Class 10 English Chapter 7 Question Answer | Glimpses of India
Welcome to HSLC Guru. In this article, we provide a complete set of questions and answers for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 7 – Glimpses of India. This chapter contains three prose pieces: I. A Baker from Goa by Lucio Rodrigues, II. Coorg by Lokesh Abrol, and III. Tea from Assam by Arup Kumar Datta. This chapter is an important part of the ASSEB (Assam State Board of Secondary Education) Class 10 English syllabus. Here you will find the summary, textbook solutions (Oral Comprehension Check, Thinking about the Text, and Thinking about the Language), additional short and long answer questions, MCQs, extract-based questions, and value-based questions to help you prepare thoroughly for your HSLC examination.
Summary of Glimpses of India
Part I: A Baker from Goa – by Lucio Rodrigues
“A Baker from Goa” is a nostalgic account by Lucio Rodrigues about the traditional bakers of Goa, locally known as paders. The author recalls how, during the Portuguese rule, bakers held an important place in the daily life of Goan villages. Every morning, the pader would arrive with a bamboo staff that made a distinctive “jhang, jhang” sound, announcing his arrival. Children would rush out to greet him, eager to buy bread-bangles, a special type of bread shaped like bangles. The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days and the famous bread-loaves of that era.
Bread-making continues to be a popular profession in Goa even today. The mixers, moulders, and those who bake the loaves still exist, and the traditional furnaces have not been extinguished. Bread is deeply woven into Goan culture — marriage gifts are incomplete without the sweet bread called bol, engagements require sandwiches, and Christmas celebrations demand cakes and bolinhas. The bakers during the Portuguese era wore a distinctive single-piece knee-length frock called kabai, and later they were seen in shirts and trousers shorter than full-length. The baker was a prosperous figure, and his plump physique — described as having a “jackfruit-like appearance” — was a sign of his well-being. Monthly accounts were kept informally on walls with a pencil.
Part II: Coorg – by Lokesh Abrol
“Coorg” is a descriptive piece by Lokesh Abrol about Kodagu (Coorg), the smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. The piece paints a vivid picture of this beautiful region, known for its evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations. The best time to visit Coorg is from September to March, when the weather is perfect with occasional showers and the air is filled with the invigorating aroma of coffee.
The people of Coorg, known as Kodavus, are fiercely independent and are believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent. According to one legend, a part of Alexander’s army settled in this region and married among the locals. Another theory suggests Arab origins, supported by the similarity between the traditional Coorgi dress, the kuppia, and the Arab kuffia. The Kodavus are known for their martial traditions and hospitality. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and General Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was a Kodavu. The region also offers adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking. The wildlife includes elephants, macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris.
Part III: Tea from Assam – by Arup Kumar Datta
“Tea from Assam” by Arup Kumar Datta follows two schoolmates, Rajvir and Pranjol, on a train journey to Assam during their summer vacation. Pranjol’s father manages a tea garden in upper Assam. While Pranjol is engrossed in a detective novel, Rajvir is fascinated by the lush green scenery outside — the soft green paddy fields and the vast tea gardens that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Rajvir shares interesting legends about the origin of tea. According to a Chinese legend, an emperor who always boiled water before drinking it accidentally discovered tea when some leaves from burning twigs fell into the boiling water, giving it a delicious flavour. According to an Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he fell asleep during meditation; ten tea plants grew from the eyelids, and their leaves, when put in hot water, banished sleep. Tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C. and came to Europe only in the sixteenth century, initially as a medicine. Over eighty crore (800 million) cups of tea are drunk daily worldwide. Assam has the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. The second flush or sprouting period from May to July yields the best tea. When they arrive at Dhekiabari Tea Estate, Rajvir impresses Pranjol’s father with his knowledge of tea.
Part I: A Baker from Goa – Textbook Questions and Answers
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 86)
Q1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Answer: The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days and their love for the famous bread-loaves of that era. They often reminisce about those times when the Portuguese ruled over Goa and bakers played an essential part in everyday life. Though the Portuguese have left, the bakers and their legacy continue.
Q2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Answer: Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. The author states that even though the Portuguese have left, “the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves” are still present. The traditional furnaces have not been extinguished, and bakers continue to supply bread for daily needs, weddings, festivals, and other celebrations. This clearly shows that the profession of bread-making continues to thrive in Goa.
Q3. What is the baker called?
Answer: The baker is called a pader in Goa.
Q4. When would the baker come everyday? Why did the children run to meet him?
Answer: The baker would come twice every day. He came once in the morning, making his musical entry with the “jhang, jhang” sound of his bamboo staff. He would come again when he returned after selling his stock in the evening. The children ran to meet him because they were eager to get the bread-bangles — a special bread shaped like bangles that the baker made for them. The children considered the baker’s arrival an exciting event.
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 87)
Q1. Match the following. What is a must?
| Occasion | Bread Item |
|---|---|
| Marriage gifts | Sweet bread known as bol |
| Party or feast | Bread (loaves) |
| Daughter’s engagement | Sandwiches |
| Christmas and other festivals | Cakes and bolinhas |
Q2. What did the bakers wear: (i) in the Portuguese days? (ii) when the author was young?
