Questions & Answers: "Glimpses of India"

The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the old Portuguese days and the traditional bakers, known as paders, who were an essential part of their lives. They fondly remember the taste of fresh bread, the sound of the baker’s bamboo staff, and the joyous occasions when bread was a must.

Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. The presence of traditional paders (bakers) and their continued practice of delivering bread every morning with their bamboo staff knocking at the doors indicate that the tradition has survived over generations.

The baker is called a pader in Goa, a term inherited from Portuguese times.

The baker would come every morning, carrying a bamboo staff and making a jingling sound. The children ran to meet him eagerly because they loved the bread bangles and sweet bread he brought, even though they were often scolded for eating them.

(i) as marriage gifts? – sweet bread called bol (ii) for a party or a feast? – bread (iii) for a daughter’s engagement? – sandwiches (iv) for Christmas? – cakes and bolinhas

(i) In the Portuguese days, bakers wore a traditional knee-length kabai, a single-piece long frock. (ii) When the author was young, they wore shirts and shorter trousers that extended just below the knees.

Anyone wearing a half-pant reaching just below the knees invites the comment “he is dressed like a pader” because bakers, or paders, in Goa traditionally wore such attire.

The monthly accounts of the baker were recorded on some wall with a pencil. This was a traditional method of keeping track of customer dues.

A ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ refers to a plump and round physique. It humorously describes the well-fed bakers, whose prosperous lifestyle made them look stout and bulky.

Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. It is a staple in daily meals and is used for various occasions. The elders are nostalgic about the bread, and it is essential for celebrations like weddings, parties, and Christmas, where specific breads like bolinhas and cakes are served.

(i) Correct - The pader was indeed an important person in the village. (ii) Incorrect - Paders do not exist in the same way today. (iii) Incorrect - The paders did not go away with the Portuguese. (iv) Correct - The paders wore a single-piece long frock. (v) Correct - Bread and cakes were integral to Goan life in the old days. (vi) Incorrect - Traditional bread-baking is no longer a very profitable business. (vii) Incorrect - Paders and their families do not starve, though the business is not as prosperous.

(i) Nostalgic (ii) Hopeful (iii) Nostalgic (iv) Naughty (v) Matter-of-fact (vi) Matter-of-fact

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a district in Karnataka, India. It is located in the Western Ghats and is famous for its coffee plantations, lush greenery, and mist-covered hills.

The Kodavu people are believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent. According to legend, a part of Alexander’s army settled in Coorg and married locals. Their martial traditions, distinct dressing style, and bravery support this belief.

(i) The people of Coorg are brave, hospitable, and have a strong martial tradition. (ii) Coffee is the main crop of Coorg, grown in lush plantations. (iii) Coorg offers adventure sports like rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, and trekking. (iv) Animals like elephants, macaques, Malabar squirrels, and langurs are commonly seen. (v) Coorg is around 250 km from Bangalore, accessible by road via Mysore or Mangalore.