NCERT Solutions for Class 4 English Chapter 12 Maheshwar

Question 1. Who was Ahilya Bai?
Answer: Ahilya Bai served as the queen of Maheshwar, located in Madhya Pradesh. She came from the prominent Holkar family.
In simple words: Ahilya Bai was a queen who ruled Maheshwar. She belonged to the powerful Holkar family.

Exam Tip: Remember that Ahilya Bai is a historical figure known for her rule and architectural contributions to Maheshwar.

Question 2. Where is Maheshwar Fort located? What makes its location special?
Answer: Maheshwar Fort sits 95 kilometres away from Indore on the riverbanks of the Narmada River. Its distinctive feature is the overhanging balconies that appear to hang suspended over the water, creating an architectural marvel.
In simple words: The fort is near the Narmada River, about 95 km from Indore. It has special balconies that look like they are floating in the air.

Exam Tip: When describing location, always mention the distance and the nearby river - these are key details examiners look for.

Question 3. What materials were used to build Maheshwar Fort, and where did they come from?
Answer: The fort's construction used distinctive red stones that were brought from Gujarat and Rajasthan regions.
In simple words: Red stones from Gujarat and Rajasthan were used to build the fort.

Exam Tip: Note the specific material (red stones) and the two source regions - both details are important for complete answers.

Question 4. What does the statue of Queen Ahilya Bai in front of the palace represent?
Answer: The statue stands in front of the palace to this day, serving as a silent guardian over the land, symbolising her lasting legacy and protection of the region.
In simple words: The statue is like a guardian that watches over the land. It shows how the queen protected her people.

Exam Tip: Symbolism questions require you to explain what the monument represents - focus on the deeper meaning, not just describe what it looks like.

Question 5. Aarav and Ananya get excited about visiting Maheshwar Fort. What do you think makes historical places like this interesting?
Answer: Places with historical importance capture our imagination because they connect us to the past in a real, tangible way. Rather than simply reading about history in textbooks, you stand where rulers once walked, where battles unfolded, and where societies flourished. The walls, decorative carvings, and passages each carry their own tales, turning these locations into living storybooks filled with fascination and intrigue.
In simple words: Historical places are exciting because you can see and touch where real people lived long ago. Every part of the building tells a story.

Exam Tip: For discussion-type questions, explain why these places matter - connect the physical features to the emotional and educational experience they provide.

Question 6. If you were Aarav or Ananya, what part of the fort would you be most excited to see - the overhanging balconies, the statue, or the temples? Why?
Answer: I would most want to visit the overhanging balconies. These structures offer breathtaking vistas of the Narmada River flowing below and the town stretching out around you. Standing there, you can imagine what it felt like hundreds of years ago for royalty and important guests to gaze out at the same view. There is something truly special about occupying a spot where history unfolded.
In simple words: I would pick the balconies because you get an amazing view of the river. It feels magical to stand where the queen once stood.

Exam Tip: When answering opinion questions, always give clear reasons for your choice and link them back to the historical context learned in class.

Let us Learn (Pages 129-130)

Question 7. The words "smiling" and "grinning" have similar meanings. Given below are sets of words that have similar meaning along with a word that does not fit the group. Circle the odd one out.
Answer:
1. thrilled
2. kind
3. noisy
4. wooden
In simple words: Find the word in each group that does not match the meaning of the others. In group 1, "thrilled" is about feeling happy, not about being sad. In group 2, "kind" is about how someone acts, not about talking. In group 3, "noisy" means loud, while the others mean quiet. In group 4, "wooden" is a material, while the others are fabrics.

Exam Tip: Look for words that belong to the same category - ask yourself whether each word means something similar to the others in its group.

Question 8. Find out two sets of words with similar meanings and write them below.
Answer: Set 1: Hen, peacock, sparrow, cuckoo (all are birds)
Set 2: Pen, pencil, eraser (all are writing supplies - note: table does not belong)
In simple words: Choose groups of words where all the items are the same type of thing. All birds in the first set, all writing tools in the second set.

Exam Tip: When creating word groups, make sure every word in your set shares the same category - if one word does not fit, it should not be included.

Question 9. Read the word 'design' aloud. What did you observe? The letter 'g' is silent. Now, read the following words. Underline the words that have a silent 'g' letter.
Answer: sign, light, sugar, king, high, night, sing, magnet
In simple words: When you say these words out loud, the 'g' is not pronounced, even though it is written in the word. You hear the other letters, but not the 'g'.

Exam Tip: To identify silent letters, read the word aloud and listen carefully - if you cannot hear the letter when you say it, it is likely silent.

Question 10. Match the following.
Answer:

Exam Tip: When matching words to definitions, look for phrases that explain the noun in a clear, simple way - the word form may change, but the meaning stays the same.

Let us Listen (Page 131)

Passage: The Maheshwari sarees were originally made of pure silk, but cotton yarn was later introduced. As they gained popularity, the handloom weaving tradition in Maheshwar began. These sarees are famous for their unique reversible borders and pallus, showcasing a blend of cotton and silk threads. They are traditionally made in colours like peacock blue, bright yellow, forest green, and an Indian red dye called Aal. Today, Maheshwari sarees are available in both national and international markets.

