Bharat Our Land (Poem) – Questions, Answers, and Solutions
Reflect and Respond (Page 23)
I. Recall the lines of the National Anthem and complete the table given below with the names of the states, mountain ranges, and rivers mentioned in it.
Answer:
II. Work in pairs. Discuss what the words ‘जय हे’ (Jaya he) in the last two lines of the National Anthem convey. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
The words “Jaya He” express victory, honour, and hope for the nation. They convey the wish that India continues to overcome challenges and achieve progress. These words also create a feeling of unity, confidence, and pride among the citizens.
III. Read the underlined words in the given lines of the poem. Choose the odd one out that does not correspond with the meaning of the underlined word.
1. She’s peerless, let’s praise her! valuable, incomparable, unmatched
Answer:
valuable
2. Many a sage has sanctified this land. blessed, purified, applauded
Answer:
applauded
3. And here all auspicious things are found. fortunate, fantastic, favourable
Answer:
fantastic
4. Of hoary antiquity is Bharat, ancient times, recent past, time immemorial
Answer:
recent past
Check Your Understanding (Pages 25–28)
I. Fill in the blanks by choosing appropriate words from the box given below to complete the summary of the poem.
The poem is a tribute to India, celebrating its natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and 1. _______ . The poet praises the 2. _______ , describing it as mighty and unparalleled. The 3. _______ is depicted as generous and graceful, while the 4. _______ are honoured as sacred and unmatched. The poem highlights the contributions of 5. _______ and 6. _______ who have enriched the land with their bravery and wisdom. It also acknowledges the presence of 7. _______ and the teachings of 8. _______ , highlighting India’s deep-rooted spiritual and philosophical traditions. The poet repeatedly asserts that India is 9. _______ , urging everyone to 10. _______ her.
Answer:
historical greatness
Himavant
Ganga
Upanishads
warriors
sages
Brahma-knowledge
Buddha
peerless
praise
II. Complete the following features about the poem.
1. The impact on the readers (mood): _______.
Answer:
The poem creates feelings of pride, admiration, and inspiration for India and its rich heritage.
2. The poet’s attitude (tone): _______.
Answer:
The tone of the poem is patriotic, appreciative, and full of admiration for India.
3. The rhyme scheme: _______.
Answer:
The poem does not follow a fixed rhyme scheme and has the characteristics of free verse.
4. Examples of personification: _______.
Answer:
The poet uses personification by giving human qualities to India and its natural features. For example:
“The generous Ganga is ours” describes the river as generous.
“Which other river can match her grace?” gives the river a human quality of grace.
“This sunny golden land is ours – she’s peerless” presents Bharat as a female figure.
“Let’s praise her” refers to the land as though she were a person.
III. What is the impact of the refrain, ‘she’s peerless, let’s praise her!’?
Answer:
The repeated line “she’s peerless, let’s praise her!” strengthens the poem’s patriotic feeling. It highlights India’s unique qualities and repeatedly reminds readers of the poet’s admiration and pride in the country.
IV. Complete the following sentence appropriately.
India is metaphorically described as ‘this sunny golden land, ‘suggesting that it is _______ .
Answer:
India is portrayed as bright, prosperous, beautiful, and rich in natural and cultural wealth.
V. The poet uses symbolism. Match the symbols in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2.
Answer:
VI. The poet uses imagery (descriptive language to create vivid mental pictures that appeal to the senses). Give any two examples from the poem.
Answer:
Two examples of imagery in the poem are:
“The mighty Himavant is ours – there’s no equal anywhere on earth” creates an image of the immense size, strength, and grandeur of the Himalayas.
“This sunny golden land is ours – she’s peerless” creates a picture of India as radiant, beautiful, prosperous, and glorious.
