10 UNIT 5 Glimpses of India

 

5. Glimpses of India

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Glossary

Sl. No.	Word / phrase	Meaning in English	Visual Explanation / Telugu Meaning
Part-1: A Baker from Goa
1	Reminiscing (v)	involve in enjoyable recollection of past events	జ్ఞాపకాలను నెమరువేసుకుంటు
2	Nostalgically (adv)	in a way that involves thinking about things that happened in the past with happy and also slightly sad feelings	గతంలో జరిగిన విషయాల గురించి ఆలోచించగా కలిగే సంతోషం మరియు కొంత విచారం
3	Loaves of bread (phr)	Piece of bread
4	Extinguish (V)	cause (a fire or light) to cease to burn or shine.	ఆర్పివేయుట
5	Heralding (v)	Announcing	ప్రకటించుట
6	Thud (n)	A dull sound made when something heavy falls or hits something else	బరువైన మెత్తని వస్తువులు క్రింద పడేటప్పుడు వచ్చు శబ్ధం
7	Banged (v)	strike or put down (something) forcefully and noisily.	నేలకువేసి కొట్టుట (శబ్ధం వచ్చేటట్లు)
8	Rebuke (n)	An expression of disapproval / a scolding	మందలించు
9	Pluck (v)	take hold of (something) and quickly remove it from its place.	తెంపుట
10	Plump physique (phr)	Pleasantly fat body	బొద్దుగా
11	Bolinhas (n)	Bolinhas are a type of coconut cookie or biscuit
12	Testimony (n)	Public statement	బహిరంగ ప్రకటన
Part-2: Coorg
13	Coorg / Kodagu (n)	A district in Karnataka
14	Drifted (v)	Been carried along gently by air	జాలువరుట
15	Rain forests (n)	A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall.	వర్షపు అడవులు
16	Prime (adj)	The best	అతి ముఖ్యమైన
17	Invigorating (adj)	Making one feel strong, healthy and full of energy (here the fragrance of coffee boosts energy.)	శక్తినిచ్చే సువాసన
18	Mahout (n)	a person who works with, rides, and tends an elephant.	మావటివాడు
19	Religious rites (phr)	symbolic actions that are repeated and associated with a religious institution, belief, or custom	మతపరమైన ఆచారాలు
20	Laidback (adj)	Relaxed; not in a hurry	విశ్రమించుట
21	Rafting (v)	Travelling in a river in a raft (a floating platform made by tying planks together)
22	Canoeing (v)	Travelling in a river in a canoe (a narrow boat)
23	Rappelling (v)	Going down a cliff by sliding down a rope
24	Trails (n)	Paths created by walking	కాలి బాటలు
25	Panoramic view (phr)	A view of a wide area of land	విశాల దృశ్యం
Part-3: Tea from Assam
26	Train pulled out of station	To depart from the station
27	Smoke billowing (phr)	Smoke spreading
28	Legends (n)	Stories	గాధలు
29	Banished (v)	send (someone) away from a country or place as an official punishment. / drive away	బహిష్కరించుట
30	Prune (v)	trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems	కత్తిరించుట

 

Part-1 A Baker from Goa

A Baker from Goa- Oral Comprehension Check-1

(Ref pg no. 64)

 

1.   What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about? 

Answer: Elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days and the famous Portuguese loaves of bread.

 

2.   Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know? 

Answer: Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa because there are still bakers who make and sell loaves of bread.

 

3.   What is the baker called? 

Answer: The baker is called "pader" in Goa.

 

4.   When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to meet him? 

Answer: The baker would come twice a day – once in the morning and again after selling his bread. The children ran to meet him because they loved to choose bread-bangles and special sweet bread from his basket.

 

 

A Baker from Goa-Oral Comprehension Check-2

(Ref pg no. 65)

1.   Match the following. What is a must? 

Answers:

(i)       as marriage gifts? – sweet bread called bol 

(ii)      for a party or a feast? – bread 

(iii)    for a daughter’s engagement? – sandwiches 

(iv)     for Christmas? – cakes and bolinhas 

 

2.   What did the bakers wear: 

Answers:

(i)       in the Portuguese days? – They wore a single-piece long frock called kabai, which reached down to the knees. 

(ii)      when the author was young? – They wore a shirt and trousers, which were shorter than full-length ones but longer than half pants.

 

3.   Who invites the comment — “he is dressed like a pader”? Why? 

Answer: Anyone who wears trousers that reach just below the knees invites the comment because this style of clothing is similar to what bakers, or paders, used to wear.

 

4.   Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded? 

Answer: The monthly accounts of the baker were recorded on some wall in pencil.

 

5.   What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean? 

Answer: A ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ refers to someone who is plump, comparing their body shape to the large, rounded form of a jackfruit.

