1

1. The Land
So had been melei leisna (a variety of golden coloured orchid) of Manipur until Khamba came to offer it to
the deity of Moirang-Thangjing. Flowers have been associated with the culture and tradition of Manipur from
time immemorial. Our folklores are replete with references to a variety of flowers of the hills and the plains. The
legendary story of Khamba and Thoibi has an episode of Lei Langba (floral offering to the deity). Khamba and
Nogban had to climb up the Thangjing Mountain to collect flowers on the occasion of Moirang Thangjing
Haraoba, which was the origin of the Khamba-Thoibi dance. When Khamba could not find any flower on top of
the mountain, he sat down at the foot of a big tree. Suddenly, a godsend gust of wind blew on the mountainside.
Khamba was afraid lest the branches of the tree broke down. He looked up to see clusters of goldencoloured
orchids hanging from the tree half-hidden among the green leaves. Khamba climbed up the tree and plucked a
host of orchids to offer to Thangjing and Khamba came to be known as melei – langba (one who offers melei
flower). The whole mountainside was filled with the aroma of the sweet-scented flowers. One can’t forget the
enchanting flowers.

Manipur is the home of a variety of orchids which adorn the trees on both the hills and plain. No one can
ignore the golden melei of April, nor can one forget the bluish Kwaklei of October. The once beautiful orchids of the
hills now adorn the plains. Some of the orchids are locally known as Khongumelei, Kwaklei, Samjirei, Yerumlei, etc.
These flowers bloom in different seasons. Now-a-days they adorn the trees and the flowerpots all over the valley of
Manipur as well.

Why talk of the orchids only? The whole atmosphere of the valley as well as the hills is filled with the sweet
scents of a number of local flowers. In every season, the hillsides are covered with colourful flowers from different
trees. One can’t miss the beauty of almost all the whole mountainsides as well as the roadsides covered with golden
sunflowers. Come down further to the plains and one feels the sweet fragrance of champa, Jasmine, local magnolia
and a variety of sweet-scented flowers. Beautiful and colourful roses of different sizes and colours – red, pink and
yellow – beckon you wherever you go. A speciality of the flowers in Manipur is the sweet scent, enchanting everyone
around.

It is not on land only. The ponds and lakes are full of lotus in white and pink. You cannot avoid the sweet
smell of the flowers and the leaves whenever the gentle wind blows. Attractive lilies, red, blue, yellowish and white,
dance playfully in water, enchanting every passerby. Morning, evening and night; summer, autumn and winter–there
is no dearth of enchanting flowers with the sweet aroma in the air

Bunches of bright red gulmohar from among the green leaves make you forget the summer heat; hosts of
golden- coloured marigold captivate your mind.

Do not think of cherry flowers of England only! The beautiful cherry flowers of Ukhrul present a charming
spectacle as well. The sweet scent of the lemon flowers of Kachai and Grihang is simply unforgettable. It reminds one
of lemons and oranges. And one is dazzled by the spectacle when they are ripe on the plants. The orange groves of
Tamenglong will simply keep you spellbound. Beginning with the sweet scent of the flowers, these are magical
scenes which keep your mind forever charmed. The golden oranges on the plants are more beautiful than flowers in
the gardens.

No account of the flowers of Manipur will be complete without the lilies of Dzuko valley and Shirui Hills.
These are unique flowers blooming gracefully on top of high mountains. From the mountains to the valley,
enchanting flowers beckon everyone to Manipur, a land of enchanting flowers.
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1. What is ‘Melei Leisna’?

