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GRADE & SEC: X A, B SUBJECT:
CHAPTER NO & TOPIC: CH-5 GLIMPSES OF INDIA DATE:
I. A Baker From Goa
I. Answer the following questions:
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.
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.
3.What is the baker called?
Answer: The baker is called a pader in Goa.
4.When would the baker come every day? Why would 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.
5. Instead of enjoying their childhood, the children today are keen to enter adulthood. After
reading about all the joys that the author Lucio Rodrigues had in his childhood do you
think such a keenness on the part of children is desirable?
Answer: I don’t think that the keenness of the children these days to enter adulthood is desirable.
Children these days are in a hurry to enter adulthood and have access to technology. Due to this
they are learning things earlier than usual and getting matured beyond their age.
Hence, they are losing out their childhood and missing the joys that it brings with it. As per my
thinking, they should grow at a slow pace and enjoy their childhood to the fullest. Children who
miss out on their childhood cannot be a complete adult. So, they should not hurry up to be an adult
and grow at nature’s pace.
6. After reading the story ‘A Baker from Goa”, do you think our traditions, heritage, values
and practices are the roots that nourish us? Why/why not? [CBSE 2015]
Answer:‘A Baker from Goa’ highlights the importance of the traditional practice of making breads
for every occasion and festival of the Goan people. This tradition continues even today. This
shows how our traditional practices can keep us to our past and heritage.Traditional values shape
our personality and also provide us emotional support. They enable us to face difficult situations
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and makes us mentally strong. Traditional practices also have an impact on our behavioural
pattern towards the other people in society.
7.‘During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide.’
What does this statement imply in relation to the character of the baker?
Answer: This statement tells us that the baker was a very respected person in the Goan society
because he would guide the children about good behaviour (when he mildly rebuked them for
peeping into his basket and giving respect to the elders (when he wished “Good morning” to the
lady of the house) etc. He was very informal with the children and so the author considered him as
a friend and companion. He was not simply a vendor interested in selling what he made. Thus, he
was an important character in the Goan society of those days.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. What did the baker mean to the narrator during his childhood? How many times did he
pay a visit?
Answer: The baker or pader was an important person in the author’s life. He was treated like a
friend. He used to come twice a day, once in the morning to sell bread and then while returning
after emptying his basket. The author used to run to meet him in order to take the bread-bangles.
He chatted and gossiped with him.
2. 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.
3. What was Kabai ? Give a brief description.
Or
What did the bakers wear — (i) in the Portuguese days? (ii) When the author was young?
Answer: Kabai wants a particular dress — a single-piece long frock reaching down the knees
which the bakers used to wear in the old days. Later it was replaced by a shirt and trousers which
were longer than the shorts and shorter than the full length.
4. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Answer: In Goa, the elders are nostalgic about the good Old Portuguese days as well as the
Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread.
5. 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.
6. “Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is easily compared to a
baker.” Explain.
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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.
7.`Baking was, indeed, a profitable profession’. Justify the statement with reference to the
extract ‘A Baker from Goa’.
Or
Explain with examples that baking used to be a profitable profession.
Answer: Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days. The baker and his family
never starved. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosperous. Their plump
physique was an open testimony to this.
8. How did the baker attract the children?
Or
How does the writer know about the arrival of the baker? Why are they anxiously waiting
for him?
Or
What role did the baker play in the childhood of the narrator?
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.
9. How did the baker make his entry?
Answer: The baker made his musical entry with the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his specially made
bamboo staff One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on
the ground. He would greet the lady of the house and then place the basket on the bamboos.
10. How were the baker’s accounts maintained?
Answer: The monthly records/accounts of the baker were maintained on some wall in pencil.
11. 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.
12. What marks of the Portuguese way of life can still be seen in Goa?
Answer: Goa was once occupied by the Portuguese. They were famous for preparing 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.
13. 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.
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14. 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.
