CBSE Class 10 English Glimpses of India Assignment

Glimpses of India

(I) A Baker from Goa

INTRODUCTION—
‘A Baker from Goa’ is a pen portrait of a traditional Goan village baker who still has an important place in his society. The narrator is travelling through the memory lane thinking about the loaves of bread a baker delivered every morning.

SUMMARY—
Goa is very much influenced by the Portuguese. Their traditional work can be still seen there. The Portuguese are famous for preparing the loaves of bread. We can come across the bakers of bread. The writer tells about his childhood days in Goa when the baker used to visit their friend. He used to visit the house twice a day. In the morning, his jingling sound of the bamboo woke them from sleep. They all ran to meet him. The loaves were purchased by the man-servant of the house. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘bol’. The marriage gifts were meaningless without it. So the bakers’ furnace in the village was the most essential thing. The lady of the house prepared sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. In those days the bread sellers wore a particular dress known as ‘Kabai’. It was a single piece long frock up to the knees. Even today, they can be seen wearing a half pant that reaches just below the knees. People usually comment that he is dressed like a ‘pader’. Baking was a profitable profession in the old days. The baker and his family never starved and they looked happy and prosperous.

Extract Based Questions 

Read the passages given below and answer the questions that follow :

1. Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves. 

Question. What is still popular in Goa ?
(i) Cake making
(ii) Roll making
(iii) Bread making
(iv) Pizza making
Answer.(iii) Bread making

Question. Who are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread ?
(i) The elders
(ii) The young people
(iii) The children
(iv) The ladies
Answer.(i) The elders

Question. Which word in the passage means the same as ‘cook’ ?
(i) fry
(ii) boil
(iii) mix
(iv) bake
Answer.(iv) bake

Question. What are mixers used for ?
(i) Mixing vegetables
(ii) Mixing water
(iii) Preparing dough
(iv) Mixing juices
Answer.(iii) Preparing dough

 

2. He would greet the lady of the house with ‘Good Morning’ and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo.We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket, somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and bangles for the children.

Question. What is the greeting word in the passage?
(i) Good evening
(ii) Good morning
(iii) Good night
(iv) Good afternoon
Answer.(ii) Good morning

Question. Who would peep into the basket?
(i) The lady
(ii) The children
(iii) The servant
(iv) The baker
Answer.(ii) The children

Question. Who rebukes the kids to push them aside to make space and deliver the bread to the servants?
(i) The Painter
(ii) The Milkman
(iii) The Barber
(iv) The Baker
Answer.(iv) The Baker

Question. The word in the passage means the same as ‘ to take a quick look’
(i) vertical
(ii) typical
(iii) peep
(iv) rebuke
Answer.(iii) peep

 

3. The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. 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. 

Question. How was the baking profession?
(i) Profitable
(ii) Non-profitable
(iii) No profit-No loss
(iv) Poor
Answer. (i) Profitable

Question. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded with a pencil ?
(i) in a note-book
(ii) in a diary
(iii) on a laptop
(iv) on a wall
Answer.(iv) on a wall

Question. How was the baker’s life ?
(i) joyful
(ii) happy
(iii) prosperous
(iv) happy and Prosperous
Answer.(iv) happy and prosperous

Question. Which word in the passage means the same as ‘Proof’ ?
(i) profession
(ii) plump
(iii) testimony
(iv) physique
Answer.(iii) testimony  

 

Multiple Choice Questions

Question. The baker used to come ………… .
(a) Once a day
(b) Twice a day
(c) Once a week
(d) Twice a week
Answer. (b)

Question. From where did the ‘jhang-jhang’ sound come?
(a) Basket of bread
(b) Musical instrument used by baker
(c) Noises of children
(d) Specially made bamboo staff of baker
Answer. (d)

Question. What did the baker used to bring for children?
(a) Loaves
(b) Bread Bangles
(c) Sweet bread
(d) Sandwiches
Answer. (b) 

Question. The author is ......... when he says, ‘‘Loaves for the elders and the bangles for the children”.
(a) despairing
(b) proud
(c) nostalgic
(d) regretful
Answer. (b) 

Question. What do bakers used to wear during old Portuguese days?
(a) Long shirt
(b) Long frock
(c) Kabai
(d) Bol
Answer. (c)