Answer: ‘Melei Leisna’ is a variety of golden-colored orchid found in Manipur.
2. How are flowers associated with the culture and tradition of Manipur?
Answer: Flowers have been associated with the culture and tradition of Manipur from ancient times. Many Manipuri
folklores mention different flowers from the hills and plains.
3. What is the significance of ‘Lei Langba’ in the story of Khamba and Thoibi?
Answer: ‘Lei Langba’ refers to the act of offering flowers to the deity. In the legendary story of Khamba and Thoibi,
Khamba and Nogban climbed Thangjing Mountain to collect flowers for Moirang Thangjing Haraoba, an important
cultural event.
4. How did Khamba find the Melei Leisna flowers?
Answer: When Khamba could not find any flowers on top of the mountain, he sat under a tree. Suddenly, a gust of
wind blew, and he saw clusters of golden-colored orchids hanging from the tree. He climbed up and plucked them
for the offering.
5. Why did Khamba come to be known as ‘Melei Langba’?
Answer: Khamba was given the title ‘Melei Langba’ because he was the one who offered the Melei flower to the
deity Thangjing.
6. What happened after Khamba plucked the Melei Leisna flowers?
Answer: The whole mountainside was filled with the sweet aroma of the flowers, making the experience
unforgettable.
7. What is ‘Moirang Thangjing Haraoba’?
Answer: ‘Moirang Thangjing Haraoba’ is a festival in Manipur dedicated to the deity Thangjing, where flowers are
offered as part of the ritual.
8. Who accompanied Khamba to collect flowers from Thangjing Mountain?
Answer: Nogban accompanied Khamba to collect flowers from Thangjing Mountain.
9. What natural event helped Khamba discover the Melei Leisna flowers?
Answer: A sudden gust of wind blew on the mountainside, revealing clusters of golden-colored orchids hidden
among the green leaves.
10. What role do flowers play in Manipuri folklores?
Answer: Flowers are frequently mentioned in Manipuri folklores, symbolizing beauty, tradition, and devotion. They
are often associated with important cultural and religious practices.
11. What was the origin of the Khamba-Thoibi dance?
Answer: The Khamba-Thoibi dance originated from the event of ‘Lei Langba’ (floral offering) when Khamba and
Nogban climbed Thangjing Mountain to collect flowers for the Moirang Thangjing Haraoba festival.
12. What was Khamba’s reaction upon seeing the Melei Leisna flowers?
Answer: Khamba was surprised and delighted to find the golden-colored orchids and climbed the tree to pluck them
for the floral offering.
13. Why is the Melei Leisna flower considered special in Manipuri tradition?
Answer: The Melei Leisna flower is special because it was used in the sacred floral offering to the deity Thangjing,
and it played a role in the legend of Khamba and Thoibi.
14. What effect did the Melei Leisna flowers have on the mountainside?
Answer: The whole mountainside was filled with the sweet aroma of the flowers, making the moment enchanting
and unforgettable.
15. What is the connection between Khamba and the deity Thangjing?
Answer: Khamba collected and offered the golden-colored Melei Leisna flowers to the deity Thangjing during the
Moirang Thangjing Haraoba festival.
16. Why was Khamba initially unable to find flowers on the mountain?
Answer: Khamba could not find flowers because there were none visible on the top of the mountain. However, a
gust of wind later revealed the Melei Leisna flowers hidden among the leaves of a tree.
17. How did Khamba manage to collect the Melei Leisna flowers?
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Answer: Khamba climbed up the tree where he saw clusters of golden-colored orchids and plucked them to offer to
the deity Thangjing.
18. What does the name ‘Melei Langba’ mean?
Answer: ‘Melei Langba’ means "one who offers Melei flowers." Khamba received this name because he was the one
who offered the Melei Leisna flowers to Thangjing.
19. What cultural significance does the story of Khamba and Thoibi hold?
Answer: The story of Khamba and Thoibi is an important part of Manipuri folklore, highlighting themes of devotion,
tradition, and the significance of floral offerings. It also serves as the origin of the famous Khamba-Thoibi dance.
20. What emotions are evoked in the passage about Melei Leisna flowers?
Answer: The passage evokes feelings of devotion, admiration for nature’s beauty, cultural pride, and a sense of
enchantment with the sweet-scented flowers.
21. How do folklores contribute to the cultural identity of Manipur?
Answer: Folklores preserve the traditions, beliefs, and customs of Manipur, passing down stories like that of Khamba
and Thoibi, which reinforce cultural values and practices.
22. What does the phrase “one can’t forget the enchanting flowers” suggest?
Answer: It suggests that the beauty and fragrance of the Melei Leisna flowers left a lasting impression, making them
unforgettable.

1. What makes Manipur special in terms of flora?

Answer: Manipur is home to a variety of orchids that grow on both the hills and the plains, adding to its natural
beauty.
2. Which orchids are mentioned in the paragraph?
Answer: The orchids mentioned are Golden Melei (April), Bluish Kwaklei (October), Khongumelei, Kwaklei, Samjirei,
and Yerumlei.
3. What is special about the Golden Melei and Bluish Kwaklei?
Answer: The Golden Melei blooms in April, and the Bluish Kwaklei blooms in October, making them significant
seasonal orchids of Manipur.
4. How have orchids from the hills changed over time?
Answer: The once beautiful orchids of the hills now adorn the plains, meaning they have been cultivated and spread
to new areas.
5. Where do orchids grow in Manipur?
Answer: Orchids grow on trees in both the hills and plains, and nowadays, they are also seen in flowerpots all over
the valley of Manipur.
6. What does the phrase ‘adorn the trees and the flowerpots all over the valley’ suggest?
Answer: It suggests that orchids are now widely cultivated and appreciated in Manipur, both in nature and in homes
or gardens.
7. What is the significance of orchids in Manipur?
Answer: Orchids enhance the beauty of Manipur and are an important part of its natural environment and cultural
heritage.
8. In which months do the Golden Melei and Bluish Kwaklei bloom?
Answer: The Golden Melei blooms in April, while the Bluish Kwaklei blooms in October.
9. Name some orchids that are locally known in Manipur.
Answer: Some locally known orchids in Manipur include Khongumelei, Kwaklei, Samjirei, and Yerumlei.
10. How has the growth pattern of orchids changed over time in Manipur?
Answer: Previously, orchids were mainly found in the hills, but now they are also growing in the plains, trees, and
flowerpots throughout the valley.
11. What does the paragraph suggest about the love for orchids in Manipur?
Answer: The paragraph suggests that orchids are highly valued and admired in Manipur, as they are cultivated and
appreciated in different parts of the state.
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12. What does ‘adorn’ mean in the context of the paragraph?

