Story 1 – A Baker from Goa by Lucio Rodrigues
A baker from Goa is a story from Glimpses of India class 10 related to the time when the Portuguese ruled Goa. The story focuses on a baker and his relevance in a Goan village. During those days people ate loaves of bread made in big furnaces. The author talks about the upheld importance of bakers even after the Portuguese left the country.
The bakers used to make jingle sounds with bamboo sticks to sell their bread. The author recalls that it was the same sound that used to wake him and his friends in childhood days and how they ran towards him without even spending time washing their mouths. The baker in the story was the author’s friend and guide. In the author’s house, the loaves of bread were usually bought by the maidservants which were served and ate with tea.
The narrator recalls that in those days bread was a crucial part of every occasion in Goa, especially the sweet bread called Bol. Baker from Goa’s story highlights that this sweet bread was a part of marriages. During that time cakes, sandwiches and numerous other items were prepared with the loaves of bread.
In those days, bakers wore a peculiar dress, ‘Kabai’ an unusual frock single-piece frock of knee-length. Since that time, the bakery has continued to be a profitable and everlasting business in Goa!
Story 2 –Coorg by Lokesh Abrol
Coorg is the story in Glimpses of India class 10 that describes the smallest district Coorg or Kodagu located in Karnataka. This heavenly place lies between two towns, namely; Mangalore and Mysore. The author claimed it to be God’s abode as it has evergreen forests, overwhelming weather, coffee plantations and flavoured spices. This place serves to be an attraction for tourists in the months of September to March.
The famous story about the Greek or Arabic descent of the Coorg describes that a fraction of Alexander’s army came there as their return was tough. They married the locals and eventually settled there. The dress code of many of the Coorgs is Kuppia which is somewhat similar to what Arabs wear. They are extremely courageous and follow the tradition of hospitality. The Indian Army’s Coorg Regiment is one of the renowned ones in our Indian Army. In addition to this the General Cariappa, the first Army Chief is from this district, Coorgi. The water source for the river Cauvery mainly comes from the hills and dense forests of the Coorg and is a habitat for the largest freshwater fish. The Brahmagiri hills provide the trekkers with an enriching experience and a mind-boggling view of Coorg. Also, the Buddhists monks stayed in Bylakuppe, a famous island near Coorg.
Story 3 – Tea from Assam by Arup Kumar Datta
This story of Glimpses of India class 10 mainly focuses on two friends who were travelling to Assam. Both of them bought tea from a roadside shopkeeper and sat there sipping the tea with one gazing at the beautiful scenery and the Pranjol focusing on his detective story. Rajvir initiated the conversation by stating to Rajvir that all over the world human beings drink around 800000000 cups of tea per day but getting unnoticed by Pranjol, Rajvir got busy watching the small tea-bushes all over the place. On the way further, they saw a building which was a tea garden.
Assam is famous for the largest tea plantation across the world and no one is aware of who discovered the tea for the first time. According to a legend in Chinese, tea leaves of some branches fell in the boiling water and gave it a lovely taste which amazed the Emperor and this marked the journey of the existence of a world-famous drink i.e. tea.
According to an Indian legend Buddhist Monk named Bodhidharma cut his eyelids to focus during meditation and avoid sleep. This led to the growing of tea leaves out of his eyelids.
Later on, they moved down to Mariani Junction and headed towards Dhekiabari Tea Estate where they saw a lady busy plucking tea leaves. Soon after that the Pranjol’s father came to pick them up and stated that he had a lot of information about tea plantations which made Rajvir curious and excited to learn from him.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 5 Glimpses of India
Part I A Baker from Goa
Page 86
Question 1.
What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Answer:
The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old
Portuguese days and their love of bread and loaves. The writer says that the eaters of loaves have left but the makers still exist.
Question 2.
Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Answer:
Yes, bread making is still popular in Goa. This is very clear from the narrator’s statement that the eaters have gone away leaving the makers behind. There are mixers, moulders and the ones who bake the loaves. The time tested furnaces still exist there.
Question 3.
