First Flight – Chapter 5: Glimpses of India

About the Author: Lucio Rodrigues was a writer from Goa who wrote about Goan culture and traditions.

Summary: This story is a nostalgic account of the traditional bakers (known as 'paders') in Goa during the author's childhood. The baker used to visit the village twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. The jingling sound of his bamboo staff would wake up the children. The author fondly remembers the delicious bread (called 'bol') and other baked goods that the baker sold. The bakers wore a special dress called 'kabai'. The profession of baking was considered prosperous and respectable. The story highlights the importance of bakers in Goan culture and the fond memories associated with them.

Answer: The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the traditional bakers (paders) and the delicious bread they used to make. They remember the sweet smell of loaves and the jingling sound of the baker's bamboo staff.

Answer: We know that the baker's profession was profitable because the baker never needed to collect his bills from the villagers. The monthly accounts of the bread supplied were recorded on a wall in pencil. The baker and his family looked prosperous and had plump physique, indicating they had a good income.

Answer: The bakers wore a special dress called 'kabai'. It was a single-piece long frock that reached down to the knees.

Answer: The narrator remembers the baker's jingling bamboo staff that announced his arrival. He remembers the sweet smell of the loaves and the special bread 'bol'. He also remembers how children would run to the baker to get bread. He recalls that the baker used to visit the village twice a day.

Answer: The baker is an integral part of Goan culture. Bread is essential for various occasions like marriages, festivals, and parties. The baker's arrival was a daily event that brought joy to children and adults alike. The profession of baking was considered respectable and prosperous. The baker's presence symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of Goa.

About the Author: Lokesh Abrol is an Indian writer.

Summary: Coorg is a beautiful hilly region in Karnataka, also known as Kodagu. It is called the land of rolling hills and is famous for its coffee plantations, rainforests, and spices. The people of Coorg are descendants of Greeks or Arabs. They are known for their hospitality, courage, and martial traditions. The Kodavus are the only people in India allowed to carry firearms without a license. The best time to visit Coorg is from September to March. Adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, and bird watching are popular there.

Answer: Coorg is situated in the state of Karnataka, between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is famous for its coffee plantations, rainforests, spices, and beautiful landscapes.

Answer: According to the story, the Kodavu people are believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great's army, who settled in Coorg. Some also believe they are of Arabic descent.

Answer: Coorg offers various adventure activities such as river rafting, trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Bird watching and elephant riding are also popular.

Answer: Coorg is a beautiful hill station with rolling hills, dense rainforests, and coffee plantations. The air is fresh and cool. The river Kaveri flows through Coorg, adding to its scenic beauty. The rainy season brings colourful flowers and lush greenery. The landscape is enchanting and looks like a piece of heaven.

Answer: The people of Coorg, known as Kodavus, are brave, hospitable, and proud. They have a rich martial tradition and are the only people in India allowed to carry firearms without a license. They are known for their independent spirit and love for nature. Their culture reflects a blend of Greek, Arab, and Indian influences.

About the Author: Arup Kumar Dutta is an Indian author known for his writings about Assam and its culture.

Summary: The story is about two friends, Pranjol and Rajvir, who are travelling to Assam. Pranjol's family owns a tea garden. Rajvir is excited to see the tea gardens for the first time. On the way, he observes the beautiful scenery of tea bushes and the women plucking tea leaves. He shares his knowledge about the legends of tea – one from China about Bodhidharma and another from India about Prince Bodhi Dharma. They reach Pranjol's home and are welcomed with tea.

Answer: Rajvir was very excited to see the vast tea gardens. He had never seen such a beautiful sight before. He saw tea bushes spread across the landscape and women plucking tea leaves. He was fascinated by the greenery and the scenic beauty.

Answer: According to a Chinese legend, a Chinese emperor discovered tea when some tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water. Another legend says that Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, discovered tea when he chewed tea leaves to stay awake during meditation. According to an Indian legend, Prince Bodhi Dharma discovered the qualities of tea.

Answer: Tea is produced in Assam in vast tea gardens. The tea bushes are pruned regularly. The women pluck the tender leaves, which are then processed in the factory. The leaves are dried, crushed, and packed. Assam produces a large quantity of tea that is exported all over the world.

Answer: Assam is known for tea because it produces the largest quantity of tea in India and is the largest tea-growing region in the world. The soil and climate of Assam are ideal for tea cultivation. Assam tea is famous for its strong flavour and rich aroma. The story says that 'Chai' is the first thing served to visitors in Assam.

Answer: Rajvir tells that according to a Chinese legend, a Chinese emperor discovered tea when tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water. According to another legend, Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, cut off his eyelids to stay awake, and tea plants grew from his eyelids. He also mentions an Indian legend about Prince Bodhi Dharma who discovered the qualities of tea.

Nostalgic: feeling happy about pleasant past memories
Plump: having a full, rounded shape
Kabai: a traditional long frock worn by Goan bakers
Bolt: (of bread) to eat quickly
Perennial: lasting for a long time
Coorg: a district in Karnataka, also known as Kodagu
Kodavus: the people of Coorg
Descendants: people who come from a particular ancestor
Martial: related to war or fighting
Rafting: the activity of travelling on a river on a raft
Plantations: large areas where crops are grown
Pruned: trimmed to promote growth
Aroma: a pleasant smell
Legends: traditional stories from the past

Answer:
(i) The traditional Goan baker (pader) is being described.
(ii) The 'musical entry' refers to the jingling sound of the bamboo staff that the baker used to announce his arrival.
(iii) The baker carried a basket on his head, which contained the bread and other baked goods.

Answer:
(i) Coorg is located in the state of Karnataka, between Mysore and Mangalore.
(ii) From the Brahmagiri hills, you can see the panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg.
(iii) The best time to visit Coorg is from September to March.

Answer: The story tells us that the baker (pader) was an integral part of Goan society. Bread was essential for various occasions like marriages, festivals, and parties. The baker's arrival was a daily event that brought joy to the village. The profession was considered respectable and prosperous. The story highlights the rich cultural heritage of Goa and the importance of traditional occupations.

Answer: Coorg is called the land of rolling hills because of its beautiful, undulating landscape covered with coffee plantations and dense rainforests. It is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty, pleasant weather, and adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, and bird watching. The hospitality of the Kodavu people and the rich cultural heritage also attract tourists.

Answer: The story reveals that tea is an essential part of Indian culture, especially in Assam, where 'Chai' is the first thing served to visitors. It is consumed on all occasions – from morning to evening. The story also highlights the legends associated with the discovery of tea, showing its ancient origins. The vast tea gardens of Assam and the large-scale production of tea show its economic importance.