table.

II. Did the narrator expect to see her grandmother in tears?

Answer:
No, the narrator did not expect to see her grandmother in tears. She had never seen her grandmother cry even in difficult situations. Krishtakka was usually strong, smiling, and calm. That is why the narrator was surprised and worried when she saw her grandmother crying.

III. How might the narrator help her grandmother fulfil her desire?

Answer:
The narrator might help her grandmother by teaching her the Kannada alphabet every day. She could give her reading and writing practice, help her repeat words, and encourage her to read simple sentences. She could also motivate her grandmother until she became confident enough to read a novel on her own.

Check Your Understanding: Part II

I. State whether the sentences are true or false.

Critical Reflection: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. Complete the sentence with the appropriate option.
   The phrase “never seen her cry in the most difficult situations” tells us that the grandmother was A. strong-willed.
2. Complete with the correct option.
   Grandmother did not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright because she might have been too emotional to respond.
3. Identify the clue that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.
   The clue is that they were sleeping in the open terrace of their house on a summer night. The use of “Avva”, a Kannada word meaning mother, also shows the traditional rural setting.
4. Which lines establish a tender atmosphere?
   The lines “Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead” establish a tender atmosphere.
5. Which aspect is NOT emphasised in the extract?
   C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education

Extract 2

1. What does “I want to be independent” reveal about her character?
   B. She desires self-sufficiency.
2. Fill in the blank.
   The grandmother’s determination shows that learning has no age limit.
3. Why does the narrator laugh at her grandmother’s decision?
   The narrator laughs because she assumes that a sixty-two-year-old woman with grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and household work would find it difficult to learn the alphabet.
4. List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.
   Two qualities displayed by the grandmother are:

• Determination
• Courage

She also shows humility, self-respect, and love for learning.

5. How is the narrator making assumptions about her grandmother?
   The narrator assumes that age and physical appearance can stop a person from learning. She underestimates her grandmother’s determination and ability.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. Why did the grandmother feel embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her?

Answer:
The grandmother felt embarrassed because she was well-off but could not read a simple magazine on her own. She felt dependent and helpless. Asking someone else would make her lack of education visible to others, which hurt her self-respect.

2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination?

Answer:
The narrator laughs because she thinks her grandmother is too old to begin learning the alphabet. She notices her grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and busy kitchen work, and wrongly assumes that learning at sixty-two would be difficult.

3. What significance does Kashi Yatre have in the grandmother’s life and the story?

Answer:
Kashi Yatre is important because Krishtakka identifies with the old woman in the novel. Like the protagonist, she also has deep feelings and unfulfilled desires. The novel becomes the reason she realises the pain of illiteracy. It inspires her to learn Kannada and become independent.

4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?

Answer:
Her desire reflects her determination, self-respect, courage, and wish for independence. She does not accept helplessness as her fate. Instead, she decides to work hard and prove that learning has no age bar.

5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother touching the narrator’s feet?

Answer:
The grandmother’s action teaches that a teacher must be respected regardless of age or gender. It also shows humility and gratitude. She sees the narrator not merely as her granddaughter but as the teacher who gave her independence.

6. What does the line “For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle” tell us?

Answer:
The line highlights the broader theme of determination. It means that sincere effort and strong will can help a person overcome age, difficulty, fear, or social limitations. It also supports the idea that learning is lifelong.

7. How does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?

Answer:
The story shows that education gives people confidence and freedom. Krishtakka feels helpless when she cannot read Kashi Yatre without the narrator. After learning Kannada, she can read any novel on her own. Her literacy gives her independence, dignity, and joy.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Match the binomials with their meanings.

Sentences using five binomials:

1. She had to sink or swim when she moved to a new city.
2. I visit my grandparents on and off during the holidays.
3. We can mix and match colours for the school project.
4. Discipline is part and parcel of success.
5. My reading skills improved by leaps and bounds after regular practice.

II. Add suitable prefixes.

III. Five words with prefixes from the story and sentences.

IV. Match idioms related to learning.

Sentences:

1. I need to hit the books before the English test.
2. I drew a blank when the teacher asked me the answer.
3. New students take time to learn the ropes.
4. She had to rack her brain to solve the puzzle.
5. We should not only learn by heart but also understand the lesson.
6. He burned the midnight oil to complete his project.

V. Simple Past and Past Perfect Tense

(i) Fill in the blanks.

1. When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.
2. After the students had learnt how to identify fake news online, they started verifying information before sharing it.
3. Before Kiran started using digital payment platforms, she had ensured her understanding of online fraud prevention.
4. By the time Varun recognised the importance of budgeting, he had exhausted most of his savings.
5. When Raghu logged in to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor had already discussed the importance of strong passwords.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs.

Last year, my parents and I took a financial planning course. When we reviewed our expenses, we realised we had spent too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents discussed ways to save, I opened a savings account.

By the time we set our budget, the course had already introduced investment strategies. We hurried to take notes, but many participants had completed their financial plans. Despite that, we enjoyed learning how to manage money wisely.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1: Bharat Our Land

Reflect and Respond

I. National Anthem table

II. What do the words “जय हे” convey?

Answer:
The words “जय हे” convey victory, praise, and respect. They express devotion to the nation and celebrate the glory of India.

III. Choose the odd one out.

Check Your Understanding: Bharat Our Land

I. Complete the summary.

The poem is a tribute to India, celebrating its natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and historical greatness. The poet praises the Himavant, describing it as mighty and unparalleled. The Ganga is depicted as generous and graceful, while the Upanishads are honoured as sacred and unmatched. The poem highlights the contributions of warriors and sages who have enriched the land with their bravery and wisdom. It also acknowledges the presence of Brahma-knowledge and the teachings of Buddha, highlighting India’s deep-rooted spiritual and philosophical traditions. The poet repeatedly asserts that India is peerless, urging everyone to praise her.

