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CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh Chapter 14 नए इलाके में / खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ — अरुण कमल Worksheet with Answers

Class 9 students preparing for CBSE Hindi - Sparsh exams need rigorous practice on Chapter 14, which presents two powerful poems by Arun Kamal. This printable worksheet offers structured practice across MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, short and long answers, and a case-study question. Each section targets specific skills — comprehension, poetic devices, thematic analysis, and critical thinking. The complete answer key at the end provides not just answers but brief explanations rooted in NCERT terminology, helping you self-assess and learn independently. Print this page, set a timer for 60 minutes, and test your grasp of worker identity, modern urbanisation, and the dignity of labour.

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Key takeaways

  • ✓Arun Kamal's two poems explore the invisible labour of workers who build modern India's urban landscape and create everyday beauty.
  • ✓The poems challenge you to see dignity, artistry, and identity in manual labour, not just status or wealth.
  • ✓Modern life's comfort and progress are constructed by migrant workers who often remain nameless and unrecognised.
  • ✓Poetic devices like metaphor (fragrance for beauty), irony (workers create homes but may lack shelter), and imagery make the invisible visible.
  • ✓Understanding these poems develops critical empathy — the ability to question who benefits from development and whose voices are silenced.
  • ✓Worksheet difficulty: Moderate to Advanced. Suggested time: 60 minutes. Covers all question types asked in CBSE exams.
  • ✓Complete answer key with explanations helps self-assessment and deeper understanding of themes, poetic language, and social context.

Quick Chapter Recap — नए इलाके में / खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ

Chapter 14 of CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh presents two interconnected poems by contemporary Hindi poet Arun Kamal. 'नए इलाके में' depicts the rapid urban expansion in modern India — new residential colonies, roads, and infrastructure — but shifts the lens to the migrant construction workers who actually build these spaces. The poem highlights their invisibility despite their essential contribution. 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' celebrates the dignity and artistry in manual labour. The phrase 'hands that create fragrance' is a metaphor for workers who produce beauty, cleanliness, comfort, and order in society — from masons to cooks, from washerwomen to potters. Together, these poems resist the narrative that marginalises labourers and ask you to see the human story behind every building, street, and service. Key themes include अस्मिता (identity through craft), श्रमिकों का संघर्ष (workers' struggle), अदृश्यता (invisibility), and गरिमा (dignity of labour). The poet uses simple yet powerful imagery, irony, and repetition to make his social commentary accessible and moving.
  • Both poems are by Arun Kamal, a contemporary Hindi poet known for socially conscious writing.
  • 'नए इलाके में' focuses on new urban colonies and the workers who build them.
  • 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' uses metaphor (fragrance) to elevate manual labour to artistry.
  • Central themes: worker identity, dignity of labour, invisibility, social inequality, and modernity's hidden cost.
  • Poetic devices: metaphor, imagery, irony, simple diction, and conversational tone.
  • The poems ask: whose voices are heard in India's development story, and whose are silenced?

Worksheet Instructions and Difficulty Level

This worksheet is designed for CBSE Class 9 students who have read and discussed Chapter 14 in class. Difficulty level is Moderate to Advanced, meaning questions go beyond simple recall and test comprehension, interpretation, thematic analysis, and critical thinking. Suggested time is 60 minutes in exam conditions (no books, no notes). The worksheet has six sections: Section A contains 6 MCQs (1 mark each); Section B has 5 fill-in-the-blank questions (1 mark each); Section C offers 5 True/False statements (1 mark each); Section D comprises 5 short-answer questions of 2-3 marks each (30-50 words); Section E has 3 long-answer or HOTS questions (4-5 marks, 80-100 words each); and one case-study question with sub-parts (5 marks total). The final section is a complete Answer Key with brief explanations for every item, enabling self-assessment. Print this page, grab a pen, set a timer, and challenge yourself. Use the answer key only after attempting all questions honestly.
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced (tests comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking).
  • Suggested time: 60 minutes (strict exam conditions for best practice).
  • Total marks: 40 (6 MCQs + 5 fill-blanks + 5 T/F + 5 short + 3 long + 1 case study).
  • Answer key included at the end with explanations rooted in NCERT terminology.
  • Ideal for revision, self-assessment, and pre-exam practice.
  • All questions align with CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh exam pattern and marking scheme.