What is the baker called?
Answer:
The baker is called a pader in Goa.
Question 4.
When would the baker come everyday? Why did the children run to meet him?
Answer:
The baker would come twice a day—once early in the morning and the second time when he returned after selling his stuff.
The children would run to meet him as they wanted to have bread-bangles.
Page 87
Question 1.
Match the following. What is a must
1. as marriage gifts? – cakes and bolinhas
2. for a party or a feast? – sweet bread called bol
3. for a daughter’s engagement? – bread
4. for Christmas? – sandwiches
Answer:
1. as marriage gifts – sweet bread called bol
2. for a party or a feast – bread
3. for a daughter’s engagement – sandwiches
4. for Christmas – cakes and bolinhas
Question 2.
What did the bakers wear :
1. In the Portuguese days
2. When the author was young
Answer:
1. The bakers were usually dressed up in a peculiar dress called kabai. It was a single piece long frock reaching down to the knees.
2. During his childhood days, the author saw the bakers wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full length ones and longer than half pants.
Question 3.
Who invites the comment – “he is dressed like a pader” Why?
Answer:
Any person who is wearing a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites this comment. This is because the baker, known as a pader, used to dress like that.
Question 4.
Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded?
Answer:
Monthly accounts of the baker were recorded on some wall in the house with a pencil.
Question 5.
What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?
Answer:
It means having a plump physique, like a jackfruit.
Thinking About the Text (Page 88)
Question 1.
Which of these statements are correct?
1. The pader was an important person in the village in old times.
2. Paders still exist in Goan villages.
3. The paders went away with the Portuguese.
4. The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock.
5. Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days.
6. Traditional bread-baking is still a very profitable business.
7. Paders and their families starve in the present times.
Answer:
1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Incorrect
4. Incorrect
5. Correct
6. Correct
7. Incorrect
Question 2.
Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
Answer:
Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. It is needed for marriage gifts, parties and feasts. Bread is also needed by a mother for preparing sandwiches during her daughter’s engagement. Thus, it is necessary to have breads for every occasion, because of which the presence of a baker’s furnace in the vi .age is very important
Question 3.
Tick the right answer. What is the tone of the author when he says the following?
1. The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker ‘s bamboo can still be heard in some places, (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)
2. Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession, (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)
3. I still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves, (nostalgic, hopeful, naughty)
4. The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all. (naughty, angry, funny)
5. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals, (sad, hopeful, matter-of-fact)
6. The baker dnd his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous, (matter-of-fact, hopeful, sad)
Answer:
1. Nostalgic
2. Hopeful
3. Nostalgic
4. Funny
5. Matter-of-fact
6. Matter-of-fact
Part II Coorg
Thinking About The Text
(Page 92)
Question 1.
Where is Coorg?
Answer:
Coorg or Kodagu is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is situated midway between Mysore and the cbastal town of Mangalore.
Question 2.
What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent?
Answer:
The fiercely independent people of Coorg are descendents of Greeks or Arabs. A section of Alexander’s army moved South along the coast and settled here only when they were unable to return to their country. These people married among the locals. This is the story about the descent of Kodavu people.
Question 3.
What are some of the things you now know about?
1. the people of Coorg?
2. the main crop of Coorg?
3. the sports it offers to a tourists?
4. the animals you are likely to see in Coorg?
5. its distance from Bangalore and how to get there?
Answer:
1. They are fiercely independent people and have descended from the Greeks or the Arabs.
2. Coffee is the main crop of Coorg.
3. It mostly offers adventure sports which include river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking.
4. The animals likely to be seen in Coorg are macaques, Malabar squirrel, langurs, slender loris, elephants etc.
5. By road, it is around 250 – 260 kilometres from Bangalore.
Question 4.