Answer: In this context, ‘adorn’ means to beautify or decorate, referring to how orchids enhance the appearance of
trees and flowerpots in Manipur.
13. Why can no one ignore the Golden Melei of April?
Answer: The Golden Melei is strikingly beautiful and blooms in April, making it an unforgettable and significant
flower in Manipur.
14. How do orchids contribute to the natural beauty of Manipur?
Answer: Orchids bloom in different seasons and decorate the trees and valleys, making Manipur’s landscape more
colorful and picturesque.
15. What is the role of orchids in the valley of Manipur today?
Answer: Orchids are now widely grown in the valley, decorating both natural spaces and cultivated areas like
flowerpots, showing their increasing popularity.
16. How do orchids in Manipur vary with seasons?
Answer: Different orchids bloom in different seasons, such as the Golden Melei in April and the Bluish Kwaklei in
October.
17. What has happened to the orchids of the hills?
Answer: The orchids that once grew mainly in the hills are now also found in the plains, showing their wider
cultivation.
18. Where are orchids now commonly found in Manipur?
Answer: Orchids are now commonly found on trees, in the plains, and in flowerpots all over the valley of Manipur.
19. What are some common orchid varieties in Manipur?
Answer: Some common orchid varieties include Khongumelei, Kwaklei, Samjirei, and Yerumlei.
20. Why do you think orchids are important in Manipuri culture?
Answer: Orchids are admired for their beauty and are an important part of Manipuri nature, culture, and traditions.
21. What does the phrase ‘No one can ignore the golden melei of April’ mean?
Answer: It means that the Golden Melei flower is so beautiful and striking that it captures everyone's attention in
April.
22. What kind of environment is suitable for orchids in Manipur?
Answer: Orchids grow well in both hilly and plain areas, as well as on trees and in flowerpots, suggesting they thrive
in Manipur’s climate.
23. How do orchids enhance the landscape of Manipur?
Answer: Orchids bloom in different seasons, covering trees and the valley with beautiful colors and fragrances,
making Manipur more attractive.
24. Why do you think orchids are now grown in flowerpots?
Answer: Orchids are grown in flowerpots so they can be cultivated in homes, gardens, and public places, making
them more accessible and decorative.
25. What message does the paragraph convey about orchids?
Answer: The paragraph highlights the beauty, diversity, and cultural importance of orchids in Manipur, showing how
they are cherished and widely grown.

1. What does the passage suggest about the beauty of Manipur?

Answer: The passage highlights the natural beauty of Manipur, where both the hills and plains are filled with sweet-
scented and colorful flowers throughout the year.
2. What makes the atmosphere of Manipur enchanting?
Answer: The atmosphere of Manipur is enchanting due to the sweet scents of various local flowers and the colorful
landscapes covered with blossoms in every season.
3. What flowers cover the hillsides in Manipur?
Answer: The hillsides in Manipur are covered with colorful flowers from different trees, adding to the beauty of the
region.
 5