Section A — Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

This section tests your comprehension of the poems and your ability to identify themes, poetic devices, and the poet's intent. Each question has four options; choose the most accurate one. Remember that Arun Kamal's language is simple but layered with social commentary. Read each option carefully and eliminate clearly incorrect answers first. MCQs in CBSE Hindi exams often test not just facts but interpretation — for example, why the poet chose a particular word or image. Practice justifying your choice mentally before marking it. Even if you are unsure, attempt every question; there is no negative marking in CBSE exams. These six questions cover both poems and span factual recall, thematic understanding, and poetic device identification.
  • Q1. In 'नए इलाके में', what does the poet primarily describe? (a) Old heritage buildings (b) New residential colonies and urban expansion (c) Rural villages (d) Government offices
  • Q2. The phrase 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' is a metaphor for: (a) Perfume makers (b) Workers who create beauty and value through their labour (c) Gardeners planting flowers (d) Chefs cooking fragrant food
  • Q3. What is the central concern in both poems? (a) Environmental pollution (b) The invisibility and dignity of workers (c) Modern technology (d) Political corruption
  • Q4. Which poetic device is most prominent in 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ'? (a) Simile (b) Metaphor (c) Alliteration (d) Personification
  • Q5. Who actually builds the 'नए इलाके' according to the poem? (a) Government engineers (b) Architects and designers (c) Migrant construction workers (d) Real estate developers
  • Q6. The tone of both poems can best be described as: (a) Celebratory and joyful (b) Critical yet empathetic (c) Angry and aggressive (d) Nostalgic and sad

Section B — Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

This section tests your recall of specific phrases, vocabulary, and thematic keywords from the poems. Each blank requires one or two words that complete the sentence accurately. Pay attention to the gender and number (singular/plural) of Hindi nouns and adjectives. Read the full sentence first to understand context before filling the blank. These questions are designed to reinforce key terminology from NCERT Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh — words like अस्मिता, गरिमा, श्रमिक, and अदृश्यता. If you are unsure, think about the poem's main message and choose words that align with themes of worker dignity, invisibility, and craft. Write neatly; spelling errors may cost you marks in board exams. Attempt all five even if you are not fully confident.
  • Q7. Arun Kamal's poems highlight the __________ (invisibility / visibility) of workers in modern society.
  • Q8. The phrase 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' suggests that workers' hands create __________ (beauty / pollution) through their labour.
  • Q9. In 'नए इलाके में', the poet focuses on the __________ (migrant workers / architects) who build urban colonies.
  • Q10. The poems argue that true __________ (identity / wealth) comes from the craft and effort in one's work, not social status.
  • Q11. Both poems are an example of __________ (romantic / socially conscious) poetry that gives voice to marginalised communities.

Section C — True or False (1 mark each)

Read each statement carefully and decide whether it is True or False based on your understanding of the poems. If the statement is False, mentally note the correct version to deepen your learning. Some statements may be partially correct but still False overall — watch out for absolute words like 'only', 'never', 'always'. This section tests not just factual recall but also your grasp of nuance and theme. For example, a statement might say the poems 'celebrate modern urbanisation' — that would be False, because the poems are critical of how urbanisation erases worker identity. Justify each answer to yourself before marking. In board exams, you may be asked to correct False statements, so practice that skill here as well.
  • Q12. 'नए इलाके में' celebrates the beauty and success of modern urban development. (True / False)
  • Q13. 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' uses the metaphor of fragrance to show that workers create lasting beauty. (True / False)
  • Q14. According to the poems, workers are fully recognised and respected in society. (True / False)
  • Q15. Arun Kamal uses simple, conversational language to make his social message accessible. (True / False)
  • Q16. Both poems focus only on construction workers and ignore other kinds of labour. (True / False)

Section D — Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each, 30-50 words)

This section requires you to write concise, focused answers in 30-50 words. Each question is worth 2-3 marks, so aim for two clear points or one point with a relevant example from the poem. Use proper sentence structure and Hindi literary terminology where appropriate (e.g. रूपक, बिम्ब, स्वर). Start your answer directly; avoid long introductions like 'इस कविता में कवि कहते हैं कि…'. Instead, get straight to the point. For CBSE marking, clarity and relevance are key — examiners reward precise answers that quote or paraphrase the text. Practice writing within the word limit; in exams, marks are often deducted for overly long or vague responses. Attempt all five questions even if you are unsure; partial credit is awarded for reasonable attempts.
  • Q17. What does the title 'नए इलाके में' suggest about the setting and theme of the poem? (2 marks)
  • Q18. Explain the metaphor 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' in your own words. (2 marks)
  • Q19. How does Arun Kamal make the invisible labour of workers visible in these poems? Give one example. (3 marks)
  • Q20. What kind of identity do the poems suggest workers should derive from their labour? (2 marks)
  • Q21. Why is the language of both poems simple and conversational? What effect does this create? (3 marks)