Question. Who invites the comment – “he is dressed like a pader”?
(a) Anyone who wears a half pant which reached just below the knees
(b) Anyone who wears a long piece of frock till knees
(c) Anyone who wears a shirt and trousers
(d) Anyone who bakes bread
Answer. (a) 

Question. How is the traditional baker recognised?
(a) With the thud and jingle of the bamboo
(b) With his baking style
(c) With his clothing style
(d) None of the above
Answer. (a)

Question. Choose the option that lists the set of sentences that are not true according to the given extract.
(i) The loaves of bread loved by the narrator are Portuguese.
(ii) The loaves of bread are a special delicacy in Goa.
(iii) The baker is a celebrated personality of Goa.
(iv) Baking as a profession is dead in Goa.
(v) The arrival of a baker is a special highlight of the day for the narrator.
(vi) The narrator misses the loaves of Portuguese bread sellers.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 4
(c) Only 6
(d) 3 and 5
Answer. (b) 

 

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Baking was considered essential in a traditional Goan village. What reasons does the writer give to support his point ?
Answer. No festival in Goa is complete without bakery products—be it marriages, engagements or any other ceremony.
Traditional sweet bread, known as ‘bol’ is to be given with marriage gifts. At Christmas ‘bolinhas’ and cakes are a must. Any party or feast without bread is considered incomplete.

Question. Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is easily compared to a baker. Explain.
Answer. Bread-making is a prosperous business in Goa. The physique of the baker, i.e., his plump and round body are testimony to that. Therefore, anyone who is fat and plump just like a jackfruit is compared to a baker.

Question. Is bread an important part of Goan life ? How do you know this ? 
Answer. Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life even today. This we can definitely say because bread is not only a part of their daily life but also of important occasions like Christmas, festivals, weddings and engagements.
These occasions are incomplete without a special preparation for each event, made from bread.

Question. Comment on the significance of a bread baker in a traditional Goan village ?
Answer. Bread is a permanent item of a Goan meal and the baker is an important member of the Goan community.
Besides, sweet bread ‘bol’ is a special delicacy, served at festivals and cakes and bolinhas are a special charm at Christmas. A baker’s furnace is therefore indispensable in a traditional Goan village.

Question. What did the bakers wear NCERT
(i) in the Portuguese days?
(ii) when the author was young?
Answer. (i) The bakers usually wore a peculiar dress called Kabai. It was a single piece long frock reaching down to the knees.
(ii) When the author was young, he saw the bakers wearing a shirt and trousers. The trousers were shorter than full length and longer than half-pants.

Question. When would the baker come everyday? Why did the children run to meet him? NCERT
Answer. The baker would come twice a day, once early in the morning and the second time when he returned after selling all his bread.
The children would run to meet him for those bread-bangles and sweet bread of special make, which they choose very carefully.

Question. ‘The tiger never brushed his teeth’. Why does the author say so?
Answer. The author said so because when the baker used to bring bangles for children, they did not even care to brush their teeth or wash their mouths properly. They did not like to take the trouble of pluching the mango leaf for the toothbrush. They did not feel it necessary to wash their mouths just take tigers who never brush their teeth before meals.

Question. Why was the baker’s furnace essential in a traditional Goan village? 
Answer. The baker’s furnace was essential in a traditional Goan village because different kinds of breads were required for different occasions. Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as bol. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are essential for Christmas as well as other festivals.

Question. How do we know that Goa’s bakers are very prosperous ?
Answer. We know that Goa’s bakers are very prosperous from their plump physique. Baking in Goa is an important profession as breads were an essential part of all festivities in Goa. As a result, the baker, his family and servants never starved. They were always happy and prosperous.

 

Long Answer Type Questions  

Question. What was the peculiar dress of the bakers during the Portuguese days ? What is a person called if he wears half-pants.
Answer. During the Portuguese days, the bakers wore a peculiar dress called the ‘kabai’, that was a frock in a single piece, reaching upto the knees. But during his childhood, the author had seen the bakers wearing shirts with trousers that were longer than half pants, but shorter than a full length one. Even today, anyone who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed as a pader.