VII. What is the impact of the use of hyphens in the first stanza? Select the true options.
1. Creates deliberate pauses to reinforce the sense of admiration and pride
2. Emphasises the contrast between India’s strengths and weaknesses
3. Lends to the lyrical quality, giving it a measured, chant-like rhythm
4. Suggests hesitation or uncertainty in the poet’s claims about India
5. Presents a key element of India’s greatness before the hyphen and makes a strong assertion about its uniqueness after the hyphen
Answer:
The correct options are:
Creates deliberate pauses to reinforce the sense of admiration and pride
Lends to the lyrical quality, giving it a measured, chant-like rhythm
Presents a key element of India’s greatness before the hyphen and makes a strong assertion about its uniqueness after the hyphen
VIII. The poet uses hyperbole in the poem.
Answer:
The poet uses hyperbole, or deliberate exaggeration, to emphasise the exceptional qualities of Bharat. Expressions that present the Himalayas, Ganga, and other aspects of India as unmatched or without equal make the praise more powerful and create a stronger feeling of national pride.
IX. The poem is an ode.
An ode is a type of lyrical poem that expresses strong feelings of admiration, praise, or deep reflection. It is often addressed to a person, object, or abstract idea, celebrating its qualities in a formal and elevated style.
Now, identify examples from the poem that correspond to it being an ode.
Answer:
The poem can be considered an ode because it expresses strong admiration and praise for India. Some examples are:
“The mighty Himavant is ours – there’s no equal anywhere on earth” praises the greatness and strength of the Himalayas.
“The generous Ganga is ours – which other river can match her grace?” celebrates the beauty and generosity of the Ganga.
“This sunny golden land is ours – she’s peerless, let’s praise her!” expresses love and admiration for Bharat.
“Gallant warriors have lived here, many a sage has sanctified this land” honours the brave warriors and wise sages associated with India’s heritage.
X. The poet uses allusion in the poem.
An allusion is a figure of speech where the writer or speaker makes a brief, indirect reference to a person, place, event, or work of art/literature. It relies on the audience’s knowledge to understand the deeper meaning.
Key Feature
“This place is like Eden.” → Refers to the biblical Garden of Eden, meaning paradise.
Now, read the explanations and identify the matching allusions from the poem for the following.
An allusion to the ancient Indian scriptures that form the philosophical core and symbolise deep wisdom and enlightenment.
An allusion to the concept of spiritual knowledge associated with self-realisation and ultimate truth.
An allusion to Gautama Buddha’s teachings, which include compassion, non-violence, and enlightenment. This highlights India’s role in shaping major religious and philosophical traditions.
Answer:
Upanishads – refers to the ancient Indian scriptures known for their profound spiritual and philosophical teachings.
Brahma-knowledge – refers to spiritual knowledge concerning the ultimate reality and self-realisation.
Buddha’s Dhamma – refers to the teachings of Gautama Buddha, including compassion, wisdom, non-violence, and the path to enlightenment.
Critical Reflection (Pages 28–29)
I. I read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
The mighty Himavant is ours—there’s no equal anywhere on earth.
The generous Ganga is ours—which other river can match her grace?
The sacred Upanishads are ours—what scriptures else to name with them?
Question 1. Complete the sentence.
The word ‘mighty’ refers to the _______ of the Himavant.
Answer:
The word “mighty” refers to the immense strength, grandeur, and majesty of the Himavant.
Question 2. Choose the correct option to complete the sentence given below.
The question mark at the end of the fourth and sixth line of the extract is used to _______ .
(i) show doubt and uncertainty
(ii) emphasise a point
(iii) highlight confusion and hesitation
(iv) reveal inquiry and curiosity
Answer:
(ii) emphasise a point
Question 3. The poet uses the word ‘generous’ to describe the Ganga. Why?
Answer:
The Ganga is called “generous” because it provides water and nourishment to the land and supports the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. The word also highlights its important and benevolent role in Indian life.
Question 4. Why has the movement of the river been described as graceful?
Answer:
The river’s movement is described as graceful to highlight the smooth and beautiful way in which it flows. This description adds to the poet’s admiration for the Ganga.
Question 5. Fill in the blank with the correct option from the words given in the brackets.
The poet is implying that the Upanishads are _______ (unmatched/abundant) in their wisdom and spiritual depth.
Answer:
unmatched
II. Answer the following questions
Question 1. How does the poem reflect a strong connection to cultural identity and heritage?