Answer: (i) In the Portuguese days, the bakers wore a single-piece long frock that reached down to the knees. This traditional dress was known as the kabai. (ii) When the author was young, the bakers no longer wore the kabai. Instead, they wore a shirt and trousers that were shorter than full-length but longer than half-pants, reaching just below the knees.
Q3. Who invites the comment — “he is dressed like a pader”? Why?
Answer: Any person who wears a half-pant or trousers that reach just below the knees invites the comment “he is dressed like a pader.” This is because such clothing resembled the distinctive attire that the bakers (paders) were known to wear. The pader’s dress became a cultural reference point in Goan society.
Q4. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded?
Answer: The monthly accounts of the baker were recorded on some wall in the house with a pencil. This informal system of record-keeping shows the simplicity and trust that existed between the baker and his customers in those times.
Q5. What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?
Answer: A “jackfruit-like appearance” means having a plump, round, and well-fed physique, much like the shape of a jackfruit. This description was used for the bakers, who were known to be prosperous and well-nourished, indicating that baking was a profitable profession that allowed them to live comfortably.
Thinking about the Text (Page 88)
Q1. Which of these statements are correct?
Answer:
| Statement | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|
| (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 wore a special dress today. | Incorrect |
| (v) Bread was an important part of Goan life in the old days. | Correct |
| (vi) Traditional bread-baking is still a profitable profession. | Correct |
| (vii) Paders and their families starve in present times. | Incorrect |
Q2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Answer: Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. We know this because the author mentions that the mixers, moulders, and those who bake the loaves still exist. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished. Bread continues to be an essential part of Goan celebrations — marriage gifts require sweet bread (bol), engagements need sandwiches, and Christmas celebrations demand cakes and bolinhas. The baker’s furnace remains a vital part of the community, and baking continues to be a prosperous profession.
Q3. What is the tone of the author — nostalgic, humorous, or matter-of-fact? Identify the sentences/phrases that indicate the author’s tone.
Answer: The author’s tone varies throughout the text. Here are examples of different tones:
| Sentence/Phrase | Tone |
|---|---|
| The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some places. | Nostalgic |
| The son carries on the decaying profession of his father. | Nostalgic / Matter-of-fact |
| He would return after selling his loaves…the aroma of those loaves still lingers in the author’s memory. | Nostalgic |
| A tiger-loss biscuit…can be eaten after dipping in hot tea. | Humorous |
| Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. | Matter-of-fact |
| His plump physique…a jackfruit-like appearance. | Humorous / Matter-of-fact |
Part II: Coorg – Textbook Questions and Answers
Thinking about the Text (Page 92)
Q1. Where is Coorg?
Answer: Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is located at the southern tip of the state, with rolling hills and lush greenery all around.
Q2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s
descent?
Answer: There are two theories about the descent of the Kodavu people. According to one story, a part of Alexander the Great’s army moved south along the coast and settled in Coorg when they were unable to return home. They married among the locals, and their descendants are the Kodavus of today. Another theory suggests that the Kodavus are of Arabic descent. This theory is supported by the fact that the traditional Coorgi dress, the kuppia (a long, black coat), resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
Q3. What are the things you come to know about the people of Coorg?
Answer: The following things are known about the people of Coorg:
- People: The Kodavus are fiercely independent and are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. They are known for their bravery and hospitality. Coorgi homes are always welcoming to visitors, and the people are proud of their martial traditions.
- Main crop: Coffee is the principal crop of Coorg. The air there breathes of invigorating coffee aroma.
- Adventure sports: Coorg offers river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking.
- Animals: The region is home to macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris, elephants, and various species of birds, bees, and butterflies.
- Distance from Bangalore: Coorg is around 250-260 kilometres from Bangalore by road.
Q4. Here are six phrases from the text. Identify which lines in the text they__(the phrases)
come from.
| Phrase | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| 1. “to keep visitors away” | The rain and mist of Coorg during the monsoon season have the effect of keeping visitors away. |
| 2. “as one story
goes” |
Refers to one of the legends about the origin of the Kodavu people — that they are descendants of Alexander’s army. |
| 3. “are more than
willing to recount” |
The Coorgi people are eager and ready to share the many tales of valour related to their family members. |
| 4. “the most laid-back individuals become converts to” | Even the most relaxed and lazy people become enthusiastic about adventure sports in Coorg. |
| 5. “draws
support from” |
The theory of Arab origin draws support from the similarity between the Coorgi kuppia and the Arab kuffia. |
| 6. “keep a
watchful eye” |
Refers to watching over the animals and birds in the forests and wildlife sanctuaries of Coorg. |
Part III: Tea from Assam – Textbook Questions and Answers
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 94)
Q1. Look at these words: chai, chini. These__(words) are__(from) Chinese. Why is__(there)
a
__(connection)?
Answer: The words “chai” and “chini” have their origin in Chinese language. This connection exists because tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C. Since China was the birthplace of tea culture, the words for tea and china (the material) in many languages, including Hindi, trace their roots to the Chinese language. This shows the deep historical connection between China and tea.
Q2. What do you think Rajvir
__(liked) about
__(looking out of the window)?
Answer: Rajvir liked looking out of the window because he was visiting Assam for the first time, and the scenery outside was breathtakingly beautiful. He could see soft green paddy fields that soon gave way to a magnificent view of tea gardens — a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see, against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. Unlike Pranjol, who had grown up on a tea estate and was used to such sights, Rajvir found everything new and exciting.
