CBSE Class 10 English Glimpses of India Important Questions Set 04

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. What was the attitude of the baker towards (a) the lady of the house (b) the children (c) the maid servant?
Answer: (a) First of all, the baker would greet the lady of the house with “Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo before her. (b) He would push aside the children with a mild rebuke. (c) The loaves were delivered to the maid-servant.

Question 2. How would you prove that baking was a profitable profession in the old days in Goa?
Answer: Baking was quite a profitable profession in Goa in the old days. The baker and his family never starved. Even his servants could meet both the ends easily. He and his family always looked happy and prosperous. Their plump physique was an open testimony of their happiness and prosperity.

Question 3. What do the elders reminisce about and why?
Answer: The elders reminisce nostalgically about the good old Portuguese days and the Portuguese loaves of bread. The loaves of bread were an integral part of Goan’s life. Marriages were meaningless without sweet breads. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on her daughter’s engagement. Christmas and others festivals must have cakes and bolinhas. They still remember the jingling thud of the baker in the morning.

Question 4. What importance did the baker’s furnace have in the village in Goa?
Answer: The loaves of bread had become an important and integral part of the lives of the people in Goa. Marriages were meaningless without the sweet bread or the bol. No party or feast was possible without bread. The lady of the house would prepare sandwiches on the engagement ceremony of her daughter. Cakes and sweet breads were a must for Christmas and other festivals. The presence of the baker’s furnace was absolutely essential in the village.

Question 5. Why would the children didn’t even care to brush their teeth or wash their mouths properly?
Answer: The jingling thud of the pader and his musical entry in the morning would wake up the children from their sleep. They would run to greet and meet him. They didn’t even care to brush their teeth or wash their mouths. The tiger never brushed their teeth. There was no need of doing any such thing. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all.

Question 6. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
Answer: Bread — still an important part of Goan life — Marriage gifts — no meaning if they don’t include the sweet bread known as the bol — A party or a feast loses its charm without bread — The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement — Cakes and bolinhas a must for Christmas and other festivals.

Question 7. Why was the baker, the friend, companion and guide of the children?
Answer: For children — the very sight of the baker was quite exciting — their friend, companion and guide — The jingling thud of his bamboo put them in rapture — they ran to meet and greet him — was not so much for the love of the loaf. What they longed for were the bread-bangles — liked the sweet bread of special make.

Question 8. How did the children behave when they were pushed aside with a mild rebuke by the pader?
Answer: The baker — pushed aside the children with a mild rebuke — the kids would not give up — climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket — longed for the bread-bangles — the jingling thud of the baker or the pader fascinated them.

Question 9. When did the baker collect his bills and how did he record his monthly accounts?
Answer: Usually collected his bills from his customers at the end of the month — didn’t have a notebook to record his monthly accounts — Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil.

Question 10. How can you say that the makers of the famous Goan loaves are still there?
Answer: Many of those eaters of loaves might have died — their makers still exist — The mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves are still there in Goa. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished and the thud and jingle of the baker’s bamboo can still be heard in the morning in some places — These bakers, known as paders, exist in Goa even today. The family profession is still carried on.

Question 11. Describe the changes in the dress of the baker or the pader with the passage of the time.
Answer: Good old days during the Portuguese rule — the baker or bread-seller had — a peculiar dress — known as ‘kabai’ — a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees. These days a pader wears a shirt and trousers which are shorter than full length ones and longer than half pants.

Question 12. Describe the geographical location of Coorg.
Answer: Coorg or Kadagu, is the smallest district in Karnataka. It lies between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. This piece of heaven may also be called the land of rolling hills. It is the home of evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. During the monsoons, Coorg has a lot of rains.

Question 13. How has the tradition of courage and bravery been recognised in modern India. Give examples from the text.
Answer: The people of Coorg are known for being fiercely independent, brave and courageous. There are numerous tales of valour connected with the people of Coorg. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. The Coorgis are the only people in India who are permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

Question 14. How do the most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventures in Coorg?
Answer: Coorg offers many outdoor high-energy adventures. Even the most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventures. They enjoy river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in Coorg are a favourite with trekkers.

Question 15. Where and how can we have a panoramic view of the misty landscape of Coorg?
Answer: The tourists are advised not to miss a climb to the Brahmagiri hills. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills gives you a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. Then you can walk across the rope bridge. It will lead you to the sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama.

Question 16. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent?
Answer: The Kodavu people descended possibly from the Greeks or the Arabs. A part of the Alexander’s army moved south along the coast. They settled down there because their return became impractical. Their traditions, marriage and religious rites are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. The theory of their Arab origin draws from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus known as kuppia, resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs.

