NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 12 — Changing Times
This chapter introduces the concept of changing times through the personal narrative of Chetandas, who recounts his experiences as a nine-year-old boy over sixty years ago. He describes his family's forced migration from Dera Gazikhan (now in Pakistan) to a place near Delhi due to the partition of India. Chetandas vividly portrays the difficulties faced, including living in a camp and the subsequent effort to build a new home in Sohna village. The text highlights the hard work involved in constructing their new house, with family members contributing to digging, mixing materials like husk and cow dung, and building walls. The use of cow dung and mud for the floor is explained as a traditional method to keep insects away, reflecting cultural practices and resourcefulness in adapting to new circumstances. This chapter helps students understand historical events like the partition and the resilience of people during such times.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 — Changing Times |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 231 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of migration and displacement.
- Learn about the historical context of India's partition.
- Recognize the efforts involved in building a home.
- Identify traditional building materials and their uses.
- Appreciate the importance of family cooperation and resilience.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Partition | The division of British India into two independent countries, India and Pakistan. |
| Migration | Moving from one place to another, especially in order to find work or better living conditions. |
| Camp | A place with temporary accommodation of huts, tents, or other structures, typically used by migrants or refugees. |
| Husk | The dry outer covering of grains or seeds. |
| Cow dung | The excrement of cows, often used as fertilizer or building material. |
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Practice questions
- Where did Chetandas live when he was nine years old? Answer: Chetandas lived in Dera Gazikhan.
- Why did Chetandas's family have to leave their village? Answer: His family had to leave their village because the country was being divided into India and Pakistan, and they were forced to move.
- What did Chetandas's family do to build their new house? Answer: His family worked hard, digging soil, mixing husk and cow dung with mud, and building walls.
- Why did Amma mix cow dung with mud for the floor? Answer: Amma mixed cow dung with mud to keep insects away.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the narrator of this chapter?
The narrator is Chetandas, who is sharing his childhood memories.
When did Chetandas's story take place?
Chetandas's story took place over sixty years ago when he was nine years old.
What historical event is mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions the partition of India into India and Pakistan.
Where did Chetandas's family move after leaving their village?
Chetandas's family moved to a place near Delhi, in Sohna village.
What materials were used to build the new house?
Soil, husk, mud, and cow dung were used to build the new house.
What is the significance of showing India and Pakistan on a map?
It helps students understand the geographical changes and the impact of the partition.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 12 — Changing Times. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.