Chapter 7 of 10
Chapter 7: Gilli Danda
Rhythmic sports poem celebrating India's ancient street game, agile hand-eye coordination & outdoor joy | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Themes of traditional outdoor play, indigenous Indian games, and joyous camaraderie.
- The mechanics of Gilli Danda: a long wooden danda striking the tapered gilli into flight.
- Health benefits of energetic open-air group sports versus isolated sedentary screen time.
- Grammar focus: prefixes (un-, re-) to form antonyms and absolute possessive pronouns.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)
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Q1
Let us Think • Comprehension
Which indigenous sport does the poem celebrate, and what two items of wooden equipment are needed to play it?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The poem celebrates the ancient traditional Indian sport of Gilli Danda. The equipment required comprises: (1) A danda (a long, sturdy wooden stick roughly two feet long) and (2) A gilli (a small wooden cylindrical peg, four to five inches long, tapered at both ends).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Game identified: Gilli Danda
1 Mark
Two equipment pieces: danda (long stick) and gilli (tapered peg)
1 Mark
Q2
Let us Think • Comprehension
According to the verses, what emotions and atmosphere do the players experience while playing Gilli Danda?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The players experience immense exhilaration, freedom, laughter, and camaraderie. Playing under open skies fills their hearts with merry joy and healthy, energetic competition.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Joy, laughter, and high energy identified
1 Mark
Sense of freedom and open-air camaraderie
1 Mark
Q3
Let us Think • Comprehension
Explain what happens mechanically when the danda strikes the tapered tip of the gilli.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
When the player strikes one of the tapered, pointed ends of the gilli lying on the ground with the danda, it flips abruptly into the air. While the gilli is spinning airborne, the player quickly swings the danda to strike it with full force, sending it flying across the field.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Tapping the tapered end flips the gilli into the air
1.5 Marks
Second mid-air strike sends it flying forward across the field
1.5 Marks
Q4
Let us Think • Comprehension
Quote two specific lines from the poem that prove the game is played outdoors in open spaces.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Two textual lines that establish outdoor play are:
- "In the open air and under the sky."
- "The small gilli, up high it flies, / Underneath the bright blue skies."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Line 1 quoted accurately
1 Mark
Line 2 quoted accurately
1 Mark
Q5
Let us Think • Comprehension
What does the poet mean by the line 'our game is so sound'?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The phrase 'our game is so sound' means that the game is robust, physically wholesome, full of vitality, and thoroughly satisfying. It promotes genuine fitness, sharp reflexes, and joyous bonding without any artificial pretension.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Meaning of 'sound' as healthy, robust, and wholesome
1 Mark
Explanation of vitality and satisfying teamwork
1 Mark
Q6
Let us Think • Comprehension
Which specific vocabulary words in the poem express happiness and joy?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The poem employs the expressive words 'joy' and 'merry' (as well as 'fun') to signify pure happiness and delight among the children.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identification of 'joy'
1 Mark
Identification of 'merry'
1 Mark
Q7
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
Why do outdoor traditional games contribute more to a child's holistic health than indoor mobile gaming?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Outdoor games like Gilli Danda involve full-body movement, sprinting, bending, and sharp hand-eye coordination that strengthen bones and cardiovascular fitness. Furthermore, playing face-to-face teaches patience, team communication, and managing disappointments, whereas screen gaming fosters sedentary isolation and eye strain.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Physical fitness & motor coordination contrasts
1.5 Marks
Social-emotional communication vs. screen isolation
1.5 Marks
Q8
Let us Learn • Vocabulary
Vocabulary Practice: Form new words and antonyms by adding the prefixes 'un-' or 're-':
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Common → Uncommon (prefix un-)
- Write → Rewrite (prefix re-)
- Aware → Unaware (prefix un-)
- Comfortable → Uncomfortable (prefix un-)
- Arrange → Rearrange (prefix re-)
- Think → Rethink (prefix re-)
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Prefix 'un-' words formed correctly
1.5 Marks
Prefix 're-' words formed correctly
1.5 Marks
Q9
Let us Learn • Grammar
Grammar Practice: Complete the sentences using appropriate Absolute Possessive Pronouns (mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs):
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- I crafted this smooth wooden danda, so it is mine.
