Class 10 English Chapter 7 Previous Year Questions - Glimpses of India

Ans: In the story "A Baker from Goa," the author takes us on a journey back to their childhood, reminiscing about the memories associated with a baker from Goa. The story evokes a sense of nostalgia as it explores the special bond between the children and the baker, and the significance of traditional Goan bread in their lives. The author's nostalgic tone and vivid descriptions transport the readers to a bygone era, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and the jingling thud of the baker's bamboo were an integral part of their childhood experiences.

Ans: Paders are the bakers in Goa who follow the traditional methods of bread making. The term "paders" is derived from the Portuguese word "padeiro," meaning baker. They are called paders because they wear a single-piece frock known as kibei, which is a distinctive attire of Goan bakers.
Paders are friends of children because their arrival in the neighborhood is eagerly awaited by the children. The jingling thud sound of the baker's bamboo, announcing his presence, wakes up the children in the houses, and they rush out to meet and greet their beloved baker. The children have a special bond with the baker as he brings them freshly baked bread, including the sweet bread known as bolinhas and bangle-bread. The paders become companions and guides to the children, creating fond memories that last a lifetime.

Ans: Pranjol and Rajvir enjoyed their journey to Assam on a train. Rajvir was much excited as it was for the first time he was visiting Assam to see the tea gardens. So, he was looking at the lush greenery outside the train. However, Pranjol read stories and listened to Rajvir as Assam was his home so he had seen everything before.

Ans: Coorg is in Karnataka. It is the smallest district of the state located midway Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. The people of Coorg are extremely brave and hospitable. They are fierce but welcoming towards the guests at the same time.

Ans: In Goa, the baker became synonymous with celebrations and occasions because bread, which was baked by the traditional bakers, became an integral part of every Goan tradition and festival. The baker's arrival in the morning, announced by the thud and jingle of his bamboo staff, was eagerly awaited by the children who ran to meet him. The baker brought delicious bread bangles, especially for the children, which added to the festive spirit of the celebrations.

Ans: The season of joy in Coorg is the period between September and March. During this time, the weather in Coorg is perfect with moderate showers, and the air is filled with the distinct aroma of coffee. The lush greenery of the evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations, combined with the pleasant weather, make this season a joyful time for visitors.

Ans: Coorg is called the land of the rolling hills because the entire area is situated among gently sloping hills that seem to roll down in a panoramic view. The picturesque landscape of Coorg is characterized by these rolling hills, which add to its natural beauty and charm.

Ans: Visitors are attracted to Coorg by its scenic beauty and natural attractions. Coorg is known for its lush greenery, evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations. The region offers opportunities for outdoor adventures such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. These attractions make Coorg a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Ans: Pranjol did not share Rajvir's excitement at seeing the tea gardens because he had been born and brought up on a tea plantation in Assam. For Pranjol, the sight of tea gardens was a familiar and everyday occurrence. He was used to the lush greenery and the scenic beauty of the tea gardens, as he had grown up surrounded by them. Therefore, the novelty and excitement that Rajvir felt as a visitor were not experienced by Pranjol.

Ans: When a tourist climbs the Brahmagiri hills, they can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. The hills offer a stunning vantage point from where the tourist can take in the beauty of the surrounding nature. The lush greenery, the rolling hills, and the serene atmosphere create a sense of tranquility and awe. Additionally, there is a rope bridge that leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama, which is a popular attraction in Coorg. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills provides a memorable experience for tourists, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

Ans: The author judges this by the fact that a baker, his family members and people associated with the baker looked happy and had fatty physique. Their plump bodies were an open testimony to their prosperity.

Ans: Rajvir was excited to see the tea garden in Assam because it was his first visit and he had never seen vast stretches of tea bushes growing in orderly rows against the backdrop of tall shade trees. The view of the tea garden was splendid to him. On the other hand, Pranjol did not share Rajvir's excitement because he was born and brought up on a tea estate and was already familiar with the surroundings.

Ans: The elders in Goa still love to remember the good old Portuguese days. They have fond memories of the authentic loaves of bread baked by traditional bakers, which were a part of Goan traditions and festivals. The time-tested furnaces used by the traditional bakers still exist and serve as a reminder of how bread was baked in the past.

Ans: The bakers of Goa had a profitable profession in the olden days. Bread was an integral part of every Goan tradition and festival, ensuring a consistent demand for it. As a result, the fire in the baker's furnace never extinguished, and the baker and his family never had to face the situation of starvation. Instead, they appeared happy and prosperous.

Ans: The baker came twice a day, once in the morning and later after he had sold all the bread loaves. The children ran to meet him in the morning because they eagerly awaited his arrival. The baker brought delicious bread bangles, especially for the children, which they longed for. Sometimes, he also brought sweet bread of special make, adding to the excitement of the children.

Ans: The laidback individuals get converted to a life of high-energy adventure, engaging in activities such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. They transition from a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle to one that is filled with thrilling and exhilarating adventures.

Ans: The trekkers are fond of the numerous walking trails in this region. These trails, with their scenic beauty and challenging terrains, are a favorite among trekkers. They offer opportunities for exploration, physical fitness, and the chance to connect with nature.

Ans: The word from the extract that means 'paths' is "trails."

