CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 5 - Glimpses of India

This chapter contains 3 different sub-chapters which highlight the diversity of the country:

1. A Baker from Goa

2. Coorg

3. Tea From Assam

A Baker From Goa:

1. What is the pader?
Ans. The pader is the name for a baker in Goa, and they continue to carry on the tradition of baking bread.

2. How did the baker announce his arrival?
Ans. The baker announced his arrival with the 'jhang, jhang' sound of his bamboo staff.

3. What did the children love to get from the baker?
Ans. The children loved getting bread-bangles and sweet bread from the baker.

4. How often did the baker come to the village?
Ans. The baker came to the village at least twice a day—once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

5. Why didn’t the children brush their teeth before eating bread?
Ans. The children didn’t brush their teeth because they were too excited to eat the bread-bangles from the baker.

6. Why do the elders in Goa talk about the Portuguese days?
Ans. The elders in Goa talk about the Portuguese days because they fondly remember the traditional loaves of bread that were popular during that time. The bakers were a significant part of life, and even today, the tradition of baking bread continues, reminding them of those days.

7. What role did the baker play in the lives of Goan children?
Ans. The baker played an important role in the lives of Goan children, as he was their friend and guide. The children eagerly waited for his arrival, not for the regular loaves but for the bread-bangles and the special sweet bread that they loved. The baker’s visit was a joyful part of their day, and they loved the sound of his bamboo staff announcing his arrival.

8. How did the baker’s bamboo staff sound, and why was it significant?
Ans. The baker's bamboo staff made a 'jhang, jhang' sound, which announced his arrival. It was significant because it brought excitement to the children, who eagerly waited for the bread-bangles and the delicious loaves. The sound of the staff was a sign that the baker had come, and it added to the joy of their mornings.

9. How were the loaves and bread-bangles distributed in the house?
Ans. The loaves were delivered to the maid-servant, who took them for the family, while the children were allowed to pick the bread-bangles for themselves. Even though the children were sometimes pushed aside, they still found ways to peek into the baker’s basket to see the bread they loved.

10.Why does the author remember the bread with such fondness?
Ans. The author remembers the bread with fondness because it was a significant part of his childhood. The arrival of the baker was always exciting, and the fragrance of the bread brings back happy memories of those times. The bread-bangles and sweet bread were special treats that made the mornings joyful for the children.

11. Describe the role of the baker in Goan society, as mentioned in the chapter.
Ans. In Goan society, the baker played an important role, not just as someone who provided bread but as a friend and companion to the children. The baker was a familiar figure, and his visits were a regular part of the villagers' daily routine. He came twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and the sound of his bamboo staff was eagerly awaited by everyone, especially the children. The elders enjoyed the traditional loaves of bread, while the children loved the bread-bangles and sweet bread. The baker also had a special place in the community, as he continued the age-old tradition of bread-making, which reminded people of the Portuguese days. The bread he made was not just food; it was a part of their culture and memories.

12. How does the author describe the baker’s arrival, and why was it special for the children?
Ans. The author describes the baker's arrival as a musical entry with the sound of his bamboo staff, which made a ‘jhang, jhang’ noise. This sound was special because it was a sign that the baker had come, bringing with him delicious bread and bread-bangles. The children loved his visits, and they would run to greet him without even brushing their teeth. The baker greeted the lady of the house and placed his basket on the bamboo stand, while the children peeped inside to see the bread. The bread-bangles were a special treat, and the baker’s arrival was one of the happiest moments of their day. The author’s vivid description shows how important the baker was to the children and how much joy he brought to their lives.

13. Why did the author say that the bakers still carry on the family profession, and how has the tradition changed over time?
Ans. The author says that the bakers still carry on the family profession because many bakers today are sons or grandsons of those who used to bake during the Portuguese days. The tradition has been passed down through generations, and the same old furnaces are still used to bake bread. However, while the tradition of bread-making continues, the way of life has changed. The bread that was once a necessity and a part of every Goan household is now more of a cultural symbol. The old charm of the baker’s arrival, with the sound of his bamboo staff, is still remembered fondly, even though times have changed, and the way people live has become different.

14. What do you think the author means when he says, “The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished”?
Ans. When the author says, “The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished,” he means that the tradition of bread-making in Goa is still alive. Even though the Portuguese, who made bread popular, are no longer there, the bakers have continued their work. The old furnaces are still used, and the bakers, known as paders, are still making bread for the people. This phrase symbolises the continuation of an important cultural practice that has been kept alive over the years, despite changes in society.

