Key Words

• Rural women
• Arivoli lyakkam
• Selfrespect
• Economic implications
• Social movement

Major Themes:

• Empowerment through cycling: Women in rural Pudukkottai district use cycling as a symbol of independence, gaining freedom from societal constraints.
• Breaking gender barriers: Women are overcoming patriarchal opposition by adopting cycling as part of their daily routines.
• The link between literacy and mobility: The Arivoli lyakkam literacy campaign plays a crucial role in promoting both education and physical mobility for women.
• Economic impact of cycling: Women save time and increase their economic productivity by cycling to different villages to sell goods or perform other tasks.
• Social change and community support: Women support one another by teaching cycling skills, leading to a collective movement toward progress.

1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.

(2 Marks Questions)

1. What does cycling represent for the women in Pudukkottai?

Answer: Cycling represents independence, freedom, and mobility for the women in Pudukkottai, allowing them to break away from societal limitations.

• Why did some women prefer “gents’ cycles” over “ladies’ cycles”?

Answer: Some women preferred “gents’ cycles” because the additional bar allowed them to seat a child or carry items more easily.

• How did cycling help women in their economic activities?

Answer: Cycling helped women by reducing their dependence on public transport, allowing them to save time and expand their market reach.

• What role did Arivoli lyakkam play in the cycling movement?

Answer: Arivoli lyakkam supported the cycling movement by providing social approval, training, and promoting cycling as part of the literacy drive.

• What obstacles did women face when they first started cycling?

Answer: Women faced social stigma, including dirty remarks and attacks on their character, when they first started cycling.

• Who initiated the idea of promoting cycling among rural women?

Answer: Sheela Rani Chunkath, the former district collector of Pudukkottai, initiated the idea of promoting cycling among rural women as part of the literacy drive.

• How did the women overcome societal resistance to cycling?

Answer: The women overcame societal resistance by gaining confidence, supported by the Arivoli lyakkam movement, and through determination to assert their rights.

• Why is cycling compared to flying an airplane in the text?

Answer: Cycling is compared to flying an airplane because, for rural women, learning to cycle was as empowering and liberating as achieving a monumental task.

• What is the significance of the all women cycle rally in 1992?

Answer: The all women cycle rally in 1992 was significant because it was a powerful demonstration of women’s independence and the success of the cycling movement in Pudukkottai.

1. What are the benefits of cycling besides economic ones, as mentioned in the text?

Answer: Besides economic benefits, cycling gives women a sense of freedom, independence, and self-respect, which are equally valuable.

1. How did cycling improve the mobility of rural women?

Answer: Cycling improved the mobility of rural women by allowing them to travel freely without relying on public transport or men, which gave them more independence in their daily lives.

1. How does the literacy movement connect with the cycling initiative?

Answer: The literacy movement, Arivoli lyakkam, connected with the cycling initiative by encouraging neo-literate women to learn cycling as a way to enhance their independence and mobility.

1. Why was there a shortage of “ladies’ cycles” in Pudukkottai?

Answer: There was a shortage of “ladies’ cycles” in Pudukkottai because of the large demand created by the cycling movement, with thousands of women wanting to learn cycling.

1. What were the economic benefits for women who cycled to sell their produce?

Answer: The economic benefits for women who cycled to sell their produce included saving time, expanding the number of villages they could reach, and having more time to focus on selling.

1. How did cycling help women manage their household chores?

Answer: Cycling helped women manage their household chores by allowing them to combine tasks like fetching water or carrying children while travelling to work or selling goods.

1. What role did men play in the cycling movement?

Answer: Some men, like Muthu Bhaskaran, supported the cycling movement by writing songs that encouraged women to learn cycling, while others were initially hesitant or hostile.

1. How did UNICEF respond to the cycling movement?

Answer: Impressed by the cycling movement, UNICEF sanctioned fifty mopeds for Arivoli women activists, recognizing the importance of mobility for rural women.

1. What challenges do women still face in affording bicycles?

Answer: Many women in Pudukkottai still face challenges in affording bicycles, as each cycle costs over Rs.1,400, making it difficult for them to own one.

1. How has the cycling movement changed Pudukkottai?

Answer: The cycling movement has transformed Pudukkottai by empowering a large number of rural women to gain independence, confidence, and mobility, altering the district’s social fabric.

• How does cycling boost women’s self-respect, according to the text?

Answer: Cycling boosts women’s self-respect by allowing them to feel independent and capable, breaking away from traditional roles that kept them dependent on men.