Ans: There are two legends associated with the origin of tea. One legend tells the story of a Chinese emperor who accidentally dropped a few tea leaves into his boiling water, thus discovering its delicious taste. The other legend is from India and involves a Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidharma. According to this legend, Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids to prevent himself from falling asleep during meditation. From these eyelids, tea plants grew, and the leaves of these plants provided a remedy for sleep when put in hot water and drunk.

Ans: A baker can be recognized by certain characteristics. A traditional baker always carries a bamboo staff, which he bangs on the road, creating a thud and jingle sound. This is the way he announces his arrival. Additionally, traditional bakers in Goa wear a peculiar attire called Kabai, which is a single-piece long frock reaching down to their knees.

Ans: The tradition of courage and bravery among the people of Coorg has been recognized in modern India through the establishment of the Coorg Regiment, which is the most decorated regiment in the Indian Army. The people of Coorg have a long history of military service and have made significant contributions to the defense of the country.

Ans: The best season to visit Coorg is sometime between September and March. During this period, the weather in Coorg is perfect with moderate showers, and the air is filled with the distinct aroma of coffee. The pleasant weather and the scenic beauty of Coorg make it an ideal time for tourists to visit.

Ans: The traditional attire worn by Kodavu people, called Kuppia, is similar to the attire worn by Arabs and Kurds called Kuffia. This similarity in attire suggests that the Kodavu people have Arab descent, as their traditional clothing resembles that of the Arabs.

Ans: We know that tea is very popular because Rajvir mentions that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. This staggering number indicates the widespread consumption and popularity of tea as a beverage.

Ans: At that moment, Rajvir was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery outside the train. Although he was an ardent fan of detective stories, the allure of the scenic beauty captured his attention, prompting him to enjoy the view instead of indulging in his usual reading.

Ans: The word 'keener' means to be more eager or enthusiastic about something.

Ans: Rajvir was excited to see the tea garden because it was his first visit to a tea estate. He had never seen vast stretches of tea bushes growing in orderly rows against the backdrop of tall, sturdy shade trees. The view of the tea garden fascinated him and sparked his excitement.

Ans: Rajvir describes the tea garden at Dhekiabari as having acre upon acre of tea bushes stretched on both sides of the gravel road. The tea bushes are perfectly pruned to the same height, and groups of tea pluckers can be seen wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets on their backs. Rajvir visited during the second flush, also known as the sprouting period, when the tea leaves are plucked for processing.

Ans: During the Portuguese days, the peculiar dress of the bakers in Goa was called Kabai. It was a single-piece long frock that reached down to their knees. This traditional attire was worn by the bakers while baking loaves of bread and was a distinctive feature of their profession.

Ans: The baker's furnace is essential for the Goan people because bread, especially the sweet bread known as bol, holds significant cultural and traditional value in Goan society. Bread is an integral part of various occasions and festivals. Without the sweet bread, known as bol, marriage gifts would be meaningless, and parties or feasts would lose their charm. Therefore, the presence of the baker's furnace in the village is considered absolutely essential to ensure the availability of bread for various celebrations and gatherings.

Ans: Cakes and bolinhas are necessary for Christmas as well as other festivals in Goa. They are an essential part of the festive celebrations and are enjoyed by the people during these joyous occasions.

Ans: The word in the passage that is the opposite in meaning of 'absence' is 'presence.'

Ans: The children would peep into the basket to catch a glimpse of the freshly baked bread and the sweet bread known as bangles. They were eager to see and savor the delicious treats that the baker had brought. Despite being pushed aside initially, the children's curiosity and desire to enjoy the bread compelled them to find a way to peep into the basket.

Ans: He pushed aside the children to deliver the loaves of bread to the servant. The baker's primary responsibility was to deliver the bread to the lady of the house, and the children's presence could hinder the delivery process. Therefore, he gently rebuked the children and pushed them aside to ensure a smooth delivery.

Ans: The word in the passage that means the same as 'to take a quick look' is 'peep.'=

Ans: The monsoon season is not the best period to visit Coorg because it receives heavy rainfall during this time, which is enough to keep many visitors away. The continuous downpour can make it challenging to explore the region and enjoy outdoor activities. Therefore, it is not the ideal time for tourists to visit Coorg.

Ans: The best period for visitors to Coorg is from September to March. During this time, the season of joy commences, and the weather is perfect. The days are pleasant, and the presence of occasional showers adds to the charm. It is a favorable time for tourists to explore Coorg and indulge in various activities while enjoying the invigorating aroma of coffee in the air.

Ans: The word in the passage that means the same as 'starts' is 'commences.'

Ans: The author calls the tea plants 'a sea of tea bushes' to emphasize their vastness and abundance. The tea plants cover the landscape extensively, resembling an expansive body of water, stretching as far as the eye can see. The imagery of a 'sea' conveys the sheer magnitude and visual impact of the tea bushes, creating a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

Ans: The building has been described as ugly because it stands in stark contrast to the natural beauty of the densely wooded hills and the sea of tea bushes. The smoke billowing out of the tall chimneys further adds to its unattractive appearance. The author's use of the word 'ugly' suggests that the building disrupts the picturesque scenery and is considered unappealing in comparison to the surrounding natural elements.

Ans: The word in the passage that means 'splendid/ attractive' is 'magnificent.'