Q3. What are Rajvir’s
__(
thoughts) about
__(
tea)?
Answer: Rajvir has great enthusiasm and knowledge about tea. He knows that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk daily throughout the world. He is aware of the legends surrounding the discovery of tea — both the Chinese and Indian legends. He knows that tea was first consumed in China around 2700 B.C. and came to Europe in the sixteenth century, initially as a medicine. He is also knowledgeable about tea cultivation, the second flush sprouting period (May to July), and the significance of Assam as the world’s largest tea-producing region.
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 96)
Q1. Who
__(
discovered) tea
__(
according to the
)
legends?
Answer: According to a Chinese legend, a Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it discovered tea by accident. One day, a few leaves from a twig burning under the pot fell into the water, giving it a delicious flavour. These were tea leaves. According to an Indian legend, an ancient Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids. The leaves of these plants, when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep.
Q2. What
__(
happened) at
__(Dhekiabari
Tea Estate)?
Answer: At Dhekiabari Tea Estate, Pranjol’s father, Mr. Barua, who managed the estate, came to receive the boys at the station. They drove through the tea estate on a gravel road. Rajvir saw acres and acres of neatly pruned tea bushes, all of the same height. Groups of tea pluckers, mostly women, wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets on their backs, were plucking the newly sprouted leaves. Pranjol’s father was pleasantly surprised by Rajvir’s knowledge of tea and told him that it was the second flush sprouting period, which produces the best tea.
Q3. What
__(
was Pranjol’s
father’s
reaction to Rajvir’s knowledge)?
Answer: Pranjol’s father was pleasantly surprised by Rajvir’s knowledge about tea. When Rajvir mentioned that this must be the second flush or sprouting period, Pranjol’s father looked at him in surprise and confirmed that between May and July was indeed the best time for tea production. He was impressed that a young boy from outside Assam knew so much about tea cultivation and its history.
Thinking about the Language
I. Compound Words (Page 96)
Q1. Fill in the blanks with the correct compound words from the box: (upkeep, downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in)
Answer:
- A heavy downpour has been forecast due to a__(depression in the
) Bay of Bengal.
- Rakesh will
undergo major
surgery
tomorrow morning.
- The
upkeep of
the
park
has
been
taken
over by the
civic
authority.
- The
school
dropout rate
has
been
falling
since
the
new
policy
was
introduced.
- The
hospital
now
has
a
walk-in
clinic for
emergency
patients.
II. Words with
Verb + Preposition
(Page
96-97)
Q2. Now
fill
in the
blanks
using the
correct
combinations:
- The
rebels
want
to
overthrow
the
government.
- Scientists
are on
the
brink
of a
major breakthrough
in
cancer
research.
- The
new
road
will
bypass
the
town
completely.
- The
police
are
on
the
lookout for
the
missing
boy.
- His
eyes
were
downcast
and
he
looked
depressed.
III. Adjectives
— (-ing)
and
(-ed)
Forms (Page 97)
Q3. Think of suitable -ing or -ed adjectives to answer the following questions. You may also use words from the text.
- How would you describe a good detective serial on
television? — Interesting / Exciting
- How
would
you
describe
a debate
on
your
favourite topic? —
Interesting
- How would you describe
a day
when
you are
forced to
stay
indoors
due
to
rain? — Boring / Bored
- How
would you describe
the
experience
of
opening
a
gift
on
your birthday? — Exciting / Excited
- How
would
you
describe
watching your favourite programme on TV? — Interesting / Interested
- How would you describe your mother’s expression when your report card is__(not good)? — Disappointed
- How would you describe the experience of tracking a__(wild) tiger in the forest? — Thrilling / Thrilled
- How would you describe a__(recent) film or story you found really good? — Thrilling / Exciting
Note: The -ing adjectives describe the quality of things (interesting, exciting, boring, thrilling), while the -ed adjectives describe how a person feels (interested, excited, bored, thrilled).
Short Answer Questions (2 Marks)
A Baker from Goa
Q1. Why is the baker essential for the
people
of Goa?
Answer: The baker is essential for the people of Goa because bread plays a central role in almost every celebration and festival in Goan culture. Marriage gifts are meaningless without sweet bread called bol, engagements require sandwiches, and Christmas and other festivals demand cakes and bolinhas. The baker’s furnace is thus an indispensable part of the community.
Q2. How does the
baker
announce
his
arrival?
Answer: The baker announces his arrival by making a distinctive “jhang, jhang” sound with his bamboo staff. This musical entry alerts the households of his presence, and the familiar thud and jingle of the bamboo staff is a sound that the author nostalgically remembers from his childhood in Goa.
Q3. What was the
traditional
dress of the
baker?
Answer: The traditional dress of the baker during the Portuguese days was a single-piece long frock known as the kabai, which reached down to the knees. In the author’s childhood, the bakers had started wearing a shirt and trousers that were shorter than full-length but longer than half-pants. Anyone wearing such trousers would invite the comment, “he is dressed like a pader.”
Q4. How do we know that the
baking
profession
was
profitable?
Answer: We know that the baking profession was profitable because the bakers and their families never starved. They always had a happy and content appearance. Their plump physique, described as a “jackfruit-like appearance,” was a sign of prosperity and good health. The author mentions that the bakers were prosperous, well-fed, and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.
Q5. How were the
monthly
accounts
of the baker
recorded?