• What challenges did women face when they began learning to cycle, and how did they overcome them? Answer: Women faced social stigma and verbal abuse when they began cycling, but they overcame these challenges through determination, support from Arivoli lyakkam, and the confidence gained from their new skills.
• How did cycling contribute to the economic empowerment of women in rural areas?

Answer: Cycling contributed to the economic empowerment of women by giving them the ability to reach more markets, save time, and reduce their dependence on unreliable public transportation.

• Why did Arivoli lyakkam include cycling as part of its literacy campaign?

Answer: Arivoli lyakkam included cycling in its literacy campaign because it saw mobility as a key factor in building confidence and independence among newly literate women, enabling them to fully participate in society.

• What impact did cycling have on the daily lives of women in Pudukkottai?

Answer: Cycling had a profound impact on the daily lives of women by giving them the freedom to travel without waiting for buses or relying on men, allowing them to manage both household and economic activities more efficiently.

• How did the cycling movement reflect the broader goal of gender equality?

Answer: The cycling movement reflected the broader goal of gender equality by challenging traditional gender roles, giving women the freedom to move independently, and asserting their right to public spaces and opportunities.

• In what ways did cycling enhance the literacy campaign’s objectives?

Answer: Cycling enhanced the literacy campaign’s objectives by increasing women’s mobility, which allowed them to access education, employment, and social activities that were previously out of reach due to transportation barriers.

• How did the social perception of cycling change over time in Pudukkottai?

Answer: Initially, cycling was met with resistance and negative comments, but over time, it gained social acceptance as more women adopted it and proved its value in improving their lives.

• How does the story of the cycling movement in Pudukkottai serve as an example of grassroots social change?

Answer: The story of the cycling movement in Pudukkottai serves as an example of grassroots social change by showing how a simple activity like cycling can empower women, challenge societal norms, and inspire widespread social progress.

• What role did community support play in the success of the cycling movement?

Answer: Community support, particularly from women who trained others for free and activists who promoted cycling, played a crucial role in the success of the movement by creating a strong network of solidarity and encouragement.

• How did the cycling movement create new opportunities for women in terms of employment and education?

Answer: The cycling movement created new opportunities for women by giving them the freedom to travel to distant villages, access education, and sell goods more efficiently, thus opening up new avenues for employment and personal growth.

1. Answer the following questions in about 60 words each

(3 Marks)

1. Why did women in Pudukkottai want to learn cycling?

Answer: Women in Pudukkottai wanted to learn cycling because it gave them independence, freedom, and the ability to travel without relying on others. It allowed them to reach more places to sell goods, manage household tasks more easily, and gain confidence. Cycling also represented breaking away from traditional gender roles that limited their mobility.

• How did cycling help women improve their daily lives?

Answer: Cycling helped women improve their daily lives by allowing them to travel faster and more efficiently. They no longer had to wait for buses or depend on men for transportation. This gave them more time to focus on their work, household tasks, and education. It also helped them earn more money by reaching more markets to sell their produce.

• What was the role of the Arivoli lyakkam movement in teaching women to cycle?

Answer: The Arivoli lyakkam movement played a key role in teaching women to cycle by organizing training camps and encouraging them to learn. It supported women by promoting the idea that cycling was a symbol of freedom and independence. The movement also helped women gain the confidence to overcome societal opposition and become more mobile and self-reliant.

• How did cycling change the way women were viewed in their community?

Answer: Cycling changed the way women were viewed in their community by challenging traditional gender roles. As more women started cycling, they were seen as independent and capable of managing their own lives. Although some people initially opposed the idea, over time, it became a symbol of women’s empowerment and freedom, and the community started to accept and respect it.

• Why did cycling become a symbol of freedom for women in Pudukkottai?

Answer: Cycling became a symbol of freedom for women in Pudukkottai because it allowed them to break free from restrictions that limited their movement. By learning to cycle, women gained the ability to travel independently for work, education, and household chores. It also gave them a sense of confidence and control over their lives, making cycling a powerful symbol of their independence.

• How did women manage to overcome the societal stigma of cycling?

Answer: Women managed to overcome the societal stigma of cycling by staying determined and supporting each other. With the help of the Arivoli lyakkam movement, they gained confidence in their abilities and refused to be held back by negative comments or opposition. As more women started cycling, the community began to accept it as normal, and the stigma eventually faded.

• Why did cycling help women save time in their daily activities?

