Glimpses of India — Notes

Summary

A Baker from Goa

The author reminisces about the traditional Goan village baker, known as a pader, and his significant role in society during his childhood. Elders recall the Portuguese days fondly, remembering their famous loaves of bread. Though the bakers might be fewer now, the profession continues, with the mixers, moulders, and bakers still present, and their time-tested furnaces still in use. The distinctive thud and jingle of the baker's bamboo staff, announcing his arrival, can still be heard. The baker was a friend, companion, and guide, visiting twice daily. Children eagerly awaited his arrival, not just for the bread, but for bread-bangles and sweet specialities. The fragrance of the loaves is a strong memory, associated with a time when dental hygiene was less of a concern, with hot tea considered sufficient for cleansing.

Importance of Bread in Goan Life

Bread was, and still is, fundamental to Goan life. Sweet bread called ‘bol’ is essential for marriage gifts, while a feast or party is incomplete without bread. The lady of the house would prepare sandwiches for her daughter's engagement, and cakes and bolinhas are mandatory for Christmas and other festivals. The baker’s furnace was thus a vital part of the village.

The Baker's Attire and Earnings

The pader wore a distinct long, single-piece frock called a kabai in Portuguese days. Later, bakers wore shirts and trousers shorter than full-length ones. A person wearing shorts reaching below the knees today is jokingly referred to as being dressed like a pader. Bakers typically collected their bills at the end of the month, with accounts recorded on walls in pencil. Baking was a profitable profession, ensuring the baker, his family, and servants were always happy and prosperous, their plump physiques a testament to their well-being.

Coorg: Land of Coffee and Bravery

Coorg (Kodagu), nestled between Mysore and Mangalore, is a district in Karnataka known for its evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations. Thirty percent of the district is covered by rainforests. The pleasant season runs from September to March, with invigorating coffee-scented air. The fiercely independent people of Coorg are believed to have Greek or Arabic descent, evident in their distinct martial traditions, marriage, and religious rites. The Coorg Regiment is highly decorated, and General Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was a Coorgi. Uniquely, Kodavus are permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

Nature and Adventure in Coorg

The river Kaveri originates in Coorg’s hills and forests, home to the Mahaseer fish. Kingfishers, squirrels, and langurs are common sights. Elephants are bathed by their mahouts in the river. Coorg offers numerous high-energy adventure sports such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Trekking trails are abundant, and the landscape is rich with birds, bees, and butterflies. Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris inhabit the trees, and wild elephants roam freely. A panoramic view of the misty landscape can be seen from the Brahmagiri hills, and a rope bridge leads to the Nisargadhama island. Visitors can also encounter Buddhist monks from the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe.

Tea from Assam: A Journey and Legends

Rajvir, visiting his friend Pranjol in Assam, is captivated by the vast tea plantations. They discuss the immense popularity of tea worldwide, with over eighty crore cups drunk daily. Rajvir shares two legends about tea's discovery: one about a Chinese emperor whose boiling water was flavoured by leaves from burning twigs, and another about the Buddhist ascetic Bodhidharma, who supposedly grew tea plants from his eyelids to stay awake during meditation. Tea originated in China around 2700 B.C., with words like ‘tea’, ‘chai’, and ‘chini’ having Chinese roots. It reached Europe in the sixteenth century, initially consumed more for medicinal purposes.

Tea Cultivation in Assam

Upon arriving in Assam, Rajvir and Pranjol witness the tea country, which has the largest concentration of plantations globally. They see tea bushes stretching as far as the eye can see, dwarfed by tall shade-trees. Tea-pluckers, wearing bamboo baskets and plastic aprons, are busy collecting newly sprouted leaves. They learn about the second-flush, a sprouting period from May to July, which yields the best tea.

The chapter provides glimpses into diverse Indian regions, highlighting cultural practices, natural beauty, and historical influences.