Question. 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?
Answer. Yes, I think that our traditions, heritage, values and practices are the roots that nourish us. They shape our personality and provide us with emotional support. They make us mentally strong and enable us to face a difficult situation. They even impact our behavioural pattern towards the other people in the society. The story highlights the importance of the traditional practice of making breads at every occasion. In Goa, every occasion is incomplete without bread.
A marriage is incomplete if it does not include a sweet bread known as ‘bol’ All festival and feasts are incomplete without cakes and bolinhas. Even today, the elders remember those old famous breads baked by Portuguese bakers. From childhood till their old age, they remember the Portuguese bread. This shows that bread is an important part of the Goan life that continues even today. Thus, our traditional practices keep our past heritage alive and nourishes us.

Question. ‘During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide.’ What does this statement tell us about the character of the baker?
Answer. The given statement tells us that the baker was a very respected person in Goan society. He would guide children about good behaviour. This happened when he mildly scolded them for peeping into his basket. He taught children about giving respect to the elders. This was when he wished ‘Good Morning’ to the lady of the house. He was very informal with the children.
So the narrator considered him a friend and companion. He was not simply a vendor interested in selling what he made. Even though he scolded the children, he offered them bread bangles and sweet bread of their choice. A party or feast lost its charmwithout bread. Cakes and bolinhas were a must for Christmas and other festivals. Presence of the baker’s furnace in the village was absolutely essential. Thus, he was an important character in Goan society of those days.

Question. Why were the children fascinated by the baker? How did they show their eagerness to see him?
Answer. The children according to the narrator, were eager to see him. They used to wake up whenever they heard the jingling sound of the bakers’s bamboo stick. Whenever the baker greeted the lady of the house, children would surround the baker who would rebuke them and hand over the loaves to a servant.
Then, the children would climb over a chair to peep into the basket full of bread loaves. These children didn’t even brush their teeth before taking the bread bangles that they could choose carefully. Their actions made it clear that the children were fascinated by the baker and were always eager to see him.

 

(II) Coorg

INTRODUCTION—
‘Coorg is a coffee producing area in Karnataka State of India. It is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. This land is famous for its rainforests and spices. The writer seems to be fascinated by the beauty of the place and says that it must have come from the Kingdom of God. It is the smallest district of Karnataka.

SUMMARY—
Coorg is a heavenly place which lies midway between Mysore and Mangalore. It is the smallest district in Karnataka and has evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations. The best season is between September and March when the weather is perfect for a visit to Coorg.

The people are of Greek or Arabic descent. It is rumoured that a part of Alexander’s army drifted here and found it impossible to return. They married among the locals so their traditions and rites may be different from other IndiAnswer. Some people say that Coorgis are of Arabic descent as many people wear a long black coat with embroidered waist belt which is similar to the kuffia worn by the Arabs. The people of Coorg are known for their hospitality and recount many tales of bravery. General Cariappa, the first Army Chief was a Coorgi. The Kodavus are the only people in India to carry firearms without a license.
A variety of wildlife like the Mahaseer– a large fresh water fish, kingfishers, squirrels, langurs and elephants can be seen here.
Coorg is also well-known for high energy adventures like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock-climbing etc.
The Brahmagiri hills give the climber an awe-inspiring view of Coorg. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama.
Bylakuppe in Coorg is India’s largest settlement of Buddhist monks. These Buddhist monks can be seen here dressed in red, ochre and yellow robes.

Extract Based Questions 

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :

1. Midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sites a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures. Coorg or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rain forests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rain forests cover thirty percent of this district. 

Question. Which is the smallest district of Karnataka?
(i) Mysore
(ii) Coorg
(iii) Mangalore
(iv) Bangalore
Answer.(ii) Coorg

Question. Which word in the passage means the same as ‘brave men’.
(i) Strong men
(ii) Powerful men
(iii) Courageous men
(iv) Martial men
Answer.(iv) Martial men

Question. Coorg is situated between ___________ and the coastal town of Mangalore.
(i) Mysore
(ii) Hampi
(iii) Badami
(iv) Hassan
Answer.(i) Mysore

Question. Evergreen forests cover ____________ of this district.
(i) 40%
(ii) 60%
(iii) 30%
(iv) 50%
Answer.(iii) 30%

 

2. The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes a part of Alexander’s army moved South along the coast and settled here when return became impractical.These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream.