Answer: Cycling helped women save time in their daily activities by allowing them to travel more quickly between villages and markets. They no longer had to wait for unreliable buses or walk long distances. This extra time allowed them to focus more on their businesses, education, or household tasks, making their daily routines more efficient and productive.

• What role did men play in the cycling movement?

Answer: Some men supported the cycling movement by encouraging women to learn and by writing songs that inspired them. However, there were also men who initially opposed women cycling because they believed it challenged traditional gender roles. Over time, as the benefits of cycling became clear, more men accepted and supported the movement, recognizing its importance in empowering women.

• How did the cycling movement contribute to gender equality?

Answer: The cycling movement contributed to gender equality by giving women the freedom to move around independently, which was previously something only men could do. As more women began to cycle, they gained confidence and started challenging traditional gender roles that limited their opportunities. The movement showed that women could be just as independent and capable as men, helping to create more equal opportunities for both genders.

1. What challenges did women face when they first started cycling?

Answer: Women faced challenges like negative comments, opposition from men, and societal expectations when they first started cycling. Some people believed that women should not be independent or travel alone. However, with the support of the Arivoli lyakkam movement and their own determination, women overcame these challenges and proved that cycling was a tool for empowerment and freedom.

1. How did cycling improve women’s economic opportunities in Pudukkottai?

Answer: Cycling improved women’s economic opportunities in Pudukkottai by allowing them to travel quickly to different villages to sell their goods. This saved time and enabled them to reach more customers, increasing their income. With cycling, women could also combine household tasks with work, making them more productive and efficient in both areas.

1. Why did some women prefer “gents’ cycles” over “ladies’ cycles”?

Answer: Some women preferred “gents’ cycles” because they were sturdier and had an extra bar, which made it easier to carry heavy items or seat a child. Although traditionally designed for men, these cycles were more practical for the women’s needs, especially when travelling between villages with goods or performing household tasks while cycling.

1. What was the significance of the all women cycle rally in 1992?

Answer: The all women cycle rally in 1992 was significant because it demonstrated the strength of the cycling movement in Pudukkottai. Over 1,500 women participated, showing the community that women could be independent and capable. It helped to challenge societal norms, promote gender equality, and inspire other women to take up cycling as a way to improve their lives.

1. How did cycling help women gain confidence and independence?

Answer: Cycling helped women gain confidence and independence by allowing them to travel on their own without relying on men or public transport. It gave them the freedom to move around freely for work, education, and household tasks. This newfound mobility helped women feel more in control of their lives and boosted their self-esteem, as they were able to manage their responsibilities more effectively.

1. How did cycling benefit women both economically and socially?

Answer: Cycling benefited women economically by allowing them to travel quickly to different markets to sell their goods, which increased their income. It also saved them time, which they could use for other activities. Socially, cycling gave women the confidence to challenge traditional gender roles and become more independent. It helped them gain respect in their communities and encouraged other women to join the movement for empowerment.

1. What impact did cycling have on household chores for women?

Answer: Cycling made it easier for women to manage household chores by allowing them to combine tasks, such as fetching water or carrying children, while travelling. With a bicycle, women could save time and energy, making their daily routines more efficient. This gave them more time to focus on other activities, such as selling goods or participating in community events, without compromising their household responsibilities.

1. How did the Arivoli lyakkam movement support women’s cycling?

Answer: The Arivoli lyakkam movement supported women’s cycling by organizing training sessions, encouraging women to learn, and promoting cycling as a symbol of freedom and independence. The movement provided the social approval women needed to challenge societal norms and helped them gain the confidence to overcome opposition. Through its efforts, the movement empowered women to take control of their lives and become more independent.

1. Why was cycling considered a revolutionary act for women in Pudukkottai?

Answer: Cycling was considered a revolutionary act for women in Pudukkottai because it defied traditional gender roles that restricted women’s mobility and independence. By learning to cycle, women were able to travel freely and take control of their lives, challenging societal expectations. The act of cycling represented a break from the past, where women were expected to be dependent on men for transportation, and symbolized their empowerment.

1. How did the cycling movement improve women’s mobility and access to resources?

Answer: The cycling movement improved women’s mobility by giving them a fast and reliable way to travel between villages and markets. This allowed them to access resources like education, healthcare, and economic opportunities more easily. With increased mobility, women could reach more customers, sell their goods more efficiently, and participate in community activities, all of which helped improve their overall quality of life.

• How did women help each other learn to cycle?