4. Which flower is commonly found along the roadsides and mountainsides?

Answer: Golden sunflowers commonly cover the roadsides and mountainsides, enhancing the scenery.
5. What flowers can be found in the plains of Manipur?
Answer: The plains of Manipur are filled with the sweet fragrances of champa, jasmine, local magnolia, and various
other sweet-scented flowers.
6. What are the different colors of roses mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The passage mentions red, pink, and yellow roses of different sizes and colors.
7. What is the speciality of the flowers in Manipur?
Answer: The speciality of the flowers in Manipur is their sweet scent, which enchants everyone around them.
8. What does the phrase ‘beckon you wherever you go’ mean in the passage?
Answer: It means that the beautiful and colorful roses attract and invite people with their charm and fragrance.
9. How do flowers contribute to the environment of Manipur?
Answer: Flowers fill the environment with beauty, colors, and sweet fragrances, making Manipur a visually and
aromatically delightful place.
10. How do flowers in Manipur vary by location?
Answer: The hillsides are covered with colorful flowers and sunflowers, while the plains are filled with fragrant
flowers like champa, jasmine, magnolia, and roses.
11. Why does the passage say, "Why talk of the orchids only?"
Answer: The passage suggests that not just orchids, but many other flowers in Manipur contribute to the beauty and
fragrance of the environment.
12. What types of flowers are commonly found on the hills of Manipur?
Answer: The hills of Manipur are covered with colorful flowers from different trees, and golden sunflowers can be
seen along the roadsides and mountainsides.
13. Which flowers add fragrance to the plains of Manipur?
Answer: Flowers like champa, jasmine, local magnolia, and various sweet-scented flowers add fragrance to the
plains of Manipur.
14. What makes the roses in Manipur special?
Answer: The roses in Manipur are found in different sizes and colors, including red, pink, and yellow, making them
visually attractive.
15. What role do flowers play in enhancing the natural beauty of Manipur?
Answer: Flowers add vibrant colors and sweet fragrances to the hills, plains, and roadsides, creating an enchanting
and scenic environment in Manipur.
16. What is the significance of golden sunflowers in the passage?
Answer: Golden sunflowers are highlighted as a common and beautiful sight along the mountainsides and roadsides,
adding to the charm of Manipur’s landscape.
17. Why do you think the passage describes the flowers in such detail?
Answer: The passage aims to showcase the natural beauty of Manipur by emphasizing the variety of colorful and
fragrant flowers that make the region special.
18. How do flowers contribute to the cultural and natural identity of Manipur?
Answer: Flowers are an essential part of Manipur’s natural beauty, and their presence in the hills and plains reflects
the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural appreciation for nature.
19. What is the effect of the sweet scent of flowers mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The sweet scent of flowers in Manipur creates a refreshing and enchanting atmosphere, making the
surroundings more enjoyable and appealing.
20. What emotions does the passage evoke about the flowers of Manipur?
Answer: The passage evokes admiration, appreciation, and a sense of wonder at the beauty and fragrance of the
flowers found throughout Manipur
 6

1. What does the passage suggest about the beauty of Manipur?

Answer: The passage highlights the natural beauty of Manipur, where both the hills and plains are filled with sweet-
scented and colorful flowers throughout the year.
2. What makes the atmosphere of Manipur enchanting?
Answer: The atmosphere of Manipur is enchanting due to the sweet scents of various local flowers and the colorful
landscapes covered with blossoms in every season.
3. What flowers cover the hillsides in Manipur?
Answer: The hillsides in Manipur are covered with colorful flowers from different trees, adding to the beauty of the
region.
4. Which flower is commonly found along the roadsides and mountainsides?
Answer: Golden sunflowers commonly cover the roadsides and mountainsides, enhancing the scenery.
5. What flowers can be found in the plains of Manipur?
Answer: The plains of Manipur are filled with the sweet fragrances of champa, jasmine, local magnolia, and various
other sweet-scented flowers.
6. What are the different colors of roses mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The passage mentions red, pink, and yellow roses of different sizes and colors.
7. What is the speciality of the flowers in Manipur?
Answer: The speciality of the flowers in Manipur is their sweet scent, which enchants everyone around them.
8. What does the phrase ‘beckon you wherever you go’ mean in the passage?
Answer: It means that the beautiful and colorful roses attract and invite people with their charm and fragrance.
9. How do flowers contribute to the environment of Manipur?
Answer: Flowers fill the environment with beauty, colors, and sweet fragrances, making Manipur a visually and
aromatically delightful place.
10. How do flowers in Manipur vary by location?
Answer: The hillsides are covered with colorful flowers and sunflowers, while the plains are filled with fragrant
flowers like champa, jasmine, magnolia, and roses.
11. Why does the passage say, "Why talk of the orchids only?"
Answer: The passage suggests that not just orchids, but many other flowers in Manipur contribute to the beauty and
fragrance of the environment.
12. What types of flowers are commonly found on the hills of Manipur?
Answer: The hills of Manipur are covered with colorful flowers from different trees, and golden sunflowers can be
seen along the roadsides and mountainsides.
13. Which flowers add fragrance to the plains of Manipur?
Answer: Flowers like champa, jasmine, local magnolia, and various sweet-scented flowers add fragrance to the
plains of Manipur.
14. What makes the roses in Manipur special?
Answer: The roses in Manipur are found in different sizes and colors, including red, pink, and yellow, making them
visually attractive.
15. What role do flowers play in enhancing the natural beauty of Manipur?
Answer: Flowers add vibrant colors and sweet fragrances to the hills, plains, and roadsides, creating an enchanting
and scenic environment in Manipur.
16. What is the significance of golden sunflowers in the passage?
Answer: Golden sunflowers are highlighted as a common and beautiful sight along the mountainsides and roadsides,
adding to the charm of Manipur’s landscape.
17. Why do you think the passage describes the flowers in such detail?
Answer: The passage aims to showcase the natural beauty of Manipur by emphasizing the variety of colorful and
fragrant flowers that make the region special.
18. How do flowers contribute to the cultural and natural identity of Manipur?
 7