Answer:
The poem connects India’s identity with its natural landscapes, sacred rivers, ancient scriptures, spiritual teachings, brave warriors, and wise sages. By celebrating these elements, the poet shows how India’s past and traditions form an important part of its cultural heritage.
Question 2. What can you infer about the poet’s attitude towards India from the repeated phrase ‘she’s peerless, let’s praise her!’?
Answer:
The repeated phrase shows that the poet feels deep love, pride, and admiration for India. He considers the country unique and encourages everyone to recognise and celebrate its greatness.
Question 3. What does the line ‘many a sage has sanctified this land’ suggest about India’s spiritual heritage?
Answer:
The line suggests that India has a long and respected spiritual tradition. Many sages and thinkers have contributed to its philosophical, moral, and spiritual knowledge, making the land significant in India’s cultural history.
Question 4. How does the poet connect warriors and music to India’s greatness?
Answer:
The poet presents courage and artistic expression as important parts of India’s greatness. The brave warriors represent strength and valour, while music and cultural traditions reflect the creative and artistic richness of the nation.
Question 5. How does this poem foster a sense of national pride?
Answer:
The poem creates national pride by celebrating India’s mountains, rivers, scriptures, spiritual traditions, brave people, and cultural achievements. By presenting these qualities as special and remarkable, it encourages readers to value and respect their country.
Vocabulary in Context (Pages 29–30)
I. Complete the table by choosing words from the poem.
Answer:
II. Complete the following table by adding a different suffix to form new words. Also, create a sentence using the created word. One example has been done for you.
Answer:
Listen and Respond (Pages 30–31)
I. You will listen to four people talk about the places they like to travel to. As you listen, write the speaker number for the two pictures given. (Transcript for teacher on page 260)
Answer:
Speaker No. 4
Speaker No. 2
II. You will once again listen to the four speakers. As you listen, match the given statements to the speaker. There are two statements that you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 260)
Answer:
Note: Statements 1 and 2 are not required.
Speaking Activity (Pages 31–32)
I. In pairs, take turns to speak about the aspects of your village/town/city that you feel are an asset. It could be about geographical, cultural, traditional features, or even its history.
Use these cues to express your praise and admiration.
One thing that I find truly wonderful about my village/town/city is…
If I had to describe my village/town/city in one word, it would be…
I have always been fascinated by the way the people of my village/town/city…
What I want other people to know about my village/town/city is…
When it comes to the scenery, my village/town/ city truly shines because…
I feel a deep sense of pride when I think about my village/town/city…
Answer:
One thing I find especially wonderful about my city, Udaipur, is its combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.If I had to describe the city in one word, I would call it vibrant, as its traditions, festivals, architecture, and daily life are full of colour and energy.
I admire the way people preserve traditional celebrations and support one another during important occasions.
I would like others to know that Udaipur is more than a tourist destination; it has a rich historical and cultural identity reflected in places such as the City Palace and Jagdish Temple.
Its peaceful lakes, gardens, and views of the Aravalli hills add to its beauty. I feel proud of Udaipur because it represents India’s diverse history, traditions, and artistic spirit.
Writing Task (Page 32)
Paragraph writing is the art of expressing an idea clearly and effectively in a group of sentences. A paragraph is the basic unit of writing in English, used to organise thoughts and make communication easy to understand.
Structure of a Paragraph
1. Topic Sentence
Introduces the main idea.
Example: Healthy food is important for a strong body.
2. Supporting Sentences
Provide details, examples, or explanations.
Example: Fruits and vegetables give us vitamins. Milk and eggs make us strong.
3. Concluding Sentence
Summarises or closes the idea.
Example: Therefore, eating healthy food keeps us fit and active.
I. Write a paragraph about a place that you have visited which has stayed in your memory.
Remember to mention the following:
Why did you go there?
Who did you travel with?
How did you prepare for the travel?
Where did you stay?
What activities did you do there?
Answer:
A place that remains special in my memory is Manali, a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. I visited it with my family during the summer holidays to enjoy the pleasant weather and explore the mountains.
Before leaving, we planned our journey, arranged our accommodation, prepared an itinerary, and packed suitable clothes for the changing mountain weather.