15. How does the chapter reflect the importance of culture and tradition in Goa?
Ans. The chapter reflects the importance of culture and tradition in Goa by showing how bread-making is more than just a job—it is a part of the Goan way of life. The tradition of baking bread has been passed down through generations, and the bakers are still known as paders, just like in the past. The sound of the baker’s bamboo staff, the fragrance of fresh bread, and the excitement of the children all show how deeply this tradition is woven into the culture of Goa. The author’s nostalgic description of the baker’s visits and the bread-bangles reflects how important these small traditions are in keeping the culture alive and reminding people of their roots.

16. Why do you think the children were so excited to see the baker every day?
Ans. The children were excited to see the baker every day because his visit was like a special event for them. They loved the bread-bangles and sweet bread that he brought, and the sound of his bamboo staff announced his arrival, making it something they looked forward to. The baker’s visits were a happy part of their routine, and the excitement of getting a treat added joy to their mornings.

17. How does the author use sensory details to bring the story to life?
Ans. The author uses sensory details like the sound of the baker's bamboo staff (‘jhang, jhang’), the fragrance of the fresh bread, and the sight of the children peeping into the basket to make the story vivid. These details help readers imagine the scene and feel the excitement of the children. By describing the smells, sounds, and actions, the author makes the story more engaging and brings the memories to life.

18. What do you think the author means by saying, “The tiger never brushed his teeth”?
Ans. By saying, “The tiger never brushed his teeth,” the author means that as children, they didn’t think it was important to brush their teeth before eating bread. They were too excited about getting the bread-bangles from the baker to worry about brushing. The comparison to the tiger shows their carefree attitude and how much they looked forward to the baker's arrival.

19. How does the tradition of bread-making help connect different generations in Goa?
Ans. The tradition of bread-making helps connect different generations in Goa because it has been passed down from parents to children. The same old furnaces are still used, and the sons continue their fathers' work as bakers, known as paders. This continuity keeps the culture and traditions of Goa alive, allowing different generations to share similar experiences, like the joy of fresh bread and the baker's visits.

20. What role does nostalgia play in the author’s description of the baker and bread-making?
Ans. Nostalgia plays a big role in the author’s description as he remembers the baker and bread-making fondly from his childhood. He talks about the good old Portuguese days and the excitement of the baker's visits. The memories of the sound of the bamboo staff, the smell of fresh bread, and the bread-bangles bring back happy moments from his past. This nostalgic tone shows how much these traditions meant to him and how they are still an important part of his memories.

Coorg

1. Where is Coorg located?
Ans. Coorg is located between Mysore and Mangalore in the state of Karnataka.

2. What is Coorg famous for?
Ans. Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests, and rich culture.

3. What is the kuppia?
Ans. The kuppia is a long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt, worn by the Kodavus, similar to the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds.

4. Who was the first Chief of the Indian Army from Coorg?
Ans. The first Chief of the Indian Army from Coorg was General Cariappa.

5. Which river starts from the hills and forests of Coorg?
Ans. The river Kaveri starts from the hills and forests of Coorg.

6. What are the main features of the landscape of Coorg?
Ans. Coorg has rolling hills covered with evergreen rainforests, coffee plantations, and spices. It is a land of natural beauty, with many colonial bungalows tucked under tree canopies. The river Kaveri flows through the hills and forests, adding to the scenic beauty of the region.

7. Why is Coorg called a land of brave men and beautiful women?
Ans. Coorg is called a land of brave men because its people have a long history of courage and bravery. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The women of Coorg are also known for their beauty, adding to the charm of the region.

8. What activities can one do in Coorg?
Ans. In Coorg, one can enjoy many adventurous activities like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. There are also numerous walking trails for trekkers to explore the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the Brahmagiri hills and the island of Nisargadhama.

9. What is the legend about the origin of Coorg people?
Ans. The people of Coorg are believed to be of either Greek or Arabic origin. According to one legend, a part of Alexander’s army settled in Coorg after it became difficult for them to return home. These soldiers married the local people, and their culture can still be seen in the martial traditions and clothing of the Kodavus.