Section E — Long Answer / HOTS Questions (4-5 marks each, 80-100 words)

This section tests Higher Order Thinking Skills — analysis, interpretation, and critical evaluation. Each question is worth 4-5 marks, so structure your answer in two or three clear paragraphs. Start with a direct thesis or main idea, support it with examples or quotes from the poems, and conclude with the broader significance or your interpretation. Use literary terminology appropriately: metaphor (रूपक), imagery (बिम्ब), irony (विडंबना), tone (स्वर). CBSE examiners reward answers that show independent thinking, textual evidence, and awareness of social context. Aim for 80-100 words; writing too little may lose marks, but padding with irrelevant content will too. These three questions require you to synthesise themes across both poems and relate them to real-world issues like inequality, urbanisation, and dignity of labour. Practice writing within time limits and reviewing your own answers critically.
  • Q22. 'Arun Kamal's poems resist the narrative that marginalises workers.' Discuss with reference to both poems. (5 marks, 80-100 words)
  • Q23. How do the two poems together critique modern urban development in India? Support your answer with examples. (5 marks, 80-100 words)
  • Q24. Imagine you are a migrant construction worker. Write a short reflection (80-100 words) on how these poems make you feel seen or validated. (4 marks, creative HOTS)

Section F — Case Study Question (5 marks total)

Case-study questions are increasingly common in CBSE exams. You will be given a short extract or scenario related to the chapter, followed by 3-4 sub-questions. Read the passage carefully, underline keywords, and refer back to it while answering each sub-part. The passage may be a stanza from one of the poems, a real-world news report about workers, or a hypothetical situation. Your answers should combine textual knowledge with critical thinking. Each sub-question typically carries 1-2 marks, so keep answers brief but precise. This question type tests your ability to apply literary themes to real-world or unseen contexts — a key skill for CBSE board exams. Attempt all parts even if you are unsure; partial reasoning is often rewarded. Write legibly and number your sub-answers clearly (a, b, c, d).

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

This section provides correct answers and brief explanations for every question in the worksheet. Use this key only after you have attempted all sections honestly. Self-assessment is a powerful learning tool — compare your answers, identify gaps, and revisit the poems or NCERT notes where needed. For subjective questions (Sections D, E, F), the answers given are model responses; your phrasing may differ, but the core ideas should align. CBSE marking rewards content accuracy, relevant examples, and clear expression, not rote memorization of exact sentences. If your answer covers the same points in different words, you will earn full marks. For MCQs, fill-blanks, and True/False, answers are definitive. If you scored less than 70 percent, review the chapter thoroughly and attempt the worksheet again after a few days. Regular practice with worksheets like this one builds confidence and exam readiness. CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24x7 AI tutor support for Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh — upload a photo of any question, get instant step-by-step solutions, all for a flat ₹999/month across all subjects and classes 6-12. Start your 3-day free trial today.
  • Section A Answers: Q1(b), Q2(b), Q3(b), Q4(b), Q5(c), Q6(b). Explanations: Q1 — poem describes new colonies. Q2 — fragrance = beauty created by workers. Q3 — both focus on worker invisibility/dignity. Q4 — metaphor is central device. Q5 — migrant workers build colonies. Q6 — tone is critical yet empathetic.
  • Section B Answers: Q7: अदृश्यता / invisibility. Q8: सुंदरता / beauty. Q9: प्रवासी मजदूर / migrant workers. Q10: अस्मिता / identity. Q11: सामाजिक चेतना / socially conscious.
  • Section C Answers: Q12: False (poem critiques, not celebrates, urbanisation). Q13: True. Q14: False (workers are not fully recognised). Q15: True. Q16: False (poems include many kinds of labour, not only construction).
  • Section D Sample Answers: Q17: Title suggests a new urban area being built, setting the theme of rapid urbanisation and the workers behind it. Q18: Workers' hands create intangible beauty and lasting value, like fragrance, elevating labour to artistry. Q19: Kamal centers workers' perspective, uses metaphor ('खुशबू'), and describes their physical contribution, making invisible labour visible. Q20: Identity from craft, skill, and the beauty they create, not wealth or status. Q21: Simple language makes the social message accessible to all readers, creating an inclusive, conversational tone that invites empathy.
  • Section E Sample Answers: Q22: Both poems resist marginalisation by centering workers' voices and elevating their labour. 'नए इलाके में' shows they build cities yet remain unnamed; 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' calls them artists. Kamal's poetic lens demands recognition and dignity. Q23: The poems reveal that urban development benefits the middle class but is built by exploited migrant workers. New colonies symbolise progress, yet workers are invisible, poorly paid, and disposable. Together, poems ask: whose development is this? Q24: (Creative answer) As a migrant worker, these poems make me feel seen for the first time. My rough hands do create beauty — strong walls, clean streets. Society may ignore me, but the poet sees my artistry. I am not invisible; I am the builder of tomorrow.
  • Section F Sample Answers: (a) The poems show that workers build modern life but are erased from the narrative. COVID lockdown exposed this invisibility brutally. (b) The lockdown revealed workers were never truly part of the 'new colonies' they built — they were temporary, disposable, and abandoned. (c) Providing shelter, food, transport, fair wages, and public acknowledgment of their contribution would have shown dignity.