II. Complete the poem features.

III. Impact of the refrain “she’s peerless, let’s praise her!”

Answer:
The refrain creates a strong feeling of national pride. It repeatedly reminds readers that India is unmatched in beauty, wisdom, courage, spirituality, and heritage. It also gives the poem a song-like quality.

IV. Complete the sentence.

India is metaphorically described as “this sunny golden land,” suggesting that it is bright, rich, glorious, and full of warmth and prosperity.

V. Match the symbols.

VI. Two examples of imagery.

Answer:

1. “The mighty Himavant is ours” creates an image of tall, powerful mountains.
2. “The generous Ganga is ours” creates an image of a graceful, life-giving river.

VII. Impact of hyphens in the first stanza.

Correct options:
1, 3, and 5

The hyphens create deliberate pauses, add a lyrical rhythm, and place a key element of India’s greatness before making a strong assertion after the pause.

VIII. Hyperbole in the poem.

Answer:
The line “there’s no equal anywhere on earth” is an example of hyperbole. It exaggerates India’s greatness to express deep admiration and patriotic pride.

IX. Examples that show the poem is an ode.

Answer:
The poem is an ode because it praises India in an elevated and admiring tone. Examples include:

• “The mighty Himavant is ours”
• “The generous Ganga is ours”
• “The sacred Upanishads are ours”
• “she’s peerless, let’s praise her!”

These lines celebrate India’s natural beauty, spiritual wisdom, and cultural greatness.

X. Identify the allusions.

Critical Reflection: Bharat Our Land

I. Extract-based Questions

1. Complete the sentence.
   The word “mighty” refers to the strength and greatness of the Himavant.
2. Choose the correct option.
   The question mark is used to (ii) emphasise a point.
3. Why does the poet call the Ganga generous?
   The poet calls the Ganga generous because it gives water, fertility, purity, and life to the land and people.
4. Why is the movement of the river described as graceful?
   The river’s movement is described as graceful because it flows smoothly, beautifully, and calmly through the land.
5. Fill in the blank.
   The poet is implying that the Upanishads are unmatched in their wisdom and spiritual depth.

II. Answer the questions.

1. How does the poem reflect cultural identity and heritage?

Answer:
The poem reflects India’s cultural identity by referring to the Himalayas, Ganga, Upanishads, sages, warriors, Brahma-knowledge, and Buddha’s dhamma. These references show India’s natural beauty, spiritual depth, philosophical traditions, and historical greatness.

2. What can we infer from the repeated phrase “she’s peerless, let’s praise her!”?

Answer:
The repeated phrase shows that the poet deeply admires India. He believes India is unmatched and worthy of praise. It also reveals his patriotic pride and emotional connection with the country.

3. What does “many a sage has sanctified this land” suggest?

Answer:
It suggests that India has a rich spiritual heritage. Many wise saints and thinkers lived here and made the land sacred through their knowledge, meditation, and teachings.

4. How does the poet connect warriors and music to India’s greatness?

Answer:
The poet connects warriors with courage and sacrifice. He connects music with beauty, creativity, and cultural richness. Together, they show that India is great not only in strength and wisdom but also in art and culture.

5. How does this poem foster national pride?

Answer:
The poem fosters national pride by praising India’s mountains, rivers, scriptures, warriors, sages, music, and spiritual teachings. It reminds readers of India’s greatness and encourages them to respect and celebrate their country.

Vocabulary in Context: Bharat Our Land

I. Complete the table.

II. Add suffixes and make sentences.

Writing Task: Letter to the Editor

Answer:

The Editor
The City Times
New Delhi

22 May 2026

Subject: Student Participation in Adult Literacy Camps

Sir/Madam,

As a concerned student, I would like to draw attention to the importance of adult literacy camps conducted by schools, NGOs, and community organisations. Many adults still face difficulty in reading newspapers, filling forms, using mobile phones, or understanding basic public information. Students can play an important role in helping them become more confident and independent.

Adult literacy benefits both society and students. Adults gain reading, writing, digital, and financial awareness skills. Students learn patience, responsibility, empathy, and respect for elders. Such initiatives also strengthen the bond between generations and make education more meaningful beyond the classroom.

Schools should encourage students to volunteer during weekends or holidays. Awareness rallies, posters, street plays, and community reading sessions can motivate more adults to join literacy camps. I hope this letter gets published in your esteemed newspaper so that more students come forward for this noble cause.

Yours truly,
Anirudh

Writing Task: Paragraph on a Memorable Place

Answer:

Last year, I visited Mysuru with my family during the holidays. We went there to see the famous Mysuru Palace and learn more about the city’s history and culture. I travelled with my parents and sister. Before the journey, we packed clothes, booked train tickets, and made a list of places to visit. We stayed in a small hotel near the city centre. During the trip, we visited Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, and a local market. The palace lights in the evening were unforgettable. The visit stayed in my memory because it was peaceful, beautiful, and full of cultural experiences.

Topics Covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1

• How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9
• Sudha Murty Class 9 English
• Krishtakka and her desire to learn
• Literacy and independence
• Respect for teachers
• No age limit for learning
• Kashi Yatre and its role in the story
• Bharat Our Land Class 9
• Subramania Bharati Bharat Our Land
• Patriotism and national pride
• Indian heritage, Ganga, Himavant, Upanishads, and Buddha’s dhamma
• Binomials in English
• Prefixes and negative meanings
• Idioms related to learning
• Simple past and past perfect tense
• Letter to the editor
• Paragraph writing

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Structure 2026