1.3 Autobiography of a Great Indian Bustard – Class 6 – Balbharati

Author: Dr. Pramod Patil

Genre: Autobiography of a Bird / Informative Prose

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson Autobiography of a Great Indian Bustard is written in the voice of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), one of the heaviest flying birds in India. Known as “Maldhok” or “Hoom” in Marathi, it can weigh up to 18 kilos and stand four feet tall. It lives in grasslands and deserts, feeding on insects, lizards, snakes, berries, and grasshoppers, which are its favourites. During the rainy season, the male performs a special courtship dance using a feathery pouch under its neck to produce a resonating call. The female lays just one egg on the ground, which looks like a stone to protect it from predators. The chick stays with its mother for nearly a year. Once found across India, the Great Indian Bustard is now critically endangered, with only about 200 left. Hunting, power lines, and loss of habitat have reduced its numbers. The bird appeals to humans to protect it, visit sanctuaries, spread awareness, and ensure its survival.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson highlights the uniqueness of the Great Indian Bustard and the urgent need for its conservation. It teaches love for nature, responsibility towards endangered species, and awareness of environmental balance.

Character Sketches

The Great Indian Bustard (Narrator)

• Proud of being India’s heaviest flying bird.

• Strong, tall, with white neck, brown wings, yellow legs, and black cap.

• Lives in harmony with other grassland animals.

• Loves insects, especially grasshoppers and beetles.

• Appeals to humans for protection and survival.

Mrs Bustard

• Smaller and slimmer than the male.

• Lays only one egg on the ground.

• Protects the egg and chick from predators.

• Stays with the chick for one year to teach survival habits.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “We need to protect endangered birds.”

   Infinitive: to protect – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Hunters killed many Great Indian Bustards.

   Passive: Many Great Indian Bustards were killed by hunters.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We must save endangered species.”

   Must shows necessity.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: The bird said, “I live in grasslands.”

   Indirect: The bird said that it lived in grasslands.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: The chick stays with the mother for nearly one year.

   Question: How long does the chick stay with the mother?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Why is the Great Indian Bustard called ‘great’?

   It is called great because it is the heaviest flying bird in India and unique with its size, beauty, and lifestyle.

   
   

2. Why do you think the Bustard is becoming endangered?

   The Bustard is becoming endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, and accidents with power lines. Human activity has reduced its numbers drastically.

   
   

3. What lesson do we learn from this bird’s autobiography?

   We learn that protecting nature and animals is our duty. If we do not act, species may disappear forever.

   
   

4. Would you like to visit a Bustard sanctuary? Why?

   Yes, I would like to visit a Bustard sanctuary to see this rare bird, learn more about its life, and support its conservation.

   
   

5. How can students help protect endangered birds?

   Students can spread awareness, make posters, write letters, and share knowledge with family and friends about saving endangered birds.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The Great Indian Bustard is the heaviest flying bird in India. → True

2. The female Bustard lays many eggs in a nest. → False (She lays only one egg directly on the ground.)

3. Grasshoppers and beetles are favourite foods of the Bustard. → True

4. Dr Salim Ali suggested the Bustard as India’s national bird. → True

5. Today, thousands of Bustards can be found in India. → False (Only about 200 are left.)

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Describe the appearance of the Great Indian Bustard.

   It has a long white neck, brown wings, tall yellow legs, and a black cap. It is tall and weighs up to 18 kilos.

   
   

2. What special trick is used to protect the egg?

   The egg looks like a stone, which helps hide it from predators like lizards, foxes, and dogs.

   
   

3. Why did the Bustard not become India’s national bird?

   Although Dr Salim Ali suggested it, the peacock was chosen because of its beauty and cultural importance.

   
   

4. What dangers threaten the Bustard’s survival today?

   Hunting, electric power-lines, habitat loss, and human expansion threaten its survival.

   
   

5. What message does the lesson Autobiography of a Great Indian Bustard give?

   It gives the message that conservation of endangered species is urgent. Humans must act with love and responsibility towards nature.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Autobiography of a Great Indian Bustard by Dr Pramod Patil is a unique lesson told from the bird’s point of view. It creates awareness about this critically endangered species in a simple and touching way. The bird’s pride, lifestyle, and appeal for help make the lesson memorable. It is both informative and emotional, reminding readers that protecting nature and wildlife is our responsibility. The lesson is important because it combines knowledge with values of care and conservation.

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