Question 17. Describe the people and culture of Coorg.
Answer: Coorg is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures. Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality. There are many tales of valour related to the people of Coorg. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. General Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was a Coorgi. Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

Question 18. Describe the possible descent of the people of Coorg.
Answer: The people of Coorg, their rituals and traditions are quite different from the Hindu mainstream. According to one story, a part of the Alexander’s army travelling the coast, settled here as their return became impractical. So, they are believed to be of Greek origin. The Coorgi dress, a long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs. So, some think that they are of Arabic origin.

Question 19. Where is Coorg?
Answer: Coorg — smallest district of Karnataka — situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore — This land of rolling hills — also known as Kodagu.

Question 20. Describe the climate, birds and animals of Coorg.
Answer: During the monsoons, Coorg has a lot of rains — keeps many tourists away — tourist season starts from September and continues till March. — air of Coorg smells of Coffee — Kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, wild elephants, bees and butterflies abound in the rainforests of Coorg.

Question 21. Describe the largest Buddhist settlement in Coorg.
Answer: Below the rolling hills — largest Tibetan settlement in India in Coorg — The Buddhist temple at Bylakuppe — famous for its grandeur and beauty — monks in their red, ochre and yellow robes — heart and soul of India.

Question 22. What are some of the things you now know about: (a) the people of Coorg? (b) the main crop of Coorg? (c) the sports it offers to tourists? (d) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg? (e) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?
Answer: (a) The people of Coorg — martial race of men and beautiful women — fiercely independent — possibly of Greek or Arabic descent — famous for their hospitality.
(b) The air of Coorg breathes of coffee — coffee estates and colonial bungalows — under trees.
(c) Offers high-energy adventures — river rafting, canoeing, rock-climbing, mountain biking and trekking.
(d) Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris and wild elephants are some — found in Coorg.
(e) Madikeri, the district headquarters — 250-260 km from Bengaluru by road — nearest airports — Mangaluru (135 km) — Bengaluru (260 km).

Question 23. Describe the origin of Kaveri and the area around it.
Answer: The river, Kaveri, originates — the hills and forests of Coorg. Mahaseer — large freshwater fish — abound in these waters — Kingfishers dive for their catch — squirrels and langurs drop half-eaten fruit — enjoying the splash and ripples in the clear water — A walk across the bridge leads to the sixty-four acre island — Nisargadhama.

Question 24. How has tea become a popular beverage?
Answer: Tea is decidedly a very popular beverage in the world. More than eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. At every platform in India you can hear vendors crying “chai-garam”. The people can’t resist buying the steaming hot cups of tea.

Question 25. What is the Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea?
Answer: We have an Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. It is said that ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of those plants, when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep.

Question 26. What did Rajvir see in the Dhekiabari tea estate managed by Pranjol’s father?
Answer: The tea estate at Dhekiabari was managed by Pranjol’s father. Rajvir saw acre upon acre of tea bushes on both sides of the gravel road. They were all pruned to the same height. Groups of tea-pluckers, wearing plastic aprons were plucking the newly sprouted leaves. It was the second sprouting period.

Question 27. Why was Rajvir so much excited?
Answer: Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. He was looking at the beautiful scenery. The soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eyes could see. The orderly rows of bushes were pruned to the same height. Rajvir was really excited to see the magnificent view.

Question 28. Describe the Chinese legend regarding the discovery of tea leaves.
Answer: There is a Chinese legend regarding the discovery of tea leaves. One Chinese emperor always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the burning twigs under the pot fell into the water. The result was wonderful. The water gave a delicious flavour. Those leaves that gave the water a delicious flavour were tea leaves.

Question 29. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol going and why?
Answer: Rajvir and Pranjol were two youngsters. Actually, they were classmates at school in Delhi. Pranjol’s father is the manager of a tea garden in Upper Assam. Pranjol was born and brought up on the tea estate. He invited Rajvir to visit his home and the Dhekiabari Tea Estate during the summer vacation.

Question 30. How and where are tea leaves collected in Assam?
Answer: Assam has the largest number of tea estates in India. Acre upon acre of tea bushes are stretched as far as the eyes can go. All the bushes are pruned to the same height. Groups of tea pluckers carry bamboo basket on their back to collect tea-leaves. They wear plastic aprons. They pluck the newly-sprouted tea leaves from the bushes. Then the leaves are dried and processed in factories.

Question 31. Why didn’t Pranjol share Rajvir’s excitement?
Answer: Pranjol — born and brought up on a tea plantation — familiar with tea gardens — On the other hand, Rajvir had never visited any tea plantation ever before. A sea of bushes stretching as far as the eyes could see, fascinated him — the magnificent view, orderly rows of tea bushes really excited him — But Pranjol was used to such sights.

Question 32. Where and when did the drinking of tea start and how did it come to Europe?
Answer: The drinking of tea first started in China — drunk in China as far as 2700 B.C. Words like tea, ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are from Chinese — Tea came to Europe only in the 16th century — In Europe, tea was drunk as medicine than as beverage in the early period.