Here are six sentences with some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (Look in the paragraphs indicated)
1. During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg. (Para 2)
2. Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there. (Para 3)
3. The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their son’s and father’s valour. (Para 4)
4. Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high energy adventure sports of Coorg. (Para 6)
5. The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear. (Para 3)
6. Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy. (Para 7)
Answer:
1. to keep visitors away
2. As one story goes
3. are more than willing to recount
4. The most laidback individuals become converts to
5. draws support from
6. keep a watchful eye
Extra Questions for Glimpses of India Class 10 English First Flight
Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Important Questions Class 10 First Flight English
A Baker from Goa (Glimpses of India) Extra Questions
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What announces the arrival of the baker in Goa?
Answer
The thud and jingle of the specially made bamboo staff announces the arrival of the traditional baker.
Question 2. What is the baker called in Goa?
Answer
Baker is called ‘pader‘ in Goa.
Question 3. What equipments do the Goan people still own there?
Answer
They still have amongst them the mixtures, the moulders and time-tested furnaces and those who bake the loaves.
Question 4. What are the time tested things which still exist in Goa
Answer
The furnaces of the bakers of Goa are time tested things which still exist there.
Question 5. What kind of fragrance does the author still recall?
Answer
The author still recalls the typical fragrance of the baker’s loaves.
Question 6. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Answer
The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the Portuguese and their loaves of bread.
Question 7. What is a kabai?
Answer
A kabai is a type of frock made out of a single piece of cloth.
Question 8. What are those bakers known in Goa?
Answer
Those bakers are known as ‘pader’ in Goa.
Question 9. What do the elders of Goa remember nostalgically?
Answer
They remember nostalgically the old Portuguese days and the loaves of bread.
Question 10. What does the thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo indicate?
Answer
It indicates the announcement of the arrival of the baker in the morning.
Question 11. What is the name of the dress worn by the baker in olden days?
Answer
It was known with the name of kabai.
Question 12. What did the children long to get from the baker?
Answer
The children longed for to get bread-bangles from the baker.
Question 13. What was the baker’s place in Goa is the author’s childhood days?
Answer
In those days the baker was the friend, companion and guide.
Question 14. When did the baker collect his bills?
Answer
The baker collected his bills at the end of the month.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. How was the village baker very important for special occasions in the village?
Answer
The village baker was especially important for festive occasions. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘bol’. Marriage gifts were meaningless without these sweetbreads. Sandwiches, cakes, and Bolin has been a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were made with the bread.
Question 2. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
Answer
Bread is still an important part of Goan life. Marriage gifts are meaningless and a party or a feast loses its charm without bread. Sandwiches are important for a daughter’s engagement. That is what that explains the fact that the bread makers are still there.
Question 3. When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to the baker?
Answer
The baker would come twice a day. Once in the morning when he set out on his selling round, and then again after emptying his basket. In the morning the children ran to him to have bread-bangles.
Question 4. How did the baker attract the children?
Answer
The children would know about his arrival from the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his bamboo stick. They would run to meet and greet him. They tried to surround the basket but were pushed aside until the bread was delivered to the maid. Then they were allowed to choose their bread-bangles.
Question 5. Why was the baker, the friend, companion and guide of the children?
Answer
For children, the very sight of the baker was quite exciting. He was their friend, companion and guide. The jingling thud of his bamboo put them in rapture. They ran to meet and greet him. It was not so much for the love of the loaf what they longed for were the bread-bangles. Sometimes they liked the sweet bread of special make.
Question 6. What would the baker do after his musical entry?
Answer
The baker would greet the lady of the house with ‘good morning’ and then place his basket on the bamboo after his musical entry.
Question 7. How can you say, ‘bread-baking is still popular in Goa’?
Answer
Bread making is still very popular in Goa. Still, we can see the mixers, molders and those who bake the loaves. Most of their festivals and other occasions are meaningless without the loaves of bread.
Question 8. What were the bakers called? Describe their peculiar dress.
Answer
The bakers were known as pader. These bakers wore a peculiar dress known as the ‘kabai’. It was a single piece long frock reaching down to the knees.
Question 9. What was the attitude of the baker towards:
(i) the lady of the house(ii) the children
(iii) the maidservant?
Answer
(i) First of all, the baker would greet the lady of the house with “Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo before her.