Characters

The Baker (Pader) from Goa

• Identity: A traditional Goan village baker, whose family has carried on the profession for generations. He is an important figure in Goan society.
• Traits:
• Nostalgic figure: Though the "makers are still there," the author reminisces about the "good old Portuguese days" and the baker's role. The baker represents a link to the past.
• Dedicated to family profession: "Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession." This shows a sense of duty and tradition.
• An integral part of village life: The baker's arrival, marked by the "thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo," was a significant event. "Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol, just as a party or a feast loses its charm without bread."
• Physically imposing and prosperous: Described as having a "plump physique" and looking "happy and prosperous," which was an "open testimony" to his success.
• Development: The character himself doesn't undergo significant change, but the author's perception of his importance and the profession's evolution is highlighted.

The Author (Narrator)

• Identity: A former Goan child who looks back with nostalgia at his childhood experiences with the baker.
• Traits:
• Nostalgic: He fondly recalls the past, stating, "Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days..."
• Observant: He keenly remembers details like the baker's bamboo, the "jingling thud," the "fragrance of those loaves," and the baker's distinctive dress.
• Fond of sweets: He admits, "What we longed for were those bread-bangles which we chose carefully."
• Reflective: He contemplates the importance of the baker and the enduring nature of his profession.

Kodavus (People of Coorg)

• Identity: The people inhabiting Coorg (Kodagu), described as a proud race known for martial traditions, beautiful women, and unique customs.
• Traits:
• Martial and independent: Described as a "proud race of martial men" with "fiercely independent people." They are known for "tales of valour" and the "Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated."
• Distinct cultural heritage: Their "culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream." Their dress, the kuppia, resembles Arab and Kurdish attire.
• Hospitalitable: "Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour..."
• Unique privilege: They are "the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence."
• Origin Theories:
• Greek/Arabic Descent: "The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent." One theory suggests a part of Alexander’s army settled there. Another is supported by their dress resembling the kuffia.

Pranjol

• Identity: Rajvir's classmate from Assam, whose father manages a tea-garden in Upper Assam.
• Traits:
• Born and raised on a plantation: He is familiar with tea gardens and is not as excited as Rajvir, stating, "Oh, this is tea country now."
• A reader: He "buried his nose in his detective book again" during the train journey.
• Knowledgeable about tea (from Assam): He is aware of Assam having "the largest concentration of plantations in the world."

Rajvir

• Identity: Pranjol's classmate from Delhi, visiting Pranjol's home in Assam.
• Traits:
• Enthusiastic and curious: He is excited by the "green, green everywhere" and cries "Hey, a tea garden!"
• Well-researched: He has "been reading as much as I could about tea" and knows various legends about its discovery. He also demonstrates knowledge of tea cultivation terms like "second-flush."
• Observant: He keenly observes the scenery, the tea bushes, the tea-pluckers, and the agricultural processes.
• Eager to learn: He expresses his desire to "learn much more while I’m here."

Other characters

• Pranjol's Parents: They are waiting for Pranjol and Rajvir at the station and drive them to the tea-garden.
• Tea Vendor: A vendor selling "Chai-garam... garam-chai" at the train station.

Remember

Characters are defined by their actions, dialogue, and how others perceive them. Look for evidence in the text to support your understanding of their traits.

Exam-smart

A question might ask to describe the characteristics of the Kodavus based on the text. You would need to extract details about their martial nature, distinct customs, and hospitality, citing phrases like "proud race of martial men" or "tradition of hospitality."

Themes and Message

The Enduring Significance of Tradition and Profession

The text highlights how traditional professions, like that of the baker in Goa, continue to hold importance even as times change. The baker, known as a pader, was more than just a seller of bread; he was a friend, companion, and guide to the children. This relationship underscores the deep integration of his profession into the social fabric of the village. The persistence of the family profession, with sons carrying on from their fathers, shows a strong sense of continuity and legacy. The importance of bread in Goan life, for marriage gifts (bol), parties, feasts, engagements (sandwiches), and festivals (cakes and bolinhas), demonstrates how tradition shapes daily life and celebrations.

Coorg: A Land of Natural Beauty and Distinct Culture

The essence of Coorg is presented as a unique blend of natural splendor and proud cultural identity. Its rolling hills, evergreen rainforests, and spice and coffee plantations create a picturesque landscape. The people of Coorg are depicted as fiercely independent, with a culture distinct from the Hindu mainstream, possibly stemming from Greek or Arabic descent. Their martial traditions, distinct marriage and religious rites, and the tradition of hospitality are emphasized. The fact that Coorgis are permitted to carry firearms without a licence further illustrates their unique status and the trust placed in them. The presence of the Kaveri river and its rich aquatic life, along with various animals and the opportunity for adventure sports, paints Coorg as a destination offering both tranquility and excitement.

