Chapter 7: Glimpses of India

Part I: A Baker from Goa (By Lucio Rodrigues)

Introduction

"A Baker from Goa" is a nostalgic account that paints a vivid picture of the traditional Goan village baker, a profession that has endured despite the decline of Portuguese rule. The author fondly recalls his childhood days when the sound of the baker's bamboo staff signaled a new day and fresh bread.

Story Summary

The narrator, Lucio Rodrigues, reminisces about the time-honored presence of the bakers in Goan society, stating that their importance has not diminished even after the Portuguese left. He speaks of the traditional **'pader,'** as the baker is known, and his peculiar dress, the **'kabai'** (a single-piece frock reaching to the knees). The bakers were the friends, companions, and guides of the children.

The sound of the baker's **thud and jingle** of his special bamboo staff in the morning would awaken the children, who would rush to meet him, not for the bread-loaves but for the **bread-bangles** (sweet bread). The baker would carry the bread in a special basket on his head, usually accompanied by his servant.

The baker's arrival was significant for various occasions: the **'bol'** (sweet bread) for marriage feasts, and **bread and cakes** for Christmas and other festivals. The consumption of bread was essential, showing that the bakers were an integral part of Goan culture and celebrations.

The author also describes the healthy and plump appearance of the bakers, comparing them to a **'jackfruit-like physical appearance'** due to their prosperous business. Even today, the tradition of baking continues in Goa, with many families still practicing this ancestral profession, indicated by the sounds of the traditional baker.

A traditional Goan baker with his basket and bamboo staff.

Key Themes

Part II: Coorg (By Lokesh Abrol)

Introduction

"Coorg" is a descriptive piece that takes the reader on a journey to the smallest district of Karnataka, known for its breathtaking beauty, lush coffee plantations, dense forests, and martial men and women.

Story Summary

**Coorg, or Kodagu,** is described as a "heaven of everlasting mist," nestled midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a land of rolling hills, diverse flora and fauna, and vibrant people.

The author highlights the **fiercely independent people** of Coorg, who are believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent. This theory is supported by their martial traditions, marriages, and religious rites. The Coorgi homes have a tradition of **hospitality**, and they are always ready to recount tales of bravery related to their sons and fathers.

The **Kodavus** (people of Coorg) are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license. This further supports their martial heritage. The **Kodavu dress, the 'kuppia,'** a long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt, resembles the 'kuffia' worn by the Arabs and Kurds, suggesting their Arabic origins.

Coorg is renowned for its **coffee plantations**, colonial bungalows, and spice gardens. The best season to visit is from September to March, when the weather is perfect. The aroma of coffee permeates the air, especially in the mornings.

The region is also famous for its **rainforests**, which cover thirty percent of the area, and a variety of wildlife like macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender lorises. The **River Kaveri** originates from the hills of Coorg. The author mentions activities like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking for adventure enthusiasts.

The highest peak in Coorg is **Brahmagiri hills**, which offers a panoramic view of the misty landscape. Other attractions include the **Nisargadhama island** and the **Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement**, home to India's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

Lush green coffee plantations and misty hills of Coorg.

Key Themes

Part III: Tea from Assam (By Arup Kumar Datta)

Introduction

"Tea from Assam" is an informative yet engaging narrative that explores the popularity of tea, its origins, and the beauty of the tea plantations in Assam, especially through the eyes of two young friends.

Story Summary

The story begins with two friends, **Pranjol and Rajvir**, who are travelling to Assam. Pranjol, a native of Assam, is enthusiastic about the journey but Rajvir, visiting for the first time, is captivated by the beautiful scenery outside the train window. He notes the magnificent view of the **tea bushes** stretching as far as the eye could see, looking like a "sea of tea bushes."

Rajvir recounts several legends about the discovery of tea. One popular Chinese legend tells of Emperor Shen Nung, who always boiled water before drinking it. One day, a few leaves from a branch burning under the pot fell into the water, giving it a delicious flavor. These were tea leaves.

Another Indian legend speaks of **Bodhidharma**, an ancient Buddhist monk, who cut off his eyelids because he fell asleep during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids, and when the leaves of these plants were put in hot water and drunk, they banished sleep.

They arrive at Mariani junction, and then drive to **Dhekiabari Tea Estate**, owned by Pranjol's father. Rajvir observes groups of **tea pluckers**, women wearing plastic aprons, carrying bamboo baskets on their backs, plucking the newly sprouted leaves. He notes that this is the second sprouting period, which lasts from May to July and yields the best tea.