15. Describe the bread-sellers dress.
Answer: 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
II. COORG
Very Short Answer Questions
1. Where is Coorg situated?
Answer: Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
2. What are the people of Coorg a descent of?
Answer: The people of Coorg are a descent of Greek and Arab people.
3. Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty?
Answer: Coffee and spices grow in Coorg in plenty.
4. 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.
5. Why did a part of Alexander’s army settle here?
Answer: A part of Alexander army settled here because their return had become impractical.
6. 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.
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7. What kind of tales do the Coorg people tell their children?
Answer: They tell them the stories of bravery of their sons and fathers.
8. Who was the first chief of Indian Army?
Answer: The first chief of Indian Army was General Cariappa.
9. Which river flows through Coorg?
Answer: The river Kaveri flows through Coorg.
10. Which hills are found therein Coorg?
Answer: The Brahmagiri hills are found therein Coorg.
11. What is the district headquarters of Coorg?
Answer: Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg.
12. 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.
13. What do you know about Bylakuppe’ as mentioned in the lesson, ‘Coorg’?
Answer: `Bylakuppe’ in Coorg has India’s largest Tibetan settlement.
14. Coorgis are hospitable by nature. Explain.
Answer: Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and beautiful women. They are very hospitable
and entertain their guests by relating stories of bravery of their sons and fathers.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. 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.
2. Describe the natural beauty of Coorg.
Answer: Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore in
Karnataka state. It is a beautiful region of ‘rolling hills and lush green rainforests. It is famous for
coffee, spices and wildlife.
3. 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.
4. The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it been recognized
in modern India?
Answer: Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and beautiful women. They are very hospitable
and entertain their guests by relating stories of bravery of their sons and fathers. Coorg soldiers
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are brave. Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated ones in the Indian army. Corgis are the
only people who are permitted to carry firearms without a licence.
5. What idea of Coorg do you from? What opportunities does Coorg offer to a tourist?
Or
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.
6. What does the writer say about Coorg?
Answer: The writer says that Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is known as Kodagu
also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place.
The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God.
7. 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.
8. What does the writer say shout the people of Coorg?
Answer: the write’ 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 the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marnage
and religious customs.
9. What supports the theory that the people of Coorg originated from the Arabs?
Answer: According to one theory, the people of Coorg 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.
10. 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.
11. Describe the geographical location of Coorg.
Answer: Coorg or Kodagu is the smallest district in Karnataka. It lies between Mysore and the
coastal town of Mangalore. This piece of heaven may also be called the land of rolling hills. It is
the home of evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. During the monsoons, Coorg
has a lot of rains.
12. Describe the people and culture of Coorg.
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Answer: Coorg is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.
Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality. There are many tales of valour related to the people
of Coorg. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. General
Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was a Coorgi. Kodavas are the only people in India
permitted to carry firearms without a license.
13. 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.
14. Describe the possible descent of the people of Coorg.
Answer: The people of Coorg, their rituals and traditions are quite different from the Hindu
mainstream. According to one story. a part of Alexander’s army traveling the coast, settled here as
their return became impractical. So, are believed to be of Greek origin. The Coorgi dress, a long,
black coat with an embroidered waist-belt resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs: So, some think
that they are of Arabic origin.
15. How has the tradition of courage and bravery been recognised in modern India? Give
examples from the text.
Answer: The people of Coorg are known for I being fiercely independent, brave and courageous.
There are numerous tales of valor connected with the people of Coorg. The Coorg Regiment is
one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army,
General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. The Coorgis are the only people in India who are permitted to
carry firearms without a license.
16. 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.
17. How do the most laidback individuals become the life of high-energy adventures in
Coorg?
Answer: Coorg offers many outdoor high-energy adventures. Even the most laidback individuals
become converts to the life of high-energy adventures. They enjoy river rafting, canoeing,
rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in Coorg are a favorite with
trekkers.
18. 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.
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19. 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.
III. Tea From Assam
1. 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.