The Cultural Significance of Tea in Assam

The introduction of tea to India by the British is shown as a significant cultural and economic development, particularly in Assam. The narrative contrasts the initial skepticism and avoidance of tea by Indians, who viewed it with suspicion, with its eventual widespread popularity. The text touches upon the legends surrounding tea's discovery, suggesting a rich historical and mythical background. The transition of tea from being consumed as medicine in Europe to a popular beverage reflects its evolving cultural role. The description of the vast tea gardens and the meticulous process of tea-plucking highlights tea cultivation as a major livelihood and a defining feature of Assam.

The Symbolism of Trees and Nature's Resilience

The poem "The Trees" uses the imagery of trees moving out of a house into a forest to symbolize nature's inherent drive for freedom and its reclamation of space. The roots disengaging from cracks, the leaves straining toward glass, and the boughs shuffling depict a powerful, almost conscious effort by nature to break free from confinement. The breaking of the glass signifies the destruction of barriers imposed by humans. The moon, broken like a mirror, reflects the fractured but still vibrant presence of nature. The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the conflict between human constructs and the natural world, and nature's unstoppable force and resilience.

Why the title "Glimpses of India"

The title "Glimpses of India" is fitting because the chapter offers brief, evocative insights into diverse regions and their unique characteristics. It presents snapshots of:

• The traditional Goan baker and his integral role in society.
• The lush, adventurous landscape and martial culture of Coorg.
• The tea plantations of Assam and the cultural journey of tea. These are not exhaustive studies but flashes of understanding that provide a flavour of the vastness and variety of India.

Tone and Mood

• A Baker from Goa: The tone is predominantly nostalgic and affectionate, recalling childhood memories with fondness. There is also a sense of matter-of-fact observation regarding the baker's life and the changing times. The mood is warm and reminiscent.
• Coorg: The tone is descriptive and appreciative, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of the region and its people. The mood is invigorating and picturesque, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure.
• Tea from Assam: The tone is informative and enthusiastic, conveying the historical and cultural significance of tea. The mood is lively and engaging, reflecting the energy of travel and discovery.
• The Trees: The tone is intense and symbolic, with a sense of urgency and resilience. The mood is powerful and evocative, creating a strong impression of nature's struggle and eventual liberation.

The Message

• A Baker from Goa: Traditions and the roles they play in society, even seemingly simple ones, are vital and deserve to be cherished. The value of family professions and intergenerational continuity is highlighted.
• Coorg: India is a land of immense natural beauty and diverse cultures, each with its own distinct identity and heritage. Respect for local traditions and the environment is important.
• Tea from Assam: Cultural practices and agricultural economies are deeply intertwined, and understanding the history and evolution of everyday items like tea offers valuable insights into different cultures.
• The Trees: Nature possesses an inherent strength and a will to survive and reclaim its space, often in ways that challenge human dominion. There is a call to recognize and respect nature's power and right to exist freely.

Remember

The competency-based pattern emphasizes understanding themes and messages over simple recall. Be prepared to explain why a particular aspect of the text carries a certain message.

Exam-smart

Source-based questions might present an extract about a specific region or a traditional practice and ask about the underlying themes of cultural significance, tradition, or the relationship between humans and nature. Your answer should connect the specific details of the extract to these broader themes. For instance, an extract about the baker's daily routine could be used to discuss the theme of enduring traditions and community roles.

Language and Literary Devices

A Baker from Goa

Coorg

Tea from Assam

Style and Point of View

• A Baker from Goa: The narrator uses a first-person point of view, sharing personal anecdotes and nostalgic reflections from his childhood. The tone is warm, affectionate, and reminiscent, creating a sense of intimacy and a deep appreciation for the baker and his role in the community. This personal touch makes the description of the baker and his traditions feel authentic and heartfelt.
• Coorg: The narrative employs a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing the author to describe the landscape, people, and activities of Coorg comprehensively. The tone is descriptive, appreciative, and somewhat adventurous, aiming to inform and entice the reader about the region's unique charm, natural beauty, and thrilling experiences.
• Tea from Assam: The story uses a third-person limited point of view, focusing primarily on Rajvir's experiences and perceptions. This allows the reader to share in Rajvir's initial wonder and excitement about Assam and tea cultivation. The tone shifts from observational and informative (describing the scenery and history of tea) to curious and engaged, as Rajvir actively seeks to learn more. The dialogue between Rajvir and Pranjol adds a dynamic, conversational element.