How CBSETUTOR.ai Supports Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh Mastery

Mastering CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh requires not just reading poems but deeply understanding themes, poetic devices, and social contexts. Many students struggle with subjective questions — how to structure a 5-mark answer, which examples to cite, how to interpret metaphor or irony. CBSETUTOR.ai provides 24x7 AI tutor support tailored to CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh. Stuck on a question from this worksheet? Simply take a photo and upload it. The AI tutor delivers step-by-step explanations in clear Hindi or English, rooted in NCERT terminology. Whether it is analyzing 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ', writing a character sketch, or understanding exam marking schemes, you get instant, personalized help. The platform covers all chapters of Sparsh, plus grammar, writing skills, and previous years' board questions. Unlike expensive coaching (₹5,000-10,000/month for a single subject), CBSETUTOR.ai offers every subject for Classes 6-12 at a flat ₹999/month. Start with a 3-day free trial — no credit card, no risk. Empower your child with India's smartest AI tutor and watch their confidence and marks soar.
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Tips for Scoring Full Marks in CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh Exams

CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh exams test comprehension, interpretation, and expression. To score full marks, follow these evidence-based strategies. First, read each poem at least three times — once for surface meaning, once for poetic devices, and once for theme and social message. Underline key phrases like 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' and note what they symbolise. Second, practice writing answers within word limits. A 5-mark question needs 80-100 words, not 200. Examiners reward precision, not padding. Third, always quote or paraphrase from the text to support your points; this shows textual engagement. Fourth, learn and use Hindi literary terms correctly: रूपक (metaphor), बिम्ब (imagery), प्रतीक (symbol), स्वर (tone). Fifth, for subjective questions, structure answers in introduction-body-conclusion format. Sixth, revise NCERT solutions and sample papers — CBSE often repeats question types. Seventh, practice worksheets like this one under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy. Finally, discuss poems with classmates or teachers to gain multiple perspectives. Literature is interpretation; there is no single 'right' answer, but well-supported answers earn full marks.
  • Read each poem three times: meaning, devices, theme.
  • Write answers within prescribed word limits; avoid padding.
  • Always quote or paraphrase from the text to support your points.
  • Use Hindi literary terminology correctly (रूपक, बिम्ब, प्रतीक, स्वर).
  • Structure long answers: introduction, body with examples, conclusion.
  • Revise NCERT solutions and previous years' question papers.
  • Practice timed worksheets to build speed and exam readiness.
  • Discuss poems with peers or teachers for diverse interpretations.
  • Focus on thematic keywords: अस्मिता, गरिमा, श्रमिक, अदृश्यता, प्रतिरोध.
  • Maintain neat handwriting and correct spelling in Hindi.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh Chapter 14 poems by Arun Kamal?+
The main theme is the invisibility and dignity of workers in modern India. 'नए इलाके में' shows migrant workers building urban colonies yet remaining unrecognised, while 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' elevates manual labour to artistry, arguing that workers create lasting beauty and deserve respect. Both poems critique how development erases worker identity and voices.
What does 'खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ' literally mean, and what is its deeper significance?+
Literally, it means 'hands that create fragrance'. The deeper significance is metaphorical: workers' hands produce intangible beauty, comfort, and value (like fragrance) through their labour — from building homes to cooking food. The phrase elevates labour from 'menial work' to craft and artistry, asserting that workers are creators deserving dignity and recognition.
How many marks is Chapter 14 usually worth in CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh board exams?+
