Complete guide to "Glimpses of India" for English students. Below you will find important questions and model answers to help you prepare.
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In the chapter 'Glimpses of India' (A Baker from Goa), what aspects of their past do the elders in Goa feel nostalgic about?
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.
Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
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.
According to the chapter 'Glimpses of India' (A Baker from Goa), what term is used to refer to a baker in Goa?
A baker in Goa is traditionally called a 'pader', a term inherited from Portuguese times.
As described in 'Glimpses of India' (A Baker from Goa), what was the baker's daily routine, and why were the children eager to meet him?
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.
Match the following (Rearrange and write). What is a must (i) as marriage gifts? – cakes and bolinhas (ii) for a party or a feast? – sweet bread called bol (iii) for a daughter’s engagement? – bread (iv) for Christmas? – sandwiches
(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
What did the bakers wear: (i) in the Portuguese days? (ii) when the author was young?
(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.
In the chapter 'Glimpses of India' (A Baker from Goa), what specific attire leads to the comment 'he is dressed like a pader', and what is the reason behind this comparison?
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.
According to 'Glimpses of India' (A Baker from Goa), where were the baker's monthly accounts traditionally recorded?
The monthly accounts of the baker were traditionally recorded on some wall using a pencil. This was a customary method of keeping track of customer dues.
In the chapter 'Glimpses of India' (A Baker from Goa), what does the expression 'jackfruit-like appearance' signify, especially when describing the bakers?
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.
Based on the chapter 'Glimpses of India' (A Baker from Goa), how significant is bread in Goan life, and what evidence supports its importance?
Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. It is a staple in daily meals and is essential for various occasions like weddings, parties, and Christmas, where specific breads like bolinhas and cakes are served. The elders' nostalgia also highlights its significance.
Which of these statements are correct? (i) The pader was an important person in the village in old times. (ii) Paders still exist in Goan villages. (iii) The paders went away with the Portuguese. (iv) The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock. (v) Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days. (vi) Traditional bread-baking is still a very profitable business. (vii) Paders and their families starve in the present times.
(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.
What is the tone of the author when he says the following (nostalgic, hopeful, sad, naughty, angry, funny, matter-of-fact)? (i) The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some places. (ii) Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. (iii) I still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. (iv) The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all. (v) Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. (vi) The baker and his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous.
(i) Nostalgic (ii) Hopeful (iii) Nostalgic (iv) Naughty (v) Matter-of-fact (vi) Matter-of-fact
According to the chapter 'Glimpses of India' (Coorg), where is Coorg located, and what are its notable features?
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a district in Karnataka, India, situated in the Western Ghats. It is renowned for its coffee plantations, lush greenery, and mist-covered hills.
As described in 'Glimpses of India' (Coorg), what is the popular legend concerning the origin or descent of the Kodavu people?
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 are cited as evidence supporting this belief.
What are some of the things you now know about (i) the people of Coorg? (ii) the main crop of Coorg? (iii) the sports it offers to tourists? (iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg? (v) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?
(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.