Remember

When identifying literary devices, look for specific words or phrases that create sensory images, comparisons, or emotional effects. Don't just list devices; explain how they contribute to the text's meaning or atmosphere.

Exam-smart

You might be given an excerpt and asked to identify the dominant literary device used and explain its effect. For instance, in "A Baker from Goa," a question might ask to identify the use of imagery and explain how it evokes nostalgia. For Coorg, you might be asked about the use of metaphor or simile in describing the landscape or people. For "Tea from Assam," dialogue and imagery in describing the tea gardens would be key points to analyze.

A Baker from Goa

Remember

Understanding the context in which these words are used is key. For instance, "plump physique" and "jackfruit-like physical appearance" are used to describe the baker's prosperous and healthy look, indicating baking was a lucrative profession.

Exam-smart

You might be given a sentence with a word like "indispensable" and asked to explain its meaning in the context of the passage, or to find a synonym. Questions might also ask about the specific Goan terms like "pader," "bol," or "bolinhas."

Coorg

Remember

Note the collocations provided in the text, such as "evergreen rainforests," "coffee plantations," and "tales of valour." These are common pairings of words that sound natural together.

Exam-smart

You might be asked to explain phrases like "a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of god" or to identify the meaning of words like "martial" or "laidback" within the context of the passage describing Coorg and its people.

Assam

Remember

Words like "ardent," "magnificent," and "ascetic" reveal the characters' feelings, the scenery's description, and historical context, respectively. Pay attention to how these words shape the narrative.

Exam-smart

You might encounter questions asking you to define terms like "sprouting period" or "second-flush" as used in the tea garden context, or to explain the meaning of "dwarfing" in relation to the shade-trees and tea plants. Questions might also ask about the legends of tea discovery.

Language work in the chapter

A Baker from Goa

• Word Formation: The text uses phrasal verbs and compound words formed from verbs and particles/adverbs.
• Phrasal verbs:
• carry on (the family profession) - meaning to continue.
• set out (in the morning on his selling round) - meaning to begin a journey.
• return after emptying (his huge basket) - meaning to come back.
• woke us up (from sleep) - meaning to rouse someone from sleep.
• run to meet (and greet him) - meaning to go quickly to encounter someone.
• pushed aside (with a mild rebuke) - meaning to move someone gently out of the way.
• climb a bench (or the parapet) - meaning to ascend.
• peep into (the basket) - meaning to look quickly and secretly.
• wash our mouths (properly) - meaning to rinse.
• take the trouble (of plucking) - meaning to make an effort.
• wash and clean up (everything) - meaning to rinse and make clean.
• collect his bills (at the end of the month) - meaning to gather payments.
• recorded on (some wall) - meaning to write down.
• Compound Words:
• bread-bangles (which we chose carefully) - a type of sweet bread shaped like a bangle.
• sweet bread (of special make) - bread with a sweet flavour.
• maid-servant (of the house) - a female domestic worker.
• special make (bread of special make) - specially prepared.
• fire-in-the-furnaces (still exist) - the heat within the ovens.
• morning selling (round) - the round made in the morning to sell goods.
• female servant (of the house) - a woman employed to do domestic work.

Coorg

• Collocations: Words that commonly go together.
• Common collocations:
• unique culture
• ancient culture
• evergreen rainforests
• coffee plantations
• coastal town
• tales of valour
• river rafting
• mountain biking
• walking trails
• wild elephants
• Bylakuppe Buddhist settlement
• panoramic view
• rope bridge
• slender loris
• Odd/Uncommon phrases:
• ‘How young are you?’ (instead of ‘How old are you?’)
• a pleasant pillow (instead of ‘a pleasant person’)
• Noun-Adjective Collocations:
• culture: unique culture, ancient culture
• monks: red monks, ochre monks, yellow monks
• surprise: many surprises
• experience: Coorgi experience
• weather: perfect weather
• tradition: tradition of hospitality
• Phrases from the text:
• tales of valour
• coastal town
• a piece of heaven
• evergreen rainforests
• coffee plantations
• rope bridge
• wild elephants

Assam

• Phrasal Verbs and Vocabulary:

• CHAI-GARAM... garam-chai: Hindi for "Hot tea... hot tea."

