Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

Part 2 of Class 10 English Chapter "Glimpses of India" is a story about the Coorg or Kodagu district of Karnataka. According to the author, Coorg is a paradise situated amidst Mangalore and Mysore, which is unequivocally considered as a divine dwelling. Let us see some Long Answer Questions of the chapter.

Q1: Describe the rainforests, the river Kaveri and coffee plantations in Coorg.

Ans: Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a region located in the Western Ghats of southwestern India, which is famous for its pristine natural beauty. The area is characterized by undulating hills, lush rainforests, and sprawling coffee plantations. The rainforests in Coorg are an essential part of the region's ecosystem, covering over thirty percent of the area. They receive copious amounts of rainfall during the monsoon season, which contributes to their rich biodiversity. The forests are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds, bees, butterflies, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and wild elephants. The forests are also the source of the Kaveri river, which originates in Coorg and flows through the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is famous for its crystal-clear waters, and it is home to the Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish that attracts anglers from all over the world.Coorg is also known for its coffee plantations, which are an integral part of the region's economy. The area's rich soil and favorable climate provide the perfect conditions for growing high-quality coffee beans. The fragrance of fresh coffee permeates the air in Coorg, and visitors can take tours of the plantations to learn about the coffee-making process and sample the aromatic brew.

Q2: What does the author say about the people of Coorg?

Ans:  The author notes that the people of Coorg are known for their courage and self-reliance, and they are believed to have Greek or Arabic ancestry. One legend suggests that a group of Alexander the Great's soldiers settled in Coorg after not returning from a battle and intermarried with the locals. This heritage is evident in Coorgi martial traditions, marriage customs, and religious practices. Another theory suggests that the Coorg people have Arab origins, which is reflected in their traditional attire, such as the long black coat similar to the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds. Coorgi homes are known for their hospitality, and the Kodavus are renowned for their bravery, with numerous tales of their courage. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most highly decorated regiments in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Today, the Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.

Q3: Describe the physical and geographical features of Coorg.

Ans: Coorg is a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the Kingdom of God. This is a land of rolling hills inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women, coffee, and wild elephants. Coorg or Kodagu is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is home to evergreen forests, spices, and coffee plantation. This beautiful region of rolling hills, rainforests, and mist lies between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. Rainforests dominate the physical feature of Coorg. They cover more than thirty percent of this district. It rains heavily during the monsoons. The most ideal season for tourists starts in September and ends in March. The river Kaveri obtains its water from the hills and rainforests of Coorg. The region abounds in wild elephants and langurs besides a lot of birds, bees, and butterflies. The Brahmagiri hills provide a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. The sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama is a little paradise for the tourists.

Q4: What are popular theories regarding the descent of the people of Coorg?

Ans: Coorgi people are distinct people. Their religious practices, marriages and traditions are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. There are two theories regarding the descent of the Coorgi people. It is believed that perhaps they are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to one theory, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast. Their return became impractical. These people settled down there. They married amongst the locals. Another theory gives their descent to the Arabs. The theory of Arab origin draws support from their dress which resembles the traditional Arabic dress. Their long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus, known as Kuppia, resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

Q5: Which kind of animals are we likely to see at Coorg ?

Ans: Coorg is a region in southwestern India that boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors to the area are likely to encounter various species of animals, including birds, bees, butterflies, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and wild elephants. The rainforests of Coorg are particularly rich in wildlife, and they provide a habitat for many species of rare and exotic animals. Some of the wildlife that visitors might spot in Coorg's rainforests include bison, sambar deer, wild boar, porcupines, and leopard cats. However, it is important to note that encountering wild animals in their natural habitat can be unpredictable and requires caution and respect for the animals and their environment.

Q6: Why does the author call Coorg 'a piece of heaven’ that must have drifted from the kingdom of God?

Ans: Coorg is among the most beautiful regions of India. The author rightly calls it ‘a piece of heaven’ that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. This land of rolling hills it is also the home of beautiful rain-forests. The rainforests cover more than thirty percent of Coorg. The evergreen rainforests have a rich flora and fauna. The very air of Coorg breathes of fresh coffee. The beautiful sprawling coffee estates are dotted with colonial bungalows. The river Kaveri obtains its water from the hills and rainforests of Coorg. Kingfishers dive for Mahseer, a large freshwater fish in these waters. Squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit into the clear water. Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the Kaveri by their mahouts. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills gives you a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. The sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama is a little paradise for tourists. All of them represent the heart and soul of India.

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