10. Why is Coorg a good place to visit from September to March?
Ans. Coorg is a good place to visit from September to March because the weather is pleasant, with just a few showers. The air smells of fresh coffee, and the landscape is lush and green, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

11. Describe the culture and traditions of the people of Coorg.
Ans. The people of Coorg, also known as Kodavus, have a unique culture and tradition that is different from the rest of India. They are believed to be of Greek or Arabic origin, and this can be seen in their customs, clothing, and martial traditions. The Kodavus are known for their hospitality and bravery. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was also from Coorg. Kodavus are the only people in India allowed to carry firearms without a licence, which shows their martial heritage. They wear a traditional dress called the kuppia, which is similar to the kuffia worn by Arabs. The people of Coorg are proud of their culture, and they are always willing to share stories of courage and bravery from their past.

12. How does Coorg’s natural beauty attract tourists?
Ans. Coorg’s natural beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The landscape is filled with rolling hills, evergreen rainforests, and coffee plantations, creating a beautiful and refreshing environment. The weather from September to March is perfect for exploring the region, with cool temperatures and occasional showers. The river Kaveri flows through the hills, providing opportunities for river rafting and other water activities. Tourists can also enjoy trekking, mountain biking, and exploring the wildlife, including elephants, langurs, and Malabar squirrels. The view from the Brahmagiri hills and the island of Nisargadhama are breathtaking, and visitors can also experience the culture of Coorg by meeting the local people and Buddhist monks. All these attractions make Coorg a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

13. What makes Coorg different from other places in India?
Ans. Coorg is different from other places in India because of its unique culture, traditions, and natural beauty. The people of Coorg, known as Kodavus, have a distinct heritage, believed to be of Greek or Arabic origin. Their martial traditions, clothing, and customs set them apart from the mainstream Hindu culture. The landscape of Coorg is filled with evergreen rainforests, coffee plantations, and beautiful hills, creating a refreshing and scenic environment. The people of Coorg are known for their bravery, and the Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. Kodavus are also the only people in India allowed to carry firearms without a licence. Coorg’s natural beauty, adventurous activities, and the warm hospitality of its people make it a unique and special place in India.

14. How is Coorg a blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure?
Ans. Coorg is a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and adventurous activities. The region is known for its rolling hills, evergreen rainforests, and coffee plantations, which create a beautiful and refreshing environment. The people of Coorg, known as Kodavus, have a unique culture and tradition, with stories of bravery and hospitality. Their traditional dress and customs reflect their rich heritage. Coorg also offers many adventurous activities like river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, and trekking, making it an exciting destination for adventure seekers. The scenic views from the Brahmagiri hills, the river Kaveri, and the wildlife add to the natural beauty of Coorg. The combination of culture, nature, and adventure makes Coorg a perfect destination for tourists.

15. Why is Coorg called a piece of heaven, and what experiences does it offer to visitors?
Ans. Coorg is called a piece of heaven because of its natural beauty, pleasant weather, and the peaceful atmosphere it offers. The rolling hills, evergreen rainforests, and coffee plantations create a beautiful and refreshing landscape. The river Kaveri adds to the scenic beauty, and visitors can enjoy activities like river rafting and elephant bathing. Coorg is also known for its adventurous activities, including trekking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The people of Coorg are warm and welcoming, and visitors can learn about their unique culture and traditions. The view from the Brahmagiri hills and the island of Nisargadhama are breathtaking, and the nearby Tibetan settlement adds to the cultural experience. All these experiences make Coorg a heavenly destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful getaway.

16. Why do you think the author describes Coorg as a piece of heaven?
Ans. The author describes Coorg as a piece of heaven because of its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and peaceful atmosphere. The rolling hills, coffee plantations, and evergreen rainforests create a beautiful and calming environment. The river Kaveri, wildlife, and adventure activities add to the charm of the place, making it feel like a perfect escape from the busy world.

17. How does Coorg’s culture reflect its historical connections with Greece or Arabia?
Ans. Coorg’s culture reflects its historical connections with Greece or Arabia through its customs, martial traditions, and clothing. The Kodavus are believed to be descendants of Alexander's army or Arab traders, and this can be seen in their dress and customs. The kuppia, worn by the Kodavus, resembles the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds. The martial traditions of the Kodavus and their permission to carry firearms without a licence also reflect their distinct heritage and warrior-like culture.

18. What makes Coorg an ideal destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers?
Ans. Coorg is an ideal destination for nature lovers because of its beautiful landscape, including rolling hills, evergreen rainforests, and the river Kaveri. The pleasant weather, coffee plantations, and scenic views from the Brahmagiri hills add to its charm. For adventure seekers, Coorg offers many exciting activities like river rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking. The mix of natural beauty and adventurous activities makes Coorg a perfect destination for different types of travellers.