We stayed in a comfortable guesthouse with a beautiful view of the surrounding hills. During the trip, we visited places such as Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, enjoyed trekking and cable-car rides, and spent relaxing moments near the river.
The scenic mountains, fresh air, and memorable experiences made the journey unforgettable.
Learning Beyond the Text (Page 32)
I. Search for poems or songs dedicated to India, your motherland, in your regional language. Share them with your classmates and explain their meaning too.
Answer:
For this activity, I have selected “सारे जहाँ से अच्छा” (Sare Jahan Se Achcha) by Muhammad Iqbal. The poem expresses love and pride for India and celebrates the country’s beauty and cultural richness.
It also highlights the importance of unity and harmony among people belonging to different communities and traditions. The poem encourages readers to value their motherland and live together peacefully.
Its patriotic message creates a strong emotional connection with the country and reminds us of the importance of unity.
II. In groups of six, prepare an interdisciplinary project on India’s major geographical features. For each feature, describe the region, explain its importance in the lives of the people living there, and mention the languages spoken in that region. Include one example of each of the following:
Mountains – Himalayas, Western Ghats, etc.
Rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna, Kaveri, Godavari, etc.
Deserts – Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch, etc.
Valleys – Kangra Valley, Nubra Valley, etc.
Islands – Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, etc.
Plateaus – Deccan, Malwa, Meghalaya, etc.
Answer:
India has a wide variety of geographical features, and each one influences the lives, occupations, cultures, and traditions of the people living there. The following examples highlight their importance:
Mountains
Himalayas: Located in northern India, the Himalayas influence the climate, provide water through glaciers and rivers, support biodiversity, and attract tourists. Hindi, Nepali, and several regional languages are spoken in different Himalayan areas.
Western Ghats: Extending along western India, the Western Ghats are rich in biodiversity and play an important role in rainfall, agriculture, and river systems. Languages such as Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tamil are spoken across different parts of the region.
Rivers
Ganga: The Ganga flows through northern India and supports agriculture, irrigation, drinking-water needs, and various livelihoods. It also holds great religious importance. Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Bengali are among the languages spoken along its course.
Yamuna: The Yamuna supports agriculture and provides water to several settlements and cities in northern India. Hindi and Braj Bhasha are spoken in areas along its basin.
Krishna: Flowing through parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, the Krishna is important for irrigation, farming, and water supply. Marathi, Kannada, and Telugu are widely spoken in its region.
Kaveri: The Kaveri is an important river of southern India and supports agriculture, especially rice cultivation. Kannada and Tamil are commonly spoken in areas of its basin.
Godavari: The Godavari supports irrigation, agriculture, fishing, and other livelihoods across central and southern India. Marathi and Telugu are among the major languages spoken in its basin.
Deserts
Thar Desert: Located mainly in north-western India, the Thar has a dry climate and limited water resources. People depend on activities such as animal husbandry, handicrafts, tourism, and farming suited to the region. Rajasthani and Hindi are widely spoken.
Rann of Kutch: Situated in Gujarat, the Rann is a distinctive salt-marsh region known for salt production, seasonal grazing, handicrafts, and tourism. Gujarati and Kutchi are widely used in the region.
Valleys
Kangra Valley: Located in Himachal Pradesh, the valley supports agriculture, tea cultivation, tourism, and settlements. Hindi and Kangri are commonly spoken.
Nubra Valley: Located in Ladakh, Nubra is a high-altitude valley where farming, tourism, and traditional trade are important. Ladakhi and related Tibetan languages are spoken in the region.
Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Located in the Bay of Bengal, these islands depend on fishing, agriculture, coconut cultivation, tourism, and other coastal activities. Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and several indigenous languages are spoken.
Lakshadweep: Situated in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep relies on fishing, coconut cultivation, and tourism. Malayalam and local varieties such as Jeseri are spoken.
Plateaus
Deccan Plateau: Covering a large part of southern India, the Deccan Plateau supports agriculture, mining, and industries. Its black soil is particularly suitable for crops such as cotton. Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil are among the major languages spoken across the region.