Question. The Coorg’s are fiercely __________ people.
(i) selfish
(ii) independent
(iii) dependent
(iv) reliable
Answer.(ii) independent

Question. The Coorgs are possibly of Greek or which descent ?
(i) Egyptian
(ii) French
(iii) American
(iv) Arab
Answer.(iv) Arab

Question. Whose army moved South along the coast and settled here?
(i) Akbar’s
(ii) Ashoka’s
(iii) Alexander’s
(iv) Aurangzeb’s
Answer.(iii) Alexander’s

Question. Find a word from the passage that means the same as ‘relating to war’.
(i) Independent
(ii) Fiercely
(iii) Impractical
(iv) Martial
Answer.(iv) Martial

 

Short Answer Type Questions  

Question. The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it been recognized in modern India ? 
Answer. The people of Coorg are known for their high energy, courageous and adventurous sports like canoeing,rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking, trekking, etc. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army. The first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi, Even now Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.

Question. Why has Coorg been referred to as ‘a piece of heaven drifted from the kingdom of God’ ?
Answer. Coorg is often referred to as a small piece of heaven because of its natural beauty—of its evergreen forest, rolling hills, coffee plantations and spice trees. The freshness of the natural surroundings is further enhanced by the aroma of coffee.

Question. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s Greek descent ? 
Answer. According to one story, the Kodavu people are of Greek descent because a part of Alexander’s army moved south and finally settled there when returning became impractical. These people married amongst the locals.

Question. What do you know about ‘‘Bylakuppe’’ as mentioned in the lesson, ‘Coorg’ ?
Answer. Bylakuppe is India’s largest Tibetan settlement of Buddhist monks. They can be seen here dressed in red ochre and yellow robes.

Question. Why are the people of Coorg known as descendants of the Arabs ? 
Answer. The people of Coorg are also known as the descendants of the Arab people because of the long black coat worn by them with an embroidered waist band. This is called kuppia in Coorg which resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and Kurds.

 

Long Answer Type Questions :

Question. What do the people of Coorg teach us ?
Answer. Coorg people are famous for their hospitality, love, respect and fellow feeling which is the need of the present hour. The adventurous sports like river-rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking are great motivators. The Coorg Regiment is famous for receiving maximum number of awards for its bravery. The first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa was a Coorgi. The Coorgis are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.

Question. ‘Coorg’ seems to share a lot of historical perspectives. Is knowing such kind of historical knowledge important for us ?
Answer. In the lesson ‘Coorg’, the author tells us that the Coorgi people are descendants of either the Greeks or the Arabs.He says that they could have Greek origin because there was a legend that a part of Alexander’s army had moved to south and settled here. According to another legend, they had Arab origin because of the dresses they wore.
The author also tells us that the first General of the Indian Army, General Cariappa was a Coorg.
It is important for us to know about the deep rooted cultural background of our country and heritage so that we become aware of the fact that our culture has always welcomed people from other cultures and absorbed them into its own. This spreads the message of being tolerant which is very important in today’s world when the world is torn with war because of these ethnic reasons.

 

(III) Tea from Assam

INTRODUCTION—
This is a very short description of Assam, a Northern-Eastern State in India. This state is famous for its tea plantations. In this extract Pranjol, a youngster from Assam is Rajvir’s classmate at a school in Delhi.Pranjol’s father is a manager of a tea-garden in upper Assam and Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation.

QUICK REVIEW—
‘Tea from Assam’ is an interesting story about tea, its history and significance. Two boys Rajvir and Pranjol are travelling to Assam. Rajvir tells Pranjol that over 8,00,000,000 cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the world.

The train passes through green hills with a sea of tea bushes as far as can be seen. Rajvir is very excited but Pranjol, who has been brought up on a plantation, does not share his excitement. Rajvir then tells him about the various legends—Indian and Chinese—behind tea. He tells him how a Chinese emperor by chance discovered tea back in 2700 BC. Another story was about how ten tea plants grew out of eyelids of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist ascetic.

These words ‘Chai’ and ‘Chini’ are Chinese words. It was only in the sixteenth century that tea came to Europe.
By now, they had reached Marian junction where they got down and set off for Dhekiabari Tea Estate.On both sides of the road, there were tea bushes with women plucking tea leaves. Pranjol’s father told Rajvir that he would tell them many more things about tea plantation.

