CHAPTER-5
GLIMPSES OF INDIA
I. A BAKER FROM GOA
LUCIO
RODRIGUES ✍
A BAKER FROM GOA SUMMARY
1. Introduction
o The chapter is a nostalgic (memory-based) account of
the importance of bakers in Goan life.
o It shows how Portuguese culture influenced Goa, especially
in the tradition of bread-making.
o Even after the Portuguese left, bakers continued to
play a vital role in Goan society.
2. The Baker’s
Daily Visit
o In Goa, the baker was an essential part of everyone’s
daily life.
o Every morning, the baker would come to the streets
with a bamboo staff (stick) and a basket of bread.
o He would call out to announce his arrival and bang his
bamboo staff on the ground, making a “jhang-jhang” sound.
o Children loved to run to him, not for loaves, but for
the special sweet bread and bread-bangles (called kankon).
3. Importance of
Bread in Goan Culture
o Bread was necessary for every occasion in Goa:
o Morning tea: People
ate bread-loaves with hot tea.
o Marriage feasts:
Special sweet bread called bol was a must.
o Festivals and parties: Cakes and sandwiches were prepared using bread.
o Daughter’s engagement: Bread was always included in the celebration.
4. The Baker’s
Appearance
o The bakers usually wore a simple, unique dress called
the kabai — a single-piece, long frock reaching the knees.
o Later, they wore shirts and half-pants that reached
just below the knees.
o Their plump (fat) appearance was a sign of prosperity,
showing that they ate plenty of bread themselves.
5. Baker’s Role
in Society
o The baker or bread-seller was a respected and
important person in the village.
o His earnings were enough to keep his family happy and
well-fed.
o His presence marked the rhythm of daily life, from
morning tea to special celebrations.
6. Continuation
of Tradition
o Even though times changed, the tradition of baking
bread never disappeared from Goa.
o The story highlights that bakers still exist in Goa
and continue to bake bread in the same old way.
o Thus, the baker remains a symbol of Goa’s cultural
identity.
7. Conclusion
o Bread and bakers were central to Goan life.
o The baker was not just a tradesman but a part of the
community’s traditions, celebrations, and daily routine.
o The author fondly remembers childhood days when the
baker’s arrival was the happiest moment.
A BAKER FROM GOA SHORT QUESTION
1.
What are the elders in
Goa nostalgic about?
Answer: The
elders in Goa often remember the good old days when the Portuguese ruled. They
fondly talk about the famous breads of that time. Although the Portuguese are
gone, they feel happy that the tradition of baking continues, carried forward
by the sons of old bakers.
2.
How did the
baker become synonymous with celebrations and occasions in Goa?
Answer: The
baker in Goa became important for celebrations because his special bread,
called the bol, was always present at weddings, festivals, and family
gatherings. No occasion was complete without it. This made the baker a loved
and essential part of Goan culture and traditions.
3.
Is bread-making still
popular in Goa? How do you know?
Answer: Yes,
bread-making is still popular in Goa. This is clear from the old furnaces,
mixers, and moulders still in use. The baker’s legacy continues through their
sons, and every Goan village has a bakery, showing how important bread is in
Goan culture.
4.
What was a baker’s
musical entry? How would it attract the younger ones and all?
Answer: The
baker’s musical entry was the jhang-jhang sound of his bamboo staff.
This cheerful sound woke up the children, who rushed to him with excitement.
They eagerly looked forward to the bread-bangles and other treats he carried,
making his arrival joyful for all.
5.
How would the author
and other children be very interested in the baker’s basket? How would they try
to look at that?
Answer: The
author and other children were very curious about the baker’s basket. Even
after being scolded, they wouldn’t stop trying. They would climb a bench or
parapet to peep inside, eager to see the bread-bangles and other tasty items
hidden in it.
6.
How marriages and
engagements are incomplete without different types of breads?
Answer: Marriages
and engagements in Goa are incomplete without different types of bread. The
sweet bread called bol is a must for weddings, while sandwiches are
essential for engagement parties. Without these special breads, gifts, feasts,
or celebrations are considered meaningless.
7.
What is Kabai? What
kind of dresses are being discussed here of the bakers?
Answer: Kabai
was the traditional dress of the bakers in Goa. It was a single-piece long
frock that reached down to the knees. This unique outfit gave the bakers a
special identity and was commonly worn by them in the old days.
8.
How would a baker play
an indispensable role in a village?
Answer: In Lucio
Rodrigues’ story “Glimpses of India,” the baker plays an indispensable
role in village life. His breads are needed for every occasion—bol for
weddings, sandwiches for engagements, and cakes or bolhinas for Christmas.
Without bread, no feast or celebration feels complete in Goa.
9.
Give a pen-portrait of
the baker or the pader highlighting the changes that came in his fortune and
dress with the passage of the time.