Answer: The monthly accounts of the baker were recorded on some wall in the house with a pencil. This was a simple and informal method of bookkeeping. The baker would deliver bread daily and collect payment at the end of the month based on these wall records. This shows the trust and simplicity of business dealings in those times.
Coorg
Q6. What is the
best
time
to visit
Coorg?
Answer: The best time to visit Coorg is from September to March. During this period, the weather is perfect with some pleasant showers thrown in for good measure. The air is filled with the invigorating aroma of coffee. However, during the monsoon season, the heavy rains and mist make it difficult for visitors.
Q7. What are the
theories
about the
origin of the
Kodavu
people?
Answer: There are two theories about the origin of the Kodavu people. The first theory states that a part of Alexander the Great’s army moved south along the coast and settled in Coorg when they could not return home. They married among the locals. The second theory suggests an Arab origin, supported by the resemblance between the Coorgi traditional dress (kuppia) and the Arab kuffia.
Q8. What adventure
activities
does
Coorg
offer?
Answer: Coorg offers a wide range of adventure activities for tourists. These include river rafting, canoeing, rappelling (going down a cliff by sliding down a rope), rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking along the numerous trails in the hills. The region is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, and even the most laid-back individuals are said to become converts to these activities.
Q9. What
is unique
about the
Coorgi
people’s
martial
traditions?
Answer: The Coorgi people have a proud martial tradition. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army. General Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was a Kodavu. The Kodavus are the only people in India who are permitted to carry firearms without a licence. Their homes echo with tales of valour passed down through generations.
Q10. What
wildlife can
be found in
Coorg?
Answer: Coorg is home to a rich variety of wildlife. One can see macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris, and wild elephants in the forests. The river Kaveri, which obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg, is home to Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish. Kingfishers dive for their catch in the river waters. The region is also inhabited by many species of birds, bees, and butterflies.
Tea from Assam
Q11. What legends did Rajvir
share about
the
origin of tea?
Answer: Rajvir shared two legends about the origin of tea. The first is a Chinese legend about an emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day, some leaves from a burning twig fell into the water and gave it a delicious flavour. These turned out to be tea leaves. The second is an Indian legend about Bodhidharma, a Buddhist ascetic who cut off his eyelids during meditation. Ten tea plants grew from the eyelids, and their leaves, when brewed in hot water, banished sleep.
Q12. Why was
Rajvir
excited
during
the
train
journey?
Answer: Rajvir was excited during the train journey because it was his first visit to Assam. He was captivated by the scenic beauty outside the train window — the soft green paddy fields, the vast stretches of tea gardens, and the densely wooded hills in the background. Unlike Pranjol, who was used to such scenery, Rajvir found everything new and fascinating. He preferred looking out of the window rather than reading a book.
Q13. What
facts
does Rajvir share about tea consumption?
Answer: Rajvir shares that over eighty crore (800 million) cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world, making tea the most popular beverage in the world after water. He also mentions that tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C. and that it came to Europe only in the sixteenth century, where it was initially used as a medicine rather than as a beverage.
Q14. Why was
Pranjol
not
as excited as Rajvir on seeing the tea gardens?
Answer: Pranjol was not as excited as Rajvir because he had been born and brought up on a tea estate. He had seen tea gardens all his life, so the sight of tea bushes and plantations was nothing new or exciting for him. While Rajvir was seeing tea gardens for the first time and was thrilled by the view, Pranjol was so accustomed to them that he preferred reading his detective novel instead of looking out the window.
Q15. Describe what
Rajvir saw
at
Dhekiabari
Tea Estate.
Answer: At Dhekiabari Tea Estate, Rajvir saw acres and acres of neatly pruned tea bushes, all trimmed to the same height. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Groups of tea pluckers, mostly women, wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets on their backs, were plucking the newly sprouted leaves. Tall shade trees dotted the landscape, dwarfing the tiny tea plants beneath them.
Q16. What
is the
significance
of the
second
flush
period?
Answer: The second flush or sprouting period lasts from May to July and is the most important time for tea production. The tea leaves that sprout during this period are considered the best in quality and yield the finest tea. Pranjol’s father confirmed this when Rajvir mentioned it at the estate. This period is crucial for tea estates as it determines the quality and quantity of their annual tea production.
Q17. How did tea
reach Europe
and what was
its
initial
use?
Answer: Tea reached Europe in the sixteenth century. Initially, it was not used as a beverage for enjoyment. Instead, Europeans used it primarily as a medicine, reflecting the Asian perspective on tea’s therapeutic and health-giving properties. It was only gradually that tea became popular as an everyday drink in Europe.
Long Answer Questions (5-8 Marks)
Q1. Describe the role of the baker in traditional Goan village life. Why was the baker’s furnace important?
Answer: The baker, or pader, held a very significant place in the traditional Goan village life. He was not just a bread-seller but an integral part of the community’s social and cultural fabric. Every morning, the pader would announce his arrival with the musical “jhang, jhang” sound of his bamboo staff. Children would eagerly rush to meet him for bread-bangles, while the servants would buy the regular loaves for the household.