(ii) He would push aside the children with a mild rebuke.
(iii) The loaves were delivered to the maid-servant.
Question 10. When did the baker collect his bills and how did he record his monthly accounts?
Answer
The pader usually collected his bills from his customers at the end of the month. He didn’t have a notebook to record his monthly accounts. Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil.
Question 11. “Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is easily compared to a baker.” Explain.
Answer
Bakers had a plump physique which meant they were happy and prosperous and hence, even today, any person with a jackfruit like physical appearance is compared to a baker.
In Goa, the elders are nostalgic about the good Old Portuguese days as well as the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread.
Question 19. What does the author recall about the visit of the baker to his village?
Answer
The author recalls that a baker used to visit the village twice a day. He used to be the author’s friend and guide. He used to carry a bamboo stick. The sound of this stick used to wake up the author and others from sleep.
Question 20. When did the baker collect his bills? What showed that the bakers were prosperous?
Answer
The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. In the household, the baker’s monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was a profitable business in those days. Their families never starved. Their plump bodies showed that they were prosperous.
Question 21. Why did the baker and his family always look happy and prosperous?
Answer
The baker used to collect his bills at the end of the month. Baking was indeed a profitable business in
the old days. The baker and his family never starved. Their plump physique was an open testimony that they were happy and prosperous.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What was the importance of the baker in the village? What kind of dress did wear?
Answer
The village baker was especially important for all occasions. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘Bor. Marriage gifts were meaningless without these sweetbreads. Sandwiches, cakes and bolinhas were a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were made with the bread. Thus the presence of a baker’s furnace was very essential in each village. The baker or the bread-seller wore a special, peculiar dress. It was known as the ‘kabai‘. It was a single-piece long frock. It reached -down to his knees. During the narrator’s childhood bakers wore trousers which were shorter than full-length and longer than half pants. Even today if someone wears a half pant, he is said to be dressed like a pader.
Question 2. Describe the author’s experience during his childhood in Goa? Why was the baker or the pader the guide of children in Goa?
Answer
The author remembers fondly his childhood days in Goa. He recalls how the baker used to be the friend, companion and guide of the children. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo woke them from their sleep. It heralded the arrival of the baker or the pader in the morning. He used to come at least twice a day. Once, he used to set out in the morning on his selling round. Then he returned after emptying his huge basket.
The children ran to meet and greet him. It was not for the love of the loaf. They longed for the bread-bangles. Sometimes it was sweet bread of special make. The children especially liked the musical entry on the scene with the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo staff. He would greet the lady of the house with good morning but put the children with a mild rebuke. The children would not give up. They would climb a bench and peep into the basket. The author still recalls the fragrance of those loaves. The children would become crazy at the sight of the pader. They would forget even to brush their teeth.
Question 3. “The custom of baking bread is closely associated with Goan culture”. Explain/Discuss, with reference to the chapter ‘A baker from Goa’.
Answer
Bread forms an essential part of the Goan culture. There is no party or festival without bread. Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol. Any party or a feast loses its charm without bread. A baker is very important for a village. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential. Loaves of bread are very popular in Goa and is a staple food even in remote villages. The bread has health benefits. There are still a few small bakeries left in some of the smaller towns.
Question 4. Why was it absolutely essential to have a “baker’s furnace” in a Goan village?
Answer
The Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread had made a permanent impact on Goan soil. The eaters of those loaves might have vanished but the makers of the loaves — the bakers still have an important place in the society. The Goan village still has the mixers, moulders and those who bake the loaves. There are also the age-old time-tested furnaces which exist till date. The bakers are still important in the village. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is still essential.
Question 5. How is the effect of the traditional bread bakers can still be seen in Goa of today?
Answer
The author remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an important place in life. Bread eating was very common in those days. Apart from eating bread daily, bread held an important place at the time of Christmas, marriages and other functions. Although, with the passage of time, people do not eat so much bread today, yet the village bakers are still there. The Portuguese were famous for earns the loaves of bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional work of the bakers can still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread was baked still exist there. The sound of the traditional bakers’ bamboo can still be heard. These bakers are known as Pader in Goa even today.
