Glimpses of India : A Baker from Goa

A Baker from Goa’ revolves around the relevance of a baker in the Goan culture which dates back to
the time when the Portuguese ruled over the city of Goa. The Portuguese may have left but the
bread-makers continue to have an inevitable stature. In this story, the author recalls his childhood
days and their excitement on seeing the baker. They were enthusiastic to the point that they would
run to him as soon as they woke up without even brushing their teeth.

Theme of the Lesson

The author reminisces the old times that he spent in Goa and the significance of a bakery in his life.
The narrative is a nostalgic writing based on the culture of bakery in Goa and it highlights the
important social position of bakery goods and bakers in the Goan culture and tradition. The chapter
delves deep into the Goan bakery profession which the place gets from the Potugese colonization.

A Baker From Goa Summary – The lesson begins with how narrator’s elders often recall the time
when Goa was under the rule of the Portuguese. They talk how the importance of bakers is still
maintained in their villages even after the Portuguese have left. They are known as ‘Paders’ in Goa.
The mixers, moulders and their time-tested furnaces continue to serve the people of Goa with their
famous bread loaves. It is possible that the original ones may not exist, but their profession is being
continued by their sons. The thud of their bamboo stick can still be heard in some parts of the
village. The same jingling thud would wake the narrator and his friends during their childhood days
who would go running to him without brushing or washing their mouth properly. It was the maid-
servant of the house who collected the loaves while children sorted out the bread bangles for
themselves. Bakery products have importance in the culture and traditions of Goa. Bol or sweet
bread is a part of marriage gifts, cakes and Bolinhas or coconut cookies are eaten at every festival
and the lady of the house prepares sandwiches at her daughter’s engagement. Earlier bakers wore a
unique frock of knee-length known as ‘kabai’ but during the narrator’s childhood days, they wore a
shirt and trousers of length slightly shorter than the usual ones. They generally collected their bills at
the end of every month. Bakery has continued to be a profitable profession, managing to keep their
families joyous and prosperous.

Q1. The baker and his family never starved. Elaborate. [2024, 40-50 words]

Ans. Bakery was a profitable profession because baked goods were an essential part of the Goan
tradition. The baker would visit each and every house, twice a day. Bread and other baked goods
were staple diet of Goans. The bakers had a Jackfruit-like belly which indicated prosperity.

Q2. “During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide.” What
does this statement imply in relation to the character of the baker? [2024, 40-50 words]

OR

The author says – ‘During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and
guide.’ Elaborate. [2024, 40-50 words]

Ans. This tells us that a baker was a respected person. He was well-learned and so, the people sought
his advice and confided their secrets in him. He visited the households everyday and supplied freshly
baked goods. Some of them were essential part of various festivals and traditions and so, a baker was
like a family member in Goan families.
Q3. Why does the author say that the presence of the Baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely
essential? Justify with reference to “A Baker from Goa”. [2024, 40-50 words]

Ans. The author says this to suggest that in Goa, there was a bakery in every village. This indicates
the importance of baked goods in Goan cuisine. Various preparations were part of festivals and
occasions. Cakes and bolinhas for Christmas, sandwiches for the daughter’s engagement, wedding
gifts included bol. As a child, the author would have bread bangles every morning. Thus, the
presence of a baker’s furnace in every village is justified.

Q4. In the chapter ‘A Baker from Goa’ the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond
memories. In about 120 words write a presentation draft comparing the childhood of the narrator
in ‘A Baker from Goa’ to that of Nelson Mandela.

You may begin this way :

Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by…..

Reference : A Baker from Goa and Nelson Mandela : Long Walk [2024, 120 words]

Ans. Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by. The author of the story A Baker from Goa
reminisces the good old days when he lived in Goa. He elaborates about the lazy mornings when
they would meet the baker who visited twice a day to sell baked goods. The kids would look for the
favourite bread bangles, eat them without brushing their teeth. The entire story is filled with
nostalgia where we get to know the importance of a baker in Goan households. The baker was like a
friend, companion and guide to the narrator. He also throws light on the significance of baked items
in Goan culture which makes the baker an essential part of the community. Thus, the narrator shares
sweet memories of his childhood.