The baker’s furnace was important because bread was required for almost every occasion in Goan life. Marriage gifts were meaningless without the sweet bread called bol. Sandwiches were a must at the time of a daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas were essential for Christmas and other festivals. No celebration or feast was complete without bread. The baker thus served as a vital link in the community, connecting people through the tradition of bread. His profession was also profitable — the bakers lived well, had a plump and contented appearance, and their families never went hungry. The son would continue his father’s profession, ensuring that the tradition survived through generations.
Q2. Give a detailed account of Coorg as described in the text. What makes it a unique travel destination?
Answer: Coorg, or Kodagu, is described as a piece of heaven that has been drifted from the kingdom of God. It is the smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. The region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty — rolling hills covered with evergreen rainforests, fragrant coffee plantations, and lush spice gardens. The best visiting season is from September to March, when the weather is perfect with pleasant showers and the air is filled with the invigorating aroma of coffee.
What makes Coorg unique is its combination of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous activities. The Kodavu people are fiercely independent, possibly descended from Greeks or Arabs, and are known for their martial traditions and warm hospitality. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and General Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was a Kodavu. Kodavus are the only people in India who can carry firearms without a licence. The region offers adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking. Its rich wildlife includes elephants, macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris. The river Kaveri flows through the region, and the Brahmagiri hills offer stunning views. Nearby is Bylakuppe, India’s largest Tibetan settlement, with its beautiful Buddhist monastery.
Q3. Discuss the legends about the origin of tea as described by Rajvir. How did tea become a global beverage?
Answer: Rajvir shares two fascinating legends about the origin of tea. The first is a Chinese legend about an emperor who had the habit of always boiling water before drinking it. One day, while his water was being boiled, a few leaves from a twig that was burning under the pot fell into the water. The boiled water acquired a delicious flavour. It is said that those leaves were tea leaves, and this was how tea was accidentally discovered in China.
The second is an Indian legend about Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic who undertook a long and arduous journey from India to China to spread Buddhism. During his meditation, he felt drowsy and fell asleep. He was so angry at his weakness that he cut off his eyelids. It is believed that ten tea plants grew out of those eyelids. The leaves of these plants, when put in hot water and consumed, had the power to banish sleep.
Tea was first consumed in China as far back as 2700 B.C. For centuries, it remained confined to Asia. It reached Europe only in the sixteenth century, where it was initially used as a medicine, not as a beverage. Over time, tea gained popularity across the world as an everyday drink. Today, over eighty crore (800 million) cups of tea are consumed daily worldwide. The words “chai” and “chini” in Hindi have their origin in the Chinese language, reflecting tea’s Chinese roots. Assam became one of the world’s largest tea-producing regions, with the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world.
Q4. Compare and contrast the three parts of “Glimpses of India.” What different aspects of Indian culture do they reveal?
Answer: The three parts of “Glimpses of India” together paint a rich and diverse picture of Indian culture, traditions, and geography. Each part focuses on a different region of India and highlights unique aspects of its heritage.
“A Baker from Goa” by Lucio Rodrigues focuses on the Portuguese cultural influence on Goan society. It reveals how colonial history has left a lasting impact on the food, traditions, and daily life of the people. The bread-making tradition introduced by the Portuguese continues to thrive even after their departure. It shows how food can become an inseparable part of a community’s identity, with bread being essential for weddings, engagements, festivals, and daily life.
“Coorg” by Lokesh Abrol shifts the focus to the natural beauty and martial heritage of Kodagu in Karnataka. It highlights the diverse ancestry of the Kodavu people, their fierce independence, and their contributions to the Indian military. The piece also celebrates the region’s biodiversity, adventure tourism, and coffee plantations. It reveals how a small district can possess a rich cultural identity distinct from the rest of the country.
“Tea from Assam” by Arup Kumar Datta focuses on the economic and agricultural significance of tea in Assam. Through the journey of Rajvir and Pranjol, it connects India’s tea culture to ancient Chinese and Indian legends. It reveals how tea, once a medicinal drink, became the most popular beverage in the world and how Assam became the world’s largest tea-producing region.
Together, these three pieces show the incredible diversity of India — from the western coast of Goa to the southern hills of Coorg to the northeastern plains of Assam. They celebrate India’s culinary traditions, natural beauty, martial heritage, and agricultural wealth.
Q5. Describe the Portuguese influence on Goan culture as depicted in “A Baker from Goa.”
Answer: “A Baker from Goa” vividly depicts the lasting influence of Portuguese colonialism on Goan culture, particularly in the area of bread-making and food traditions. The Portuguese ruled Goa for over four centuries, and during this time, they introduced a rich bread-making tradition that became deeply embedded in Goan society.
The baker, or pader, was an important figure in every Goan village. He would arrive every morning with his bamboo staff, making a distinctive “jhang, jhang” sound. The traditional dress of the baker — the kabai, a single-piece long frock reaching the knees — was itself a legacy of Portuguese fashion. Even the types of bread had Portuguese origins: bol (sweet bread for marriages), bolinhas (small rounded sweets for Christmas), and various other bread products.
The Portuguese influence is visible in how bread became inseparable from Goan celebrations. No marriage gift was complete without bol, no engagement without sandwiches, and no Christmas without cakes and bolinhas. The elders in Goa still reminisce about the “good old Portuguese days,” showing a deep emotional connection to that era. Even after the Portuguese left, their culinary legacy continued — the furnaces were not extinguished, and the sons of bakers continued their fathers’ profession. This shows how cultural influences can persist long after the political power that introduced them has departed, becoming a permanent part of a community’s identity.
