A Snake Charmer's Story — Class 5 EVS (CBSE)
Based on the NCERT Looking Around Grade 5 textbook. Learn about snake charmers and snakes, then solve the practice set.
1. Why this chapter matters
Snake charmers have been part of Indian culture for centuries. This chapter introduces students to the Kalbeliya community — a traditional snake-charming community from Rajasthan. It also teaches about different types of snakes, their fangs, and venom. The chapter discusses wildlife protection laws and why snake charming is now illegal. Students learn to respect both the cultural traditions and the need to protect wildlife.
2. The Kalbeliya community
The Kalbeliyas are a traditional community from Rajasthan. Men used to catch snakes and women would dance and sing. The community earned their living by performing with snakes. However, India's Wildlife Protection Act (1972) made it illegal to catch and display snakes. Many Kalbeliya families have had to find other ways to earn a living.
Today, Kalbeliya dance and music have gained international recognition. UNESCO has declared Kalbeliya folk songs and dances as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
3. Types of snakes in India
India has many types of snakes. Some are venomous (poisonous), and some are not.
| Snake | Venomous? | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cobra | Yes | Hood, very venomous. One of the 'Big Four' dangerous snakes of India. |
| Viper | Yes | Triangle-shaped head, thick body, long fangs. |
| Krait | Yes | Black or blue with white bands. Very venomous. |
| Rat snake | No | Non-venomous. Helps farmers by eating rats. |
| Python | No | Non-venomous. Kills prey by squeezing (constriction). |
| Checkered keelback | No | Non-venomous. Found near water. |
4. Snake fangs and venom
Snakes use their fangs to inject venom. Venom is a type of poison that can kill prey or defend against enemies.
- Fangs: Sharp, hollow teeth that inject venom.
- Venom: A poisonous liquid produced in special glands.
- Anti-venom: A medicine that can save a person bitten by a venomous snake.
What to do if a snake bites
- Stay calm. Panic spreads venom faster.
- Keep the bitten area still and below heart level.
- Remove tight clothing or jewellery near the bite.
- Get to a hospital immediately for anti-venom.
- Do NOT cut the wound or try to suck out venom.
5. Wildlife Protection Act
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 makes it illegal to:
- Capture or keep wild animals, including snakes.
- Display snakes for entertainment.
- Trade in snake skins or other animal parts.
This law was made to protect India's wildlife from extinction. While it affected the livelihood of snake charmers, it was necessary to protect snake populations.
6. Activity corner
Activity 1: Find out if there are snake charmers in your area. Talk to elders in your family about whether they have seen snake charmers in the past.
Activity 2: Learn about the 'Big Four' venomous snakes of India. Draw each one and label its identifying features.
Activity 3: Write a paragraph about why it is important to protect snakes, even though some are venomous.
7. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking all snakes are dangerous Fix: Most snakes are non-venomous and help control pests like rats.
- Mistake: Believing snake charmers 'charm' snakes with music Fix: Snakes are deaf to airborne sounds. They follow the movement of the flute, not the music.
- Mistake: Confusing venom with poison Fix: Venom is injected (bite). Poison is ingested or absorbed (eating, touching).
8. Key facts
- Snake charmers traditionally belong to the Kalbeliya community of Rajasthan.
- The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) bans capturing and displaying snakes.
- India has 'Big Four' venomous snakes: Cobra, Krait, Russell's Viper, Saw-scaled Viper.
- Most snakes are non-venomous and helpful to farmers.
- Snake venom can be used to make anti-venom medicine.
- Kalbeliya dance is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
9. Self-test
- What community traditionally practices snake charming in Rajasthan?
- Why is snake charming now illegal?
- Name two non-venomous snakes found in India.
- What should you do if a snake bites someone?
- What is the difference between venom and poison?
10. Answer key
-
What community traditionally practices snake charming in Rajasthan? Answer: The Kalbeliya community.
-
Why is snake charming now illegal? Answer: The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) makes it illegal to capture, keep, or display wild animals including snakes.
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Name two non-venomous snakes found in India. Answer: Rat snake and python (also checkered keelback).
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What should you do if a snake bites someone? Answer: Stay calm, keep the bite still and below heart level, remove tight items, and get to a hospital for anti-venom. Do not cut the wound or suck out venom.
-
What is the difference between venom and poison? Answer: Venom is injected through a bite or sting. Poison is absorbed through eating, touching, or inhaling.
11. Quick revision
- Kalbeliya community: traditional snake charmers from Rajasthan.
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): protects snakes and other wildlife.
- India's 'Big Four' venomous snakes: Cobra, Krait, Russell's Viper, Saw-scaled Viper.
- Non-venomous snakes: Rat snake, Python.
- Snake charmers do not 'charm' snakes with music — snakes follow movement.
- Venom = injected. Poison = ingested/absorbed.
- Protect snakes — they are important for the ecosystem.
