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

Answer

The different kinds of bread mentioned are: (i) Bol — the sweet bread especially made for festive occasions like Christmas and other festivals. (ii) Bread (pao) — the daily bread that is a staple of every Goan household. (iii) Bolinhas — biscuit-like bread. (iv) Cake — for special occasions. The story mentions that these items were essential for every Goan occasion — no celebration was complete without the sweet bread bol, and every house needed daily bread (pao).

Answer

A "pader" is a traditional Goan baker (bread-seller) who is an integral part of Goan village life. His role: (i) He baked bread daily in a traditional furnace and delivered it door-to-door every morning. (ii) His arrival was announced by his characteristic "jingling sound" of the bamboo staff (the traditional baker's bamboo). (iii) Children would rush out to greet him and get their favourite bread and bangles (bread). (iv) He was essential for every festival and celebration — marriages, christenings, and feasts couldn't happen without his special bread. (v) The baker was a prosperous and respected figure in Goan society — the author mentions that bakers were plump, well-fed, and financially well-off. Their furnaces were the heart of the community.

Answer

The text says that although the old Portuguese-era baking tradition has declined somewhat, the profession has not died out entirely. Even today, bread (pao) remains a staple food in Goa — Goan families still have bread with almost every meal. The traditional furnaces still exist in some villages, and bakers continue to supply bread. The author nostalgically describes the profession, suggesting that while modernisation (bakeries, supermarkets) has changed how bread is delivered, the love for traditional Goan bread and the baker's role in festivals and celebrations remains strong.

Answer

Coorg (Kodagu) is a district in Karnataka, situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is the smallest district in Karnataka. It is famous for: (i) Coffee plantations — it produces some of the finest coffee in India. (ii) Lush green forests with abundant rainfall. (iii) Spices — cardamom, pepper, and other spices grow in its hills. (iv) Martial traditions — Coorgi people are known for their courage and have a proud military tradition. (v) Natural beauty — it's called the "Scotland of India" for its misty hills, valleys, and evergreen forests. (vi) Wildlife — elephants, langurs, macaques, and various bird species.

Answer

There are several theories about the origin of Coorgi people: (i) One theory says they are of Greek or Arab descent. As per this, a part of Alexander the Great's army moved south along the coast and settled in Coorg when they could not return. Their long, black coats (kuppia) resemble the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds. (ii) Another theory links them to the Chinese and Southeast Asian peoples, based on their traditional dress and customs. (iii) The Coorgi practice of martial traditions, ancestor worship, and their distinctive culture sets them apart from neighbouring communities. Whatever their origin, Coorgis have a unique cultural identity — they are known for their bravery, hospitality, and love of nature.

Answer

Two legends are mentioned:

(i) Chinese legend: An ancient Chinese emperor was boiling water under a tree when some leaves fell into the pot. The water turned brown and had a delightful flavour. The emperor drank it and found it refreshing. Those were tea leaves — and this accidental discovery led to the world's most popular beverage.

(ii) Indian legend: An ancient Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew from his eyelids. The leaves from these plants, when brewed in hot water, kept him awake — thus tea was born from a monk's devotion.

Answer

The tea gardens of Assam present a breathtaking landscape: vast stretches of neatly pruned tea bushes spread across the rolling hills as far as the eye can see, like a "sea of tea bushes". Groups of women tea pluckers with bamboo baskets on their backs move through the rows, plucking the tender top leaves (two leaves and a bud). The gardens are green, orderly, and beautiful — scattered with shade trees (to protect tea plants from direct sun). Assam produces more than half of India's tea and is world-famous for its strong, malty CTC tea. The best teas are produced during the "second flush" (May-June harvest).

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Coorg offers several adventure activities: (i) River rafting and canoeing on the Kaveri river — the rapids provide exciting white-water experiences. (ii) Trekking and hiking — trails through coffee plantations and forests, including the trek to Brahmagiri hills. (iii) Rappelling and rock climbing. (iv) Mountain biking through scenic trails. (v) Fishing in the Kaveri river — it's famous for mahseer (a game fish). (vi) Wildlife viewing at Nagarhole National Park and Dubare Elephant Camp. (vii) Bird watching — Coorg has a rich variety of endemic and migratory birds. The combination of natural beauty, pleasant climate, and adventure opportunities makes Coorg a popular tourist destination.

Answer

Goa was a Portuguese colony for about 450 years (1510-1961), and their influence is still visible: (i) Architecture: Portuguese-style churches (Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral), old houses with balcoes (balconies), and tiled roofs. (ii) Food: The baking tradition described in the chapter — pao (bread), bebinca (layered cake), and other Portuguese-influenced dishes. (iii) Religion: Christianity (especially Roman Catholicism) is widely practised, a direct result of Portuguese missionaries. (iv) Language: Many Goan families still use Portuguese words in daily Konkani. (v) Festivals: Carnival, Christmas celebrations, and other festivals blend Portuguese and Indian traditions. (vi) Music: The fado and mandolin tradition influenced Goan music.