Q6. How does Lokesh Abrol describe the people and culture of Coorg? What makes the Kodavus different from other Indian communities?
Answer: Lokesh Abrol describes the Kodavus as fiercely independent people with a rich martial tradition and warm hospitality. They are believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent, which sets them apart from other Indian communities in terms of their ancestry and cultural practices.
The Kodavus are different from other Indian communities in several ways. First, their possible descent from Alexander’s army or from Arab settlers gives them a unique ethnic identity. Their traditional dress, the kuppia (a long, black coat), resembles the Arab kuffia, and their marriage and religious rites differ from mainstream Hindu practices. Second, they have an extraordinary martial tradition. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Kodavu. The Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without a licence — a privilege that reflects the trust and respect their martial tradition commands.
Their hospitality is legendary — Coorgi homes always welcome visitors, and the people love to recount tales of valour about their sons and fathers. Despite their martial nature, they are warm, welcoming, and proud of their heritage. The combination of fierce independence, military excellence, unique ancestry, distinctive cultural practices, and generous hospitality makes the Kodavus a truly distinctive Indian community.
Q7. Describe Rajvir’s character based on the story “Tea from Assam.” How is he different from Pranjol?
Answer: Rajvir emerges as a curious, enthusiastic, and well-informed young boy in “Tea from Assam.” Despite never having visited a tea estate before, he has done thorough research about tea — its history, legends, consumption patterns, and cultivation methods. During the train journey to Assam, while Pranjol is busy reading a detective novel, Rajvir is captivated by the scenic beauty outside the window. He eagerly shares his knowledge about tea with Pranjol, discussing the Chinese and Indian legends about the discovery of tea, the global consumption of over eighty crore cups daily, and the historical journey of tea from China to Europe.
Pranjol, on the other hand, is the son of a tea estate manager and has grown up surrounded by tea gardens all his life. Despite this familiarity, he knows less about tea’s history and legends than Rajvir. He finds the scenery outside ordinary because he has seen it countless times. He is more interested in his detective novel than in the passing landscape.
The contrast between the two boys highlights an important lesson: proximity does not guarantee knowledge. Rajvir’s curiosity and willingness to research a subject before experiencing it enabled him to gain a deeper understanding of tea than Pranjol, who took the tea gardens for granted because of his familiarity. Rajvir’s enthusiasm even impresses Pranjol’s father, showing that genuine interest and preparation can be more valuable than mere proximity to a subject.
Q8. Write a detailed note on the significance of tea in Indian culture and economy, based on “Tea from Assam.”
Answer: “Tea from Assam” highlights the enormous significance of tea in both Indian culture and economy. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in India and one of the most popular drinks in the world. Rajvir mentions that over eighty crore (800 million) cups of tea are drunk daily throughout the world, reflecting its universal appeal.
Culturally, tea is an integral part of Indian daily life. The very first scene in the story shows a vendor selling “chai-garam” (hot tea) on a train — a familiar sight across India. Tea is offered to guests as a sign of hospitality, consumed with breakfast, served at meetings, and enjoyed during breaks. The words “chai” and “chini” in Hindi trace their roots to the Chinese language, showing the ancient connection between tea and Asian civilizations.
Economically, tea is one of India’s most important agricultural products. Assam has the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. The story describes vast estates like Dhekiabari, where acres and acres of neatly pruned tea bushes stretch as far as the eye can see. The tea industry provides employment to thousands of workers — tea pluckers, estate managers, factory workers, and many others. The second flush period from May to July produces the finest quality tea, which is highly valued in the global market. Tea estates are managed professionally, with scientific knowledge about sprouting periods, pruning techniques, and quality control.
The story also traces the historical journey of tea from its origins in China around 2700 B.C., through its introduction to Europe as a medicine in the sixteenth century, to its present status as the world’s most popular beverage after water. This journey reflects how a simple plant leaf from Asia transformed into a global commodity that shapes economies and cultures around the world.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Who is the author of “A Baker from Goa”?
(a) Arup Kumar Datta
(b) Lokesh Abrol
(c) Lucio Rodrigues
(d) R.K. Narayan
Answer: (c) Lucio Rodrigues
Q2. What is the baker called in Goa?
(a) Padar
(b) Pader
(c) Baker
(d) Padri
Answer: (b) Pader
Q3. What is the sweet bread called that is a must for marriage gifts in Goa?
(a) Bolinhas
(b) Sandwiches
(c) Bol
(d) Bread-bangles
Answer: (c) Bol
Q4. What was the traditional dress of the baker during the Portuguese era?
(a) Dhoti
(b) Kurta
(c) Kabai
(d) Kuppia
Answer: (c) Kabai
Q5. How many times a day would the baker come?
(a) Once
(b) Twice
(c) Three times
(d) Four times
Answer: (b) Twice
Q6. Coorg is also known as:
(a) Kodagu
(b) Kudagu
(c) Kodigu
(d) Kadagu
Answer: (a) Kodagu
Q7. What is the main crop of Coorg?
(a) Tea
(b) Rubber
(c) Coffee
(d) Spices
Answer: (c) Coffee
Q8. Who was the first Chief of the Indian Army from Coorg?
(a) General Thimayya
(b) General Cariappa
(c) General Manekshaw
(d) General Rajendra Singh
Answer: (b) General Cariappa
Q9. Which river flows through Coorg?