Answer: Flowers are an essential part of Manipur’s natural beauty, and their presence in the hills and plains reflects
the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural appreciation for nature.
19. What is the effect of the sweet scent of flowers mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The sweet scent of flowers in Manipur creates a refreshing and enchanting atmosphere, making the
surroundings more enjoyable and appealing.
20. What emotions does the passage evoke about the flowers of Manipur?
Answer: The passage evokes admiration, appreciation, and a sense of wonder at the beauty and fragrance of the
flowers found throughout Manipur.
Would you like other formats such as true/false, multiple-choice, or fill-in-the-blanks? 😊
4o
You said:
It is not on land only. The ponds and lakes are full of lotus in white and pink. You cannot avoid the sweet smell of the
flowers and the leaves whenever the gentle wind blows. Attractive lilies, red, blue, yellowish and white, dance
playfully in water, enchanting every passerby. Morning, evening and night; summer, autumn and winter–there is no
dearth of enchanting flowers with the sweet aroma in the air Bunches of bright red gulmohar from among the green
leaves make you forget the summer heat; hosts of golden- coloured marigold captivate your mind.
ChatGPT said:
Here are some important questions and answers based on the passage:
1. Where can flowers be found in Manipur besides the land?
Answer: Flowers are also found in ponds and lakes, where lotuses and lilies bloom beautifully.
2. What colors are the lotuses found in the ponds and lakes?
Answer: The lotuses are found in white and pink colors.
3. How does the passage describe the fragrance of the lotus flowers and leaves?
Answer: The passage states that their sweet smell fills the air, especially when the gentle wind blows.
4. What are the different colors of lilies mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The lilies are red, blue, yellowish, and white.
5. What effect do the lilies have on passersby?
Answer: The lilies appear to dance playfully in the water and enchant every passerby with their beauty.
6. What does the passage say about the presence of flowers throughout the year?
Answer: The passage emphasizes that flowers bloom in the morning, evening, and night, as well as in summer,
autumn, and winter, meaning there is no shortage of enchanting flowers at any time.
7. How does the bright red Gulmohar affect people in the summer?
Answer: The bright red Gulmohar, with its striking color among the green leaves, makes people forget the summer
heat.
8. What flower is described as golden-colored in the passage?
Answer: The marigold is described as golden-colored.
9. How do marigolds impact people’s minds?
Answer: Marigolds captivate people's minds with their bright golden color and beauty.
10. What is the main idea of the passage?
Answer: The passage highlights the natural beauty of Manipur, where flowers bloom in water, on land, and in
different seasons, spreading fragrance and charm everywhere.
11. How do the flowers in water add to the beauty of Manipur?
Answer: The white and pink lotuses, along with the colorful lilies, make the ponds and lakes look beautiful and fill
the air with a sweet fragrance.
12. What happens when the gentle wind blows over the ponds and lakes?
Answer: The sweet smell of the lotus flowers and leaves spreads in the air.
13. How do lilies behave in water according to the passage?
Answer: The lilies dance playfully in the water, making the scene enchanting for passersby.
14. What does the passage say about the availability of flowers in different seasons?
 8

Answer: Flowers bloom throughout the year—morning, evening, and night; in summer, autumn, and winter—so
there is never a shortage of beautiful flowers.
15. What role does Gulmohar play in summer?
Answer: The bright red Gulmohar, with its vibrant color among the green leaves, helps people forget the summer
heat.
16. How does the passage describe the impact of golden-colored marigolds?
Answer: The passage states that golden-colored marigolds captivate people's minds with their beauty.
17. What literary device is used in “lilies dance playfully in water”?
Answer: Personification is used, as the lilies are given human-like qualities of dancing playfully.
18. What emotions does the passage evoke in the reader?
Answer: The passage evokes a sense of admiration, peace, and appreciation for the natural beauty of Manipur.
19. What does the phrase “no dearth of enchanting flowers” mean?
Answer: It means that there is an abundance of beautiful flowers throughout the year in Manipur.
20. How does the passage highlight the connection between nature and human emotions?
Answer: The passage describes how flowers bring joy, enchant passersby, spread fragrance, and even help people
forget the summer heat, showing their emotional and sensory impact