Extract Based Questions 

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :

1. It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures. In the distance was an ugly building with smoke billowing out of tall chimneys. ‘Hey, a tea garden !’, Rajvir cried excitedly. 

Question. What are the doll like figures referred to here ?
(i) The farmers
(ii) The labourers
(iii) The tea pluckers
(iv) The tea tasters
Answer.(iii) The tea pluckers

Question. What have the tea plantations been compared to ?
(i) Sea of tea bushes
(ii) Wild bushes
(iii) Sea of green bushes
(iv) Green fields
Answer.(i) Sea of tea bushes

Question. Which word in the passage means the same as ‘splendid’.
(i) magnificent
(ii) densely
(iii) dwarfing
(iv) billowing
Answer.(i) magnificent

Question. Who cried excitedly, “Hey, a tea garden”?
(i) Pranjol
(ii) Tea pluckers
(iii) Rajvir
(iv) None of them
Answer.(iii) Rajvir

 

2. ‘Tea was first drunk in China’, Rajvir added ‘as far back as 2700 B.C. In fact, words such as tea, chai and chini are from Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine than a beverage.’

Question. When was tea first drunk ?
(i) 2500 BC
(ii) 2700 BC
(iii) 2600 BC
(iv) 300 BC
Answer. (ii) 2700 BC

Question. When did tea come to Europe ?
(i) in sixteenth century
(ii) in nineteenth century
(iii) in eighteenth century
(iv) in fifteenth century
Answer.(i) in sixteenth century

Question. From which language are the words ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ derived ?
(i) French
(ii) Hindi
(iii) English
(iv) Chinese
Answer.(iv) Chinese

Question. Where was first tea drunk ?
(i) Russia
(ii) Portugal
(iii) China
(iv) Japan
Answer.(iii) China

Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

“CHAI-GARAM... garam-chai,” a vendor called out in a high-pitched voice.
He came up to theirwindowand asked,”Chai, sa’ab?”
“Give us two cups,” Pranjol said.
They sipped the steaming hot liquid. Almost everyone in their compartmentwas drinking tea too.
“Do you know that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?” Rajvir said.
“Whew!” exclaimed Pranjol. “Tea really is very popular.”

Question. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol going to?
(a) Meghalaya
(b) Assam
(c) Sikkim
(d) Manipur
Answer. (b) 

Question. How many cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the world?
(a) Over eighty crore
(b) Over eighty
(c) Over seventy crore
(d) About eighty crore
Answer. (a) 

Question. Choose from the following options, how did Pranjol feelwhen he said, “Whew! Tea really is very popular.”
(a) Relived
(b) Shocked
(c) Surprised
(d) Angry
Answer. (c) 

Question. Which word in the passage means the same as ‘chinked’?
(a) Steaming
(b) Sipped
(c) Liquid
(d) Drink
Answer. (b)

Question. Pick out the option that classifies the statements as Facts (F) and Opinions (O) as said by students.
1. I think tea is very popular all over the world.
2. I feel that everyone should drink tea.
3. I think Rajvir was very excited for seeing tea gardens.
4. I think Rajvir and Pranjol were classmates.
(a) F-2, 3 and O-1, 4
(b) F-1, 2, 4 and O-3
(c) F-3, 4 and O-1, 2
(d) All are facts
Answer. (c)

 

Multiple Choice Questions

Question. Who is the author of ‘Tea from Assam’?
(a) Arup Kumar Datt
(b) Lokesh Abrol
(c) Lucio Rodrigues
(d) None of these
Answer. (a) 

Question. Rajvir and Pranjol were going to Assam from …… .
(a) Mumbai
(b) Delhi
(c) Pune
(d) Ahemadabad
Answer. (b) 

Question. When Pranjol says, “You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!” he means that
(a) Rajvir would see many tea gardens in Assam that he would become bore at a point of time
(b) Assam has many tea gardens that Rajvir wouldn’t be able to see all of them during his lifetime
(c) Rajvir would see enough tea gardens in Assam
(d) Rajvir would see many tea gardens in Assam that he could experience their essence throughout his life
Answer. (d) 

Question. In Europe, tea was drunk as more of a ……… than………… .
(a) medicine, beverage
(b) beverage, medicine
(c) sleep waver, medicine
(d) sleep banisher, medicine
Answer. (a)

