CLASS 10 ENGLISH – FIRST FLIGHT
CHAPTER 5 – GLIMPSES OF INDIA
Chapter Overview
Glimpses of India is divided into three independent parts:
A Baker from Goa – Lucio Rodrigues
Coorg – Lokesh Abrol
Tea from Assam – Arup Kumar Dutta
The chapter presents different cultural, geographical and traditional aspects of India. Goa is presented through its traditional bread-making culture, Coorg through its natural beauty and brave people, and Assam through its famous tea plantations.
PART I – A BAKER FROM GOA
1. Summary
The author recalls his childhood memories of Goa, particularly the traditional Goan bakers and their delicious bread.
Bread-making was introduced in Goa during the Portuguese period. Even after the Portuguese left, the tradition of baking bread continued. The traditional baker was known as a pader.
The baker had an important place in Goan society. He would come to the village every morning carrying his bamboo staff and announcing his arrival. Children eagerly waited for him because they loved bread.
Bread was an essential part of Goan life. It was especially important during marriages, festivals and other celebrations. Cakes and sweet bread were also associated with important occasions.
The baker maintained a monthly account with his customers and collected the payment at the end of the month.
The author remembers the baker's dress, his special way of announcing his arrival, the delicious bread and the importance of bread in Goan culture.
Important Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Baker | A person who makes and sells bread |
| Pader | Traditional Goan baker |
| Nostalgic | Having a longing for the past |
| Loaf | A piece of bread baked in one piece |
| Furnace | A place where things are heated or baked |
| Heritage | Something passed from one generation to another |
| Tempting | Attractive or inviting |
| Vendor | A person who sells something |
| Account | Record of money owed or paid |
| Traditional | Related to customs followed for a long time |
NCERT / TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS
Q1. What are the things that are part of the Goa that the author is nostalgic about?
Answer:
The author is nostalgic about the traditional Goan bakers, the delicious bread, the sound of the baker's arrival, the special dress worn by the baker and the important role of bread in Goan family and social life.
Q2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Answer:
Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. The author suggests that the traditional profession of baking has continued through generations. The bakers and their families have maintained the old tradition.
Q3. What is the baker called?
Answer:
The traditional Goan baker is called a pader.
Q4. When would the baker collect his bills?
Answer:
The baker generally maintained a monthly account with his customers and collected his payment at the end of the month.
Q5. Why was the baker an important person in the Goan village?
Answer:
The baker supplied bread that was an essential part of Goan daily life and celebrations. Bread was required during marriages, festivals and other special occasions. Therefore, the baker had an important place in the community.
THINKING ABOUT THE TEXT
Q1. What role did bread play in Goan society?
Answer:
Bread played an important cultural and social role in Goa. It was eaten regularly and was also essential during celebrations. Marriage ceremonies and festivals were incomplete without certain types of bread and cakes. Thus, bread became an important part of Goan heritage.
Q2. Why did the children look forward to the baker's arrival?
Answer:
The children eagerly waited for the baker because they loved his fresh bread. They were particularly attracted to the sweet bread and bread-bangles. The baker's arrival was therefore a happy event for them.
Q3. How did the baker maintain his accounts?
Answer:
The baker maintained a monthly account of the bread supplied to his customers. He collected the payment at the end of the month.
CHARACTER SKETCH – THE BAKER
The baker was an important and respected member of Goan society. He was hardworking and regular in his profession. His arrival was eagerly awaited by children and families. He represented the traditional bread-making culture of Goa.
CENTRAL IDEA
The central idea of A Baker from Goa is the importance of tradition and cultural heritage. The author uses the baker and bread-making tradition to show how customs can remain an important part of people's lives across generations.
CBSE SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. Why is the baker's profession important in Goa?
Answer:
The baker's profession is important because bread is closely connected with Goan food, culture and celebrations. The profession has continued as a traditional occupation across generations.
Q2. Why were children attracted to the baker?
Answer:
Children were attracted to the baker because he brought fresh and tasty bread. They especially enjoyed sweet bread and bread-bangles.
Q3. What does the baker symbolize?
Answer:
The baker symbolizes Goa's traditional culture, Portuguese influence and the continuation of old customs.