Nelson Mandela’s childhood was also full of freedom. He was free to do whatever he wished for. Like
run in the fields, swim in the stream, roast mealies under the night sky and ride the bulls. He also has
sweet memories of his childhood when he enjoyed the freedom to do follow his heart. All he was
expected was to obey his father and follow the rules of his tribe.

Thus, we notice that both of them are nostalgic about their childhood. They miss the good old days
when they had a carefree life.

Q1. ‘A Baker from Goa’ is a nostalgic saga of childhood memories. Comment. [2023, 40-50 words]

Ans. “A Baker from Goa” evokes nostalgia through vivid childhood memories of the traditional
baker’s visits. The story recalls the excitement of hearing the bamboo’s jingle, rushing to meet the
baker, and the delight of choosing bread-bangles. It paints a nostalgic picture of simpler times and
the joy derived from small pleasures in village life.

Q2. Who are paders and why are they friends of children? [2023, 40-50 words]

Ans. Goa’s village bakers, known as paders, sell their bakery products by going from door to door. The
children in these villages are particularly fond of them as they bring bread bangles and loaves every
morning. While the loaves are sold to households, the children enjoy freely munching on the
delicious bread bangles.

Q3. How is the Goan baker still an important part of the life of a Goan village? [2023, 40-50 words]

Ans. In a Goan village, a baker, also known as a “pader,” holds a significant and indispensable role.
Bakery items like bol, bolinhas, and cakes are essential components of every social and religious
ceremony in the village, and without them, these events are incomplete. Additionally, the daily life-
cycle of a Goan household commences with the cheerful arrival of the baker in certain areas,
heralded by delightful music. Beyond being a baker, he becomes a friend, companion, and guide to
the villagers. His distinct attire and stout physique are strong defining characteristics that contribute
to his unique identity within the community. Hence, the baker’s presence and contributions remain
cherished and vital to the vibrant fabric of Goan village life.

Q1. How did the baker become synonymous with celebrations and occasions in Goa? [2022, 30-40
words]

Ans. A baker is very important and essential for a Goan village. He does not merely represent a
profession but a highly admired Portuguese tradition. His breads are essential on each and every
occasion. Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol. Cakes and
bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. A mother prepares sandwiches on her
daughter’s engagements. Meals are incomplete without bakery goods. Bakery is an important part of
Goan food and culture. The baker, known as Pader, enjoys the respect and love of the people. The
children consider him their friend, companion and guide. They have continued their family
profession. It is a highly profitable business. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the Goan
village is absolutely necessary.

2. What does the writer recall about his childhood in Goa? [2022, 30-40 words]

Ans. The author reminisces his childhood days spent in Goa when the baker was a prominent part of
their lives. He gives details of the Goan culture where bakery goods are an essential part of festivals
and ceremonies. The baker visited each Goan house twice a day. Bakery was a profitable profession
and a baker was treated as a friend, guide and companion. People would take a note of daily
transactions with the baker and monthly payments were made to him.

Q1. Why were the children fascinated by the baker? How did they show their eagerness to see
him? [2020, 100-150 words]

Ans. The children were fascinated by the jhang-jhang sound of the baker’s bamboo which they would
hear every morning. It would announce the arrival of the baker. They would hunt the basket for their
favourite items like bread bangles and would eat them without washing the faces or brushing their
teeth. The baker was like a friend and companion to them. The bakery was an essential part of the
Goan households. All the children, including the author were close to the baker of the village.

Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts used to be recorded
on some wall in pencil. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days. The baker and his
family never starved. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosperous. Their
plump physique was an open testimony to this. Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical
appearance is easily compared to a baker. [2019]

(a) Where did the baker record his accounts?

Ans. The monthly accounts were recorded on some wall.

(b) Why did the baker and his family never starve?
Ans. They never starved because the bakery products were always in demand
(c) Which word in the extract is a synonym of ‘rich’?
Ans. prosperous

(d) How can a baker be identified in Goa?