1. Where, apart from land, can flowers be found according to the passage?
Answer: Flowers can also be found in ponds and lakes, where lotuses and lilies bloom.
2. What colors are the lotuses found in the ponds and lakes?
Answer: The lotuses are white and pink in color.
3. What happens when the gentle wind blows over the water bodies?
Answer: The sweet smell of the lotus flowers and leaves spreads in the air.
4. What colors are the lilies mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The lilies are red, blue, yellowish, and white.
5. How do the lilies behave in water?
Answer: The lilies "dance playfully" in the water, enchanting passersby.
6. What does the passage say about the availability of flowers in different seasons?
Answer: Flowers are available throughout the year, in the morning, evening, and night, as well as in all seasons—
summer, autumn, and winter.
7. What effect does Gulmohar have in summer?
Answer: The bright red Gulmohar, with its striking color among the green leaves, makes people forget the summer
heat.
8. Which flower is described as golden-colored?
Answer: The marigold is described as golden-colored.
9. How do marigolds affect people’s minds?
Answer: Marigolds captivate people's minds with their bright golden color and beauty.
10. What is the main idea of the passage?
Answer: The passage highlights the beauty and fragrance of flowers in Manipur, which bloom in water and on land,
enhancing the natural charm of the region throughout the year.
11. What makes the flowers enchanting for passersby?
Answer: The flowers’ beauty, colors, and sweet fragrance make them enchanting for passersby.
12. What literary device is used in “lilies dance playfully in water”?
Answer: Personification is used because lilies are given human-like qualities of "dancing playfully."
13. What does the phrase “no dearth of enchanting flowers” mean?
Answer: It means that there is an abundance of beautiful flowers throughout the year.
14. How do flowers contribute to the beauty of Manipur’s landscape?
 9

Answer: Flowers cover the ponds, lakes, hills, and plains, filling the environment with colors and fragrance,
enhancing its natural beauty.
15. What role does the gentle wind play in the passage?
Answer: The gentle wind spreads the sweet fragrance of lotus flowers and leaves, making the surroundings more
pleasant.
16. How do flowers vary in different seasons?
Answer: Flowers bloom in all seasons—summer, autumn, and winter—ensuring there is never a shortage of their
beauty and fragrance.
17. How does the description of Gulmohar connect to human emotions?
Answer: The bright red Gulmohar makes people forget the summer heat, showing how nature can bring relief and
comfort.
18. Why do you think the writer describes the flowers in detail?
Answer: The writer wants to showcase the rich floral beauty of Manipur and how flowers enhance the environment
with their color and fragrance.
19. What makes the marigold special in the passage?
Answer: The marigold is golden-colored and is said to captivate people’s minds with its beauty.
20. What is the overall mood of the passage?
Answer: The passage creates a mood of admiration, joy, and appreciation for nature’s beauty in Manipur.

1. What is the passage’s message about cherry flowers?

Answer: The passage highlights that cherry flowers are not only found in England but also in Ukhrul, where they
present a charming spectacle.
2. What flowers from Kachai and Grihang are mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The passage mentions the sweet-scented lemon flowers of Kachai and Grihang.
3. What do the lemon flowers remind one of?
Answer: The lemon flowers remind one of lemons and oranges.
4. What happens when lemons and oranges ripen on the plants?
Answer: They create a dazzling spectacle that captivates the observer.
5. What makes the orange groves of Tamenglong special?
Answer: The orange groves of Tamenglong keep people spellbound with their beauty and fragrance.
6. What makes the oranges more beautiful than garden flowers?
Answer: Their golden color and natural beauty on the plants make them appear more beautiful than flowers in
gardens.
7. Why are the lilies of Dzuko Valley and Shirui Hills considered unique?
Answer: These lilies are rare and bloom gracefully on top of high mountains, making them special.
8. How do flowers connect different landscapes in Manipur?
Answer: Flowers are present from the mountains to the valleys, making the entire region enchanting and beautiful.
9. What does the phrase “enchanting flowers beckon everyone to Manipur” mean?
Answer: It means the beauty and variety of flowers in Manipur attract and invite people to visit the state.
10. What is the central idea of the passage?
Answer: The passage highlights the diverse and mesmerizing flowers of Manipur, from cherry blossoms to orange
groves and lilies, making the land truly enchanting.
11. What comparison is made between cherry flowers of England and Manipur?
Answer: The passage suggests that the cherry flowers of Ukhrul in Manipur are as beautiful as the famous cherry
flowers of England.
12. What makes the lemon flowers of Kachai and Grihang unforgettable?
Answer: Their sweet scent reminds people of lemons and oranges, making them unforgettable.
13. What effect do the orange groves of Tamenglong have on people?
Answer: The orange groves keep people spellbound with their beauty and fragrance.
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14. What is said about the scent of the orange blossoms?