CBSE LONG ANSWER
Q. How does the author present the cultural importance of bread in Goa?
Answer:
The author presents bread as an important part of Goan culture and social life. Bread-making became a strong tradition during the Portuguese period and continued even after the Portuguese left. The baker visited homes regularly and supplied fresh bread. Bread was not only eaten as ordinary food but was also essential during marriages, festivals and other celebrations. Children eagerly waited for the baker because they loved his fresh bread. Through these memories, the author shows how food can become an important part of cultural heritage.
PART II – COORG
Summary
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a beautiful district of Karnataka. It is located between Mysore and Mangalore.
The region is famous for its evergreen forests, coffee plantations, spices, beautiful hills, wildlife and pleasant climate.
Coorg is also famous for its brave and hospitable people. The people of Coorg, known as Kodavus, have a strong martial tradition. There are different theories regarding their ancestry.
The river Kaveri gets much of its water from the forests and hills of Coorg.
The region is rich in wildlife. Visitors can see elephants, langurs, squirrels, birds and many other animals. The river also has varieties of fish.
Coorg offers several adventure activities such as:
River rafting
Canoeing
Rappelling
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Trekking
Another attraction is Bylakuppe, which is known for its Tibetan settlement and monasteries.
Coorg is therefore a wonderful destination combining natural beauty, adventure, culture and wildlife.
Important Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Evergreen | Always green |
| Plantation | Large area where crops are grown |
| Hospitality | Friendly treatment of guests |
| Martial | Related to war or fighting |
| Ancestry | Family origin |
| Breathtaking | Extremely beautiful |
| Trekking | Walking long distances through natural areas |
| Rapids | Fast-flowing parts of a river |
| Canoeing | Travelling in a canoe |
| Rappelling | Descending a steep surface using ropes |
| Wildlife | Animals living naturally in forests |
NCERT / TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS
Q1. Where is Coorg?
Answer:
Coorg is a district in Karnataka. It lies between Mysore and the coastal city of Mangalore.
Q2. What is Coorg famous for?
Answer:
Coorg is famous for its beautiful hills, evergreen forests, coffee plantations, spices, wildlife, brave people and pleasant climate.
Q3. What is the story about the Kodavu people's descent?
Answer:
There are different theories about the origin of the Kodavu people. One theory connects them with Greek soldiers, while another associates them with Arab influence. Their dress, customs and martial traditions support the idea that they have a distinctive cultural heritage.
Q4. What are some of the things that Coorg offers to tourists?
Answer:
Coorg offers beautiful forests, coffee plantations, wildlife, rivers, trekking routes and adventure activities such as rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking.
Q5. What is the importance of the river Kaveri?
Answer:
The river Kaveri receives much of its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. It is an important river of the region and supports its natural ecosystem.
Q6. What kind of wildlife can be seen in Coorg?
Answer:
Coorg has rich wildlife. Visitors can see elephants, langurs, squirrels, birds and various aquatic animals. The forests provide a suitable habitat for many species.
Q7. What is special about Bylakuppe?
Answer:
Bylakuppe is known for its Tibetan settlement and Buddhist monasteries. It provides visitors an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and religious traditions.
CHARACTER SKETCH – PEOPLE OF COORG
The people of Coorg are known for their courage, hospitality and martial traditions. They have a distinctive culture and strong connection with their land. Their traditions and lifestyle make Coorg culturally unique.
CENTRAL IDEA
The central idea of Coorg is to present the natural beauty, cultural richness and adventurous possibilities of the region. The lesson shows Coorg as an attractive tourist destination.
CBSE SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. Why is Coorg called a beautiful place?
Answer:
Coorg has green hills, evergreen forests, coffee plantations, spice gardens, rivers and rich wildlife. Its natural beauty makes it a popular tourist destination.
Q2. What makes the people of Coorg special?
Answer:
The people of Coorg are known for their bravery, hospitality and martial traditions. They have a distinctive culture.
Q3. Why is Coorg suitable for adventure lovers?
Answer:
Coorg offers many adventure activities including trekking, river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking.