Malwa Plateau: Located in central India, the Malwa Plateau has fertile soils that support crops such as wheat, pulses, and cotton. Hindi and Malvi are commonly spoken.
Meghalaya Plateau: Located in north-eastern India, the Meghalaya Plateau receives heavy rainfall and supports agriculture, forests, and mineral resources. Khasi, Garo, and English are among the languages used in the region.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 1 Bharat Our Land
Students can use these Class 9 English Chapter 1 questions and answers to revise Bharat Our Land with clear explanations of its themes, poetic devices, vocabulary, and key ideas. The Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 solutions also support quick exam revision along with the Bharat Our Land Class 9 summary.
Related Study Materials for Class 9 English Chapter 1 Bharat Our Land (Poem)
Class 9 English Chapter-wise Solutions for Prose & Poem
Important Study Materials for Class 9 English
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 1 Bharat Our Land (Poem) 2026-27
1. What is the main idea of Bharat Our Land in Class 9 English?
Bharat Our Land celebrates India’s natural beauty, ancient heritage, spiritual traditions, and the contributions of its warriors and sages. The poet presents Bharat as a unique and glorious land worthy of admiration.
2. Why does the poet describe Himavant as “mighty”?
The word “mighty” highlights the immense strength, grandeur, and majesty of the Himalayas. It shows the poet’s admiration for this important geographical feature of India.
3. Why is the Ganga called “generous” in the poem?
The Ganga is called “generous” because it provides water and nourishment to the land and supports people’s lives. The description also reflects its special place in India’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
4. What does “she’s peerless, let’s praise her!” convey?
The refrain expresses the poet’s strong pride and admiration for Bharat. “Peerless” means without equal, while “let’s praise her” encourages readers to appreciate India’s unique qualities.
5. How do the Upanishads contribute to the meaning of Bharat Our Land?
The Upanishads represent India’s ancient spiritual and philosophical wisdom. Their mention shows that the poet considers knowledge and spiritual heritage an important part of Bharat’s greatness.
6. What is the significance of Brahma-knowledge and Buddha’s Dhamma in the poem?
Both references highlight India’s long-standing traditions of spiritual thought, wisdom, self-realisation, compassion, and enlightenment. They broaden the poem’s idea of India beyond its physical landscape.
7. How does the poet use personification in Bharat Our Land?
The poet gives human qualities to India and its natural features. For example, the Ganga is described as “generous”, while Bharat is referred to as “she” and praised as “peerless”.
8. Why is Bharat Our Land considered an ode?
The poem is an ode because it expresses admiration and praise for India. The poet celebrates its mountains, rivers, scriptures, sages, warriors, and spiritual traditions in an appreciative tone.
9. What does the phrase “this sunny golden land” suggest about India?
It creates an image of India as bright, beautiful, prosperous, and rich. The phrase adds to the poem’s positive portrayal of Bharat.
10. What is the role of warriors and sages in the poem?
The warriors represent courage and valour, while the sages represent wisdom and spiritual knowledge. Together, they show the different qualities that the poet associates with India’s greatness.
11. What are the important poetic devices in Bharat Our Land?
Students should focus on personification, symbolism, imagery, hyperbole, allusion, and refrain. Rhetorical questions and the use of hyphens also contribute to the poem’s rhythm and emphasis.
12. What should students cover while preparing the Class 9 English Chapter 1 questions and answers?
Students should revise the questions on the National Anthem, vocabulary, symbolism, imagery, poetic devices, critical reflection, and the poem’s references to India’s geographical and spiritual heritage. This gives better coverage of the Class 9 English Chapter 1 questions and answers than learning only the poem’s summary.
13. What does the Bharat Our Land Class 9 question answers section help students understand?
The Bharat Our Land Class 9 question answers help students interpret important lines, understand literary devices, explain symbols, and connect the poem’s natural and cultural references with its central theme.
14. How can the Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 solutions help in exam preparation?
The Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 solutions provide a structured way to revise the textbook exercises, including interpretation, vocabulary, literary devices, critical reflection, and activity-based questions. Students can use them to understand the expected points before writing answers independently.
