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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate11 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 13, 'A Shelter So High!' of Class 5 EVS, explores the journey of Gaurav Jani and his motorcycle, Loner, as they travel through the diverse landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir. The chapter vividly describes different types of shelters ranging from houses in high mountainous regions to houseboats on water in Srinagar. The narrative also introduces the lifestyle of the Changpa tribe, highlighting the adaptations necessary for living in extreme conditions, thus offering insights into the cultural and environmental diversity of the region.
Key Topics
- •High-altitude adaptations
- •Changpa tribe lifestyle
- •House construction suited to climate
- •Pashmina wool production
- •Sustainability in harsh climates
- •Cultural insights into Jammu and Kashmir
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the lifestyle and adaptations of the Changpa tribe.
- ✓Recognize the significance of different housing structures in high-altitude regions.
- ✓Appreciate cultural diversity through geographical exploration.
- ✓Examine the sustainable practices of nomadic tribes.
- ✓Discuss the climatic challenges faced in high-altitude regions.
Questions in Chapter
During winters, Tashi and his family live on the ground floor. Why would they be doing so?
Page 124
What is the roof of your house like? What all is the roof used for?
Page 124
At what height is the place where you live?
Page 126
Why did Gaurav Jani say - 'This place is so high that it is difficult to breathe normally?'
Page 126
Have you ever stayed in a tent? Where? What was it like?
Page 122
Additional Practice Questions
Describe the climate and lifestyle adaptations necessary for the Changpa tribe.
mediumAnswer: The Changpa tribe lives on high mountains where the climate is extremely harsh with cold and windy conditions. They have adapted their lifestyle by living in Rebo tents made from yak hair, which are warm and resistant to the freezing winds. They graze special goats at higher altitudes to produce pashmina wool, which is their main livelihood.
What makes a pashmina shawl so special and valuable?
mediumAnswer: Pashmina shawls are highly valued because they are made from the fine hair of goats found at high altitudes. The wool is exceptionally warm and soft, requiring a lengthy and delicate hand-weaving process, taking nearly 250 hours to create one plain shawl.
How do the houses in Leh differ from those in Srinagar?
hardAnswer: In Leh, houses are built to withstand cold, often using stones with thick walls. They rely on flat roofs for drying foods and provide insulation. In contrast, Srinagar's houses include both land and water-based structures, like houseboats, with elaborate wood carvings and sloping roofs to handle heavy rainfall.
Why is the lifestyle of the Changpas considered sustainable?
hardAnswer: The Changpas maintain a sustainable lifestyle by living in harmony with their environment. They depend heavily on their goats for milk, meat, wool, and use minimal resources by moving frequently to graze animals efficiently without depleting the land.
What are some challenges faced by Gaurav Jani during his journey?
mediumAnswer: Gaurav Jani faced several challenges including difficult terrain, breathlessness due to high altitudes, and the absence of amenities like petrol pumps and repair services. However, he overcame these by adapting to the environment and relying on the hospitality of the local tribes.