Glimpses of India Summary for Class 10 English
Glimpses of India's summary includes three short stories. The first story is by Lucio Rodrigues, a baker from Goa. The second story is by Lokesh Abrol named Coorg, a place in Karnataka. In this story, the author explains the environment, wildlife, weather, people, and the landscape of Coorg. The last story is by Arup Kumar Datta named, Tea from Assam. The third story is about two friends discovering the tea gardens of Assam and acknowledging the legends.
Summary of Glimpses of India A Baker from Goa
A baker from Goa is a historical story related to the time when the Portuguese ruled Goa. The story concentrates on the relevance of a baker in the Goa village. The author talked about how the importance of bakers is still upheld even though the Portuguese have left the country. The bakers refer to paders who make a jingle sound with the bamboo when they come to sell loaves of bread in the streets. The same jingling sound would wake the author and his friends during their early days. They were supposed to run towards him without even washing their mouths. It was the maid-servant of the house who bought loaves of bread, which children ate.
The narrator recalls that bread was a crucial part of any occasion in Goa, especially the sweet bread named Bol. Baker from Goa's story shows that this sweet bread was a part of marriages, and the lady prepares sandwiches on the engagement of her daughter in earlier years. Cakes, sandwiches, and several other items were made with the loaves of bread during that time. Additionally, bakers wore ‘Kabai’, an exceptional frock of knee-length. Since that time, the bakery has continued to be a money-making profession.
Summary of Glimpses of India Coorg
Coorg to Goa is a story describing the district of Coorg. It lies between two towns, namely; Mangalore and Mysore. The author described Coorg as a beautiful place like heaven and claimed that it might have come from the Kingdom of God. The district has evergreen forests, coffee plantations, spices, and a pleasant environment. Many tourists come to visit this place in-between the months of September to March.
There is a historical story about the Arabic descent of the Coorg people describing that a part of Alexander’s army came here as their return was difficult. They got settled and married the locals. Many people of Coorg wear Kuppia, that’s similar to what Arabs wear. Moreover, they have a tradition of hospitality and are very brave. Coorg Regiment of the Indian Army is one of the renowned in the Indian Army. Moreover, the first Army Chief, General Cariappa, also belongs to the district, Coorgi. Even in today’s time, Kodavus are the only individuals who carry firearms without having a license.
Cauvery, the famous river gets its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. Additionally, the greatest freshwater fish, Mahaseer is found in the water of this river. Bees, birds, and butterflies give each other good company, and even elephants enjoy being bathed here. The Brahmagiri hills enable the climber to get an astonishing view of Coorg. Moreover, Buddhist monks live in Bylakuppe, near Coorg.
Summary of Glimpses of India Tea from Assam
Two friends, Rajvir and Pranjol, were travelling to Assam. They took tea from a roadside seller, and while sipping, Rajvir told Pranjol that humans drink around 800,000,000 cups of tea per day across the world. Pranjol was busy reading his detective book, but Rajvir looked at the beautiful scenery. Tea bushes were spread over the town as far as they can see. On their way, they saw a building that was a tea garden.
Assam has the largest tea plantations all over the world. Rajvir told Pranjol that no one knows exactly who discovered the tea for the first time. According to a Chinese legend, a few leaves of branches fell in the boiling water gave it a delicious flavor. They were tea leaves. According to Indian legend, a Buddhist Monk cut off his eyelids. It was because he fell asleep during meditations. Around tea, plants grew out of these, and after that, tea leaves exiled sleep when put in hot water and drunk. Both Rajvir and Pranjol got down at Mariani Junction, and after that, they went to Dhekiajuli Tea Estate. They saw women with bamboo baskets who were plucking tea leaves.
Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa Summary
A Baker from Goa is set when Goa was under Portuguese rule. The story is about a village baker who was an important part of daily life. People ate bread daily, which was baked in large furnaces. Bakers, called "padres," would sell bread in the streets, making a jingling sound with bamboo sticks. Though these loaves are rare today, some old furnaces and bakers still carry on the tradition.
The author remembers the baker visiting twice a day during his childhood. He was a friend and guide to the author. The maid would buy bread to have with tea. The bread was important for all special occasions, especially the sweet bread called bol. The baker wore a knee-length gown called a kabai. Baking was a good business at that time and was respected in the community.
Coorg Story
Coorg talks about the beautiful Coorg, or Kodagu district, in Karnataka. The author describes it as a heavenly place located between Mangalore and Mysore. It is known for its evergreen forests, spice gardens, and coffee plantations, making it feel like God's own home. The best time to visit is between September and March, when the weather is pleasant, and the air is filled with the aroma of coffee.
The people of Coorg wear a traditional long black coat called kuppia, which is similar to the kuffia worn by Arabs. They are famous for their bravery. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most important regiments in the Indian Army, and General Cariappa, the first army chief of India, was also from Coorg.
The hills and forests of Coorg are the main source of the Cauvery River. Buddhist monks live in Bylakuppe, near Coorg, on the serene Nisargadhama Island, adding to the peaceful charm of the region.
