Gilli Danda — Chapter Notes NCERT Extra Notes for Class 5 English Chapter 7 Santoor Book
Gilli Danda — Notes & Key Points
Here are detailed notes in English for the chapter “Gilli Danda” (Class 5 English, Santoor, NCERT).
1. What is Gilli Danda?
- Gilli Danda is a traditional Indian outdoor game, often played by children in rural and semi-urban areas.
- It requires very simple equipment:
- A danda (a long stick)
- A gilli (a small wooden peg or stick)
- The objective is to hit the gilli with the danda and make it fly as far as possible.
2. Summary / What the Poem Says
The poem captures the joy and energy of children playing Gilli Danda outdoors under the bright sun and blue sky.
- In the first stanza, children gather in the playground with their danda and gilli, excited to begin a game.
- The second stanza describes how they count “one, two, three,” swing the danda, hit the gilli, and continue playing joyfully with their friends, never giving up.
- In the third stanza, the gilli goes flying up into the sky, and the children laugh and play under the sun and open sky, enjoying each moment of freedom and fun.
3. Important / Difficult Words & Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gather | To come together or assemble |
| Swing | Move back and forth or strike with a sweeping motion |
| Underneath | Directly below something |
| Joy | Great happiness or delight |
| Golden | Having the colour of gold; like in the sunlit rays |
| Play | To engage in fun activities or games |
| Quit | To stop doing something |
| Sound (in “our game is so sound”) | Strong, lively, enjoyable |
| Fun | Enjoyment or amusement |
| Fly | To move through the air |
4. Theme / Central Idea
- Joy of simple games: The poem celebrates how children can find great happiness with simple tools—no expensive toys needed.
- Friendship and togetherness: Playing together makes the experience richer and full of energy.
- Freedom & innocence: The imagery of the gilli flying under open sky, warm sunlight, and carefree laughter evokes childhood freedom.
5. Moral / Lessons
- Cherish simple pleasures; one does not need expensive things to be happy.
- Outdoor games help in friendship, health, and fun.
- Creativity and imagination flourish when we play with minimal resources.
Poem: “Gilli Danda” — Stanza-wise Summary and Explanation
Here’s a stanza-wise (line-by-line) explanation and summary of Class 5 English “Gilli Danda” (Santoor textbook, NCERT Unit 7) — in simple English
Stanza 1
In the playground, we gather around,
With our gilli and danda on the ground.
Explanation:
The children meet in the playground to play their favourite traditional game — Gilli Danda.
They place their small wooden peg (gilli) and stick (danda) on the ground, ready to start.
Summary:
This stanza introduces the setting — a lively playground where friends come together for fun.
Stanza 2
One, two, three, swing and hit,
With every turn, we never quit.
Explanation:
The game begins! The children count and swing their danda to hit the gilli.
Even if they miss sometimes, they don’t give up — they keep trying again and again.
Summary:
This stanza shows their determination and teamwork while playing.
Stanza 3
The gilli flies up high in the air,
We watch it spin without a care.
Explanation:
When the gilli is hit, it soars into the air, spinning beautifully.
The children cheer and watch it rise freely in the sky, filled with joy and wonder.
Summary:
It captures the excitement of the game and the feeling of freedom it gives.
Stanza 4
Underneath the bright blue skies,
Our laughter and joy begin to rise.
Explanation:
The game takes place outdoors in nature — beneath the vast blue sky.
The children’s laughter echoes as their happiness grows.
Summary:
This stanza celebrates the connection between nature and happiness.
Stanza 5
With friends together, side by side,
We play with joy and hearts open wide.
Explanation:
Playing together strengthens friendship.
The children enjoy every moment with open hearts, sharing smiles and fun.
Summary:
It shows the importance of friendship, teamwork, and shared joy.
Stanza 6
Under the golden rays of the sun,
We laugh and play till the day is done.
Explanation:
As the sun shines bright, they keep playing for hours.
Their laughter continues until evening — they don’t realize how time passes.
Summary:
The stanza expresses the endless fun and innocence of childhood.
Stanza 7
No gadgets, screens, or noisy toys,
Just simple fun and endless joys.
Explanation:
Unlike modern games with screens and gadgets, Gilli Danda is a simple outdoor game.
It brings natural, healthy happiness without technology.
Summary:
The stanza teaches us that true joy comes from simple play, not gadgets.
Stanza 8
Our game so old, yet full of sound,
The spirit of joy all around!
Explanation:
Even though Gilli Danda is an old traditional game, it is full of life and excitement.