Question. The words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are derived from………… .
(a) Indi
(b) China
(c) France
(d) None of these
Answer. (b)

Question. Pranjol’s and Rajvir’s train stooped at
(a) Dhekiabari Junction
(b) Dibrugarh Station
(c) Mariani Junction
(d) None of these
Answer. (c) 

Question. You seem to have done your homework before coming,” Pranjol’s father said in surprise. Which homework is he talking about?
(a) Holiday homework
(b) Tuition homework
(c) Knowledge about Assam
(d) All of the above
Answer. (c) 

Question. The second sprouting of tea lasts from
(a) May to July
(b) May to June
(c) June to July
(d) July to August
Answer. (a)

 

Short Answer Type Questions 

Question. How are the tea-pluckers different from the other farm labourers ?
Answer. Tea pluckers are different from the other farm labourers as the tea pluckers are hired labourers whereas the farm labourers can be hired or can be the owners of the land. Tea pluckers just pluck leaves whereas farm labourers go through the whole process, i.e., from sowing to harvesting.

Question. Why was Rajvir excited to see the tea gardens ? 
                             OR
What made Rajvir amazed on the way ?
Answer. Rajvir found the view outside the train splendid and eye catching with a lot of greenery. It was his first visit to Assam and he was fascinated by the sprawling tea gardens, spreading like the green sea of neatly pruned bushes and found it more interesting to watch, than reading his book on detectives.
 

Question. What do we Learn about the financial condition of the bakers of Goa?
Answer. The bakers of Goa Led a prosperous life in the olden days as baking was a profitable profession. The families and servants of these bakers always Looked happy and prosperous. Their plump physique used to be an open testimony to their prosperity.
 

Question. Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills?
Answer. Coorg is called the Land of rolling hills because it is situated on the lush green sloppy hills that seemed to roll one after another.
 

Question. How do we know that Goa’s bakers are very prosperous?
Answer. The Goan bakers have a very plump jackfruitlike appearance that shows us that they eat well and are prosperous people. They also dress well
 

Question. What da you know about the people of Coorg?
Answer. Coorgis are fiercely independent people. They belong to the proud race of martial men and beautifuL women. They are either the descendants of Greeks or the Arabs Their valour and hospitabiUty are famous throughout the country.
 

Question. Do adventure sports Like river rafting and rock climbing require a person to possess just physical strength? Why/Why not?
Answer. No, adventure sports like river rafting and rock climbing do not require a person to possess just physical strength as mental strength plays even a more vital role in it If a person is physically strong but he isn't ready to take any risk or isn't mentally strong; he can't perform such adventurous activities.
 

Question. The baker made has presence known in the morning. How did the baker make his presence known?
Answer. The baker used to come in the morning with the jingling sound of his bamboo stick.
He carried his bosket on his head that he supported with one of his hand and in the other hand; he had the bamboo stick that he banged on the ground. This sound marked his presence felt in the mornings.
 

Question. What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement?
Answer. The beautiful scenery and wide range of green tea gardens excited Rajvir. Pranjol did not share his excitement since he was born and brought up in Assam, a place familiar to him
.

Question. Describe the traditional dress of Coorgis.
Answer. The traditional Coorgi dress is a long black coat with an embroidered waist-belt known as kuppia. This dress resembles a Lot tn fcuffio, a dress worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

Question. How did Rajvir describe, the tea garden at Dhekiabari ? 
Answer. Rajvir’s visit to Dhekiabari, where Pranjol’s father worked as a manager, was a novel experience and he found it extremely fascinating. As they proceeded along the gravel road, with neatly pruned sea of tea bushes spreading over acres of land, he saw groups of tea-workers, wearing plastic aprons and baskets of bamboo sticks on their back, picking newly sprouted tea leaves.

Question. How did Rajvir describe the view from the train ? 
Answer. Rajvir described the magnificent view of the landscape from the train window. It was a sea of tea bushes, fleeting against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. At odd intervals, there were tall shade-tree and one could see women tea-pluckers picking tea leaves, who appeared to be doll like figures.

Question. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol going and why?
Answer. Rajvir and Pranjol were going to Assam. Pranjol had invited Rajvir to spend the summer vacation there. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea garden in Assam. So, he wanted
Rajvir to visit the tea gardens and know about how tea is grown.