Answer: Women helped each other learn to cycle by forming supportive groups where those who already knew how to cycle taught others. They practiced together, encouraged each other, and shared tips to improve their skills. This sense of community and solidarity helped many women overcome their fears and gain confidence in cycling, contributing to the success of the movement and creating a strong network of support among women in Pudukkottai.

• How did cycling change the lives of rural women in Pudukkottai?

Answer: Cycling changed the lives of rural women in Pudukkottai by giving them independence and mobility. They were no longer reliant on men or public transport to travel. It allowed them to combine household chores with economic activities, expanded the number of villages they could access for work, and boosted their confidence. For many, cycling became a symbol of freedom, helping them break away from traditional gender constraints.

• What role did Arivoli lyakkam play in promoting cycling among rural women?

Answer: Arivoli lyakkam, the “Light of Knowledge” movement, played a crucial role in promoting cycling among rural women by integrating it into its literacy campaign. It provided social sanction for women to cycle, organized training camps, and encouraged newly literate women to learn cycling as a way to boost their independence. The movement supported women in overcoming societal resistance, helping them gain confidence and mobility.

• How did women benefit economically from cycling?

Answer: Women benefited economically from cycling by saving time on transportation, expanding the area they could cover for selling goods, and reducing their dependence on buses or men for travel. This increased their productivity, allowing them to focus more on their businesses, which boosted their income. Additionally, cycling helped them balance economic activities with household tasks, making them more efficient and independent.

• How did the cycling movement address gender inequality in Pudukkottai?

Answer: The cycling movement addressed gender inequality in Pudukkottai by challenging traditional norms that restricted women’s mobility. By learning to cycle, women gained the freedom to travel independently, breaking away from societal expectations that kept them confined to their homes. The movement empowered women to assert their rights, take control of their lives, and participate more fully in social and economic activities, thus promoting gender equality.

• What were the social and psychological impacts of cycling on rural women?

Answer: The social and psychological impacts of cycling on rural women were profound. Socially, it helped them break free from gender roles that restricted their mobility and independence. Psychologically, it boosted their self-confidence, self-respect, and sense of freedom. For many women, cycling became a symbol of empowerment, allowing them to challenge societal norms and assert their rights. It also fostered a sense of community and solidarity among women.

• Why did some women face opposition when they started cycling, and how did they overcome it?

Answer: Some women faced opposition when they started cycling due to societal norms that discouraged women from being independent or mobile. They were subjected to derogatory remarks and attacks on their character. However, they overcame this resistance with determination, support from the Arivoli lyakkam movement, and the confidence gained from cycling itself. Over time, their persistence led to broader social acceptance of women cycling.

• How did the cycling movement lead to economic changes in Pudukkottai?

Answer: The cycling movement led to economic changes in Pudukkottai by enabling women to travel to multiple villages to sell their produce without waiting for buses or relying on men. This increased their productivity and market reach, allowing them to earn more money. Cycling also saved time, which women could use for both economic activities and household chores, boosting their overall efficiency and economic standing.

• How did the International Women’s Day cycle rally in 1992 impact Pudukkottai?

Answer: The International Women’s Day cycle rally in 1992 had a significant impact on Pudukkottai by drawing attention to the growing cycling movement. With over 1,500 women participating, the rally showcased women’s independence and confidence, challenging traditional gender roles. It stunned the town’s inhabitants, symbolizing the social progress being made through the movement, and helped further legitimize cycling as a tool for women’s empowerment.

• How did cycling give women a sense of independence and freedom, according to the women interviewed in the text?

Answer: According to the women interviewed, cycling gave them a sense of independence and freedom by allowing them to move around without waiting for buses or relying on men. It freed them from societal expectations and enabled them to travel where and when they wanted, for work or personal reasons. Cycling also provided them with the confidence to take control of their lives and assert their rights in public spaces.

• How did the cycling movement contribute to social change in Pudukkottai?

Answer: The cycling movement contributed to social change in Pudukkottai by empowering women to challenge traditional gender roles and societal norms. It gave women the freedom to travel independently, increased their confidence, and allowed them to participate more fully in economic and social activities. The movement also fostered a sense of solidarity among women, as they taught and supported each other in learning to cycle, creating a collective push for progress.

(FROM QUESTION BANK)

1. Where was cycling as a social movement started according to P. Sainath?

Answer: Cycling as a social movement was started in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, according to P. Sainath.

• What is meant by ‘neo-cyclists’ mentioned in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’?