Question 11. Arrange the following sentences in the order in which they appear in the passage.
Answer:
1. The weavers originally used pure silk.
2. Later, Maheshwari sarees are made with a blend of silk and cotton.
3. The sarees are famous for their reversible borders.
4. Today, these sarees are available both in India and other countries.
In simple words: Read the passage carefully and find each sentence. Put them in the same order they appear in the text, from beginning to end.

Exam Tip: Sequencing questions require you to read the passage closely and notice the order in which information is presented - mark each sentence as you find it to avoid missing any.

Let us Speak (Page 132)

Question 12. Find out from the elders of your home and your locality about any historical place that is there in your town or nearby. Collect information and pictures of that place and present it to the class. Your presentation must include: Name of the place, Name of the monument, Historical people associated with that monument, Special features of that monument, How the monument is connected to the people (emotionally), Any other relevant information.
Answer: Do it yourself.
In simple words: Talk to older family members and neighbors about a special old building or place near you. Find out its name, who built it, what makes it special, and why people care about it. Then tell your classmates what you learned.

Exam Tip: Use clear headings when you present - organize your information under each point the teacher mentioned so your presentation is easy to follow.

Question 13. Complete the following passage with suitable Articles (a, an, and the): Once upon _______ time, there live _______ monkey on _______ oak tree. One day, _______ monkey saw _______ old man with _______ bag _______ naughty monkey snatched the bag. Inside _______ bag was _______ apple, _______ pear, _______ olive and _______ carrot. It gave _______ pear to _______ elephant and _______ carrot to _______ bear. It kept _______ olive and _______ apple inside _______ empty box. While _______ monkey slept, _______ dog found _______ apple and stole it. The monkey was left with only _______ olive to eat.
Answer: Once upon a time, there live a monkey on an oak tree. One day, the monkey saw an old man with a bag. The naughty monkey snatched the bag. Inside the bag was an apple, a pear, an olive and a carrot. It gave the pear to an elephant and the carrot to a bear. It kept the olive and the apple inside an empty box. While the monkey slept, the dog found the apple and stole it. The monkey was left with only the olive to eat.
In simple words: Use 'a' before words starting with consonant sounds, 'an' before vowel sounds, and 'the' when talking about something specific that was already mentioned or is known.

Exam Tip: Remember the rule: use 'a' or 'an' when mentioning something for the first time, and switch to 'the' when referring back to it later in the story.

Let us Write (Page 133)

Question 14. Imagine you are visiting Maheshwar Fort with your family. Write a short description of what you see and feel as you explore the fort's balconies and temples.
Answer: A Visit to Maheshwar Fort - Upon arriving at Maheshwar Fort with my family, I sense I have stepped into another time. The towering stone walls and carvings from centuries past share their histories with visitors. I move gradually along the overhanging balconies, noticing the refreshing wind coming up from the Narmada River. The scenery takes my breath away, and I picture royalty gazing down at this exact view from ages gone by. Inside the fort, we find temples where bells ring and incense smoke drifts through the corridors. The detailed carvings on statues and walls seem almost lifelike. I am filled with a sense of calm and admiration at the strength and grace of these structures. My time at Maheshwar Fort fills me with deep respect for our shared heritage. This location holds countless stories, natural beauty, and magical moments.
In simple words: Describe what you see, hear, and feel at the fort. Use words that show your emotions - amazed, peaceful, proud - and mention the details you notice most, like the river view and the temples.

Exam Tip: For descriptive writing, use sensory words (what you see, hear, smell, feel) to make your answer more vivid and interesting to read.

Question 15. Based on the facts that you have learnt in the lesson, write a short paragraph on the Maheshwar Fort.
Answer: Maheshwar Fort stands as a remarkable and historically significant structure situated along the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. Once the seat of power for the Holkar dynasty, it was governed by the celebrated queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The fort attracts visitors because of its impressive stone balconies, intricately carved temples, and tranquil river vistas. This location holds tremendous cultural and historical value, showcasing remarkable architecture and artistic traditions. A journey to Maheshwar Fort offers the opportunity to understand India's past glory while appreciating the skill of ancient builders and artists.
In simple words: The fort was built long ago by a powerful queen. It has beautiful stone work and temples. It sits on the Narmada River and shows us how our ancestors lived and built things.

Exam Tip: When writing a paragraph about a historical place, include the location, the important person connected to it, key features, and why it matters to us today.

Let us Do (Page 134)

Question 16. Form your class into two groups, A and B. Each group will sit facing each other. Follow the instructions to play the 'Sentence Completion' game. I. Draw a template of a puzzle on thick chart paper/cardboard. II. On the back side of the puzzle draw a picture of a fort. III. Cut the puzzle using child friendly scissors along the lines to separate into puzzle pieces. IV. Mix the puzzle pieces and try rearranging them into a fort. Play with your friends.
Answer: Do it yourself.
In simple words: Work with your classmates to create a puzzle game. Draw a fort design, cut it into pieces, mix them up, and have fun putting them back together like a real puzzle game.

Exam Tip: This is a fun activity that helps you learn about the fort while working together - follow each step carefully and take your time with the cutting to make clean puzzle pieces.