Glimpses of India

Chapter Summary

The text “Glimpses of India”, consists of three different short stories from different parts of India providing the readers with knowledge. The first story named, “a baker from Goa” is by the author named, Lucio Rodrigues and that encompasses about the childhood memories of the author relating to the profession of the bakery and the “old Portuguese days”. The next story named Coorg, by the author, Lokesh Abrol caters to the vivid description of the place Coorg that is situated in the state of Karnataka.

In this piece, the author predominantly talks about beautiful scenic landscapes, wildlife, people, as well as environment. However, the last story named, Tea from Assam, by the author Arup Kumar Datta, talks about the legendary story of the growth of tea plants in Assam. This story also talks about the distinctive features that are specific to the production of tea in Assam and the very reason that makes it different from the other tea plants in the nation.

What are The Elders in Goa Nostalgic About?

In the text, Glimpses of India, from the piece, a baker from Goa, the elders in the state of Goa were found quite nostalgic about their good old Portuguese days. In these old days, they used to love pieces of bread and loves that are prepared by the bakers. However, according to the author, the eater of loaves is not alive but the makers still now exist in Goa.

In the text, it is noticed that the baker would come to the author’s place twice a day. The baker used to come early in the morning and after this, he used to arrive the second time while returning back, particularly, when he competes selling his loaves of bread . The children get excited and they would run toward the baker as they loved to eat the bread bangles that the baker used to give them.

Bread-Making in Goa

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It is known from the text, that bread-making in Goa is still popular nowadays. The reason is because, everyone in Goa was fond of having the bread the bakers used to make. However, the information is confirmed by the author as he stated that the eaters are not alive but still now the bakers are present. It is also seen in the existence of furnishes are still present there. Bread is considered an important part of Goan life, as pieces of bread are required in every festival, such as, marriage gifts, and feasts as well as parties . In the engagements of the daughters, mothers used to make sandwiches with bread and therefore proves quite a necessary item.

“Pader”

The individuals who wear the half pants and the pants reach just below the knees, the person known to be the pader (NCERT, 2022). The reason behind this is that the baker wears just the same attire and is known as a pader.

The baker used to wear a kind of dress known as kabai and has a long frock extending to the knees.

In the childhood days of the author, the bakers intend to wear, shirts and trousers and the trousers are short in length.

Story About the Kodavu People’s Descent

It is noted from the text that the people of Kadavu are considered the descendants of Greek or Arabs. The reason behind this is a section from Alexander’s army moved towards the South aligning the coast and settled there as they were quite unable to return to their homeland . However, these people are married to the locals and prove to be their descendants.

About Coorg

Coorg also known as Kodagu is situated in the state of Karnataka that is considered to be one of the smallest districts. It lies within the midway between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore.

It is known from the text that the people of Coorg, are known to be fiercely independent as they belonged to the descendants of Arabs or Greeks.

The main crop that is cultivated in place of Coorg is known as coffee. In the place of Coorg, it is said that they offer tourists with several sports activities, that include, river rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing and as well as rappelling.

The animals that are found to be in Coorg include elephants, slender loris, and Malabar squirrel. In addition to these, macaques, as well as langurs, are also found.

The distance for the smallest district of Coorg or Kodagu, is about 250 to 260 kilometres from the state of Bangalore. However, if one needs to reach to the district of Coorg, one may take the roadways.

FAQs

Q1. What is meant by the jack fruit-like appearances in the text named Glimpses of India?

Ans. In the text named Glimpses of India, the notion of jack fruit-like appearances meant the physique that is plump is nature. The baker from Goa used to have a physique, as it was believed that the baker and his family members never experienced the notion of starvation. The reason is because the profession of baking in Goa was considered to be quite lucrative as they used to have a high demand for their products. This resulted in prosperity and happiness among the family of a baker in Goa.

Q2. What is considered to be special about the tea cultivated in the state of Assam?

Ans. It is quite common that tea cultivated in Assam is one of the most popular in its variety and quality across the country. It is stated that the tea tends to have rich flavours that are malty and consisted of an aroma that is savoury in nature. The reason behind this richness is because of the distinctive processes that are followed in the production of the tea.

Q3. What do we get to know about Buddhist ascetic tea from Assam?

Ans. There is a story associated with the Buddhist ascetic tea from Assam that states a story where the Buddhist ascetic at the time of meditation, has cut off his eyelids. The reason is because he was feeling sleepy and legends say ten tea plants grew from his eyelids that banished sleep.