The Assam Story
The story of Assam Tea follows Rajvir and Pranjol as they travel to Assam. On the way, they stop for tea at a roadside stall. Rajvir mentions that over 800 million cups of tea are consumed daily. While Pranjol reads a detective novel, Rajvir admires the vast tea gardens stretching as far as the eye can see.
Assam is famous for having the largest tea plantations. Rajvir shares a legend about tea being discovered when tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water, which the emperor loved. Another tale mentions a Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, who cut off his eyelids to stay awake during meditation.
The two friends arrive at Mariani Junction and head to Dhekiabari Tea Estate, where they see women plucking tea leaves. Pranjol's father, an expert in tea plantations, welcomes them, and Rajvir eagerly looks forward to learning more.
FAQs on Glimpses of India Summary for Class 10 English
1. What is the central theme of the chapter ‘Glimpses of India’ for quick revision?
The central theme of 'Glimpses of India' is the celebration of India's rich cultural diversity. The chapter provides a peek into the distinct traditions, history, and lifestyles of three different regions: Goa, Coorg, and Assam. It highlights how unique local customs, like Goan baking, Coorgi martial traditions, and Assamese tea culture, contribute to the vibrant tapestry of India's heritage.
2. What is the significance of a baker in a Goan village, as described in the summary?
In a Goan village, the baker, or 'pader', is a vital part of the culture and daily life. The summary explains their importance beyond just providing bread. They are associated with nostalgia and tradition, and their presence is essential for daily bread, festivals, and special occasions. Breads like 'bol' are a must for marriages, while cakes and 'bolinhas' are crucial for Christmas, making the baker's furnace an indispensable part of the community.
3. What was the traditional attire of a Goan baker?
The summary mentions two types of attire for the Goan baker. During the Portuguese days, the bakers wore a peculiar single-piece frock reaching down to the knees, known as the kabai. In the narrator's childhood, he saw them wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half-pants.
4. What are the key features that make Coorg a unique destination?
Coorg, or Kodagu, is portrayed as a unique destination due to its combination of natural beauty and distinct culture. Key features to remember for a summary are:
- Natural Landscape: It is famous for its evergreen rainforests, rolling hills, coffee plantations, and spice gardens.
- Brave People: The Kodavus are known for their fierce independence, martial traditions, and hospitality.
- Wildlife: The region boasts a rich variety of wildlife.
- Adventure Sports: It offers activities like river rafting, rock climbing, and trekking.
5. How does the chapter establish the fierce and independent nature of the people of Coorg?
The chapter establishes the proud and independent nature of the Coorgi people, the Kodavus, through several points. It highlights their possible Greek or Arabic descent, linking them to Alexander's army. It emphasizes their strong tradition of hospitality and their numerous tales of valour. Most importantly, it notes that the Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.
6. What are the two main legends about the discovery of tea mentioned in 'Tea from Assam'?
The summary of 'Tea from Assam' presents two popular legends about the discovery of tea. The first is a Chinese legend where an emperor discovered tea by chance when a few leaves from a twig burning under his pot of boiling water fell into it, giving it a delicious flavour. The second is an Indian legend about Bodhidharma, a Buddhist ascetic, who cut off his eyelids to avoid sleep during meditation, and ten tea plants grew out of these eyelids.
7. Beyond its origins, how does the summary show the importance of tea to Assam?
The summary portrays tea as the lifeblood of Assam. It is not just a beverage but a massive industry that shapes the region's landscape, described as a 'sea of tea bushes' stretching as far as the eye can see. The narrative, through the character Rajvir, highlights the commercial and cultural significance of the tea gardens that employ a vast number of people, making Assam one of the world's largest tea-producing regions.
8. Who are the authors of the three parts of the chapter 'Glimpses of India'?
The three parts of 'Glimpses of India' are written by different authors, each capturing a unique regional essence:
- 'A Baker from Goa' is written by Lúcio Rodrigues.
- 'Coorg' is written by Lokesh Abrol.
- 'Tea from Assam' is written by Arup Kumar Datta.
9. How can you compare the cultural elements highlighted in the three parts of the chapter?
For a quick revision, you can compare the cultural elements by their focus. 'A Baker from Goa' focuses on the lasting influence of colonial history (Portuguese) on local traditions and food. 'Coorg' highlights a unique martial and ethnic culture deeply connected to its natural landscape. 'Tea from Assam' showcases how a single agricultural commodity can define a region's identity, economy, and daily life. Together, they show that India's culture is a mosaic of historical influences, indigenous traditions, and economic pursuits.
10. What is an effective way to revise the key points from all three stories in 'Glimpses of India'?
An effective revision strategy is to create a small table or mind map for each story. For each part—Goa, Coorg, and Assam—focus on three key aspects:
- Central Figure/Product: The 'pader' (baker), the Kodavu warrior, and tea.
- Key Cultural Trait: The importance of bread in celebrations, the legacy of bravery and hospitality, and the legends and scale of tea cultivation.
- Unique Vocabulary: Remember key terms like 'kabai' and 'bol' for Goa, 'Kodavus' for Coorg, and the different tea seasons for Assam.