CBSE LONG ANSWER
Q. Describe Coorg as a tourist destination.
Answer:
Coorg is one of the most beautiful regions of Karnataka. It is known for its green hills, evergreen forests, coffee plantations, spices and wildlife. The region is rich in natural beauty and has a pleasant climate. Tourists can enjoy trekking, river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. The river Kaveri and the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe add to its attractions. The brave and hospitable people of Coorg also make the place culturally interesting. Thus, Coorg is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and tourists interested in culture.
PART III – TEA FROM ASSAM
Summary
Tea from Assam presents the journey of two friends, Rajvir and Pranjol, to Assam.
Pranjol's father manages a tea garden in Assam. Rajvir is very excited about visiting the tea-growing region.
While travelling by train, Rajvir looks outside and sees vast green tea plantations. He is fascinated by the beautiful tea gardens.
Rajvir tells Pranjol that tea has a very old history. He also mentions legends about the discovery of tea.
One legend connects tea with a Chinese emperor. According to the story, tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water and produced a pleasant drink.
Another legend is associated with the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma.
Assam is famous for its extensive tea plantations. The tea gardens provide employment to many people and are an important part of the region's economy.
The story presents Assam as the famous tea country of India.
Important Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Plantation | Large area used for growing crops |
| Tea estate | Large area where tea is cultivated |
| Legend | Traditional story |
| Beverage | A drink |
| Exotic | Unusual or foreign |
| Tea bushes | Plants from which tea leaves are obtained |
| Plantation workers | People working in agricultural plantations |
| Lush | Richly green and healthy |
| Concentration | Large amount gathered in one place |
| Landscape | Natural features of an area |
NCERT / TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS
Q1. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol going?
Answer:
Rajvir and Pranjol were travelling to Assam. Pranjol's father managed a tea plantation there.
Q2. What did Rajvir see when he looked out of the train?
Answer:
Rajvir saw vast stretches of green tea plantations. The tea bushes appeared like a beautiful green carpet covering the landscape.
Q3. What did Pranjol tell Rajvir about tea?
Answer:
Pranjol told Rajvir that tea was a familiar drink to him because his father managed a tea garden. He was not as excited about the tea plantations as Rajvir because he had grown up around them.
Q4. What legends about tea did Rajvir mention?
Answer:
Rajvir mentioned two popular legends. One connects the discovery of tea with a Chinese emperor whose boiling water accidentally received tea leaves. Another is associated with the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma.
Q5. Why was Rajvir excited?
Answer:
Rajvir was excited because he was visiting Assam, a region famous for its tea plantations. He was interested in seeing the tea gardens and learning more about tea.
Q6. Why is Assam called the tea country?
Answer:
Assam is called the tea country because it has extensive tea plantations and is one of the major tea-growing regions. Tea is an important part of its landscape and economy.
CHARACTER SKETCH – RAJVIR
Rajvir is curious, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He has read about tea and knows several interesting facts and legends about it. He is eager to observe the tea plantations and learn more about Assam.
CHARACTER SKETCH – PRANJOL
Pranjol is familiar with tea plantations because his father manages a tea garden. Unlike Rajvir, he is not surprised by the tea gardens because they are part of his everyday surroundings.
CENTRAL IDEA
The central idea of Tea from Assam is to introduce the reader to Assam's tea plantations and the history and legends associated with tea. It also highlights the beauty and economic importance of tea cultivation.
CBSE SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. Why was Rajvir interested in tea?
Answer:
Rajvir was interested in tea because he had read about its history, origin and legends. He was also excited to see the famous tea gardens of Assam.
Q2. Why was Pranjol not as excited as Rajvir?
Answer:
Pranjol had grown up around tea plantations because his father managed a tea garden. Therefore, the tea gardens were familiar to him.
Q3. What did Rajvir observe from the train?
Answer:
Rajvir observed huge stretches of green tea plantations covering the landscape. He was impressed by their beauty.
Q4. What does tea represent in Assam?
Answer:
Tea represents the natural beauty, culture and economic importance of Assam. The extensive tea plantations are a major feature of the region.
CBSE LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. Describe the journey of Rajvir and Pranjol to Assam.