Answer: ‘Neo-cyclists’ refers to newly literate women who have recently learned how to cycle.

• Name one of the three women who trained other women in cycling in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’. Answer: Jameela Bibi is one of the three women who trained others in cycling.
• What does the bicycle represent for rural women according to P. Sainath?

Answer: The bicycle represents independence, freedom, and mobility for rural women.

• Who have been benefited the most by cycling according to P. Sainath?

Answer: Rural women, especially neo-literates, have benefited the most by cycling.

• Who took to ‘cycling’ as a social movement in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’?

Answer: Neo-literate rural women in Pudukkottai took to cycling as a social movement.

• Which movement helped the ‘neo-literates’ to become ‘neo-cyclists’ according to P. Sainath?

Answer: The Arivoli lyakkam (Light of Knowledge Movement) helped neo-literates become neo-cyclists.

• What has been a chosen medium for rural women of Pudukkottai according to P. Sainath?

Answer: Cycling has been the chosen medium for rural women of Pudukkottai.

• Name the quarry worker and Arivoli volunteer who trains other women in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’.

Answer: Manormani is the quarry worker and Arivoli volunteer who trains other women.

1. What was Fathi ma by profession according to P. Sainath?

Answer: Fathima was a secondary school teacher.

1. Who gave social sanction to cycling according to P. Sainath?

Answer: The Arivoli lyakkam movement gave social sanction to cycling.

1. What is “Arivoli lyakkam’ mentioned in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’?

Answer: ‘Arivoli lyakkam’ is the Light of Knowledge Movement that promoted literacy and cycling.

1. Who is one of the pioneers of the cycling movement according to P. Sainath?

Answer: N. Kannammal is one of the pioneers of the cycling movement.

1. Who was Manormani mentioned in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’?

Answer: Manormani is a quarry worker and Arivoli volunteer who trains other women in cycling.

1. Who was Muttu Bhaskaran mentioned in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’?

Answer: Muttu Bhaskaran was a male Arivoli activist who wrote a famous cycling song.

1. Name the Arivoli activist who wrote the famous cycling song according to P. Sainath.

Answer: Muttu Bhaskaran wrote the famous cycling song.

1. Who is Sheela Rani Chunkath mentioned in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’?

Answer: Sheela Rani Chunkath is the former district collector of Pudukkottai and the brainchild behind the cycling movement.

1. In which official position was Sheela Rani Chunkath according to P. Sainath?

Answer: Sheela Rani Chunkath was the district collector of Pudukkottai.

1. Who sanctioned fifty mopeds for Arivoli women activists according to P. Sainath?

Answer: UNICEF sanctioned fifty mopeds for Arivoli women activists.

• Who was S. Kannakarajan mentioned in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’?

Answer: S. Kannakarajan was the owner of Ram Cycles, a bicycle shop in Pudukkottai.

• Mention one of the reasons for women’s buying of gents’ cycles according to P. Sainath.

Answer: Women bought gents’ cycles because they had an extra bar, which made it easier to carry children and goods.

• What led to a shortage of ‘ladies cycles’ in Pudukkottai according to P. Sainath?

Answer: The massive demand for cycles by women led to a shortage of ‘ladies cycles’ in Pudukkottai.

• Where did the rural women display their new cycling skills according to P. Sainath?

Answer: Rural women displayed their cycling skills in public ‘exhibition-cum-contests’.

• What did the banks provide the women of Pudukkottai with according to P. Sainath?

Answer: The banks provided loans for women to buy bicycles.

• What according to P. Sainath played a big role in undermining women’s confidence?

Answer: Lack of mobility played a big role in undermining women’s confidence.

• Who was the owner of Ram Cycles according to P. Sainath?

Answer: S. Kannakarajan was the owner of Ram Cycles.

• Whose brainchild is the cycling movement according to P. Sainath?

Answer: The cycling movement was the brainchild of Sheela Rani Chunkath.

• Name the district of Tamil Nadu in which cycling has been a social movement.

Answer: Pudukkottai district in Tamil Nadu.

1. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each

(4 Marks)

1. What changes are noticed in Pudukkottai by P. Sainath during the eighteen months?

Answer: In the eighteen months, P. Sainath observed a remarkable social transformation in Pudukkottai. Over 100,000 rural women, especially neo-literates, embraced cycling as a symbol of independence and mobility. This change was accompanied by public displays of their new skills, with over 70,000 women participating in cycling exhibitions. The bicycle became a tool of empowerment, reducing women’s dependency on men and enabling them to manage their daily tasks with greater efficiency.