Question 33. Why did Pranjol’s father say in surprise that Rajvir had done his homework before coming there?
Answer: A tractor — pulling a trailer-load of tea leaves at the Dhekiabari Tea Estate — Rajvir asked Pranjol’s father if that was the second flush or sprouting period — Rajvir told that the second sprouting period lasts from May to July — yields the best tea — Such detailed information about tea leaves surprised Pranjol’s father. He told Rajvir that he seemed to have done his homework before coming there.

Question 34. The bakers were synonymous with celebrations and occasions in Goa. Justify.
Answer: The bakers became synonymous with celebrations and occasions in Goa as no important occasion or festival was complete without bakery items. Marriage gifts needed the sweet bread called bol, cakes and bolinhas were a must at Christmas, and bread was an essential part of every feast in Goa.

Question 35. ‘Coorg’ beautifully draws an outline of its social and natural aspects. Comment.
Answer: Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a beautiful district in Karnataka. With its low hills, evergreen rainforests and abundant coffee plantations, Coorg offers a heavenly experience. The people of Coorg are known for their bravery, independent nature, hospitality and unique dressing style. The region’s natural beauty, adventure sports and cultural traditions make it a must-visit destination.

Question 36. Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills?
Answer: Coorg is called the ‘land of rolling hills’ because of its many hills and valleys, which create a scenic landscape. The entire region lies on gently sloping hills that seem to roll on endlessly in a panoramic view.

Question 37. Comment on the different reactions of Rajvir and Pranjol.
Answer: The beautiful scenery and the wide stretches of green tea gardens excited Rajvir, who was seeing them for the first time. Pranjol did not share his excitement since he was born and brought up on a tea plantation in Assam, a place familiar to him.

Question 38. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this? (NCERT)
Answer: Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol, just as a party or a feast loses its charm without bread. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals.

Question 40. What are some of the things you now know about Coorg? (NCERT)
(A) The main crop of Coorg
(B) The sports it offers to tourists
(C) The animals you are likely to see in Coorg
(D) Its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there
Answer: (A) Coffee is the main crop of Coorg. In the monsoon season the breeze carries the strong fragrance of coffee. Coffee estates with colonial bungalows are abundant and even provide homestays for visitors to experience the Coorgi way of life.
(B) A variety of high-energy adventure sports are offered to tourists, like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Trekking is also popular.
(C) Mahaseer fish are found in the waters of the river Kaveri. Kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, butterflies and bees are found in the area, and wild elephants can be seen enjoying a bath in the river. On a trek, macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris can be spotted in the trees.
(D) Coorg is about 250-260 km from Bangalore. The nearest airports are Mangalore (135 km) and Bangalore (260 km). The nearest railheads are Mysore, Mangalore and Hassan. There are two road routes from Bangalore, both of almost the same distance; the route via Mysore is the most used one.

Question 41. Justify the opinion that the traditional baker and his bread play a significant role in the cultural and social fabric of Goan society. (CBSE SQP 2023)
Answer: The traditional baker and his bread play a significant role in the cultural and social fabric of Goan society. The baker’s bread was not an ordinary food item but an essential part of every Goan wedding and special occasion. The baker was a friend and guide to children, and the bread was a symbol of social and economic status.

Question 42. “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.” Elaborate with reference to the chapter ‘Glimpses of India’. (CBSE Practice Set 2023)
Answer: The Coorg Regiment of the Indian Army is one of the most decorated regiments, with several awards and accolades, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Kodavus are the only people in India allowed to carry firearms without a licence. Coorgis proudly share these tales of courage and bravery with their guests.

Question 43. What did Pranjol and Rajvir do during the journey? Why? (CBSE 2023)
Answer: Pranjol and Rajvir travelled to Assam by train. Rajvir was very excited as he was visiting Assam for the first time to see the tea gardens, so he kept looking at the lush greenery outside the train. Pranjol, however, read his detective book as Assam was his home and he had seen everything before.

Question 44. Describe the Kodavus as mentioned in the lesson. (Delhi Gov. QB 2022)
Answer: The people of Coorg, also known as Kodavus, are believed to be of Greek or Arab descent. It is said that a part of Alexander’s army settled in Coorg when their return became impractical. They married amongst the locals and hence they are a race of martial men. Kodavus wear a long, black coat with an embroidered waist belt, which resembles the kuppia worn by the Arabs.

Question 45. Where is Coorg located? Write any two characteristics of the people of Coorg. (CBSE 2023)
Answer: Coorg is in Karnataka. It is the smallest district of the state, located midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. The people of Coorg are extremely brave and hospitable. They are fiercely independent but welcoming towards guests.