 

 

Thinking about the Text

(Ref pg no. 66)

I) Which of these statements are correct?

Answers:

(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 continue to wear a single-piece long frock. – Incorrect 

(v)      Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days. – Correct 

(vi)     Traditional bread-baking is still a very profitable business. – Correct  

(vii)   Paders and their families starve in the present times. – Incorrect

 

II) Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this? 

Answer:Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. This is evident because bread is essential for special occasions like weddings, engagements, and festivals such as Christmas, where cakes and bolinhas are a must.

 

III) Tick the right answer. What is the tone of the author when he says the following? 

(i)        The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some places. – Nostalgic  

(ii)      Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. – Hopeful 

(iii)    I still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. – Naughty

(iv)     The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all. – Funny 

(v)       Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. – Matter-of-fact 

(vi)      The baker and his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous. – Matter-of-fact

 

Writing (pg.no.66)

 

I) In this extract, the author talks about traditional bread-baking during his childhood days. Complete the following table with the help of the clues on the left. Then write a paragraph about the author's childhood days.

 

Clues	Author’s childhood days
the way bread was baked	The bread was baked in traditional furnaces that still existed.
the way the pader sold bread	The pader carried a basket of loaves on his head, banging his bamboo staff to announce his arrival, and sold bread door-to-door twice a day.
what the pader wore	The pader wore a shirt and trousers that were shorter than full-length pants but longer than half-pants.
when the pader was paid	The pader was paid at the end of the month, and accounts were recorded in pencil on the wall.
how the pader looked	The pader and his family appeared happy and prosperous, often having a plump, jackfruit-like appearance.

 

Paragraph about the author’s childhood days

(basing on the information from the above table)

          During the author's childhood days, traditional bread-baking was a common and important part of village life. The bread was baked in old-fashioned furnaces that had been used for generations. The village pader, or baker, would come twice a day, carrying a basket of fresh bread on his head and announcing his arrival by banging his bamboo staff on the ground. He wore a unique outfit consisting of a shirt and trousers that were shorter than full-length pants. At the end of each month, he collected his payments, which were recorded in pencil on the wall of the customer's house. The pader and his family were well-off, with their plump and cheerful appearance showing that baking was a profitable profession.

Top of Form

II) 1. Compare the piece from the text (on the left below) with the other piece on Goan bakers (on the right). What makes the two texts so different? Are the facts the same? Do both writers give you a picture of the baker?

 

The two texts about Goan bakers differ mainly in tone and focus:

1. First Text (Lesson):

1.   Tone: Nostalgic and personal, reflecting the author’s fond childhood memories.

2.   Focus: It highlights the tradition of bread-baking passed down through generations and the baker's daily routine.

3.   Picture of the Baker: A familiar, loved figure in the village, continuing an important tradition.

2. Second Text (Kamat’s):

·       Tone: Factual and historical.

·       Focus: The survival of the baking profession post-Portuguese era and the adaptation of bakers with door-to-door delivery.

·       Picture of the Baker: A resilient, skilled person who maintains the craft through innovation.

 

2. Now find a travel brochure about a place you have visited. Look at the description in the brochure. Then write your own account, adding details from your own experience, to give the reader a picture of the place, rather than an impersonal, factual description.

 

Brochure Description:

"The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, located in Agra, India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is made of white marble and is a symbol of love. Millions of visitors come every year to see its beauty."

Personal Account:

Visiting the Taj Mahal was an amazing experience. As I got closer, I was amazed by the beautiful white marble shining in the sunlight. The building is so big and perfectly shaped, and I could see lovely carvings all over it. Even with many people around, there was a calm feeling in the air, like everyone was respecting the love story behind it. Walking through the beautiful gardens, I felt the cool marble under my feet and loved touching the stone. At sunset, the colours of the Taj changed from white to gold to pink, making it look magical. It’s not just a beautiful building; it’s a special place where history and love come together.

 

Group Discussion (pg.no.67)

 

1. Pottery

          Pottery is an ancient craft that involves shaping clay into functional or decorative items, such as pots, bowls, and vases. The process begins with selecting the right type of clay, which is then moulded by hand or on a potter's wheel. After shaping, the pottery is dried and fired in a kiln to harden it. Potters often apply glazes to add colour and finish before the final firing.

      This craft requires skill and creativity, as each piece is unique. However, pottery faces challenges from mass-produced items, leading to a decline in traditional practices. Reviving pottery involves teaching workshops and promoting local artisans, helping to keep this beautiful craft alive.

 

2. Making Jute Products

Making jute products is a sustainable craft that involves processing jute fibers to create items like bags, rugs, and decor. Jute is a natural fiber known for its strength and biodegradability, making it an eco-friendly choice. The process starts with harvesting jute plants, followed by soaking, stripping, and spinning the fibers into yarn. Artisans then weave or stitch the yarn into various products. Jute crafts have become popular due to the increasing demand for sustainable materials.