Ans. The jackfruit-like physical appearance of a person identifies him as a baker.

Q2. How do we know that Goa’s bakers are very prosperous? [2019, 30-40 words]
Ans. Goa’s bakers are prosperous because there is an immense demand of bakery items. Some
preparations are a part of various occasions and ceremonies. People buy breads and other baked
goods every morning.

Q3. What importance does a baker enjoy in a Goan village? [2019, 30-40 words]
Ans. A Baker is considered a family member. Every morning, the people wake up to the jhang-jhang
and thud of the baker’s bamboo. The baker visits twice a day and people buy bread and other baked
goods on a daily basis.

Glimpses of India Part 2 – Coorg

Coorg – The lesson gives us a beautiful insight of the smallest district of Karnataka and its people.
The place has amazing weather throughout the year with enough rain during the monsoon season.
The people of Coorg are known to be one of the bravest. Coffee is the main crop grown in this
region. A variety of animals can be found here while the place is surrounded by beautiful Brahmagiri
hills, islands and Tibetan settlements.
Theme of the Lesson
The essay is a descriptive writing about the famous hill station in South India – Coorg or Kodagu
district of Karnataka state. It describes the Coorgi lifestyle, the people, their culture, traditions, the
natural beauty and various attractions that the place provides for tourists. The bravery of the Coorgi
men, their ancestry and traditional costume have been discussed elaborately.

Coorg Summary – The writer describes the hill station of Coorg located in the western ghats in the
state of Karnataka. It is located midway between Bengalore and Mangalore. The suitable time to visit
Coorg is from September to March. The place is famous for coffee plantations and spices. There are
abundant rainforests which cover 30 percent of the area. The Coorgi men are brave warriors who are
permitted to keep firearms without a licence due to their trustworthiness. The women of Coorg are
pretty. Coorg is also known as Kodavu and the Kodavus, though are Hindus by religion but their
customs differ from those of mainstream Hindus. They marry within their community. Kodavus are
said to be of Greek or Arabic descent. Some soldiers of Alexander’s army settled there. Also, as the
ethnic dress of the Kodavus, Kuppia is similar to the Arab garment Kuffia, it is said that maybe their
ancestors were Arabs or Kurds. The river Kaveri originates from Coorg. The fish named Mahaseer is
found in the river. Many animals and birds like kingfisher, langur, squirrels and elephants can be
spotted along the river. Tourists relax in the serene atmosphere and also enjoy adventure sports like
river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, mountain biking, rock climbing and trekking. While trekking on the
nature trails, animals like Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris can be spotted on
the trees. The major tourist attractions are Brahmagiri hills, Nisargdham island and Bylakuppe
Tibetan settlements. Coorg gives visitors a feel of India’s diverse cultures.
Q1. The most laid back individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure.
Elaborate with reference to Coorg. [2024, 40-50 words]

Ans. Coorg has abundance of serene landscapes and coffee plantations. One can participate in
adventure sports like trekking and biking in the forests, river rafting and canoeing in the wild waters
of river Kaveri, rock climbing and mountaineering on the Brahmagiri hills. There are several attractive
options that even the most laid back individuals can feels energised and get tempted to participate.

Q2. Coorg has been defined as a ‘piece of heaven’ by the writer. Justify. [2024, 40-50 words]

Ans. Coorg has been defined as a piece of heaven because of the stunning natural beauty. The rolling
hills, lush coffee plantations, colonial bungalows tucked under tree canopies and an abundance of
flora and fauna. There are cascading waterfalls, walking trails, a panoramic view from the Brahmagiri
hills. One can visit the island Nisargadhama via a rope bridge and also visit India’s largest Tibetan
settlement of Bylakuppe.

Q3. “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”. [2024, 40-50 words]

Ans. The people of Coorg are fierce and brave. The families have a tradition of hospitality. The Coorg
regiment of the Indian Army is the most decorated and General Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian
Army was a Coorgi. The fact that the Coorgis are the only race that are permitted to carry firearms
without a licence establishes their valour and bravery.