Question 6. Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life, in olden days. Based on your reading of the “A Baker from Goa”, describe the Goan cidture.
Answer
Goa in west India, called golden Goa by the Portuguese, has an important Portuguese colony in Asia. The Portuguese were driven by their desire to spread their faith to the local population. Thus the culture of Goa is deeply influenced by Portuguese culture. Modem day Goa, a state of India, is a quaint blend of tradition, religion and modernity. Hindu temples are as much a part of Goa as are Christian monuments. The culture of Goa today is a synthesis of Portuguese and Indian cultures. It is one of the most attractive cultures in India. A Goan is said to be born with music in his blood and music literally accompanies him from the cradle to the grave. Musical traditions run in generations.
Question 7. Describe the childhood memories of the author’s life in Goa and his fondness for bread and cakes.
Answer
The author’s childhood memories are full of fun. He remembers them and gets nostalgic. The pader or baker was an important person in the Goan village as well as in the author’s life. He used to mix, mold and bake loaves of bread in age-old, tested furnaces. He used to come twice a day, once in the morning to sell bread and then while returning after emptying his basket. He made his musical entry with the `jhang, jhang’ sound of his bamboo staff. The author with other children used to run to meet him in order to take the bread-bangles or sometimes the sweet bread of special make. He chatted and gossipped with him.
Coorg (Glimpses of India) Extra Questions
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What is the district headquarters of Coorg?
Answer
Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg.
Question 2. Who was the first chief of Indian Army?
Answer
The first chief of Indian Army was General Cariappa.
Question 4. What are the people of Coorg known as?
Answer
The people of Coorg are known as Kodavus.
Question 5. What are the people of Coorg a descent of?
Answer
The people of Coorg are a descent of Greek and Arab people.
Question 6. Why is Coorg compared to heaven?
Answer
Coorg is compared to heaven because of its natural beauty.
Question 7. What do you know about Bylakuppe’ as mentioned in the lesson, ‘Coorg’?
Answer
`Bylakuppe’ in Coorg has India’s largest Tibetan settlement.
Question 8. What tradition do the Coorgi homes have?
Answer
Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality.
Question 9. Which hills are found therein Coorg?
Answer
The Brahmagiri hills are found therein Coorg.
Question 10. What kind of tales do the Coorg people tell their children?
Answer
They tell them the stories of bravery of their sons and fathers.
Question 11. What is the nature of the people of Coorg?
Answer
The nature of the people of Coorg is independent.
Question 12. What is the best time of the year to visit Coorg?
Answer
The best time of the year to visit Coorg is between September and March.
Question 13. What is the source of water for the river Kavery?
Answer
The source of water for the river Kaveri is the hills and forests of Coorg.
Question 14. Where is Coorg situated?
Answer
Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
Question 15. Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty?
Answer
Coffee and spices grow in Coorg in plenty.
Question 16. What is so similar between the Kodavus and the Arabs?
Answer
The long black coat with an embroidered waist belt is so similar to the one worn by the Arabs.
Question 17. Which river flows through Coorg?
Answer
The river Kaveri flows through Coorg.
Question 18. Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills?
Answer
Coorg is called the land of rolling hills because it has a lot of hills and is itself a hill station. The hills seem to roll down in a panoramic view.
Question 19. Which is the smallest district of Karnataka?
Answer
Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Describe the origin of Kaveri and the area around it.
Answer
The river Kaveri originates from the hills and forests of Coorg. Mahaseer a large freshwater fish abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch. The squirrels and langurs drop half-eaten fruit for the mischief of enjoying the splash and ripples in the clear water. A walk across the bridge leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadatta.
Question 2. Describe the climate, birds and animals of Coorg.
Answer
During the monsoons, Coorg has a lot of rains. It pours enough to keep many tourists away. The best tourist season starts from September and continues till March. The very air of Coorg smells of Coffee. Kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, wild elephants, bees and butterflies abound in the rainforests of Coorg.