Answer: The sweet scent of the orange blossoms is magical and charms the mind forever.
15. Why does the passage describe oranges as “more beautiful than flowers in the gardens”?
Answer: The golden oranges hanging on the plants look stunning, making them even more beautiful than ordinary
garden flowers.
16. Where are the unique lilies of Manipur found?
Answer: The Dzuko Valley and Shirui Hills are home to these unique lilies.
17. Why are the lilies of Dzuko Valley and Shirui Hills special?
Answer: They bloom gracefully on top of high mountains, making them rare and unique.
18. How does the passage describe Manipur as a land of flowers?
Answer: From mountains to valleys, Manipur is full of enchanting flowers that captivate visitors.
19. What role do flowers play in Manipur’s natural beauty?
Answer: Flowers in Manipur decorate the hills, valleys, and gardens, adding to the state’s scenic charm and cultural
identity.
20. What feeling does the passage try to evoke in the reader?
Answer: The passage evokes a sense of admiration, wonder, and appreciation for the natural beauty of Manipur’s
flowers

2. Now, read about the enchanting Shirui Lily:-

The Shirui Lily is Manipur’s unique gift to the floral wealth of the world. This delicate and lovely flower has
been growing since time immemorial on the high altitude of Shirui Hills in Ukhrul district, and is locally known as
Kashong Timrawon in the Tangkhul dialect. This lovely flower was first discovered by F. Kingdon Ward in the 1946. It
was through his efforts that the world at large came to know about the unique flower

The Shirui Lily’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it refuses to grow and flourish anywhere except in its native
habitat–the Shirui Hills. It is a mystery, as well as a challenge, to the scientists and horticulturists, why this flower
cannot be grown outside the climate and ecosystem of the Shirui Hills. Attempts to plant it elsewhere, even within
Manipur, have been made, but the flower seems to refuse to grow and live for any length of time away from its
original habitat. And so, to the world at large the Shirui Lily exists only in pictures and records. If anyone wishes to
see it in all its glory and serene beauty, one has to climb the high altitude of the Shirui Hills.

The native habitat of the Shirui Lily is the high, lofty peaks of the Shirui Hills (at an altitude of about 8,500 ft.).
The temperate forests at that altitude seem to provide the ideal ecosystem for the Shirui Lily which grows for about
six weeks each year, from the first week of May to the middle of June. The lily is not the only flower that grows
there. As a matter of fact, the Shirui Hills constitute a home for a variety of lovely flowers that grow there during
different parts of the year. The flowering of the Shirui Lily, for example, is followed by the white summer flowers
which bloom between June and August each year and on the rocky slopes one can see flowering orchids. But it is the
Shirui Lily that, because of its beauty and uniqueness, has caught the imagination of people, and special expeditions
are organised to visit the Shirui Hills to see this rare lily. A member of one such expedition, when asked why he
decided to face all the hardship and rigour of climbing the Shirui Hills, exclaimed, “Because there is the Shirui Lily!”

Unfortunately, like so much else that is beautiful in nature, the Shirui Lily has also been a victim of human
greed. A flower that once grew in hundreds and thousands in the cool, serene temperature forests of the Shirui Hills
has now been reduced to a mere few hundred plants. Ironically, the destruction of this rare species of flowers was
started by the inhabitants of Shirui village. Little knowing the value and significance of the Lily, and spurred by the
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popularity of the flower, the tourists and visitors, out of ignorance or curiosity or sheer mindlessness, plucked the
lilies or uprooted its plants

Mercifully, all this has stopped now. In the last ten years or so, the villagers have become acutely aware of
the value of the lily and have taken several measures to safeguard this rare flower. They now zealously guard their
floral wealth and organise themselves into vigilant groups that patrol the Shirui Hills from May to July to see to it
that tourists or vandals do not pluck the flowers or uproot the lily plants. Heavy fines are imposed on those who are
found trying to destroy the Shirui Lily. This is a fine example of people’s action for protection of nature in all its
pristine beauty, and the right step for the preservation of this rare flower. Since the Shirui Lily grows and flowers
only in an ecosystem peculiar to the Shirui Hills, it is the duty of the people of Manipur and of Shirui in particular to
protect and preserve the Shirui Lily.

