Glimpses of India: NCERT Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 7

Part I: A Baker from Goa by Lucio Rodrigues

This part is a nostalgic piece about the author's childhood in Goa and the central role of the traditional baker, known as a 'pader'. The author fondly remembers how the baker was an essential part of daily life, his arrival announced by the 'jhang, jhang' sound of his bamboo staff. The text highlights the lasting influence of the Portuguese on Goan culture, particularly their love for bread. Different kinds of bread were vital for different occasions: sweet bread called 'bol' for marriage gifts, sandwiches for engagement parties, and 'bolinhas' for Christmas. The baker, with his plump physique, was seen as a prosperous and respected figure. Though the original Portuguese bakers may have left, their legacy lives on through their profession, the furnaces, and the timeless love for 'pao' (bread) in Goa.

Part II: Coorg by Lokesh Abrol

This section paints a vivid picture of Coorg, or Kodagu, a small district in Karnataka often called a 'piece of heaven'. It's described as a land of rolling hills, evergreen rainforests, and sprawling coffee and spice plantations. The people of Coorg, the Kodavus, are a proud and martial race, possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. The story of their origin is fascinating: one theory links them to a part of Alexander's army that settled there, while another points to their black coat ('kuppia'), which resembles the 'kuffia' worn by Arabs. The Kodavus have a strong tradition of hospitality and are known for their bravery. They have produced a Field Marshal of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, and are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license. The place offers adventure sports like river rafting and trekking, making it a popular tourist destination.

Part III: Tea from Assam by Arup Kumar Datta

This final part takes us to the 'tea country', Assam, through the eyes of two school friends, Pranjol and Rajvir. Pranjol, a local from Assam, is taking his friend Rajvir to his family's tea garden for the summer vacation. On the train journey, the narrative contrasts Rajvir's excitement and extensive knowledge about tea with Pranjol's calm familiarity. Rajvir shares two popular legends about the discovery of tea. The first is about a Chinese emperor who discovered it by accident when leaves from a twig fell into his boiling water. The second is an Indian legend about Bodhidharma, a Buddhist ascetic, who cut off his eyelids to prevent sleep during meditation, and ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The story beautifully describes the magnificent view of endless tea bushes stretching as far as the eye can see, creating a stunning backdrop for the introduction to the world of tea cultivation.

How to Answer Thematic Questions on 'Glimpses of India'

1. Step 1: Identify the Core Theme — Read the question carefully to understand the central idea you need to discuss. Common themes for this chapter include 'Cultural Diversity', 'Pride in One's Roots', 'Tradition vs. Modernity', and 'The Importance of Livelihood'.
2. Step 2: Gather Evidence from All Three Texts — Your answer must be balanced. For a theme like 'Pride', collect specific examples: The Goans' pride in their baking traditions; the Kodavus' pride in their martial history and independence; and Assam's pride as the world's largest tea-growing region.
3. Step 3: Structure Your Answer Logically — Begin with an introduction that states your main point. Dedicate a separate paragraph for each text (Goa, Coorg, Assam), presenting the evidence you gathered. Use transition words like 'Similarly,', 'In contrast,', or 'Furthermore,' to connect your ideas smoothly.
4. Step 4: Conclude with a Synthesis — End your answer with a concluding paragraph that summarizes how the three 'glimpses' collectively illustrate the theme. Reiterate that while each region is unique, they all contribute to the rich and diverse fabric of India.

Exam Tip: Connecting the Three 'Glimpses'

A common mistake students make is treating the three parts of this chapter as completely separate. While they are distinct stories, high-scoring answers often draw connections between them. For long-answer questions (5-6 marks), examiners look for your ability to synthesize information. For example, if a question asks about 'tradition', don't just write about Goa. Mention the baking traditions in Goa, the martial and hospitality traditions in Coorg, and the tea-drinking traditions and legends in Assam. This shows a deeper understanding of the chapter's overarching purpose: to showcase the diverse, yet connected, cultural heritage of India.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• What role did the baker play in the traditional Goan village? Q: What role did the baker play in the traditional Goan village? A: Step 1: Identify the baker's daily and festive significance. The baker, or 'pader', was an indispensable part of Goan village life. His arrival twice a day was a major event for the children and households. Step 2: List the specific contributions. He provided the daily bread ('pao'). He was essential for festivals and ceremonies, providing 'bol' for marriages, bread for parties, and special treats like 'bolinhas' and cakes for Christmas. Step 3: Conclude with his social standing. The baker was not just a vendor but a friend and guide. His prosperous appearance (plump physique) symbolized wealth and happiness in the village. His presence connected the villagers to their Portuguese cultural heritage. Final answer: The baker in a Goan village was a vital figure, providing daily bread and special festive items, making him a friend, companion, and a symbol of prosperity and tradition.
• Describe the people of Coorg and their connection to their land. Q: Describe the people of Coorg and their connection to their land. A: Step 1: Identify the people and their key characteristics. The people of Coorg are called Kodavus. They are described as a fiercely independent and proud martial race, known for their bravery and hospitality. Step 2: Explain their unique origins and status. They are believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent. This is supported by their martial traditions and their traditional dress, the 'kuppia', which resembles the Arab 'kuffia'. They are the only people in India legally allowed to carry firearms without a license. Step 3: Connect them to their land. Their land is filled with coffee estates and spice plantations. They are deeply connected to this land, which they fiercely protect. Their bravery is legendary, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Final answer: The people of Coorg, the Kodavus, are a proud and brave martial race of possible Greek or Arabic origin. They are known for their hospitality and have a deep connection to their land of coffee plantations and rainforests, with a unique legal status and a celebrated history of valour.
• What are the two legends about the discovery of tea as told by Rajvir? Q: What are the two legends about the discovery of tea as told by Rajvir? A: Step 1: Recall the Chinese legend. The first legend is about a Chinese emperor who always drank boiled water. 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. Step 2: Recall the Indian legend. The second legend is about Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic. He 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. Final answer: Rajvir narrates two legends about tea's discovery. The Chinese legend credits an emperor who accidentally brewed tea leaves that fell into his boiling water. The Indian legend involves a Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, from whose severed eyelids tea plants grew, the leaves of which helped banish sleep.
• How does the chapter 'Glimpses of India' showcase the rich diversity of India? Q: How does the chapter 'Glimpses of India' showcase the rich diversity of India? A: Step 1: Introduce the theme of diversity and the three regions. The chapter presents a cross-section of India's cultural richness by focusing on three distinct regions: Goa, Coorg, and Assam. Each has a unique identity. Step 2: Provide examples from each part. Goa showcases its Portuguese heritage through its baking traditions and the importance of the 'pader'. Coorg highlights its unique martial race, the Kodavus, their independent spirit, and their land of coffee and spices. Assam introduces us to the 'tea country', revealing its massive tea plantations and the beverage's global significance. Step 3: Synthesize the examples. Together, these three 'glimpses' show how different histories (Portuguese influence), geographies (coastal, hilly, plains), and economies (baking, coffee cultivation, tea production) coexist within one nation. They celebrate local customs, foods, and livelihoods, painting a picture of 'unity in diversity'. Final answer: 'Glimpses of India' showcases India's diversity by presenting the unique cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics of Goa, Coorg, and Assam. From Goan bread to Coorgi warriors and Assamese tea gardens, the chapter highlights how distinct local traditions and livelihoods form the rich, varied tapestry of the Indian nation.

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