19. Why do you think the people of Coorg are known for their hospitality?
Ans. The people of Coorg are known for their hospitality because they are welcoming and willing to share their culture and traditions with visitors. The Kodavus have a tradition of treating guests with respect and warmth, and they often share stories of bravery and their unique way of life. This hospitality makes visitors feel comfortable and adds to the charm of Coorg, making it a memorable place to visit.

20. How do the adventurous activities in Coorg contribute to its tourism?
Ans. The adventurous activities in Coorg, such as river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, and trekking, attract many tourists who are looking for excitement and adventure. These activities allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of Coorg in an active and thrilling way. The presence of numerous walking trails and opportunities for mountain biking also makes Coorg popular among adventure enthusiasts. These activities contribute to Coorg’s tourism by offering something for everyone, from nature lovers to thrill-seekers.

Tea from Assam:

1. How many cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?
Ans. Over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world.

2. Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going?
Ans. Pranjol and Rajvir were going to Dhekiabari Tea Estate in Assam.

3. What did Rajvir find fascinating during their journey?
Ans. Rajvir found the beautiful scenery of green tea gardens fascinating during their journey.

4. Which legend about tea did Rajvir mention first?
Ans. Rajvir mentioned the legend about a Chinese emperor who discovered tea when leaves accidentally fell into his boiling water.

5. Who was waiting for Pranjol and Rajvir at Mariani junction?
Ans. Pranjol's parents were waiting for them at Mariani junction.

6. Why was Rajvir excited to see the tea gardens?
Ans. Rajvir was excited to see the tea gardens because he had never seen so much greenery before. The sight of tea bushes stretching as far as the eye could see, along with the beautiful backdrop of hills, fascinated him. For Rajvir, who was visiting Assam for the first time, the tea gardens were a magnificent sight.

7. What is the legend about Bodhidharma that Rajvir told Pranjol?
Ans. Rajvir told Pranjol the Indian legend about Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk, who cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids, and when the leaves were put in hot water, they helped people stay awake by banishing sleep. This legend is one of the many stories about the discovery of tea.

8. Why did Pranjol not share Rajvir’s excitement about the tea gardens?
Ans. Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement because he had grown up on a tea plantation and was used to seeing tea gardens. For Pranjol, tea gardens were a common sight, unlike Rajvir, who was seeing them for the first time. Pranjol was more interested in his detective book than the scenery outside.

9. What information did Rajvir share about the history of tea?
Ans. Rajvir shared that tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C. The words ‘tea,’ ‘chai,’ and ‘chini’ all come from Chinese. He also mentioned that tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century and was initially drunk more as a medicine than as a beverage.

10. How did Rajvir impress Pranjol’s father?
Ans. Rajvir impressed Pranjol’s father by showing that he had learned a lot about tea before coming to Assam. He knew about the different sprouting periods of tea, such as the second-flush period, which lasts from May to July and yields the best tea. Pranjol's father was surprised and appreciated Rajvir's curiosity and preparation.

11. Describe the scene that Rajvir saw from the train while travelling to Assam.
Ans. As Rajvir travelled to Assam by train, he saw beautiful green scenery all around him. The paddy fields slowly gave way to tea bushes, and he saw a magnificent view of tea gardens stretching as far as the eye could see. The tea gardens were set against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, and there were tall shade trees standing above the rows of tea bushes. In the middle of the tea gardens, he saw people moving around like small dolls, plucking tea leaves. Rajvir also noticed an ugly building in the distance, with smoke coming out of its tall chimneys. The view of the tea gardens excited Rajvir because he had never seen so much greenery before.

12. What are some of the legends about the discovery of tea that Rajvir mentioned?
Ans. Rajvir mentioned two legends about the discovery of tea. The first was about a Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day, some leaves from the twigs burning under the pot fell into the boiling water, giving it a delicious flavour. These leaves were tea leaves, and this is how tea was discovered. The second legend was an Indian story about Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk who cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids, and the leaves of these plants, when put in hot water, could banish sleep. These legends show that tea has a long and interesting history, with different stories about its discovery.