However, the craft faces competition from synthetic alternatives. To revive jute production, it is essential to raise awareness about its environmental benefits and support local artisans by encouraging the use of jute products.

 

3. Handlooms

          Handlooms are traditional weaving tools used to create textiles, such as sarees, scarves, and other garments. The handloom weaving process involves skillfully interlacing threads to produce intricate patterns and designs. This craft reflects cultural heritage and often involves community collaboration. Handloom products are valued for their craftsmanship and uniqueness.

However, the handloom industry has been declining due to the rise of machine-made fabrics and fast fashion. To promote handlooms, initiatives like government support for artisans, fair trade practices, and awareness campaigns can help. Encouraging people to choose handwoven textiles over mass-produced options can also contribute to the revival of this beautiful craft.

(NOTE: choose some of your interesting topics out of the given eight topics)

 

Part-II: Coorg

Thinking about the Text (pg.no.70)

1.   Where is Coorg? 

Answer: Coorg is located in Karnataka, midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.

2.   What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent? 

Answer: The Kodavu people are believed to be of either Greek or Arabic descent. One story says that a part of Alexander's army settled in Coorg when they couldn't return home. Another theory links them to Arabs because of the long coats they wear, similar to the ones worn by Arabs.

 

3.   What are some of the things you now know about: 

i)     the people of Coorg? 

Answer: The people of Coorg are independent, proud, and known for their martial traditions. They are famous for their hospitality and bravery. 

 

ii)   the main crop of Coorg? 

Answer: Coffee is the main crop grown in Coorg, along with spices. 

 

iii) the sports it offers to tourists? 

Answer: Coorg offers adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking.

 

iv)  the animals you are likely to see in Coorg? 

Answer: You might see animals like macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris, and wild elephants.

 

v)    its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there? 

Answer: Coorg is around 250-260 km from Bangalore. You can get there by road; the nearest airports are Mangalore and Bangalore.

 

4.   Here are six sentences with some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (Look in the paragraphs indicated.

 

i)     During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg. 

Answer: "It pours enough to keep many visitors away." (para 2)

 

ii)   Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there.

Answer:"As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here." (para 3)

 

iii) The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’ valour. 

Answer: "They are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers." (para 4)

 

iv)  Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy adventure sports of Coorg. 

Answer: "The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure." (para 6)

 

v)    The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear. 

Answer: "The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt." (para 3)

 

vi)  Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy. 

Answer: "Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy." (para 7)

 

Thinking about the Language (pg.no.71)

 

Collocations:

1. Here are some nouns from the text.

Culture, monks, surprise,  experience,  weather,  tradition

Work with a partner and discuss which of the nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives given below. The first one has been done for you.

unique,  terrible,  unforgettable,  serious,  ancient,  wide,  sudden

 

Answers:

i)     Culture                   :unique culture, ancient culture

ii)    Monks                     :serious monks, unique monks

iii)  Surprise                  :sudden surprise, terrible surprise

iv)   Experience              :unique experience, unforgettable experience, wide experience

v)    Weather                  :terrible weather, unforgettable weather

vi)   Tradition                 :ancient tradition, unique tradition

 

2. Complete the following phrases from the text. For each phrase, can you find at least one other word that would fit into the blank?

 

i)      Tales of valour / bravery

ii)    Coastal town / village

iii)  A piece of cake / heaven

iv)   Evergreen rain forests / jungle

v)    Coffee /tea plantations

vi)   Rope bridge

vii) Wild animals

(Note: You can add some more to this list.)

 

Part-III: Tea from Assam

Thinking about the Language  (pg.no.74)

I)

1.   Look at these words: upkeep, downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in. They are built up from a verb (keep, pour, go, drop, walk) and an adverb or a particle (up, down, under, out, in).

Use these words appropriately in the sentences below. You may consult a dictionary.

 

Answers:

i)     A heavy downpour has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.

ii)   Rakesh will undergo major surgery tomorrow morning.

iii) My brother is responsible for the upkeep of our family property.

iv)  The dropout rate for this accountancy course is very high

v)    She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a walk-in interview.

 

2.   Now fill in the blanks in the sentences given below by combining the verb given in brackets with one of the words from the box as appropriate.

 

over    by       through        out     up      down

 

i)     The Army attempted unsuccessfully to over throw the Government. (throw)

ii)   Scientists are on the brink of a major break through in cancer research. (break)

iii) The State Government plans to build a by pass for Bhubaneswar to speed up traffic on the main highway. (pass)

iv)  Gautama’s look out on life changed when he realised that the world is full of sorrow. (look)

v)    Rakesh seemed unusually downcast after the game. (cast)

 

II)

1.   Think of suitable -ing or -ed adjectives to answer the following questions. You may also use words from those given above.

