Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

Q1: Where is Coorg situated?
Ans: Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a beautiful district in Karnataka situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. This district is known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, lush green coffee plantations, and misty hills.

Q2: What are the people of Coorg a descent of?
Ans: The people of Coorg are believed to be a descent of Greek and Arab people who intermarried with the locals. The Kodavus, as they are called, have a unique culture, traditions, and festivals that are influenced by their rich heritage.

Q3: Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty?
Ans: Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations and is one of the largest coffee producers in India. Apart from coffee, the district is also known for the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

Q4: What is the best time of the year to visit Coorg?
Ans: The best time to visit Coorg is between September and March when the weather is pleasant, and the hills are covered with lush greenery. This time is perfect for trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Q5: Why did a part of Alexander’s army settle here?
Ans: A part of Alexander's army, known as the Macedonian Greeks, settled in Coorg after their return became impractical due to the dangerous sea route. They intermarried with the locals and influenced the culture and traditions of the region.

Q6: What is so similar between the Kodavus and the Arabs?
Ans: The Kodavus have a unique dress sense, and their long black coat with an embroidered waist belt is similar to the one worn by the Arabs. This similarity is due to the Arab descent of some of the locals.

Q7: What kind of tales do the Coorg people tell their children?
Ans: The Coorg people tell their children tales of the bravery and valour of their ancestors, who were known for their courage and fighting skills. They also have a tradition of naming their children after their ancestors who were brave warriors.

Q8:  Who was the first chief of the Indian Army?
Ans: General K. M. Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He was a Kodavu and hailed from the district of Coorg.

Q10: Which hills are found therein Coorg?
Ans: The Brahmagiri hills are one of the major hill ranges in Coorg and are known for their scenic beauty and trekking trails. These hills are also home to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several species of flora and fauna

Q11: What is the district headquarters of Coorg?
Ans: Madikeri, also known as Mercara, is the district headquarters of Coorg. It is a charming town located in the hills and is known for its beautiful views, historic sites, and bustling bazaars

Q12: Coorgis are hospitable by nature. Explain.
Ans: Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and beautiful women. They are very hospitable and entertain their guests by relating stories of the bravery of their sons and fathers.

Q13: Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills?
Ans: Coorg is called the land of rolling hills because it has a lot of hills and is itself a hill station. The hills seem to roll down in a panoramic view.

Q14: Describe the natural beauty of Coorg.
Ans: Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore in Karnataka state. It is a beautiful region of ‘rolling hills and lush green rainforests. It is famous for coffee, spices, and wildlife.

Q15: Describe the wildlife of Coorg.
Ans: A large freshwater fish abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch. Squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit and enjoy the splash and ripple effect. Elephants enjoy bathing in the river.

Q16: What do you know about Bylakuppe’ as mentioned in the lesson, ‘Coorg’?
Ans: `Bylakuppe’ in Coorg has India’s largest Tibetan settlement.

Q17: Coorg is a tourist’s paradise. Discuss concerning the extract from ‘Glimpses of India’.
Ans: Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a beautiful region of ‘rolling hills and lush green rainforests. It is famous for coffee, spices, and rainforests. It is also famous for hospitality, valour, wildlife, and adventure sports.

Q18: What does the writer say about Coorg?
Ans: The writer says that Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is known as Kodagu also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place. The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God.

Q19: What is Coorg famous for? What is the best season to visit Coorg?
Ans: Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests, and spices Thirty per cent of its area is covered with evergreen rainforests The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The air is full of coffee flavour.

Q20: Where and how can we have a panoramic view of the misty landscape of Coorg from?
Ans: 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.

Q21: Describe the largest Buddhist settlement in Coorg.
Ans: Below the rolling hills lies the largest Tibetan settlement in India in Coorg. The Buddhist temple at Bylakuppe is famous for its grandeur and beauty. The monks in their red, ochre, and yellow robes represent the heart and soul of India, right here in Coorg.

Q22: What does the writer say about the bravery of the Coorgi people?
Ans: The writer says that the Coorgi people are brave. Their tales of bravery are famous. The Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without a license.

Q23: Describe the geographical location of Coorg.
Ans: Coorg or Kodagu 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 rain.

Q24: Describe the people and culture of Coorg.
Ans: 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 valor 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. Kodavas are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.

Q25: Describe the climate, birds, and animals of Coorg.
Ans: During the monsoons, Coorg has a lot of rain. It pours enough to keep many tourists away. The best tourist season starts from September and continues till March. The very air of Coorg smells of Coffee. Kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, wild elephants, bees, and butterflies abound in the rainforests of Coorg.

Q26: Describe the possible descent of the people of Coorg.
Ans: The people of Coorg, their rituals and traditions are quite different from the Hindu mainstream. According to one story. a part of Alexander’s army travelling the coast, settled here as their return became impractical. So, 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.

Q27: How has the tradition of courage and bravery been recognized in modern India? Give examples from the text.
Ans: 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 license.

Q28: How do the most laidback individuals become the life of high-energy adventures in Coorg?
Ans: Coorg offers many outdoor high-energy adventures. Even the most laidback individuals become converts to a 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.