(a) Ganga
(b) Krishna
(c) Kaveri
(d) Godavari
Answer: (c) Kaveri
Q10. Who is the author of “Tea from Assam”?
(a) Lucio Rodrigues
(b) Lokesh Abrol
(c) Arup Kumar Datta
(d) R.K. Laxman
Answer: (c) Arup Kumar Datta
Q11. Tea was first drunk in China around:
(a) 1700 B.C.
(b) 2700 B.C.
(c) 3700 B.C.
(d) 700 B.C.
Answer: (b) 2700 B.C.
Q12. How many cups of tea are drunk daily worldwide?
(a) Over forty crore
(b) Over sixty crore
(c) Over eighty crore
(d) Over hundred crore
Answer: (c) Over eighty crore
Q13. The second flush or sprouting period for tea lasts from:
(a) January to March
(b) March to May
(c) May to July
(d) July to September
Answer: (c) May to July
Q14. According to an Indian legend, tea plants grew from the eyelids of:
(a) Buddha
(b) Bodhidharma
(c) Ashoka
(d) Mahavira
Answer: (b) Bodhidharma
Q15. What was Pranjol reading during the train journey?
(a) A science book
(b) A history book
(c) A detective novel
(d) A geography textbook
Answer: (c) A detective novel
Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1 (A Baker from Goa)
“During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide. He used to come at least twice a day. Once, when he set out in the morning on his selling round, and then again, when he returned after emptying his huge basket. The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up from sleep. We ran to meet and greet him.”
(a) How often did the baker visit?
Answer: The baker visited at least twice a day — once in the morning when he set out on his selling round, and again when he returned after emptying his basket.
(b) How did the baker announce his arrival?
Answer: The baker announced his arrival with the jingling thud of his bamboo staff, which was loud enough to wake the children from their sleep.
(c) What was the relationship between the baker and the children?
Answer: The baker was not just a bread-seller to the children. He was their friend, companion, and guide. The children eagerly ran to meet and greet him every day.
(d) What does the phrase “jingling thud” suggest?
Answer: The phrase “jingling thud” is an example of onomatopoeia. It describes the distinctive sound made by the baker’s bamboo staff — a combination of a dull thud and a metallic jingle that was characteristic of the pader’s arrival.
Extract 2 (A Baker from Goa)
“Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol… Not even a party or a feast is complete without bread. Sandwiches, cakes, and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the local baker or the pader became a crucial figure in the social life of the Goan village.”
(a) What is bol?
Answer: Bol is a type of sweet bread that is considered essential for marriage gifts in Goa. Without bol, marriage gifts are considered meaningless.
(b) Name any two occasions when bread is a must.
Answer: Bread is a must during marriage celebrations (in the form of bol) and during Christmas and other festivals (in the form of cakes, sandwiches, and bolinhas).
(c) Why did the baker become a crucial figure in Goan village life?
Answer: The baker became a crucial figure because bread was required for every important occasion in Goan life — marriages, feasts, parties, engagements, and festivals. Without the baker’s products, no celebration could be complete.
(d) What are bolinhas?
Answer: Bolinhas are small, rounded sweet treats that are traditional Goan delicacies, essential during Christmas and other festivals. They are a product of the Portuguese-influenced baking tradition of Goa.
Extract 3 (Coorg)
“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.”
(a) What two theories exist about the descent of the Coorgi people?
Answer: The two theories are: (i) that the Kodavus are descendants of a part of Alexander the Great’s army that settled in the region, and (ii) that they are of Arabic descent, a theory supported by the resemblance between their traditional kuppia and the Arab kuffia.
(b) What characteristic of the Coorgi people is highlighted in this extract?
Answer: The fierce independence of the Coorgi people is highlighted. Despite possible foreign origins, they have developed their own unique cultural identity that is distinct from the Hindu mainstream.
(c) How are the marriage and religious rites of the Kodavus different?
Answer: The marriage and religious rites of the Kodavus are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. Their unique cultural practices reflect the influence of their possible Greek or Arab ancestry, setting them apart from other Indian communities.
(d) What does “return became impractical” mean in this context?
Answer: “Return became impractical” means that it was no longer possible or feasible for that section of Alexander’s army to go back to Greece. So they decided to settle permanently in the Coorg region and married among the local population.
Extract 4 (Coorg)
“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. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi.”
(a) What tradition do Coorgi homes have?
Answer: Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality. They warmly welcome visitors and are always ready to share tales of bravery and valour related to their family members.
(b) What is the significance of the Coorg Regiment?
Answer: The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army, reflecting the exceptional bravery and military service of the Coorgi people.
(c) Who was General Cariappa?
Answer: General Cariappa was a Coorgi who became the first Chief of the Indian Army. His achievement is a source of great pride for the Kodavu community and reflects their strong martial tradition.
(d) What does “more than willing to recount” suggest about the Coorgi people?
Answer: “More than willing to recount” suggests that the Coorgi people take great pride in their military heritage and are always enthusiastic about sharing stories of bravery and valour from their family history. It reflects their deep connection to martial traditions.
Extract 5 (Tea from Assam)
“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. Dwarfed by tall shade trees, the tea bushes had a soft green hue. Groups of tea-pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their backs, wearing plastic aprons, were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.”