• sa’ab: Hindi for "Sir."

• sipped: drank in small mouthfuls.

• steaming hot: very hot, with steam rising.

• ardent fan: a very enthusiastic supporter.

• greenery: green foliage.

• paddy fields: fields where rice is grown.

• gave way to: were replaced by.

• magnificent view: an extremely beautiful sight.

• backdrop: the setting or background.

• densely wooded: thickly covered with trees.

• sea of tea bushes: a vast expanse of tea bushes.

• dwarfing: making smaller by comparison.

• sturdy shade-trees: strong trees that provide shade.

• orderly rows: neat, regular lines.

• busily moved: were working actively.

• doll-like figures: small figures that resemble dolls.

• billowing: rising or swelling out.

• concentration: density or amount in a particular area.

• plantations: large areas where crops are grown.

• legends: traditional stories.

• ascetic: a person who practices self-discipline.

• banished sleep: made sleep disappear.

• beverage: a drink.

• clattered into: arrived noisily.

• crowded platform: a busy place with many people.

• veered sharply: turned suddenly.

• cattle-bridge: a bridge for livestock.

• tea estate: an area of land for growing tea.

• neatly pruned: trimmed carefully into shape.

• tea-pluckers: people who pick tea leaves.

• sprouting leaves: new leaves appearing.

• tractor: a powerful motor vehicle.

• trailer-load: a trailer filled with.

• second-flush: the second harvest of tea leaves.

• yields: produces.

• done your homework: prepared thoroughly.

• admitted: confessed or acknowledged.

• Word Formation (Verb + Particle/Adverb):

• upkeep (of our family property) - from keep up

• downpour (has been forecast) - from pour down

• undergo (major surgery) - from go under

• dropout (rate for this accountancy course) - from drop out

• walk-in (interview) - from walk in

• throw over (the Government) - to overthrow.

• break through (in cancer research) - a significant advancement.

• pass (for Bhubaneswar) - a bypass road.

• look over (Gautama’s on life) - a change in perspective.

• cast down (Rakesh seemed unusually) - dejected or unhappy.

• -ing and -ed Adjectives:

• -ing adjectives (describe the quality of something):

• interesting (game)

• exciting (idea)

• boring (books)

• -ed/-en adjectives (describe feelings or states):

• interested (in chess)

• excited (about the trek)

• bored (as he had no friends)

Remember

Pay attention to the difference between -ing adjectives (describing the cause of a feeling) and -ed adjectives (describing the feeling itself). For example, a movie is boring (-ing), but you feel bored (-ed) when watching it.

Exam-smart

You might be asked to differentiate between words like "exciting" and "excited" or "interesting" and "interested" as used in sentences related to the chapter's themes. Questions could also test your understanding of phrasal verbs like "carry on" or "set out."

Questions and Answers

A Baker from Goa

Textbook questions

1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about? The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the Portuguese days and their famous loaves of bread. They remember the time when bakers, called 'pader', played an important role in their society.

2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know? Yes, bread-making is still present, though the traditional profession is carried on by the sons of the original bakers. The text mentions that the mixers, moulders, and bakers still exist, and the furnaces are still in use, indicating continuity.

3. What is the baker called? In Goa, the baker is traditionally called a 'pader'.

4. When would the baker come everyday? Why did the children run to meet him? The baker used to come at least twice a day: once in the morning on his selling round and again in the evening. Children ran to meet him not for the loaves themselves, but for the 'bread-bangles' and special sweet breads they longed for.

5. Match the following. (i) as marriage gifts? – sweet bread called bol (ii) for a party or a feast? – bread (iii) for a daughter’s engagement? – sandwiches (iv) for Christmas? – cakes and bolinhas

6. What did the bakers wear: (i) in the Portuguese days? A single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees, known as a 'kabai'. (ii) when the author was young? A shirt and trousers that were shorter than full-length but longer than half pants.