• How according to P. Sainath has cycling swept across Pudukkottai district?

Answer: According to P. Sainath, cycling spread rapidly across Pudukkottai, driven by women’s desire for freedom and independence. It became a social movement, embraced by women from various professions like agricultural laborers, health nurses, and teachers. The Arivoli lyakkam literacy movement played a key role in promoting this. The enthusiasm was such that even a shortage of ladies’ cycles did not deter the women, who used men’s cycles when needed, transforming cycling into a widespread phenomenon.

• Why does P. Sainath say that visiting a cycling training camp is an unusual experience?

Answer: P. Sainath found visiting a cycling training camp unusual because of the passion and determination of the women involved. Many of them, who had never cycled before, were eager to break social barriers and assert their independence. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the women viewed cycling not just as a skill but as a powerful statement of personal and social freedom, challenging longstanding gender roles and societal norms.

• Explain the role played by Sheela Rani Chunkath in the cycling movement in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’.

Answer: Sheela Rani Chunkath, the district collector of Pudukkottai, played a crucial role in initiating the cycling movement. She recognized the importance of mobility for women’s empowerment and integrated it into the district’s literacy drive. She worked with banks to secure loans for women to buy cycles and encouraged local authorities to support the initiative. Her leadership and vision made cycling a symbol of progress and self-reliance for rural women in Pudukkottai.

• How did the women react to the shortage of ladies’ cycles according to P. Sainath?

Answer: When there was a shortage of ladies’ cycles, the women of Pudukkottai did not let it hinder their progress. Many opted for gents’ cycles, which, although different in design, served the same purpose. Some women even found advantages in using gents’ cycles, like seating children on the additional bar. Their adaptability and determination to continue cycling despite the lack of resources highlighted their commitment to their newfound freedom.

• What are the economic implications of cycling according to P. Sainath?

Answer: P. Sainath points out that cycling brought significant economic benefits to women in Pudukkottai. It saved time spent waiting for buses and allowed women to cover more villages when selling their produce. With bicycles, women could manage multiple tasks efficiently, from selling goods to fetching water, which increased their productivity. For small producers, cycling expanded their market reach and gave them more control over their time, contributing to their economic independence.

• ‘Wheel brings progress.’ Justify the statement with reference to ‘Where There Is A Wheel’.

Answer: The statement “Wheel brings progress” is justified in the context of ‘Where There Is A Wheel’ by P. Sainath, where the humble bicycle becomes a symbol of transformation in Pudukkottai. The introduction of cycling empowered rural women by enhancing their mobility, independence, and confidence. It allowed them to participate more actively in both economic and social spheres. Women could now travel without depending on men or public transport, which enabled them to explore new opportunities, break traditional barriers, and assert their rights, making the bicycle a powerful tool for progress.

• How has cycling become a metaphor for freedom in Pudukkottai? Explain.

Answer: Cycling in Pudukkottai became a metaphor for freedom as it symbolized the breaking of traditional restrictions placed on women. For the first time, rural women experienced physical and social mobility, moving beyond the confines of their homes and male imposed limitations. It allowed them to travel independently, manage daily tasks, and even improve their livelihoods. The act of cycling itself represented a rejection of societal norms, and for women like Fathima, it provided a sense of personal liberation and self-respect, making the bicycle a vehicle for their freedom.

• People find curious ways of hitting out at their backwardness. How is this brought out in ‘Where There Is A Wheel’?

Answer: In ‘Where There Is A Wheel’, the women of Pudukkottai found a unique way to combat their backwardness through cycling. Despite facing social ridicule and opposition, they adopted cycling as a means to challenge gender norms and assert their independence. The bicycle became a tool for empowerment, allowing them to break free from traditional constraints and gain control over their lives. This curious but effective choice of using a simple vehicle to overcome social limitations is a powerful example of how marginalized groups can creatively address their backwardness.

1. A humble vehicle can be a tool for women’s empowerment. Discuss.

Answer: The bicycle, a humble vehicle, proved to be a potent tool for women’s empowerment in Pudukkottai, as described in P. Sainath’s essay. It gave rural women mobility, independence, and control over their daily activities, enabling them to break free from traditional gender roles. The ability to cycle meant that women could travel without relying on men, perform tasks more efficiently, and even boost their economic prospects by reaching more markets. More importantly, cycling boosted their confidence, making the bicycle not just a mode of transport but a symbol of their liberation and empowerment.