2. Describe the scenery that Rajvir saw as soon as the train pulled out of the station.
Answer: When the train moved ahead, there were huge fields full of green plantations. Rajvir had
never seen so much greenery. He called it a ‘magnificent view’. The bushes were spread like a
sea against the backdrop of densely wooded hills.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. What information was given by Pranjol’s father to Rajvir about Assam Tea Estate?
Answer: He was the manager of a tea garden in upper Assam. He showed Pranjol and Rajvir the
acres of tea bushes, all neatly pruned to the same height. Groups of women pluckers with bamboo
baskets were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.
6. What happened to the Chinese emperor in “Tea from Assam” who always boiled water
before drinking it?
Or
What is the Chinese legend regarding tea?
Or
What is the Chinese story about the discovery of tea?
Or
What is the history of tea in China?
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Answer: A Chinese emperor had the habit of drinking boiled water. One day a twig 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.
7. What was the Indian legend about the discovery of tea?
Or
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.
8. What did Rajvir see when he entered the Tea Estate?
Or
What made Rajvir amazed on the way?
Answer: Rajvir was amazed to see huge fields full of green plantations. There were vast green
tea gardens on both sides of the road. The tall trees at the back of the gardens, in the forest on the
rolling hills, looked beautiful.
9. 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.
10. Who were Pranjol and Rajvir? Where were they going?
Answer: Pranjol and Rajvir were friends. 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.
11. What did Rajvir and Pranjol do after the train pulled out of the station?
Answer: When the train pulled out of the station. Pranjol became busy reading a detective book.
Rajvir was looking out of the train. It was green, green everywhere. He had never seen so much
greenery before.
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.
13. What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea?
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Answer: According to an Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk, fell asleep
during meditation. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of
these plants when put in hot water and drank banished sleep.
14. Where was tea first drunk? When did tea come to Europe?
Answer: It is believed that tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. Words like ‘chai and ‘chini‘ are
Chinese. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. At first, it was used more as a medicine
than as a beverage.
15. What is the best season for tea Production?
Answer: Rajvir and Pranjol reached Assam in the sprouting season. This season lasts from May
to July. The best tea is produced during this season.
16. How has tea become a popular beverage?
Answer: Tea is decidedly a very popular beverage in the world. More than eighty crore cups of
tea are drunk every day throughout the world. At every platform in India, you can hear vendors
crying “Chai-garam”. The people can’t resist buying the steaming hot cups of tea.
17. Why was Rajvir so much excitement?
Answer: Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. He was looking at the beautiful scenery.
The soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. Against the backdrop of densely wooded
hills, a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eyes could see. The orderly rows of bushes were
pruned to the same height. Rajvir was really excited to see the magnificent view.
18. Why didn’t Pranjol share Rajvir’s excitement?
Answer: Pranjol had been born and brought up on a tea plantation. He was familiar with tea
gardens. On the other hand, Rajvir had never visited any tea plantation ever before. A sea of
bushes stretching as far as the eyes could see fascinated him. The magnificent view, orderly rows
of tea bushes really excited him. But Pranjol was used to such sights.
19. Describe the Chinese legend regarding the discovery of tea leaves.
Answer: There is a Chinese legend regarding the discovery of tea leaves. One Chinese emperor
always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the burning twigs under the pot fell
into the water. The result was wonderful. The water gave a delicious flavour. Those leaves that
gave the water a delicious flavour were tea leaves.
20. What is the Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea?
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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.
21. 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, `char and ‘chin? 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.
22. What did Rajvir see in the Dhekiaban tea estate managed by Pranjol’s father?
Answer: The tea estate at Dhekiabari was managed by Pranjol’s father. Rajvir saw acre upon
acre of tea bushes on both sides of the gravel road. They were all pruned to the same height.
Groups of tea-pluckers, wearing plastic aprons were plucking the newly sprouted leaves. It was
the second sprouting period.
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