Question. Rajvir was very fond of reading detetive stories.Why did he not like read then during his journey?
Answer. Rajvir did not like to read detective stories during his journey because at that moments he was keep on looking at the beautiful scenery. It was green everywhere-soft
paddy fields and then come tea bushes. It was a magnificent view for Rajvir to see greenery as far as his eyes could see.

Question. Pranjol buried his head in his detective book while Rajvir was eager to look at the beautiful scenery during the train journey. Why was there a difference in their attitude?
Answer. Pranjol buried his head in his detective book because he belonged to Assam and had travelled on the route and seen the green tea plantations many times. So he was not eager to see the scene outside. Whereas Rajvir was travelling to Assam for the first time. So, rather than reading a book, he was interested in looking at the beautiful scenery during the train journey.

Question. What did Rajvir see while looking outside from the train?
Answer. While looking outside from the window of the train, Rajvir saw greenary all around. First he saw the green paddy (rice) fields which gave way to the tea bushes. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, he saw a sea of tea gardens that were pruned to the same height. The beautiful view amazed and fascinated him.

Question. Why did Pranjol not share Rajvir’s excitement on seeing the tree plantation? CBSE 2013, 2019
Answer. Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement on seeing the tree plantation because Pranjol had been born and brought up on a tea plantation. He was familiar with the tea gardens. On the other hand, Rajvir had never visited any tea plantation ever before. So, the vast expanse of green tea bushes fascinated him.
The magnificent view, orderly rows of tea bushes amazed Rajvir while Pranjol was used to such sights.

Question. ‘This is a tea country now’. Explain this with reference to Assam. 
Answer. Assam is known as ‘tea country’. It has the world’s largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. A large number of tea gardens can be found there. Everywhere in Assam, a sea of tea bushes can be seen as far as the eye could see. Most of the tea grown in Assam is supplied all over the world.

Question. In what ways is China related to tea?
Answer. China is related to tea in many ways. According to a legend, tea was first discovered in China by a Chinese Emperor who always boiled water before drinking .
One day, a few leaves of the tea twigs fell into the water and gave it a delicious flavour. It is believed that they were tea leaves. Further, the words ‘tea’, ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are from China.

Question. Why did Pranjol’s father say that Rajvir had done his homework before visiting Assam?
Answer. Pranjol’s father said the Rajvir had done his homework before visiting Assam because he told Pranjol’s father many facts about the growing of tea and its popularity.

Question. Rajvir did his study before his visit to the tea plantation. Is it good to do one’s research before the start of a new venture or does it take away from the thrill of discovery? Elucidate your stance.
Answer. The fact that Rajvir did his study before his visit to the tea plantation and his knowledge about the land he was visiting shows that it is good to do research before starting a new venture.
By doing so, not only does one gets an idea about the destination but one can also plan the journey accordingly.
One can also identify places or activities of ones interest. It does not take one away from the thrill of discovery, instead it helps in planning a better holiday.

 

Long Answer Type Questions  

Question. Rajvir seemed to have a lot of information about tea. What all does he tell ? What character trait of his is revealed ? Is it essential for children ?
Answer. Rajvir had been invited to spend his vacations with his classmate Pranjol whose father was the manager of a tea estate in Assam. He was quite excited about the trip and had gathered considerable amount of relevant information i.e. where tea originated and how it became such a popular beverage. He informed that about 80 crore cups of tea are consumed daily and that the name ‘tea’ itself has been originated from Chinese language. He narrated two popular legends about the origin of tea.
Rajvir exhibits an important value trait, that is the pre-requisite to gain knowledge–curiosity and eagerness to know. Moreover, he is not a passive learner but is proactive in collecting prior information to any real experience. He likes to do his homework thoroughly before going to a place. This is something very appreciable and children should develop this habit of finding out about the place they are going to visit. These are extremely desirable traits for all learners.