Question 3. What is Coorg famous for? What is the best season to visit Coorg?
Answer
Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests and spices Thirty percent of its area is covered with the evergreen rainforests The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The air is full of coffee flavor.
Question 4. Why is the climb to the Brahmagiri hills an important part of a visit to Coorg?
Answer
The climb to the Brahmgiri hills offers the panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. Besides, it leads to Nisargadhama and then, to Bylakuppe; the hidden surprises for the visitors. Thus, it is important to climb the Brahmagiri hills while visiting Coorg.
Question 5. What does the writer say about the bravery of the Coorgi people?
Answer
The writer says that the Coorgi people are brave people. Their tales of bravery are famous. The Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without a license.
Question 6. Why are the people of Coorg known as descendants of the Arabs?
Answer
The theory of the people of Coorg as descendants of the Arabs draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus known as kuppia. It resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
Question 7. Describe the largest Buddhist settlement in Coorg.
Answer
Below the rolling hills lie the largest Tibetan settlement in India in Coorg. The Buddhist temple at Bylakuppe is famous for its grandeur and beauty. The monks in their red, ochre and yellow robes represent the heart and soul of India, right here in Coorg.
Question 8. How can one reach Coorg?
Answer
One can reach Coorg either by road, air or rail. There are two routes from Bangalore. The route via Mysore is frequented one. The other route is Neelamangal, Kurigal and Chanrayanapatna.
Question 9. Describe the wildlife of Coorg.
Answer
A large freshwater fish abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch. Squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit W enjoy the splash and ripple effect. Elephants enjoy bathing in the river.
Question 10. Where and how can we have a panoramic view of the misty landscape of Coorg from?
Answer
The tourists are advised not to miss a climb to the Brahmagiri hills. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills gives you a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. Then you can walk across the rope bridge. It will lead you to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama.
Question 11. Which story shows that Coorgis are of Greek descent?
Answer
A story narrates that a part of Alexander’s Army moved south along the coast and settled at Coorg when their return became impractical. These people married the locals and became inhabitants of this place.
Question 12. Coorg is a tourist’s paradise. Discuss with reference to the extract from ‘Glimpses of India’.
Answer
Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a beautiful region of ‘rolling hills and lush green rainforests. It is famous for coffee, spices, and rain forests. It is also famous for hospitality, valour, wildlife and adventure sports.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Where is Coorg located? When should-one visit? Write an account of the life of the people of Coorg.
Answer
Coorg is situated in the midway between Mysore and coastal town of Mangalore. It is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is a piece of heaven fallen from the kingdom of God. This is a land of rolling hills. There is the smell of coffee in the air. It has evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. The martial men and beautiful women of Coorg are of Greek or Arabic descent.
As per a story, a part of Alexander’s army moved south and settled here as return became difficult. The rites are different from that of Hindu mainstream. All of them wear a waist-belt called Kuppia. It resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs and Kurds. These Coorgs have many tales of bravery. They are very hospitable. Coorg soldiers are brave. They can carry firearms without any license. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army.
Question 2. What does the author say about the people of Coorg?
Answer
The writer says that the people of Coorg are independent and brave. They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married among the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marriage and religious customs.
According to another theory Coorg people originated from the Arabs. It is evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds. Coorgi homes have tradition of hospitality. They are brave people. Their tales of bravery are famous. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without a licence.
Question 4. What are popular theories regarding the descent of the people of Coorg?
Answer
Coorgi people are distinct people. Their religious practices, marriages and traditions are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. There are two theories regarding the descent of the Coorgi people. It is believed that perhaps they are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to one theory, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast. Their return became impractical. These people settled down there. They married amongst the locals. Another theory gives their descent to the Arabs. The theory of Arab origin draws support from their dress which resembles the traditional Arabic dress. Their long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus, known as Kuppia, resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
Question 5. What does the writer say about the natural beauty of Coorg?