Answer: The baker, or pader, was once an important
figure in Goan life. In Portuguese days, he wore a long frock called kabai,
later replaced by shirts and trousers. Earlier, bakers were prosperous and
happy, seen in their plump bodies. Today, though their tradition continues,
their fortune and charm have declined.
A BAKER FROM GOA LONG QUESTION
1.
In the
chapter, ‘A Baker from Goa’ the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and
his fond memories.
Compare the childhood of Nelson Mandela with that of the narrator.
Answer: In
the chapter “A Baker from Goa,” the narrator recalls a carefree
childhood filled with warmth, traditions, and community life. His memories
revolve around the baker’s visits, the joy of bread-bangles, and the importance
of bread in every Goan festival and celebration. His life was simple, happy,
and closely tied to cultural traditions.
In contrast, Nelson Mandela’s childhood in South
Africa was very different. Growing up under apartheid, he faced racial
discrimination, inequality, and oppression. His early life was marked by
struggle, injustice, and a lack of equal opportunities. Unlike the narrator,
Mandela did not enjoy the same carefree environment; instead, he grew up with
an awareness of racial barriers and hardships.
Thus, while the Goan narrator’s childhood was light-hearted and
tradition-based, Mandela’s was shaped by pain and resistance, preparing him for
his lifelong fight against injustice.
A BAKER FROM GOA EXTRACT BASED
QUESTION
EXTRACT-1
“Our elders are often heard reminiscing
nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their
famous loaves of bread. Those eaters might have vanished but the makers are
still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who
bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire in
these furnaces has not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle of
traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be
heard in some places. ”
i.
What does the phrase “good
old Portuguese days” suggest in the extract? 1
A) The days were boring and dull.
B) The days were remembered with fondness.
C) The Portuguese were disliked by people.
D) Bread-making had stopped in those times.
ii.
Fill in the blank (1
mark)
The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s ______ heralded his arrival in the
morning.
iii.
What does the word heralding
mean in the extract? 1
iv.
How does the extract
highlight the continuation of the Portuguese legacy in Goa?
ANSWER
i-b, ii-bamboo, iii- Announcing the arrival, iv-
The extract shows that though the old bread-eaters are gone, the tradition of
bread-making continues. Bakers, their furnaces, and the sound of the baker’s
bamboo still remain, keeping the Portuguese legacy alive in Goa.
II. COORG
LOKESH ABROL✍
COORG SUMMARY
1. Location & Natural Beauty
o Geographical Setting
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is the smallest district of Karnataka,
situated midway between Mysore and the coastal city of Mangalore.
o Land of Rolling Hills and Rainforests
Described as “a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of
God,” Coorg is characterized by its undulating hills and panoramic beauty.
o Coffee, Spices & Evergreen Forests
A true “coffee country,” Coorg is severaly renowned for its coffee plantations,
spices, and lush evergreen forests—covering approximately 30% of the region.
o Ideal Visiting Season
The best time to explore Coorg is from September to March, when the weather is
pleasantly cool and monsoon rains retreat.
2. The Kodava People: Proud & Martial
o Warrior Heritage & Beauty
The district is inhabited by proud martial men, beautiful women, and wild
creatures—symbols of a unique culture and heritage.
o Origin Theories
The Greek theory suggests Alexander the Great’s soldiers settled here and
intermarried with locals.
The Arab theory draws parallels between the traditional Kodava coat (Kuppia)
and the Arab/Kurdish garment (Kuffia).
o Distinctive Culture
Kodavas maintain unique marital and religious practices, distinct from
mainstream Hindu customs.
3. Valor, Hospitality & Unique Privileges
o Military Legacy
The region boasts the esteemed Coorg Regiment—the only Indian community
historically permitted to carry firearms without a licence.
o Notable Figure
The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, hailed from Coorg,
symbolizing its martial prominence.
o Warm Hospitality
Coorgi homes are celebrated for generous hospitality and storytelling
traditions that honor valorous sons and fathers.
4. River, Wildlife & Adventure
o River Kaveri’s Origin & Wildlife
The Kaveri River begins in Coorg, teeming with mahaseer fish. Surrounding
forests are alive with elephants, kingfishers, langurs, Malabar squirrels,
macaques, and slender loris.
o Thrilling Activities
Coorg offers varied adventure sports—river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing,
trekking, rappelling, mountain biking, and nature explorations.
5. Scenic & Cultural Attractions
o Brahmagiri Hills
A trek to Brahmagiri hills rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views.
o Nisargadhama Island
Connected by a rope bridge, Nisargadhama is a tranquil, 64-acre island ideal
for peaceful walks and reflection.
o Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement
Nearby lies Bylakuppe, India's largest Tibetan settlement—adding cultural richness
and diversity to the visiting experience.