How would you describe

i)       a good detective serial on television? exciting

ii)      a debate on your favourite topic ‘Homework Should Be Banned’? interesting

iii)    how you feel when you stay indoors due to incessant rain? bored

iv)     how you feel when you open a present?  excited

v)      how you feel when you watch your favourite programme on television? interested

vi)     the look on your mother’s face as you waited in a queue? disappointed

vii)   how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger reserve forest? thrilled

viii) the story you have recently read, or a film you have seen? thrilling

 

2.   Now use the adjectives in the exercise above, as appropriate, to write a paragraph about Coorg.

Answer:

Coorg is an exciting place to visit, full of thrilling activities for adventure lovers. The scenic beauty of Coorg is truly interesting, and anyone would feel excited to explore its rich history and vibrant culture. The lush green hills and the coffee plantations make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. If you love trekking or wildlife, tracking a tiger in Coorg’s forests would be a thrilling experience. Even just waiting to see the animals can be a bit disappointing if you don’t spot any, but the overall atmosphere keeps you interested in every part of the journey.

 

Speaking and Writing  (pg.no.75)

 

1.   Views about tea:

Tea is a big part of life in India, so much that it's hard to imagine life without it. However, tea only became popular here in the mid-1800s when the British started planting it in Assam and Darjeeling. At first, Indians avoided tea, thinking it caused many health problems. Interestingly, while India was slow to adopt tea, it became a favourite in Britain, leading to many tea houses being set up.

 

Today, tea is known for its health benefits, something that Chinese and Japanese cultures knew long ago. Scientific studies now show that tea has many good qualities.

 

2.   You can draw pictures or add photographs and make your advertisement colourful: (Making an Advertisement on TEA):  DO IT YOURSELF.

 

The Trees (poem)

Thinking about the Poem  (pg.no.78)

 

1.   (i) Find, in the first stanza, three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest.

Answer:

In the first stanza, three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest are:

·       No bird could sit.

·       No insect could hide.

·       The sun could not bury its feet in shadow.

 

(ii) What picture do these words create in your mind: “… sun bury its feet in shadow…”? What could the poet mean by the sun’s ‘feet’?

Answer:

The phrase “sun bury its feet in shadow” suggests that the sun’s rays are unable to cast shadows without trees. The ‘feet’ refer to the sun’s rays.

 

2.   (i) Where are the trees in the poem? What do their roots, their leaves, and their twigs do?

Answer:

The trees are inside a house. Their roots are trying to free themselves from the veranda floor, leaves are pressing against the glass, and twigs are stiff and struggling.

 

(ii) What does the poet compare their branches to?

Answer:

The poet compares the branches to “newly discharged patients” moving slowly.

 

3.   (i) How does the poet describe the moon: (a) at the beginning of the third stanza, and (b) at its end? What causes this change?

Answer:

(a) The moon is whole and bright at the beginning of the third stanza. (b) In the end, it’s broken like a mirror. This change happens because the trees move out.

 

(ii) What happens to the house when the trees move out of it?

Answer:

When the trees move out, the house becomes empty and silent.

 

(iii) Why do you think the poet does not mention “the departure of the forest from the house” in her letters? (Could it be that we are often silent about important happenings that are so unexpected that they embarrass us? Think about this again when you answer the next set of questions.)

Answer:

The poet may avoid mentioning the departure because it’s too personal or surprising.

 

4.   Now that you have read the poem in detail, we can begin to ask what the poem might mean. Here are two suggestions. Can you think of others?

 

(i) Does the poem present a conflict between man and nature? Compare it with A Tiger in the Zoo. Is the poet suggesting that plants and trees, used for ‘interior decoration’ in cities while forests are cut down, are ‘imprisoned’, and need to ‘break out’?

Answer:

Yes, the poem shows a conflict between man and nature, similar to “A Tiger in the Zoo,” where both trees and the tiger feel trapped.

 

(ii) On the other hand, Adrienne Rich has been known to use trees as a metaphor for human beings; this is a recurrent image in her poetry. What new meanings emerge from the poem if you take its trees to be symbolic of this particular meaning?

Answer:

If the trees symbolize human beings, the poem reflects on the struggle for freedom and the desire to break free from restrictions.

 

5.   You may read the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ by Gieve Patel (Beehive – Textbook in English for Class IX, NCERT). Compare and contrast it with the poem you have just read.

Answer:

In “On Killing a Tree,” the focus is on the tree’s resilience and struggle for survival, while “The Trees” emphasizes the desire for freedom. Both highlight nature’s power but from different perspectives.

 

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