Q1. Where is Coorg located? Write any two characteristics of the people of Coorg? [2023, 40-50
words]

Ans. Coorg is located in the state of Karnataka, India, between Mysore and the coastal town of
Mangalore. The people of Coorg are known for their martial traditions and distinct culture, possibly
tracing back to Greek or Arabic origins. They are also famous for their hospitality, often sharing
stories of their ancestors’ bravery.

Q2. Valour and hospitality are inherent in the people of Coorg. Explain. [2023, 40-50 words]

Ans. The people of Coorg are famous for their bravery. They are known to be of either Arabic or
greek descent. The Koorgis narrate tales of valour of their ancestors and they are allowed to carry
firearms without licenses. The homes in Coorg are well-known for their hospitality.

Q1. What attracts visitors to Coorg? [2022, 30-40 words]

Ans. Coorg is a complete tourist destination which offers something for everyone. Nature lovers can
enjoy the tree canopy covered colonial bunglows, coffee plantations, walking trails and rolling hills.
Bylakuppe, a Tibetan settlement provides a peek into Tibetan culture. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy
water sports like rafting, canoeing. For wildlife lovers, coorg offers a diverse flora and fauna and
adventure seekers can opt for birdwatching and spotting wildlife. The rich heritage and culture of
Coorg attracts Historians. Those who are looking for a peaceful vacation can enjoy the calm, scenic
beauty of Coorg.
Q2. Why is Coorg called the land of the rolling hills? [2022, 30-40 words]

Ans. Coorg is surrounded by hills. These are rolling hills because the slope is gentle and provides an
expansive view of the area. The Brahmgiri hills give a panoramic 360 degree view of Coorg.

Q3. Why are Kodavus permitted to carry fire arms without licence? [2022, 30-40 words]

Ans. The Kodavus or Coorgis are fierce and brave race known for their courage and integrity. The
most brave soldiers of the Indian Army, from the Coorg Regiment are a testament of this. Thus, they
are allowed to carry firearms without licence.

Q4. Kodavus have contradictory traits. Support the statement with reference to the text. [2022, 30-
40 words]

Ans. The Kodavus are well-known for their hospitality and are fierce too. These atre two
contradictory traits. The race is known for being friendly and warm towards outsiders. Also, the men
are extremely brave, and fierce warriors.

Q5. Describe the Climb to the Brahmagiri hills. [2022, 30-40 words]

Ans. The Brahmagiri hills are one of the rolling hills surrounding Coorg. The climb is adventurous and
one can spot the varied flora and fauna. One gets a panoramic view of the misty landscape of Coorg
from the Brahmagiri hills.

Q1. Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills? [2020, 30-40 words]

Ans. Coorg is called the land of rolling hills because it has a lot of hills and itself is a hill station. The
hills seems to roll down, giving a panoramic view. A rolling hill is a hill which has a gentle slope. The
climb is gradual and the inclination of the slope of the hill is not too high.

Q1. How is the Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery recognised in modern India? [2019, 30-40
words]

Ans. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army and 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. Thus, we see that the Coorgi tradition of courage and
bravery is recognised in Modern India.

Glimpses of India Part 3 – Tea from Assam

Tea From Assam – The lesson is about two friends- Pranjol and Rajvir who are traveling to Pranjol’s
hometown Assam for the summer vacation. Assam is known as the ‘tea country’. It has the largest
concentration of plantations in the world. During their journey, they discuss about the various
‘legends’ that are known to have discovered tea. The story tells us about the popularity of tea as a
beverage.
Theme of the Lesson

This is an informative writing where the author talks about the tea gardens of Assam, the importance
of tea for the world and also tells us many legends associated with it. It starts right from the origin of
tea and how it transformed form a medicine to a beverage and finally, it became the most popular
drink in today’s times.

