“Understanding ‘Glimpses of India’ in NCERT’s ‘First Flight’: A Cultural Exploration for Class 10 CBSE and RBSE Students

Overview of Chapter Seven: ‘Glimpses of India’ from ‘First Flight’

Chapter Seven in the Class X NCERT English textbook ‘First Flight’ is titled ‘Glimpses of India’. This chapter is a compilation of three distinct essays, each offering a vivid portrayal of different aspects of Indian life and culture. The essays are:

• A. ‘A Baker from Goa’ by Lucio Rodrigues: This essay takes the reader to Goa, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the traditional Goan way of life, with a focus on the community’s local bakers, known as ‘paders’. It beautifully captures the essence of Goan culture, its people, and the significant role that the traditional baker plays in everyday Goan life.
• B. ‘Coorg’ by Lokesh Abrol: This piece is a descriptive essay about Coorg, now known as Kodagu, located in Karnataka. It paints a picture of the natural beauty and biodiversity of Coorg, along with its brave people, the Kodavas. The essay also touches upon the region’s rich history, wildlife, and the coffee plantations that Coorg is famous for.
• C. ‘Tea from Assam’ by Arup Kumar Dutta: This essay is a narrative about the tea plantations in Assam. It describes the scenic beauty of the tea gardens and provides information about the process of tea production. The essay also delves into the history of tea in Assam and its importance in the region’s culture and economy.

Each of these essays in ‘Glimpses of India’ offers students a unique perspective on different cultural and geographical features of India, enhancing their understanding of the country’s diverse heritage and natural beauty. The chapter is a tribute to the rich tapestry of life in India, celebrating its regional nuances and traditions.

Summary of Chapter Seven: ‘Glimpses of India’ from ‘First Flight’

Chapter Seven, ‘Glimpses of India’, consists of three distinct essays that offer a rich tapestry of Indian culture, geography, and tradition.

• A. ‘A Baker from Goa’ by Lucio Rodrigues: This essay nostalgically recalls the traditional Goan bakers, integral to the community’s daily life. It depicts the unique customs of Goan life, the Portuguese influence, and the enduring legacy of the bakers. The essay evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, painting a vivid picture of Goan culture and its connection with bread, or ‘pao’.
• B. ‘Coorg’ by Lokesh Abrol: The essay takes readers to the picturesque region of Coorg, nestled in the Western Ghats. It describes the natural beauty of Coorg, its flora and fauna, including the famous Kodagu tigers, and the unique culture of its people, the Kodavas, known for their hospitality and bravery. The essay also highlights Coorg’s famous coffee plantations, offering a glimpse into the region’s serene and lush landscape.
• C. ‘Tea from Assam’ by Arup Kumar Dutta: This essay explores the expansive tea gardens of Assam, delving into the history and process of tea production. It highlights the importance of tea in Assam’s culture and economy, detailing the picturesque tea estates and the life surrounding them. The narrative captures the essence of Assam’s tea culture and the labor that goes into producing this widely consumed beverage.

Multiple Choice Questions for ‘Glimpses of India’

1. What is the profession of the main character in ‘A Baker from Goa’?

• (a) Teacher
• (b) Baker
• (c) Farmer
• (d) Fisherman
• Answer: (b) Baker

1. Which region is described in ‘Coorg’?

• (a) Kerala
• (b) Tamil Nadu
• (c) Karnataka
• (d) West Bengal
• Answer: (c) Karnataka

1. What is the main focus of ‘Tea from Assam’?

• (a) History of Assam
• (b) Tea plantations
• (c) Wildlife in Assam
• (d) Assamese festivals
• Answer: (b) Tea plantations

1. Which colonial power influenced the culture described in ‘A Baker from Goa’?

• (a) British
• (b) French
• (c) Portuguese
• (d) Dutch
• Answer: (c) Portuguese

1. What is unique about the Kodavas mentioned in ‘Coorg’?

• (a) Their cooking style
• (b) Their traditional dance
• (c) Their martial traditions
• (d) Their language
• Answer: (c) Their martial traditions

1. What type of wildlife is Coorg known for, as mentioned in the essay?

• (a) Elephants
• (b) Tigers
• (c) Peacocks
• (d) Rhinoceros
• Answer: (b) Tigers

1. What aspect of Goa’s culture is highlighted in ‘A Baker from Goa’?

• (a) Beaches
• (b) Traditional baking
• (c) Seafood cuisine
• (d) Carnival
• Answer: (b) Traditional baking

1. Which beverage is central to the essay ‘Tea from Assam’?

• (a) Coffee
• (b) Milk
• (c) Tea
• (d) Wine
• Answer: (c) Tea

1. In ‘Coorg’, what is the significance of the river Kaveri?

• (a) It is a source of hydroelectric power.
• (b) It is a sacred river.
• (c) It is a major tourist attraction.
• (d) It is known for its unique fish species.
• Answer: (b) It is a sacred river.