Answer
Coorg is situated in Karnataka midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It looks like a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. This is a land of rolling hills. It is a home of evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen forests cover thirty percent of Coorg district. The river Kaveri flows through Coorg. Big elephants are also found here. Birds, bees and butterflies are there to give the visitors company. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings (the visitors) into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. It is said that the people searching for the heart and soul of India visit Coorg.
Question 6. Describe the rainforests, the river Kaveri and coffee plantations in Coorg.
Answer
Coorg is a land of rolling hills and rainforests. The rainforests dominate the landscape of Coorg. They cover over thirty percent of Coorg. The rainforests have a lot of rains during the monsoons. The ideal tourists season starts from September and ends in March. The hills and rainforests are the sources of the river Kaveri. Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish, abound in Kaveri waters. The forests of Coorg have a rich flora and fauna. Birds, bees, butterflies, Malabar squirrels, langurs and wild elephants find their shelter in the rainforests of Coorg. The very air of Coorg smells of fresh coffee. Coffee estates and colonial buildings are scattered all around amid the rolling hills.
Tea from Assam (Glimpses of India) Extra Questions
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. When was tea drunk first in China?
Answer
Tea was first drunk in China 2700 B.C.
Question 2. Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going?
Answer
They were going to Assam to visit Pranjol’s home on summer vacation.
Question 3. Which is the important junction of Assam?
Answer
Mariani junction.
Question 4. Why did Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids?
Answer
He cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation.
Question 5. Which state did Pranjol belong to?
Answer
Pranjol belonged to Assam a North-Eastern State of India.
Question 6. When did tea come to Europe?
Answer
In the sixteenth century.
Question 7. What could Rajvir see as far as his eyes could see?
Answer
There was tea hushes as far as his eyes could see.
Question 8. Where was Pranjol’s father Tea Estate situated?
Answer
It was situated at Dhulabari.
Question 9. Where are the tea leaves collected?
Answer
Tea leaves are collected in bamboo baskets by the women.
Question 10. How long does the second flush or sprouting period last?
Answer
There are two flushes or sprouting periods. The second sprouting period lasts from May to July.
Question 6. What is the Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea?
Answer
We have an Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he fell sleepy during meditation. It is said that ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of those plants, when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep.
Question 7. Write down the Buddhist legend about tea.
Answer
An Indian legend goes like this. Once there was a Buddhist, ascetic 13odhidharma who used to feel sleepy during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. When the leaves of these plants were put in hot water and drunk, they banished sleep.
Question 8. How can you say that tea was first drunk in China?
Answer
There is an ancient legend about the discovery of tea. A Chinese emperor had the habit of drinking boiling water. One day a twig from the fire fell into the pot in which water was being boiled. It gave a delicious flavour to the water. It is said that those were tea leaves and that was the first tea. It is thus thought that tea was first taken in China.
Question 9. How does Rajvir describe the tea-garden at Dhekiajuli?
Answer
On both sides of the gravel road were acres and acres of neatly pruned tea bushes. It was the second sprouting period. Women wearing plastic aprons were plucking new tea leaves and putting them in the bamboo baskets.
Question 10. How are tea pluckers different from other farm labourers?
Answer
The tea pluckers are different from other farm labourers. The women plucking tea leaves in the tea gardens look like dolls. They wear plastic aprons and carry baskets on their backs to put tea leaves in them.
Question 11. Which tea is considered the best tea? Why?
Answer
Assam tea is considered to be the best tea as it has the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. The weather and environmental conditions are perfect here to grow tea plants.
Question 12. Which story of a Chinese emperor is associated with the discovery of tea?
Answer
According to one legend, a Chinese emperor discovered tea by chance. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves off the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled water got a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves.
Question 13. Where and when did the drinking of tea start and how did it come to Europe?
Answer
The drinking of tea first started in China. Tea was drunk in China as far as 2700 B.C. Words like tea, `chai’ and ‘chini’ are from Chinese. Tea came to Europe in the 16th century. In Europe, tea was dining as medicine than a beverage in the early period.
Question 14. What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement?
