NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri: Chapter 2 — The Pot Maker
This chapter, 'The Pot Maker,' introduces Sentila, a young girl who dreams of becoming a pot maker like her mother and grandmother, despite her mother Arenla's desire for her to become a weaver. Sentila secretly learns pottery from expert potters, facing initial amusement from them. Her mother expresses frustration with the arduous and unrewarding nature of pot making, detailing the difficult process of collecting clay from a distant riverbank, preparing it, and the physical toll it takes. Arenla believes weaving would be more profitable and beneficial for the family, highlighting the stark contrast between the two crafts and Sentila's passion versus her mother's practical concerns. The chapter explores themes of traditional crafts, familial expectations, and the challenges faced by artisans.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaveri |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — The Pot Maker |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 403 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify different vocations and their skills.
- Understand the challenges and rewards associated with traditional crafts.
- Analyze the differences between handmade and machine-made products.
- Discuss the influence of family expectations on career choices.
- Appreciate the labor and dedication involved in artisanal work.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| vocation | a type of work that a person does or is trained to do |
| outgrow | to lose interest in something as one grows older |
| indifference | lack of interest in something |
| pittance | a small amount of money received as income |
| pounding | repeated beating |
| tedious | tiring |
| sheer drop | a very steep fall |
| stubborn | difficult to change or defeat |
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Practice questions
- What was Sentila's dream vocation? Answer: Sentila's dream vocation was to become a pot maker.
- Why did Sentila's mother want her to become a weaver? Answer: Sentila's mother wanted her to become a weaver because she believed it would bring more money and provide cloth for the family.
- Describe the difficulties Arenla faced in pot making. Answer: Arenla faced difficulties such as the long distance to collect clay, climbing down a sheer drop to the riverbank, carrying heavy loads uphill, pounding stubborn clay, and the physical exhaustion from the tedious work.
- What is the meaning of 'pittance' in the context of the chapter? Answer: In the context of the chapter, 'pittance' means a very small amount of money received as income from pot making.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1?
The main theme is the traditional craft of pot making, the challenges faced by artisans, and the conflict between personal passion and familial expectations.
Who are the main characters in 'The Pot Maker'?
The main characters are Sentila, a young girl aspiring to be a pot maker, and her mother, Arenla, who prefers her to be a weaver.
What are the difficulties mentioned in pot making?
Difficulties include collecting clay from a distant riverbank, the physical strain of carrying loads, and the tedious process of preparing the clay.
Why does Arenla want Sentila to learn weaving?
Arenla believes weaving is more profitable and less physically demanding than pot making.
What does 'outgrow' mean in the context of the chapter?
It means to lose interest in something as one grows older, which the potters initially thought Sentila would do with pottery.
What is the significance of the riverbank in the chapter?
The riverbank is significant as it is where the grey and red clay, essential for making pots, is found, and it is a considerable distance away.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 9 English — Kaveri — Chapter 2 — The Pot Maker. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.