(a) What did the landscape look like?
Answer: The landscape presented a magnificent view — a vast sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see, set against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. Tall shade trees towered over the soft green tea bushes.
(b) Who were the “doll-like figures” in the tea garden?
Answer: The “doll-like figures” were groups of tea pluckers — mostly women — who were working in the tea garden. They wore plastic aprons and carried bamboo baskets on their backs while plucking the newly sprouted leaves.
(c) What does “dwarfed by tall shade trees” mean?
Answer: “Dwarfed by tall shade trees” means that the tea bushes appeared very small in comparison to the tall shade trees growing alongside them. The shade trees made the tea plants look tiny by comparison.
(d) What were the tea pluckers doing?
Answer: The tea pluckers were plucking the newly sprouted leaves from the tea bushes. They were wearing plastic aprons for protection and carrying bamboo baskets on their backs to collect the freshly plucked tea leaves.
Extract 6 (Tea from Assam)
“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.”
(a) Who was Bodhidharma?
Answer: Bodhidharma was an ancient Buddhist ascetic (monk) who, according to Indian legend, played a role in the discovery of tea. He is believed to have travelled from India to China to spread Buddhism.
(b) Why did Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids?
Answer: Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during his meditation. He was so upset at his inability to stay awake that he resorted to this extreme act to prevent himself from falling asleep again.
(c) What grew from the eyelids according to the legend?
Answer: According to the Indian legend, ten tea plants grew from the eyelids of Bodhidharma that he had cut off and thrown on the ground.
(d) What special property did the leaves of these plants have?
Answer: The leaves of these tea plants had the special property of banishing sleep. When the leaves were put in hot water and the drink was consumed, it drove away drowsiness and helped people stay awake. This is a quality still associated with tea today.
Value-Based Questions
Q1. “A Baker from Goa” shows how food traditions can become an integral part of a community’s cultural identity. Discuss this idea and explain what values we can learn from preserving such traditions.
Answer: “A Baker from Goa” beautifully illustrates how food traditions can become deeply woven into the fabric of a community’s identity. The bread-making tradition, introduced during the Portuguese era, did not disappear when the Portuguese left Goa. Instead, it became a permanent part of Goan culture. Sweet bread (bol) for marriages, sandwiches for engagements, and cakes and bolinhas for Christmas — these are not just food items but symbols of celebration, community bonding, and cultural continuity.
The value we can learn from this is the importance of preserving cultural traditions. When the son continues his father’s baking profession, he is not just earning a livelihood — he is keeping alive a rich cultural heritage. In our rapidly modernizing world, many traditional occupations and food practices are disappearing. This chapter reminds us that preserving such traditions is important because they connect us to our roots, strengthen community bonds, and give us a sense of identity and belonging. We should respect and value the traditional occupations and cultural practices of every community, as they represent the collective wisdom and heritage of generations.
Q2. Rajvir and Pranjol represent two different attitudes — one of curiosity and the other of familiarity. What values does Rajvir’s approach teach us about learning and appreciating new things?
Answer: Rajvir and Pranjol’s contrasting attitudes offer a valuable lesson about the importance of curiosity and active learning. Rajvir, though visiting Assam for the first time, has thoroughly researched tea — its history, legends, cultivation, and global significance. He is excited by the scenic beauty of the tea gardens and eager to learn from the experience. Pranjol, despite growing up on a tea estate, is indifferent to the scenery and less informed about tea’s rich history.
Rajvir’s approach teaches us several values. First, it teaches the value of curiosity — a genuinely curious mind will always seek to learn, regardless of circumstances. Second, it highlights the importance of preparation — Rajvir’s prior research allowed him to appreciate and understand his experience at a deeper level. Third, it shows that familiarity should not breed indifference. We often take for granted the things that are around us every day. Rajvir reminds us to look at the world with fresh eyes, to find wonder in the ordinary, and to never stop asking questions. His enthusiasm and knowledge impress even Pranjol’s father, showing that a curious and well-prepared mind earns respect and admiration.
Q3. The chapter “Coorg” describes the Kodavus as people who combine fierce independence with warm hospitality. How can these two qualities coexist, and what values can we learn from the Kodavu people?
Answer: The Kodavus of Coorg beautifully demonstrate that fierce independence and warm hospitality are not contradictory qualities but complementary ones. Their independence comes from a strong sense of identity, pride in their heritage, and a martial tradition that has served the nation with distinction. Their hospitality reflects a generous spirit, a welcoming nature, and a deep respect for human connections.
These two qualities coexist because true strength includes the capacity to be kind and generous. A truly confident and self-assured community does not feel threatened by outsiders — instead, it welcomes them with open arms. The Kodavus are proud of their martial achievements and share tales of valour freely, but they also open their homes to visitors and make them feel welcome.
From the Kodavus, we can learn the value of being strong yet kind, independent yet welcoming. We learn that bravery and gentleness are not opposites but two sides of the same coin. We learn the importance of taking pride in our cultural heritage while remaining open to others. We also learn the value of service to the nation — the Coorg Regiment’s distinguished record shows what a community can achieve when it combines discipline, courage, and a sense of duty. These are values that can enrich any society and any individual.
We hope that the question answers provided above for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 7 — Glimpses of India will help you in your HSLC examination preparation. For more ASSEB Class 10 English solutions, visit hslcguru.com.