- Rohan forgot his bat, but Priya brought hers.
- We built this cricket pitch together; therefore, the trophy is ours.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Sentence 1: 'mine' correct
1 Mark
Sentence 2: 'hers' correct
1 Mark
Sentence 3: 'ours' correct
1 Mark
Q10
Let us Write • Rulebook Writing
Write a clear, numbered 4-point guide on 'How to Play Gilli Danda Safely':
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Official Safety Rules for Gilli Danda:
- Select an Open Field: Always play in large grassy grounds or empty public parks, never in congested narrow residential alleys with glass windows.
- Clear Fielders' Perimeter: Fielders must stand at a safe distance (at least 15 meters away) in front of the striker, keeping their eyes focused on the airborne gilli.
- Check Equipment Quality: Ensure the wooden danda has no sharp splinters and the gilli ends are smooth to avoid skin cuts.
- Turn-by-Turn Striking: Only one striker swings the danda at any time; bystanders must remain strictly behind the batting mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Open space and field safety rules
2 Marks
Equipment integrity and turn discipline
2 Marks
Q11
Let us Explore • Cultural Heritage
Project Work: Research and document three indigenous traditional sports of India other than Gilli Danda.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- 1. Kabaddi: An ancient contact tag sport requiring breath control (chanting 'kabaddi'), lightning raid agility, and tactical defensive tackling.
- 2. Kho-Kho: High-speed chase game where nine sitting players face alternate directions, requiring rapid sprinting, dodging, and teamwork.
- 3. Mallakhamb: Traditional gymnastics performed on a vertical wooden teak pole, developing extraordinary core strength, balance, and flexibility.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three traditional Indian sports accurately identified
1.5 Marks
Core athletic skills and rules documented for each
1.5 Marks
Q12
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 1] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q13
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 2] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q14
Word Building • Vocabulary Bank & Word Families • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 3] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q15
Grammar in Context • Syntax, Tenses & Parts of Speech • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 4] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q16
Let's Write • Creative Composition & Expression • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 5] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q17
Spoken English • Pronunciation & Phonics • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 6] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q18
Say Aloud • Rhyming Pairs & Auditory Discrimination • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 7] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q19
Team Time & Activity • Collaborative Project Work • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 8] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q20
Curriculum Competency • Value Analysis & Ethics • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 9] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q21
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 10] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q22
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • Gilli Danda
[Textbook Exercise 11] In 'Gilli Danda', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Gilli Danda, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Reviving Traditional Sports & Digital Detox for Youth
A public health survey revealed that 75% of primary students in an urban housing society spend over four hours daily on smartphones and tablets, leading to childhood obesity, poor social skills, and vitamin D deficiencies. The resident welfare association wants to launch an evening indigenous sports initiative.
Analytical Task: Draw on themes from 'Gilli Danda' to draft a 3-pillar action plan for the residential society to re-introduce traditional sports and encourage a healthy digital detox.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Three-Pillar Community Sports Revival Plan:
- Designate 'Vehicle-Free Play Hours': Block internal society lanes from car traffic every evening between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM, creating safe, supervised zones for Gilli Danda, Kho-Kho, and Hopscotch.
- Grandparents' Traditional Sports Workshop: Invite elderly residents to teach children the authentic rules, wood-crafting tips, and tactics of indigenous games like Gilli Danda, building intergenerational warmth.
- Monthly Inter-Block Tournaments: Organize weekend mini-tournaments with handmade certificates, fruit baskets, and trophies to build pride and excitement around outdoor sports.
Rubric: 1.5 Marks for identifying screen addiction risks + 3.5 Marks for 3 feasible, vibrant community sports initiatives = 5 Marks