7. Who invites the comment — “he is dressed like a pader”? Why? Anyone who wears a half pant reaching just below the knees invites this comment, as it resembles the shorter trousers the bakers wore when the author was young.

8. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded? The monthly accounts were recorded on some wall in pencil.

9. What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean? It refers to a person having a plump or pleasantly fat body, which was characteristic of the prosperous bakers and their families.

10. Which of these statements are correct? (i) The pader was an important person in the village in old times. (Correct) (ii) Paders still exist in Goan villages. (Correct) (iii) The paders went away with the Portuguese. (Incorrect) (iv) The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock. (Incorrect) (v) Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days. (Correct) (vi) Traditional bread-baking is still a very profitable business. (The text implies it was profitable, but doesn't explicitly state it's still very profitable.) (vii) Paders and their families starve in the present times. (Incorrect)

11. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this? Yes, bread is very important. Marriage gifts are meaningless without the 'bol' (sweet bread), parties lose charm without bread, and sandwiches, cakes, and 'bolinhas' are musts for engagements, Christmas, and festivals.

12. Tick the right answer. What is the tone of the author when he says the following? (i) The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some places. (nostalgic) (ii) Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. (hopeful) (iii) I still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. (nostalgic) (iv) The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all. (funny) (v) Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. (matter-of-fact) (vi) The baker and his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous. (matter-of-fact)

Coorg

Textbook questions

1. Where is Coorg? Coorg, or Kodagu, is located midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore in the state of Karnataka.

2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent? One story suggests that a part of Alexander the Great’s army moved south along the coast and settled in Coorg when returning became impractical. They married the locals, and their culture is evident in distinct martial traditions and rites.

3. What are some of the things you now know about: (i) the people of Coorg? They are a proud race of martial men, possibly of Greek or Arabic descent, known for their hospitality, valour, and are permitted to carry firearms without a licence. (ii) the main crop of Coorg? The main crop is coffee, grown in coffee plantations covering a significant part of the district. (iii) the sports it offers to tourists? It offers river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. (iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg? Mahaseer (fish), kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, slender loris, and wild elephants. (v) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there? It is about 250-260 km from Bangalore. One can reach via Mysore or via Neelamangal, Kunigal, Chanrayanapatna, by air to Mangalore or Bangalore, or by rail to Mysore, Mangalore, or Hassan.

4. Here are six sentences with some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (i) During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg. (para 2) – “During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away.” (ii) Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there. (para 3) – “As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical.” (iii) The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’ valour. (para 4) – “Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers.” (iv) Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy adventure sports of Coorg. (para 6) – “The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure...” (v) The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear. (para 3) – “The theory of Arab origin 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...” (vi) Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy. (para 7) – “Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy.”

Tea from Assam

Textbook questions

1. Look at these words: upkeep, downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in. They are built up from a verb (keep, pour, go, drop, walk) and an adverb or a particle (up, down, under, out, in). Use these words appropriately in the sentences below. You may consult a dictionary. (i) A heavy downpour has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal. (ii) Rakesh will undergo major surgery tomorrow morning. (iii) My brother is responsible for the upkeep of our family property. (iv) The rate for this accountancy course is very high. (No word from the list fits naturally here; a suitable word would be 'fees' or 'tuition', not related to the list.) (v) She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a walk-in interview.

2. Now fill in the blanks in the sentences given below by combining the verb given in brackets with one of the words from the box as appropriate. over by through out up down (i) The Army attempted unsuccessfully to throw over the Government. (throw) (ii) Scientists are on the brink of a major break through in cancer research. (break) (iii) The State Government plans to build a pass through for Bhubaneswar to speed up traffic on the main highway. (pass) (iv) Gautama’s look down on life changed when he realised that the world is full of sorrow. (look) (v) Rakesh seemed unusually cast down after the game. (cast)