Question. What scenery did Rajvir notice while sitting in the train and in the tea estate ?
Answer. Value Points :
- It was green and magnificent view Rajvir ever saw.
- There was a sea of tea bushes, densely wooded hills.
- Doll-like figures with bamboo baskets were moving everywhere.
- An ugly building with tall chimneys also.
Rajvir could see green and magnificent view while sitting in the train. He could also see densely wooded hills accompanied by a sea of tea bushes. He could also view doll like figures with bamboo baskets moving every where. He even saw an ugly building with tall chimneys, billowing out smoke from a distance. When they entered Dhakiabori tea estate, Rajvir saw, on the both sides of the gravel-road, acres upon acres of tea bushes, all neatly pruned to the same height. Group of tea-pluckers were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.

Question. According to the text, Assam is said to be ‘tea country’. Do you believe that Assam has some of the best tea plantations in the world that makes it a unique place?
Answer. Yes, I believe that Assam has some of the best tea plantations in the world that makes it a unique place. In India, some crops such as tea and coffee are grown in huge quantities. India is also home to many spices like haldi. While Assam is home to tea, Coorg is home to coffee.
One can see enough tea gardens in Assam.
Between May and July, it is the best time to yield the best tea. On both sides of the roads of Assam, there are acre of tea-bushes, all neatly trimmed to the same height.
These plantations further use the traditional agriculture practices of India. Thus, these plantations make India a unique country which has traditional spices and beverage plants growing within it.

Question. Inspired by the diversity in the chapter, ‘Glimpses of India’, you wrote an article for your school magazine on the topic, ‘Diversity-the Uniqueness of India’. Write a paragraph, sharing two key opinions from the article.
Answer. ‘Diversity-the Uniqueness of India’ XYZ
India is a land of different cultures and traditions. No doubt, it’s called the land of Unity in Diversity. Each and every culture in this land has its own uniqueness. The geographical and cultural dissimilarities of each region makes every place distinct from the other. While on one hand, we have the beauty and bravery of Coorg which exemplifies martial bravery, beautiful women and magnificent landscapes full of flora and fauna.
On the other, Assam’s geographical features make it appropriate for tea production. In the similar way stands the cultural heritage of Portuguese in Goa. Every region is identified by its own lifestyle which makes its diversity full of unique combinations.

Question. The culture, lifestyle and traditions of a place are influenced by the people who lived or settled there at some point of time. Cultural assimilation adds flavour to the existing structure of a society. Summarise your opinion on the given idea.
Answer. The culture, lifestyle and traditions of a place are influenced by the people who lived or settled there at some point of time. Cultural assimilation or the amalgamation of another culture adds flavour to the existing structure of a society. This is especially true for the land of India. Starting from Goa to Coorg or Assam, this cultural assimilation is visible everywhere. The Portuguese culture and its Baker has become an essential part of the Goan landscape. The people of Coorg are of Greek or Arabic descent which brings its mark in the martial traditions, clothing, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. Even the Assam Tea landscape derive its bounty due to the development of Tea in China.

Extract Based Questions

1. Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep. “Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added, “as far back as 2700 BC! In fact words such as tea, ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are from Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the 16th century and was drunk more as medicine than as beverage.

Question. Why is the story called a legend?
Answer. The story of discovery of tea by Bodhidharma is called a legend because there is no way through which the authenticity of the story could be proved.

Question. What does the given lines show is about Rajvir?
Answer. The given lines show in that Rajvir was deeply interested in tea. He had read a lot about it and wanted to explore more about it.

Question. Find the word in the extract which means the‘ get rid of ’.
Answer. ‘Banish’ from the extract means ‘get rid of ’. 

Question. When and where was tea first drunk?
Answer. Tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 BC. 

Question. Why did Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids?
Answer. Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. 

 

2. Read the extract to attempt the questions that follow.

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”, Pranjols father said in surprise, “Yes, Mr. Barua”, Rajvir admitted. “But I hope to learn much more while I’m here.”

Question. Why did Mr. Barua feel surprised?
Answer. Mr. Barua was surprised to know that Rajvir already knew a lot about the tea gardens of Assam.

Question. How did Rajvir want to spend his stay there?
Answer. Rajvir wanted to spend his time discovering the beauty of Assam. He wanted to learn more about the tea plantations of Assam.

Question. Which word in the extract means agreed?
Answer. ‘Admitted’ from the extract means ‘agreed’.

Question. What is the sprouting period of tea?
Answer. The sprouting period or the second-flush of tea lasts from May to July.

Question. Who was Mr. Barua?
Answer. Mr. Barua was Pranjol’s father and the manager of a tea-garden in Uper Assam.