Introduction: Glimpses of India (Part- I) A Baker From Goa - Class 10 PDF Download

About the Author

Lucia Rodrigues – A Short Biography 

Lucio Rodrigues (1916-73) was a great Konkani essayist. He wrote several articles in English and Konkani in various periodicals and magazines. He served as a visiting professor of Folklore at many universities and also as a professor of English in Mumbai and Goa. His essays were posthumously published under the title ‘Of Soil and Soul’ and Konkani Folk Tales’. 

Lucia RodriguesSubtle humour and informal narration are the essential features of his writings. The author also described the special attire of the bakers called Kabai ts a single-piece frock that would reach up to their knees. Besides, he also mentioned how baking became the most profitable profession among people in Goa and many bakers led a prosperous life and their jackfruit-like physical appearance was a valid testimony of their well-being.

Introduction

This chapter provides a fascinating insight into the diverse cultural heritage of India. In this chapter, the author describes his experiences of meeting a traditional baker from Goa during his childhood days. 

The baker, known as Pader, holds a special place in the Goan community for his delicious bread, cakes, and sweetbreads that are an essential part of their festivals and celebrations. Through this chapter, the readers will get a glimpse of the vibrant Goan culture and its unique traditions.

Theme

Traditional bread is available in varied forms.

The chapter also emphasizes the significance of the baker's furnace and the traditional dress of the baker. Overall, the theme of the chapter is to showcase the cultural heritage and significance of traditional professions and practices in India.

Word Meanings

• Traditional = conventional; 
• baker = one who bakes bread; 
• reminiscing = remembering; 
• nostalgically = fondly; 
• loaves = pieces of bread; 
• vanished = disappeared; 
• moulders = those who mould; 
• exist= being still there; 
• furnaces = ovens; 
• extinguished = put out; 
• thud and jingle = falling sound along with musical sound; 
• Heralding = announcing; 
• carries on = continues; 
• profession = occupation; 
• pader = a kind of baker; 
• longed = wished; 
• staff = a long stick;
• supported = helped; 
• banged = beat with; 
• greet = welcome; 
• vertical = straight; 
• mild = light; 
• rebuke = chide; 
• parapet = wall on the edge of root; 
• peep = see; 
• fragrance = smell; 
• Feast = grand party; 
• absolutely = completely; 
• peculiar = strange; 
• starved = die of hunger; 
• prosperous = well to do; 
• plump = having a soft round body; 
• testimony = statement; 
• jackfruit = a kind of vegetable