1. What is a common theme in all three essays of ‘Glimpses of India’?
   • (a) Urban life in India
   • (b) Historical monuments
   • (c) Cultural diversity and natural beauty
   • (d) Political history
   • Answer: (c) Cultural diversity and natural beauty

Short Answer Questions for ‘Glimpses of India’

1. Who is the author of ‘A Baker from Goa’?

• Answer: Lucio Rodrigues.

1. What is ‘Coorg’ famous for?

• Answer: Its scenic beauty, coffee plantations, and brave people.

1. Which state is ‘Tea from Assam’ set in?

• Answer: Assam.

1. What is the main theme in ‘A Baker from Goa’?

• Answer: The enduring legacy of traditional Goan bakers.

1. What makes the Kodavas special in ‘Coorg’?

• Answer: Their distinctive culture and martial tradition.

1. What does ‘Tea from Assam’ mainly describe?

• Answer: The tea gardens and the process of tea production.

1. How does ‘A Baker from Goa’ depict Goan culture?

• Answer: Through the traditional profession of baking.

1. What aspect of nature is highlighted in ‘Coorg’?

• Answer: Its biodiversity, including wildlife like tigers.

1. What historical influence is seen in ‘A Baker from Goa’?

• Answer: Portuguese influence.

1. Why is Assam significant in ‘Tea from Assam’?
   • Answer: For its large and picturesque tea plantations.

Small Questions with Detailed Answers for ‘Glimpses of India’

1. In ‘A Baker from Goa’, how does the author use the baker’s character to reflect Goan culture?

• Answer: The baker’s character is used as a symbol of Goan culture’s richness and the Portuguese influence. His daily routine and interactions with the community showcase the deep-rooted cultural traditions and the social significance of the baker in Goan society.

1. Analyze how ‘Coorg’ combines geographical information with cultural insights.

• Answer: ‘Coorg’ blends descriptions of the region’s natural beauty with cultural narratives, such as the unique customs of the Kodavas. This combination provides a comprehensive picture of Coorg, portraying it as a land of scenic splendor intertwined with a rich cultural heritage.

1. What role does the landscape play in ‘Tea from Assam’?

• Answer: The landscape in ‘Tea from Assam’ plays a crucial role in setting the scene and mood of the narrative. It underscores the importance of the tea gardens in Assam’s culture and economy and adds to the story’s appeal by painting a vivid picture of the region’s natural beauty.

1. Discuss the importance of tradition and heritage in the essays of ‘Glimpses of India’.

• Answer: Tradition and heritage are central themes in these essays. Each story highlights the significance of preserving cultural practices, whether it’s the traditional bakers in Goa, the unique Kodava culture in Coorg, or the tea-making traditions in Assam. These narratives underscore the value of maintaining cultural identity amidst modern changes.

Long Questions with In-Depth Answers for ‘Glimpses of India’

1. Evaluate how ‘Glimpses of India’ contributes to the overall understanding of India’s cultural diversity as presented in ‘First Flight’.

• Answer: ‘Glimpses of India’ enriches ‘First Flight’ by vividly showcasing India’s cultural and geographical diversity. Each essay – ‘A Baker from Goa’, ‘Coorg’, and ‘Tea from Assam’ – offers a unique perspective on different Indian regions, highlighting their distinct customs, landscapes, and histories. This collection not only educates students about the varied facets of Indian life but also fosters an appreciation for the country’s rich cultural tapestry, thereby enhancing their understanding and pride in India’s diverse heritage.

1. Analyze the significance of the authors’ narrative styles in depicting the unique aspects of each region in ‘Glimpses of India’.

• Answer: In ‘Glimpses of India’, each author employs a narrative style that complements the region they describe. Lucio Rodrigues’s nostalgic tone in ‘A Baker from Goa’ captures the essence of Goan life, Lokesh Abrol’s descriptive style in ‘Coorg’ paints a vivid picture of the region’s natural beauty, and Arup Kumar Dutta’s informative approach in ‘Tea from Assam’ provides insight into the tea culture. These varying styles effectively convey the unique qualities of each region, engaging readers and providing a deeper understanding of the places and their people.

1. Discuss how the themes of tradition, nature, and cultural identity are interwoven in the essays of ‘Glimpses of India’.

• Answer: The essays in ‘Glimpses of India’ intricately weave together themes of tradition, nature, and cultural identity. ‘A Baker from Goa’ celebrates traditional occupations and their cultural significance, ‘Coorg’ delves into the interplay between nature and the identity of its people, and ‘Tea from Assam’ explores how the tea industry shapes cultural and economic aspects of the region. Each essay underscores the importance of preserving traditions and understanding the deep connection between people, their environment, and their cultural roots, reflecting the diverse yet unified identity of India.