Tea From Assam Summary – The story revolves around the infamous beverage ‘tea’ telling us more
about its history and discovery. It begins from the scene where two friends, Pranjol and Rajvir are set
to go to Assam, Pranjol’s hometown when a tea vendor asks them if they would like to have some
freshly made tea. They buy two cups joining almost every other person in their compartment. From
there, the journey begins and Pranjol starts reading his detective book while Rajvir decides to enjoy
the scenic beauty. There were soft green paddy fields followed by tea bushes. Rajvir is very excited
on seeing such large plantations of tea but Pranjol is unable to match the same level because he was
born and brought up in Assam, famously known as the ‘Tea country’. Visiting there for the first time,
Rajvir did a lot of study about how tea was discovered and that it dates back to 2700 B.C. According
to what he read, it was first consumed in China and reached Europe in the 16th century, where it was
mostly popular for it’s medicinal properties. There are numerous stories as to how it was discovered,
one about a Chinese Emperor and the other about a Buddhist monk. The former liked the taste of it
while the latter, used it to get rid of sleep. As they were having this discussion, they reached their
destination where Pranjol’s parents had come to receive them and take them to their tea garden. On
their way, they passed a cattle bridge and gave way to a truck filled with tea leaves which drew their
attention to the fact that it was the second sprouting season. Rajvir, indeed did a lot of study before
coming which impressed Pranjol’s father and he intended to learn a lot more.
Q1. Read the given extracts and answer the questions :

The train pulled out of the station — Pranjol buried his nose in his detective book again. Rajvir too
was an ardent fan of detective stories but, at the moment he was keener on looking at the beautiful
scenery. It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. Then the
soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of
densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea
plants were tall, sturdy, shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like
figures.

(Glimpses of India — Tea from Assam) [2024]

(i) State any one inference about Rajvir from the given context:

“Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories, but at the moment he was keen on looking at
the beautiful scenery.”

Ans. Rajvir was ecstatic and fascinated by the scenery that he saw outside that he kept on admiring it
instead of reading his favourite detective stories.

(ii) State True or False :

The reason Rajvir was interested in looking at the beautiful scenery was that the detective book he
was reading, was not interesting.

Ans. False

(iii) People who live in big cities are always fascinated by the natural beauty and abundant
greenery. Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.

Ans. People who live in big cities often find natural beauty and abundant greenery fascinating
because they are usually surrounded by concrete structures and urban landscapes. The sight of vast
green fields and scenic views provides a refreshing contrast to their usual environment, evoking a
sense of peace and wonder.

(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘doll-like figures’, in the given sentence from the
extract?

Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes
busily moved doll-like figures.

Ans. Tiny women

Q1. What did Pranjol and Rajvir do during the journey? Why? [2023, 40-50 words]

Ans. During their train journey to Assam, Pranjol and Rajvir drank tea and chatted. Rajvir had
gathered information which he shared with Pranjol. He shared interesting facts about tea, such as its
worldwide popularity and legends about its discovery. Rajvir was fascinated by the lush greenery and
tea gardens. Pranjol was calm and read his detective story books throughout the trip. Pranjol had
traveeled on this route earlier and so, he was not excited like Rajvir.

Q2. What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea? [2023, 40-50 words]

Ans. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, 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.

Q3. Why did Pranjol not share Rajvir’s excitement at seeing the tea gardens? [2023, 40-50 words]

Ans. Pranjol had taken the train to Assam several times earlier. He was familiar with the scenery and
the tea plantations. Thus, he was not excited as Rajvir was.

Q1. What impressed Mr. Barua about Rajvir? [2022, 30-40 words]

Ans. Mr Barua was impressed by the fact that Rajvir had collected detailed information about the tea
plantations of Assam. He knew about the flushes of tea, the seasons when they were plucked and he
also had information about the development of tea as a beverage and medicine through the years.

Q1. Rajvir was very fond of reading detective stories. Why did he not like to read them during his
journey? [2020, 30-40 words]

Ans. Rajvir liked reading detective stories. However, on the train journey to Assam, he was excited to
see the scenery outside. Thus, he did not read the stories and enjoyed the scenic beauty.

Q1. Why did Pranjol not share Rajvir’s excitement on seeing the tree plantation? [2019, 30 – 40
words]

Ans. Pranjol was not excited on seeing the tree plantations because it was his home and he had seen
them earlier too. However, Rajvir was visiting Assam for the first time and was excited to see the tea
plantations.