The cheerful sounds of laughter, shouts, and fun fill the air.
Summary:
The poem ends celebrating India’s rich tradition and the timeless joy of play.
Message of the Poem
- Traditional games like Gilli Danda teach teamwork, focus, and joy.
- Real happiness lies in togetherness and simple pleasures.
- We must preserve old games and outdoor fun.
Poem: “Gilli Danda” — Stanza-wise Question and Answer
Here’s the stanza-wise / paragraph-wise Question and Answer set for Class 5 English Santoor – Chapter: “Gilli Danda” (NCERT Unit 7).
Stanza 1
In the playground, we gather around,
With our gilli and danda on the ground.
Questions & Answers:
- Where do the children gather?
Answer: The children gather in the playground. - What do the children bring with them?
Answer: They bring a gilli and a danda. - What is the game they are playing?
Answer: They are playing the game of Gilli Danda. - What kind of place is the playground?
Answer: It’s an open and happy place where children play freely. - What is the mood of the children?
Answer: The children are excited and cheerful.
Stanza 2
One, two, three, swing and hit,
With every turn, we never quit.
Questions & Answers:
- What do the children do after counting?
Answer: They swing their danda to hit the gilli. - What happens when they take turns?
Answer: Each child gets a chance to hit the gilli. - Do the children give up when they miss?
Answer: No, they never quit. - What does the stanza teach us?
Answer: It teaches us not to give up and to keep trying. - Which word shows the children’s determination?
Answer: The word “never quit.”
Stanza 3
The gilli flies up high in the air,
We watch it spin without a care.
Questions & Answers:
- What happens to the gilli when it’s hit?
Answer: It flies up high in the air. - How do the children feel when they watch it?
Answer: They feel joyful and carefree. - What does the gilli do in the air?
Answer: It spins while flying. - What does the phrase “without a care” mean?
Answer: It means the children are happy and free from worries. - What image does this stanza create?
Answer: It shows the gilli spinning in the bright sky while children laugh.
Stanza 4
Underneath the bright blue skies,
Our laughter and joy begin to rise.
Questions & Answers:
- Where are the children playing?
Answer: They are playing under the bright blue sky. - What fills the air around them?
Answer: Laughter and joy fill the air. - What kind of atmosphere is described?
Answer: A cheerful and open atmosphere. - What happens to their joy as they play?
Answer: Their joy begins to rise and grow stronger. - What natural element is mentioned in this stanza?
Answer: The bright blue sky.
Stanza 5
With friends together, side by side,
We play with joy and hearts open wide.
Questions & Answers:
- Who are the children playing with?
Answer: They are playing with their friends. - How do they play the game?
Answer: They play together, side by side. - What does “hearts open wide” mean?
Answer: It means they play with love and happiness. - What value does this stanza teach?
Answer: It teaches friendship and teamwork. - What is the mood of the group?
Answer: Joyful and friendly.
Stanza 6
Under the golden rays of the sun,
We laugh and play till the day is done.
Questions & Answers:
- When do the children play Gilli Danda?
Answer: They play during the daytime under the sun. - What do the “golden rays” refer to?
Answer: They refer to the sunlight. - What do the children do all day?
Answer: They laugh and play happily. - When do they stop playing?
Answer: When the day is done or the sun sets. - What does this stanza show about their energy?
Answer: It shows that the children are full of energy and enthusiasm.
Stanza 7
No gadgets, screens, or noisy toys,
Just simple fun and endless joys.
Questions & Answers:
- What things do the children not need?
Answer: They don’t need gadgets, screens, or noisy toys. - What kind of fun do they have?
Answer: They have simple fun and endless joy. - What does this stanza teach us?
Answer: It teaches that happiness doesn’t come from technology. - What is the difference between modern games and Gilli Danda?
Answer: Modern games use screens, while Gilli Danda uses real outdoor play. - What are the two key words that describe their fun?
Answer: “Simple” and “endless.”
Stanza 8
Our game so old, yet full of sound,
The spirit of joy all around!
Questions & Answers:
- What kind of game is Gilli Danda?
Answer: It’s an old, traditional game. - Is the game still exciting?
Answer: Yes, it is full of fun and sound. - What fills the atmosphere during the game?
Answer: The spirit of joy and happiness. - What does this stanza tell us about the game?
Answer: Even though it’s old, it still brings great enjoyment. - What is the central idea of the poem?
Answer: The poem celebrates the joy of playing traditional games and friendship.