13. How did Rajvir’s interest in tea make him different from Pranjol?
Ans. Rajvir was very interested in tea, and he had read a lot about it before coming to Assam. He was curious to learn more and was excited to see the tea gardens during their journey. He even shared interesting facts and legends about tea with Pranjol. On the other hand, Pranjol was not very excited because he had grown up on a tea plantation and was used to seeing tea gardens. He was more interested in reading his detective book. Rajvir's curiosity and eagerness to learn about tea made him different from Pranjol, who took it for granted.

14. What did Rajvir learn about the process of tea harvesting in Assam?
Ans. Rajvir learned that the tea harvesting process in Assam involves different sprouting periods. The second-flush or sprouting period, which lasts from May to July, produces the best quality tea. When they entered the Dhekiabari Tea Estate, Rajvir saw acres of tea bushes, all neatly pruned to the same height. He also saw groups of tea-pluckers, wearing bamboo baskets on their backs and plastic aprons, plucking the newly sprouted tea leaves. The tea-pluckers carefully picked the fresh leaves, which would later be processed to make tea. Rajvir’s observations and knowledge about tea harvesting impressed Pranjol’s father.

15. Why is tea so popular around the world, and what role does Assam play in tea production?
Ans. Tea is popular around the world because it is a refreshing beverage that people of all ages enjoy. Rajvir mentioned that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day, which shows how popular it is. Tea has a long history and is enjoyed in many different ways in different cultures. Assam plays an important role in tea production because it has the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. The climate and soil in Assam are perfect for growing tea, and the state produces some of the best quality tea. The tea estates in Assam, like Dhekiabari, produce tea that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

16. Why do you think Rajvir was more interested in looking at the tea gardens than reading his detective book?
Ans. Rajvir was more interested in looking at the tea gardens because he had never seen so much greenery before, and the sight of the tea bushes was new and exciting for him. He was curious to learn more about tea, and seeing the tea gardens in real life was more interesting than reading his book. Rajvir's enthusiasm for learning about tea made him appreciate the beautiful scenery outside the train.

17. How does the author use Rajvir’s excitement to describe the beauty of Assam?
Ans. The author uses Rajvir’s excitement to describe the beauty of Assam by showing his reaction to the tea gardens. Rajvir was amazed at the sight of the endless green tea bushes and the beautiful hills in the background. His enthusiasm helps the reader see the beauty of Assam through his eyes. The author's description of Rajvir's excitement makes the readers feel the same sense of wonder and fascination with the tea gardens.

18. Why do you think Pranjol was not as excited about the tea gardens as Rajvir?
Ans. Pranjol was not as excited about the tea gardens because he had grown up on a tea plantation and was used to seeing them. For Pranjol, tea gardens were a common sight, and he did not find them as interesting as Rajvir did. Pranjol was more focused on reading his detective book because, for him, the tea gardens were just a normal part of his everyday life, unlike Rajvir, who was seeing them for the first time.

19. What do the legends about tea tell us about human curiosity and discovery?
Ans. The legends about tea tell us that human curiosity and discovery often come from unexpected events. In the legend of the Chinese emperor, tea was discovered accidentally when leaves fell into boiling water. In the Indian legend, tea plants grew out of Bodhidharma's eyelids, and their leaves helped people stay awake. These stories show that discoveries can happen by chance, but human curiosity turns these events into something meaningful. People tried the leaves, found them useful, and began to use them regularly, leading to the discovery of tea.

20. How does the chapter show the importance of Assam in the global tea industry?
Ans. The chapter shows the importance of Assam in the global tea industry by describing its tea gardens and the large concentration of plantations. Assam is known as "tea country" because it produces some of the best quality tea in the world. The climate and soil in Assam are perfect for growing tea, and the tea estates there have a long history of tea production. Rajvir also mentioned that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day around the world, and Assam plays a significant role in meeting this demand. The tea from Assam is enjoyed by people all over the world, making it an important part of the global tea industry.

Benefits of Important Questions for CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 5 - Glimpses of India

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Conclusion:

Chapter 5 of the Class 10 English First Flight textbook features the chapter ‘Glimpses of India’ which portrays the beauty of diversity across different parts of the country and how they are different from one another despite being a part of the same country. Through 3 different sub-chapters, this lesson features the cultural and traditional aspects of the different subjects and places mentioned in the chapter. Vedantu’s FREE PDF for Important Questions for this chapter span the entire chapter and brings you most asked questions and expert provided answers to them to ease your study sessions. Download the FREE PDF and view the questions and answers anywhere, anytime you wish.

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