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Class 7: The Flying Carpet by Pika Nani

The Flying Carpet (Only for Reading)
Pika Nani  


Notebook Work 


Background of the Story

The story The Flying Carpet is set in the remote and culturally rich village of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It revolves around a young girl, Sibsa, and her mother, Sangey, a skilled traditional weaver. The story beautifully blends elements of imagination, family bonds, and cultural heritage. It also highlights the life of handloom weavers and the importance of preserving traditional crafts in a rapidly modernising world.

Summary 

  1. Sibsa hears a story about a flying carpet at school and becomes fascinated by it.
  2. She develops a strong desire to have a real flying carpet of her own.
  3. She asks her mother, Sangey, to weave a magical flying carpet for her.
  4. Sangey, a skilled weaver, lovingly begins creating a special carpet instead of a literal flying carpet.
  5. The carpet beautifully depicts the landscapes, culture, and life of Tawang.
  6. Sibsa slowly realizes that the true magic of the carpet lies in imagination, not in reality.
  7. She imagines herself flying over mountains, rivers, monasteries, and village life.
  8. Through imagination, she explores the beauty of her surroundings in a magical way.
  9. Sibsa often feels lonely as her father lives in Mumbai for work and is away from the family.
  10. The carpet becomes a symbol of her emotional connection with her mother and her homeland.
  11. The carpet is taken to an exhibition in Itanagar, which initially makes Sibsa upset and emotional.
  12. Despite her disappointment, Sangey’s artistic talent receives appreciation and recognition.
  13. Sangey is given an opportunity to showcase her work at a national-level exhibition in Mumbai.
  14. This opportunity brings hope, success, and recognition for her craftsmanship.
  15. Ultimately, the journey leads to a family reunion in Mumbai, bringing joy to Sibsa.
  16. The story ends by highlighting imagination, cultural pride, and the value of traditional art. 
Flowchart

Sibsa hears flying carpet story
⬇️
Desires a magical carpet
⬇️
Sangey weaves a cultural carpet of Tawang
⬇️
Sibsa imagines flying using the carpet
⬇️
Father is away → emotional longing
⬇️
Carpet taken to exhibition
⬇️
Recognition of Sangey’s art
⬇️
Opportunity in Mumbai exhibition
⬇️
Family reunion + success

Setting

  • Place: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India (remote Himalayan village)
  • Secondary location: Itanagar and Mumbai
  • Environment: Natural beauty, monasteries, mountains, and traditional weaving culture
Tone
  • Warm and emotional
  • Inspirational
  • Reflective and cultural
Mood
  • Imaginative and dreamy
  • Emotional and nostalgic
  • Hopeful and uplifting
Perspective
  • Third-person narrative
  • Focuses mainly on Sibsa’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences
Key Words

Imagination, weaving, Tawang, carpet, family, mother-daughter bond, culture, handicrafts, dreams, tradition, heritage

Central Idea

The story emphasizes the power of imagination and the importance of cultural heritage, family bonding, and recognition of traditional art forms.

Themes

  • Power of imagination
  • Family relationships and bonding
  • Cultural heritage and tradition
  • Hard work and recognition
  • Childhood innocence and dreams
  • Rural life and identity
Message

Imagination can transform ordinary life into extraordinary experiences, and traditional art and culture deserve respect, preservation, and recognition. Family love and support play a vital role in shaping dreams and success.

Literary Devices

  • Symbolism: The carpet symbolizes imagination, culture, and dreams
  • Imagery: Vivid descriptions of Tawang landscapes and monasteries
  • Metaphor: Carpet as a “flying carpet” representing imagination
  • Emotional appeal: Strong bond between mother and daughter
  • Descriptive narration: Cultural and natural beauty of Tawang
Title Justification & Significance

The title “The Flying Carpet” symbolizes the power of imagination. While the carpet is physically woven by Sangey, it becomes “flying” through Sibsa’s imagination, allowing her to explore her world creatively. It reflects how art and imagination can transcend physical boundaries.

Characters
Sibsa

  • Curious and imaginative
  • Innocent and dreamy
  • Emotionally sensitive
  • Deeply attached to her parents
  • Creative thinker (uses imagination to “fly”)
  • Sometimes impatient (wants a real flying carpet)
Sangey (Mother)
  • Skilled and talented traditional weaver
  • Loving and caring mother
  • Patient and understanding
  • Creative and artistic
  • Proud of her cultural heritage
  • Supportive of Sibsa’s imagination
Sibsa’s Father
  • Lives in Mumbai due to work
  • Responsible and hardworking
  • Physically distant but emotionally connected to family
  • Represents sacrifice for family livelihood
Question and Answers





Higher Order Thinking Skills Question (HOTS)








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