Answer:
Rajvir and Pranjol travelled by train to Assam. Pranjol was returning to his home because his father managed a tea garden there. Rajvir was very excited because he had read a great deal about tea and wanted to see the tea plantations. During the journey, he looked outside and saw vast stretches of green tea gardens. He was fascinated by the beautiful landscape. He also discussed the history and legends of tea with Pranjol. The journey introduced Rajvir to the famous tea-growing region of Assam.
Q2. What makes Assam an important tea-growing region?
Answer:
Assam has extensive tea plantations and a climate suitable for tea cultivation. Large areas of the region are covered with tea gardens. Tea is an important agricultural product and an important part of the economy. The vast green plantations also make Assam an attractive and distinctive landscape.
EXTRACT-BASED QUESTIONS
Extract 1 – A Baker from Goa
Questions
1. Who is the traditional Goan baker?
Answer: The traditional Goan baker is called a pader.
2. Why was bread important in Goa?
Answer: Bread was an important part of daily life, festivals and celebrations.
3. Why did children wait for the baker?
Answer: They waited for the fresh and tasty bread brought by the baker.
4. What does the baker represent?
Answer: He represents the traditional cultural heritage of Goa.
Extract 2 – Coorg
Questions
1. Where is Coorg located?
Answer: Coorg is located in Karnataka between Mysore and Mangalore.
2. What is Coorg famous for?
Answer: It is famous for forests, coffee plantations, spices, wildlife and adventure activities.
3. What is the main river associated with Coorg?
Answer: The river Kaveri.
4. Why do tourists visit Coorg?
Answer: Tourists visit it for its natural beauty, wildlife, culture and adventure activities.
Extract 3 – Tea from Assam
Questions
1. Who was excited about visiting Assam?
Answer: Rajvir was excited about visiting Assam.
2. What did he see from the train?
Answer: He saw large stretches of green tea plantations.
3. What is Assam famous for?
Answer: Assam is famous for its tea plantations.
4. Which drink is discussed in the lesson?
Answer: Tea.
ASSERTION – REASON QUESTIONS
Q1.
Assertion: Bread has an important place in Goan culture.
Reason: Bread is associated with daily life and special occasions.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Q2.
Assertion: Coorg is a popular tourist destination.
Reason: It has natural beauty and many adventure activities.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Q3.
Assertion: Rajvir was excited to visit Assam.
Reason: He had read about tea and wanted to see tea plantations.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Q4.
Assertion: Pranjol was surprised by the tea gardens.
Reason: He had never seen tea plantations before.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are false.
COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS
Q1. A community continues its traditional occupation for generations. What does this tell us about culture?
Answer:
It shows that traditional occupations can become an important part of cultural identity. They preserve customs, skills and practices and connect present generations with their past.
Q2. A tourist wants both adventure and natural beauty. Which place from the chapter would you recommend?
Answer:
I would recommend Coorg because it combines beautiful forests, hills, coffee plantations and wildlife with adventure activities such as trekking, rafting, rappelling and rock climbing.
Q3. What common idea connects all three parts of the chapter?
Answer:
All three parts present a different aspect of India's rich cultural and geographical diversity. Goa represents tradition, Coorg represents natural beauty and culture, while Assam represents tea plantations and regional identity.
MCQs – CBSE PRACTICE
1. The traditional baker of Goa was called:
A. Pader
B. Kodavu
C. Rajvir
D. Pranjol
Answer: A. Pader
2. Coorg is located in:
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Assam
D. Goa
Answer: B. Karnataka
3. Coorg is also known as:
A. Kodagu
B. Kamrup
C. Konkan
D. Malabar
Answer: A. Kodagu
4. The river associated with Coorg is:
A. Ganga
B. Yamuna
C. Kaveri
D. Narmada
Answer: C. Kaveri
5. Assam is famous for:
A. Cotton
B. Tea
C. Wheat
D. Apples
Answer: B. Tea
6. Who was travelling with Rajvir?
A. The baker
B. Pranjol
C. Bodhidharma
D. A plantation worker
Answer: B. Pranjol
7. Who managed the tea garden?
A. Rajvir's father
B. Pranjol's father
C. The baker
D. Bodhidharma
Answer: B. Pranjol's father
8. Which activity is associated with Coorg?
A. River rafting
B. Desert safari
C. Ice skating
D. Surfing in the sea
Answer: A. River rafting
9. Bylakuppe is associated with:
A. Tibetan settlement
B. Tea gardens
C. Portuguese bakers
D. Desert culture
Answer: A. Tibetan settlement
10. The main subject of “A Baker from Goa” is:
A. Tea cultivation
B. Goan bread-making tradition
C. Wildlife
D. Adventure sports
Answer: B. Goan bread-making tradition
IMPORTANT 3-MARK QUESTIONS
Q1. Explain the importance of the baker in Goan society.