3. Now, read about the states that form one family unit with in India:

‘The Seven Sister States’ is a name given to contiguous states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. The whole area is also called “Paradise Unexplored”. Some facts about
these states are: Total area covered - 255,511 sq. Km. Population - 44.98 million in 2011. (3.7 p.c. of India’s total).
Industry - main industries in the region are tea- based, crude - oil, natural gas, silk, bamboo and handicrafts. Forest -
the whole area is heavily forested with plentiful of rainfall. The location of the region is strategically important as it
has international borders with Bangladesh, China and Myanmar. The area is characterised by rich bio- diversity and
heavy precipitation. It is endowed with rich forest wealth and is ideally suited to produce a whole range of plantation
crops, spices, fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. The rich natural beauty, serenity and exotic flora and fauna of the
area are invaluable resources for the development of eco- tourism. The region is also home to one-horned
rhinoceros, elephants, sangai deer and other endangered wildlife. The seven states of the region, because of their
land-locked topography, depend on one another for their economic development and as such need to thrive and
work together. This unified and collective developmental programmes are looked after by the North- East Council.

In the following paragraphs, more information about one of the seven sisters namely, Arunachal Pradesh, is
given:

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is also known as the “Land of the dawn-lit mountains”. Literally it means the “Land of the
Rising Sun” in reference to it’s position as the easternmost state in India. It is also known as the “Orchid state of
India” or the “Paradise of the Botanists”. As in other parts of the North-East India, the people native to the state
trace their origin from the Tibeto–Burman and Mongoloid race. A large number of migrants from various other parts
of India have settled in the state.

Arunachal Pradesh is located between 26.28oN and 29.30o N latitude and 91.2 0o E and 97.30o E longitude
and has 83,743 square kilometre area. The state is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan ranges running North
South. These divide the state into five river valleys – the Kameng ,the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. All
these rivers are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets. The mightiest of these rivers is
Siang, called Tsangpo in Tibet, which becomes the Brahmaputra after it is joined by the Dibang and the Lohit in the
plains of Assam. The mountain slopes and hills are covered with alpine, temperate and sub-tropical forests of dwarf
rhododendron, oak, pine, maple, fir and juniper. Sal and teak are the main economically valuable species

According to the 2001 Indian census, the religions of Arunachal Pradesh break down as follows : Hindu :
379,935 (34.69%) Christian : 205,548 (18.79%) Buddhist : 143,028 (13.9%) Muslim : 20,675 (1.19%) Sikh : 1,865
(0.19%) Jain : 216 (.019%) Others (mostly Danni Polo) : 337,399 (30.79%)
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Literacy has risen in official figures to 66.95% in 2011 from 54.74% in 2001. The number of literate males is
454,532(73.69% ) and the number of literate females is 335,411(59.57%). Transport – There are four small airports
which are out of operation. A green field airport serving Itanagar is being planned at Holongi at a cost of Rs. 6.50
billion. Roads – Arunachal Pradesh has two highways – the 336 km. National Highway 52, completed in 1998, which
connects Jonai with Dirak, and another highway, which connects Tezpur in Assam with Tawang. Railways – Arunachal
Pradesh will get its first railway line in late 2013 when the new link line is connected with Nahargun in Arunachal
Pradesh. State Symbols State Bird State Flower State Animals State Tree Horn bill Foxtail orchid Gayal Hollong

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

The fabric of social life in the Mizo society has undergone tremendous changes over the years. Before the
British moved into the hills, for all practical purposes the village and the clan became units of the Mizo society. The
Mizo code of ethics or dharma moved round “Tlawmngaihna” an untranslatable term meaning on the part of
everyone to be hospitable, kind, unselfish and helpful to others. Tlawmngaihna to a Mizo stands for selfless service
for others.

A gregarious and close-knit society, they evolved some principles of self-help and co-operation to meet
social obligations and responsibilities. Constructive social works were executed through voluntary community works
known as Hnatlang. Every family was expected to contribute labour for the welfare of the community and participate
in Hnatlang. The spirit of Hnatlang combined with Tlawmngaihna makes it mandatory for the Mizos to render all
possible help on occasions of marriage, public feast, accident and death.

The Mizos are a distinct community and the social unit was the village. Around it revolved the life of the
Mizo. Mizo village is generally set on top of a hill with the chief’s house at the centre and the bachelor’s dormitory
called Zwalbuk, prominently located in a central place. In a way, the focal point in the village was the Zwalbuk where
all young bachelors of the village slept. Zwalbuk was the training ground and indeed the cradle wherein the Mizo
youth was shaped into a responsible adult member of the society.