Answer
Rajvir had never seen the tea garden before. So the sight of tea garden excited him. But Pranjol has been born and brought up in the tea plantations. He had seen them many times. So he did not share Rajvir’s excitement.
Question 15. Why did Pranjol’s father say in surprise that Rajvir had done his homework before coming there?
Answer
A tractor was pulling a trailer-load of tea leaves at the Dhekiabari Tea Estate. Rajvir asked Pranjol’s father if that was the second flush or sprouting period. Rajvir told that the second sprouting period lasts from May to July and yields the best tea. Such detailed information about tea leaves surprised Pranjol’s father. He told Rajvir that he seemed to have done his homework before coming here.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What did Rajvir see during his train journey? Why was he more excited than his friend Pranjol?
Answer
Rajvir, a classmate of Pranjol, is visiting Dhekiaban Tea Estate in Assam, for the first time. Actually, he is enjoying the train journey to Assam with his friend Pranjol whose father manages Diabari Tea Estate. The beautiful scenery fascinates Rajvir. It is green, green everywhere. He sees so much greenery for the first time in his life. Now the landscape changes. The paddy fields give way to tea bushes. A sea of tea bushes is stretching as far as eyes can go. The orderly rows of bushes are pruned to the same height. Groups of tea pickers are carrying bamboo baskets on their backs. They are plucking the newly sprouted leaves. The magnificent view fascinates Rajvir. However, Pranjol is not so much excited. These views are not new to him. He was born and brought up on a tea plantation.
Question 2. Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea estate in Assam but he was Rajvir who knew much about tea leaves and the legends associated with tea. Base your answer on their visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate in Assam.
Answer
It is true that Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea plantation. His father managed Dhekiabari Tea Estate in Assam. However, his friend Rajvir’s knowledge about tea and its history was more profound than him. The reason was simple. Rajvir had done a lot of reading about tea and its history. He even surprised Pranjol’s father with his in-depth knowledge of the subject.
Rajvir’s visit to Dhekiabari was an opportunity for him to connect his reading and knowledge to the real existing tea plantation. He was fascinated by the magnificent sea of tea bushes stretching as far as his eyes could go. He saw with his own eyes the groups of tea pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their backs, plucking the newly-sprouted leaves. His studies helped him to recognise that the trailer-load of tea leaves were the second-flush or the sprouting period that gave the best tea.
Question 3. What are the legends related to the discovery of tea?
Answer
There are many popular legends about the discovery of tea. Two of them are as follows —
A Chinse emperor was used to drinking boiled water. One day a twig from the fire fell into the pot in which water was being boiled. It gave a delicious flavour to the drink. It is said that those were tea leaves. An Indian legend goes like this. Once there was a Buddhist ascetic who used to feel sleepy during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. When the leaves from these plants were put in hot water and drunk they banished sleep.
Question 4. Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going? What did Rajvir see when he looked out of the train on the way?
Answer
Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was studying in a school in Delhi. Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam. Pranjol invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Both of them travelled to Assam on a train. When the train stopped at a station, a vendor called, ‘chai-garam garam-chaff, they took tea and started sipping it. Rajvir told Pranjol that Over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. Pranjol started reading his detective book again. But Rajvir looked out of the window of a moving train. There was beautiful scenery outside. Soon the soft green paddy fields were left behind and there were tea bushes everywhere. Rajvir was fascinated by the magnificent view of tea gardens.
Question 5. You know that everybody drinks tea everyday in India. It banishes our sleep and makes us feel fresh. Describe the ‘importance of tea in India’.
Answer
Today all people drink tea every day in India. But the quantity of tea differs from person to person. Life in an Indian house starts with a refreshing cup of tea. India has now surpassed China in tea production. India is one of the largest tea producers in the world. 70 per cent of its tea is consumed within India. Assam and Darjeeling produced world renowned tea. Tea became widely popular in India during 1950s Tea industry is the second largest employer in the country. It is grown in many states in India. Tea plants need shade to grow besides humid climate. It is a labour oriented industry. Tea has a number of medical and therapeutic properties.