KSEEB Class 9 · English (1st language) · KTBS Revised 2024-25
The Portrait of a Lady
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Karnataka Board Class 9 English.
Free online summary and notes (Karnataka Board Class 9 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
Khushwant Singh (1915–2014) was one of India's best-known English writers, editor, and journalist. "The Portrait of a Lady" from his autobiography sketches his grandmother with unsentimental tenderness. The essay is a standard Indian school text for its clear prose and emotional honesty.
Summary
Singh grows up with his grandmother in the village. She walks him to school, recites prayers, and bathes and dresses him.
Singh grows up with his grandmother in the village. She walks him to school, recites prayers, and bathes and dresses him.
He describes her as old, fat, and bent - yet beautiful in his eyes. Her silver hair and constant prayer beads define her.
He describes her as old, fat, and bent - yet beautiful in his eyes. Her silver hair and constant prayer beads define her.
When they shift to the city and he goes to an English school, she cannot help with lessons. Silence grows between them.
When they shift to the city and he goes to an English school, she cannot help with lessons. Silence grows between them.
She accepts the change without complaint, feeding sparrows instead of sharing his school world. Her kindness turns outward to birds.
She accepts the change without complaint, feeding sparrows instead of sharing his school world. Her kindness turns outward to birds.
During Singh's university years he visits her. She is joyful but clearly near death, still singing and praying.
During Singh's university years he visits her. She is joyful but clearly near death, still singing and praying.
She dies quietly after praying, thousands of sparrows mourn without chirruping. The family mourns a saint-like figure.
She dies quietly after praying, thousands of sparrows mourn without chirruping. The family mourns a saint-like figure.
Hard words & meanings
| autobiography | account of one's own life written by oneself |
| ritual | actions repeated with religious or personal meaning |
| serene | undisturbed; tranquil |
| companion | a person who spends much time with another |
| acceptance | receiving change or loss without bitter protest |
| devotion | commitment to prayer and moral living |
| mourn | to feel and show sadness for a death |
| unsentimental | honest without false sweetness |
| dignity | calm honour especially in old age and death |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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