Chapter 14 typically appears in the poetry (काव्य खंड) section, which carries around 14-16 marks in the CBSE Class 9 Hindi Course-A board exam. Questions may include 2-3 mark short answers, 4-5 mark long answers, or extract-based MCQs. Thorough preparation of themes, poetic devices, and social context is essential for full marks.
What poetic devices does Arun Kamal use in these poems?+
Arun Kamal uses metaphor (रूपक) — 'खुशबू' for beauty created by labour; imagery (बिम्ब) — visual descriptions of new colonies and workers' hands; irony (विडंबना) — workers build homes but may lack shelter; simple diction (सरल भाषा) for accessibility; and conversational tone (संवादात्मक स्वर) to invite empathy and make social commentary relatable to all readers.
How should I structure a 5-mark answer on these poems in the board exam?+
Start with a clear thesis (1-2 sentences stating your main point). Then provide two supporting points with textual examples or quotes from the poems (3-4 sentences total). Conclude by linking to the broader theme or social message (1-2 sentences). Aim for 80-100 words, use literary terms (रूपक, बिम्ब), and ensure neat handwriting. Precision and textual evidence earn full marks.
What is the significance of the title 'नए इलाके में'?+
The title refers to new residential or commercial areas being built in modern Indian cities — symbols of urban expansion and development. Its significance lies in the shift of focus: while society celebrates these 'new areas', the poem asks us to see the migrant workers who actually build them, highlighting their invisibility despite being the true creators of modernity.
Can I score full marks if I write answers in my own words, or must I memorize NCERT solutions?+
You can absolutely score full marks writing in your own words, provided your answer is accurate, relevant, and supported by textual evidence. CBSE examiners reward understanding and expression, not rote memorization. However, NCERT solutions are excellent models for structure, terminology, and key points — use them as guides, not scripts to copy verbatim.
Why does Arun Kamal use simple language in these socially conscious poems?+
Simple, conversational language makes the poems accessible to a wide audience, including the workers themselves. It invites empathy and ensures the social message is not confined to elite literary circles. The simplicity is deliberate — it mirrors the honesty and directness of the workers' lives and makes the critique of inequality more powerful and inclusive.
How does this worksheet help in CBSE board exam preparation?+
This worksheet mirrors the CBSE exam pattern with MCQs, fill-blanks, short/long answers, and case-study questions. Practicing under timed conditions (60 minutes) builds speed and accuracy. The complete answer key with explanations enables self-assessment and identifies knowledge gaps. Regular worksheet practice boosts confidence, exam readiness, and scoring ability in the poetry section of Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh.
Where can I get instant help if I am stuck on a question from this worksheet?+
CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24x7 AI tutor support for CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh. Upload a photo of any question from this worksheet and get step-by-step solutions instantly, rooted in NCERT terminology. The platform covers all Sparsh chapters, grammar, and writing skills at a flat ₹999/month for all subjects and classes 6-12. Start your 3-day free trial today — no credit card required.

Related resources

Important Questions: CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh Chapter 14 नए इलाके में / खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ — अरुण कमलClass 9 Hindi - Sparsh Chapter 14 नए इलाके में / खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ — अरुण कमल — Formulas & Key PointsNCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh Chapter 14: नए इलाके में / खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ — अरुण कमलCBSE Class 9 Hindi - Sparsh Chapter 14 नए इलाके में / खुशबू रचते हैं हाथ — अरुण कमल — NotesCBSE Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 1 Number Systems — NotesCBSE Class 9 Mathematics — Number Systems: complete chapter guideClass 9 Hindi Sparsh Chapter 5 वैज्ञानिक चेतना के वाहक: चन्द्रशेखर वेंकट रामन — Previous Year Questions with Complete SolutionsCBSE Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 1 Number Systems Worksheet with Answers

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