Q2. Describe the natural beauty of Coorg.
Q3. Why is Coorg famous among adventure lovers?
Q4. Describe the people and culture of Coorg.
Q5. Why was Rajvir excited about visiting Assam?
Q6. Describe the tea gardens seen by Rajvir.
Q7. What are the two legends associated with tea?
Q8. How does bread represent Goan culture?
IMPORTANT 5-MARK QUESTIONS
Q1. “Glimpses of India” presents the cultural diversity of India. Discuss.
Answer:
The chapter presents three different regions of India and their unique identities. “A Baker from Goa” describes the traditional bread-making culture of Goa and its connection with Portuguese influence. “Coorg” presents the natural beauty, wildlife, adventure activities and martial traditions of Karnataka. “Tea from Assam” introduces the reader to Assam's vast tea plantations and the history and legends of tea. Thus, the three parts together show India's cultural, geographical and traditional diversity.
Q2. Compare Goa, Coorg and Assam on the basis of the chapter.
| Place | Main Feature | Cultural/Natural Identity |
|---|---|---|
| Goa | Traditional baking | Portuguese influence and bread culture |
| Coorg | Hills, forests and coffee | Brave people, wildlife and adventure |
| Assam | Tea plantations | Tea culture and beautiful landscape |
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE THREE PARTS
A Baker from Goa
Focuses on:
Tradition
Bread-making
Portuguese influence
Goan culture
Childhood memories
Coorg
Focuses on:
Natural beauty
Coffee plantations
Wildlife
Adventure
Kodavu culture
Tea from Assam
Focuses on:
Tea plantations
Assam
Tea history
Legends
Travel experience
ONE-PAGE QUICK REVISION
A BAKER FROM GOA
Place: Goa
Profession: Baker
Traditional name: Pader
Main food: Bread
Importance: Daily life, festivals and celebrations
Main theme: Cultural heritage and tradition
COORG
Place: Karnataka
Other name: Kodagu
Location: Between Mysore and Mangalore
Famous for: Coffee, forests, spices and wildlife
River: Kaveri
People: Kodavus
Adventure: Trekking, rafting, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking
Special attraction: Bylakuppe
TEA FROM ASSAM
Place: Assam
Characters: Rajvir and Pranjol
Pranjol's father: Tea garden manager
Main subject: Tea plantations
Important feature: Vast green tea gardens
Legends: Chinese emperor and Bodhidharma
Theme: Tea, travel and Assam's landscape
MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAM
⭐ 1. How does bread-making represent the cultural heritage of Goa?
⭐ 2. Describe Coorg as a tourist destination.
⭐ 3. What makes the people of Coorg unique?
⭐ 4. Why is Assam called the tea country?
⭐ 5. Describe Rajvir's experience while travelling through Assam.
⭐ 6. What are the legends associated with tea?
⭐ 7. How does “Glimpses of India” highlight India's cultural diversity?
⭐ 8. Compare the three parts of the chapter.
CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THE CHAPTER
Glimpses of India teaches us that India is a land of extraordinary diversity. Different regions have their own traditions, food, landscapes, occupations and cultural identities. Goa's bread-making tradition, Coorg's natural beauty and Assam's tea plantations together present a beautiful picture of India's rich heritage.
EXAM TIP
For a 5-mark answer, follow this structure:
Introduction → Main Points → Examples from the chapter → Conclusion
For a 3-mark answer, write approximately 60–80 words with 3–4 clear points.
For a 2-mark answer, write a direct answer in 30–40 words.
For extract-based questions, first identify:
Place/Part → Character → Context → Main idea → Answer.