6. Concluding Essence
o Heart & Soul of India
Lokesh Abrol closes the narrative by suggesting Coorg encapsulates the rich
essence of India—nature, valor, culture, and adventure all in a single wondrous
spot.
COORG SHORT QUESTION
1.
Why does
the author in ‘Coorg’ say that the visitors’ search for the heart and soul of
India would be found in Coorg?
Answer: The
author in "Coorg" feels that visitors looking for the heart and soul
of India will find it here because Coorg has beautiful nature, old traditions,
and brave people called Kodavas. It shows India’s culture, history, and values
in a simple and pure way.
2.
Describe Coorg in
brief, as presented in the opening paragraph.
Answer: Coorg,
between Mysore and Mangalore, is described as a piece of heaven from the gods.
It has green hills, brave men, lovely women, and wild animals. The opening
paragraph shows it as a beautiful and peaceful place full of life and charm.
3.
Do
adventure sports like river rafting and rock climbing require a person to possess
just physical strength? Why/Why not?
Answer: Adventure
sports like river rafting and rock climbing need more than just physical
strength. A person also needs confidence, quick thinking, skills, and teamwork.
These sports are challenging and require both the body and the mind to stay
calm and handle difficult situations.
4.
Coorgis
belong to a valorous and hospitable race. Comment on this statement with
reference to the text.
Answer: The
statement shows that Coorgis are brave and friendly. The Kodavas are known for
their courage, and they welcome strangers with open hearts. Their habit of
helping others and protecting them proves that they are both fearless and
kind-hearted people.
5.
Why does the author
call Coorg a piece of heaven’ that must have drifted from the kingdom of God?
Answer: The
author calls Coorg “a piece of heaven” because of its natural beauty. With
green hills, thick rainforests, clean rivers, coffee plantations, and wildlife
like elephants and kingfishers, it feels peaceful and pure. The temples and
monks add to its calm and spiritual charm.
COORG LONG QUESTION
1.
Pen down a
brief travelogue* entry, narrating any personal impression/s about a visit to
Coorg. Include your reflections about the differences between the place where
you live and the place you’ve visited.
(* A travelogue is a person’s account of a journey to another country or place.
It can either be a written report with many factual details or a narrative
story about personal impressions and experiences.)
You may begin like this...
As I stepped into the land of evergreen forests, I was blown away by the
pristine beauty and ………………………(continue)
Answer: As I
stepped into the land of evergreen forests, I was blown away by the pristine
beauty and peace of Coorg. The hills covered with coffee plantations and misty
valleys looked like a painting. It was very different from my city, where tall
buildings, noise, and traffic are everywhere.
The fresh air of Coorg, filled with the smell of coffee and flowers, felt like a
gift after the pollution and rush of city life. The people there were kind and
welcoming, always ready to help. The slow and calm lifestyle in Coorg made me
feel relaxed. There was no hurry, and I could enjoy nature’s beauty fully. I
realized how different life can be in another place. Visiting Coorg was a
wonderful experience that helped me connect with nature and enjoy life at a
slower pace. It’s a place I will never forget.
III. TEA FROM ASSAM
ARUP KUMAR DATTA✍
TEA FROM ASSAM SUMMARY
§
Journey to Assam
1. Rajvir and Pranjol’s Journey
o The lesson begins with two friends—Rajvir and
Pranjol—travelling by train to Assam
o Pranjol belongs to Assam; Rajvir is visiting his home
during the summer vacation.
2. Scenic Train Ride
o As the train moves, Rajvir enjoys the beautiful
scenery outside: green fields, tea bushes, and women plucking tea leaves.
o Assam’s greenery captivates him, as he is visiting for
the first time.
§
Tea and Its
Popularity
3. Tea as a Popular Drink
o Rajvir mentions that over 80 crore cups of tea are consumed
daily in the world, showing its global popularity.
o Both boys sip tea on the train, symbolising how tea is
part of everyday life.
4. Legends of Tea’s Discovery
o Rajvir shares two interesting legends:
o Chinese legend: A few
tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water that Emperor Shen Nung was
drinking. The water gave a wonderful flavour, leading to tea’s discovery.
o Indian legend:
Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, cut off his eyelids to prevent sleep during
meditation. From them grew tea plants, whose leaves helped him stay awake.
§
Arrival in Assam –
The Tea Country
5. Reaching Assam
o The train finally arrives in Assam, known as the land
of tea gardens.
o The air is filled with the fragrance of tea, and the
sight of vast plantations is breathtaking.
6. Tea Gardens
o Rajvir sees miles of tea bushes spread across hills.
o Tea pluckers, mostly women, move about with bamboo
baskets, picking the fresh two leaves and a bud.
o The natural beauty and organized plantations fascinate
him.