3. Think of suitable -ing or -ed adjectives to answer the following questions. You may also use words from those given above. How would you describe: (i) a good detective serial on television? – interesting, exciting (ii) a debate on your favourite topic ‘Homework Should Be Banned’? – exciting, interesting, controversial (iii) how you feel when you stay indoors due to incessant rain? – bored, disappointed (iv) how you feel when you open a present? – excited, happy, thrilled (v) how you feel when you watch your favourite programme on television? – interested, excited, thrilled (vi) the look on your mother’s face as you waited in a queue? – tired, bored, annoyed (vii) how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger reserve forest? – excited, thrilled, nervous, scared (viii) the story you have recently read, or a film you have seen? – interesting, exciting, boring, thrilling, disappointing

4. Now use the adjectives in the exercise above, as appropriate, to write a paragraph about Coorg. Coorg is an exciting place to visit. Tracking a tiger in the forest can be a thrilling and slightly nervous experience, but the sight of the diverse wildlife is interesting. The landscape is magnificent, and the weather can be pleasant with occasional showers, though the monsoons can bring heavy downpours. Many tourists find the adventure sports exciting, leading even laidback individuals to become thrilled by the activities. The overall experience of Coorg is often described as unforgettable.

Practice for the exam

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words)

1. What legends are associated with the discovery of tea? Two legends are mentioned: one about a Chinese emperor whose boiling water got flavour from burning twigs falling into it, and another about an ancient Buddhist ascetic, Bodhidharma, whose eyelids grew tea plants after he cut them off to stay awake during meditation.

2. Describe the landscape of Assam as seen from the train. The landscape was predominantly green. Initially, soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes stretching as far as the eye could see against densely wooded hills. Tiny tea plants were dwarfed by tall shade-trees.

3. Why were the people of Coorg possibly of Greek or Arabic descent? One theory suggests a part of Alexander the Great’s army moved south and settled there. Another theory points to their traditional dress, the 'kuppia', which resembles the 'kuffia' worn by Arabs and Kurds, and their distinct martial traditions.

Long Answer Questions (100-120 words)

1. Discuss the significance of the baker in a Goan village. The baker, or 'pader', was a central figure in Goan village life, more than just a bread-seller. His arrival announced by the thud and jingle of his bamboo marked the morning. He was a friend, companion, and guide to children, who eagerly awaited his visits for bread-bangles and special sweets. Bread itself was integral to celebrations like marriages, engagements, and festivals, making the baker's furnace essential for the village. Their plump physique was a sign of their prosperity, making them respected members of the community.

2. Describe the various adventure activities and natural attractions available in Coorg. Coorg offers a blend of natural beauty and adventure. It boasts evergreen rainforests and spice and coffee plantations. Tourists can enjoy river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The Brahmagiri hills provide a panoramic view, and a rope bridge leads to the Nisargadhama island. The Kaveri river teems with Mahaseer, and kingfishers are a common sight. Wildlife like squirrels, langurs, and elephants inhabit the region, while the presence of Buddhist monks from Bylakuppe adds a unique cultural dimension.

Extract Based Question

Extract: "PRANJOL’S father slowed down to allow a tractor, pulling a trailer-load of tea leaves, to pass. “This is the second-flush or sprouting period, isn’t it, Mr Barua?” Rajvir asked. “It lasts from May to July and yields the best tea.” “You seem to have done your homework before coming,” Pranjol’s father said in surprise. “Yes, Mr Barua,” Rajvir admitted. “But I hope to learn much more while I’m here.”"

1. Who is speaking to whom, and in what context? Rajvir is speaking to Pranjol’s father, Mr. Barua. He is asking about the current period of tea cultivation, indicating his prior research.

2. What does "second-flush" refer to in tea cultivation? "Second-flush" refers to the period of sprouting in tea cultivation, which lasts from May to July and yields the best quality tea.

3. What does this interaction reveal about Rajvir? It reveals that Rajvir is an inquisitive and well-prepared visitor. He has done his homework about tea and is eager to learn more, impressing Pranjol’s father.

Remember

The 'Glimpses of India' chapter is a collection of diverse essays. Ensure you cover the specific details, vocabulary, and themes of each part (A Baker from Goa, Coorg, Tea from Assam) separately.

Exam-smart

Expect questions that ask you to compare and contrast the different regions or to explain the cultural significance of a particular tradition mentioned in the extracts. For source-based questions, identify the specific text the extract is from and use details from that text to answer.