§
Rajvir’s Knowledge
about Tea
7. Well-read Guest
o Though visiting for the first time, Rajvir has read a
lot about tea.
o He explains the growth process of tea leaves, the
plucking method, and how tea is processed.
8. Pranjol’s Reaction
o Pranjol, being a native of Assam, is not surprised—he
has grown up seeing tea gardens.
o However, he is impressed with Rajvir’s deep knowledge
about tea’s history and cultivation.
§
Assam: The Tea Hub
9. India’s Pride in Tea
o Assam and Darjeeling are the two most famous
tea-producing regions in India.
o Tea from Assam is exported worldwide, making it a
global ambassador of Indian agriculture.
10. Final Impression
o The story ends with Rajvir’s excitement about
exploring more of Assam’s tea gardens.
o His curiosity and enthusiasm highlight both the beauty
of Assam and the importance of tea in Indian culture and economy.
TEA FROM ASSAM SHORT QUESTION
1.
Pranjol
buried his head in his detective book while Rajvir was eager to look at the
beautiful scenery during the train journey. Why was there a difference in their
attitude?
Answer: Pranjol
and Rajvir had different interests, so, they behaved differently. Pranjol loved
reading detective stories and was lost in his imagination, while Rajvir enjoyed
watching the beautiful scenery outside. Their personalities and preferences
shaped how they spent their time during the train journey.
2.
How did Rajvir describe
the view from the train?
Answer: Rajvir
described the view from the train as amazing. He saw endless tea gardens moving
like waves against forest-covered hills. Tall trees appeared here and there,
and women picking tea leaves looked like tiny dolls. The beautiful and peaceful
scenery left a strong impression on him.
3.
Rajvir did
his study before his visit to the tea plantation. Is it good to do one’s
research before the start of a new venture or does it take away from the thrill
of discovery? Elucidate your stance.
Answer: Doing
research before a new venture is good because it helps us prepare and learn
about the place. Though some feel it reduces the excitement, it actually makes
the journey smoother. With basic knowledge, we can still enjoy surprises and
explore new things along the way.
4.
What legends are
associated with the origin of tea?
Answer: According
to Chinese legend, tea leaves fell into boiling water from burning twigs and
made it tasty. The Indian legend says Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids, threw
them on the ground, and tea plants grew. Drinking the tea helped him stay awake
during meditation.
5.
Describe the
magnificent views of tea estate with reference to the lesson ‘‘Tea from
Assam’’.
Answer: The tea
estate looked magnificent with green tea bushes spread like a sea against
forest-covered hills. Tall shade trees stood above the small plants, and the
tiny tea-pluckers moving among the rows looked like dolls. The peaceful and
beautiful scenery left a lasting impression.
TEA FROM ASSAM LONG QUESTION
1.
Pranjol and Rajvir discuss their next vacation destination. They
shortlist Coorg and Goa. Rajvir is keen on Coorg and tries to convince Pranjol.
Develop a conversation between the two, based on your understanding of Glimpses of India.
You may begin like this:
Rajvir: Hey Pranjol! I think we should be visiting Coorg. It is a beautiful
place with coffee plantations. I can smell the aroma already!
Pranjol: I gave you the
opportunity to explore a tea plantation last year, in Assam; I want to…
Answer:
Rajvir: Hey Pranjol! I think we
should visit Coorg. It’s full of coffee plantations—I can already smell the
fresh aroma!
Pranjol: I gave you the chance to explore tea gardens in Assam last
year; I want some peace this time, away from all the noise.
Rajvir: That’s exactly why Coorg is perfect! It’s calm, but also full of
life. There are rainforests with amazing animals and birds. Plus, we can try
adventure sports like river rafting and mountain biking!
Pranjol: Hmm… sounds tempting, but will it really be peaceful?
Rajvir: Definitely! The Kaveri river flows there, and sitting by it will
be so relaxing. Also, the people are brave and warm. Some are even allowed to
keep firearms! We’ll meet real heroes and learn about their culture.
Pranjol: Alright, you’ve convinced me. Let’s go to Coorg!
TEA FROM ASSAM EXTRACT QUESTION
The train pulled out of the station Pranjol buried
his nose in his detective book again. Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective
stories but, at the moment he was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery.
It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before.
Then the soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. It was a magnificent
view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes
stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall,
sturdy, shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved
doll-like figures.
i.
State any one inference about
Rajvir from the given context: 1
"Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories, but at the moment he
was keen on looking at the beautiful scenery."
ii.
State True or False: 1
The reason Rajvir was interested in looking at the beautiful scenery was that
the detective book he was reading, was not interesting.
iii.
People who live in big cities are
always fascinated by the natural beauty and abundant greenery. Elaborate in
about 40 words, with reference to the extract. 2
iv.
Which phrase would correctly
substitute 'doll-like figures' given sentence from the extract?
Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees and amidst the
orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures.
1
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