Rajvir shows his knowledge about tea to Pranjol's father, mentioning that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. Pranjol's father is impressed by Rajvir's enthusiasm and knowledge, and the boys look forward to learning more about the tea estate.

Women tea pluckers in an Assam tea garden.

Key Themes

Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 86 - Part I)

  1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?

    The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days, specifically about the Portuguese bread and their famous loaves of bread. They miss the traditional Portuguese bakers and their way of life.

  2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?

    Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. The author states that the mixers, moulders, and those who bake the loaves are still present. The traditional furnaces are still being used, and the jingle of the baker's bamboo can still be heard in some places.

  3. What is the baker called?

    The baker is called a 'pader' in Goa.

  4. When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to meet him?

    The baker would come twice a day: once in the morning to sell his bread and again in the evening after emptying his huge basket. The children ran to meet him not just for the bread-loaves but for the bread-bangles, which were sweet bread.

  5. What did the bakers wear: (i) in the Portuguese days? (ii) when the author was young?

    (i) In the Portuguese days, bakers wore a peculiar dress called the 'kabai,' a single-piece frock reaching to the knees. (ii) When the author was young, bakers wore a shirt and trousers, which were usually shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants.

  6. Who invites the comment— "he is dressed like a pader"? Why?

    Anyone who wears a half-pant that reaches just below the knees invites the comment "he is dressed like a pader." This is because the bakers, during the author's childhood, commonly wore such trousers.

  7. What does a 'jackfruit-like appearance' mean?

    A 'jackfruit-like appearance' means having a plump, healthy, and slightly round physique. This was characteristic of the bakers, suggesting they were well-fed and prosperous, likely due to their good business.

II. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 91 - Part II)

  1. Where is Coorg?

    Coorg (Kodagu) is the smallest district of Karnataka, located midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.

  2. What is the story about the Coorgi people’s descent?

    There are two theories about the Coorgi people's descent: one is that they are of Greek origin, possibly from Alexander's army, who settled there. The other is that they are of Arabic descent, as evidenced by their 'kuppia' dress resembling the 'kuffia' worn by Arabs and Kurds, and their martial traditions.

  3. What are some of the things you know about the people of Coorg?

    The people of Coorg (Kodavus) are fiercely independent, known for their martial traditions and hospitality. They are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license. They have unique customs related to marriage and religious rites, and their kuppia dress suggests Arabic origin.

  4. What is the main crop of Coorg?

    The main crop of Coorg is coffee.

  5. What adventures can one find in Coorg?

    One can find various adventures in Coorg such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking.

  6. What is the 'Kodavus' passion?

    The 'Kodavus' are passionate about maintaining their martial traditions, hospitality, and recounting tales of valor related to their sons and fathers.

III. Oral Comprehension Check (Page 96 - Part III)

  1. What is Assam known as?

    Assam is known as "the tea country" or "the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world."

  2. What are the two legends about the discovery of tea?

    The two legends about the discovery of tea are:

    • Chinese Legend: Emperor Shen Nung, who always boiled water before drinking it, discovered tea when a few leaves from a burning branch fell into his boiling water, giving it a delicious flavor.
    • Indian Legend: Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he fell asleep during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids, and when leaves from these plants were put in hot water and drunk, they banished sleep.

  3. What is the 'best' time for tea plantations?

    The 'best' time for tea plantations is the second sprouting period, which lasts from May to July. This period yields the best tea.

IV. Thinking about the Text (Page 97)

  1. "The 'pader' always came in with a special stick; in the Portuguese days, he was wearing the 'kabai' a single-piece frock." How is the 'pader' symbolic of the Goan culture?

    The 'pader' (baker) is symbolic of Goan culture because his presence represents the enduring influence of Portuguese traditions in Goa, even after their rule ended. His traditional attire, the 'kabai,' his distinctive bamboo staff, and the specific bread items for various occasions (like 'bol' for marriages) show how deeply integrated he was into the social fabric and customs of Goan life. He's not just a tradesman but a cultural icon and a part of the fond childhood memories of the Goan people.

  2. Why do you think Coorg is called a "heaven of everlasting mist"?

    Coorg is called a "heaven of everlasting mist" because of its consistently misty and foggy weather, especially during certain seasons. The hills and valleys are often shrouded in mist, creating a serene, picturesque, and somewhat ethereal atmosphere, making it feel heavenly and tranquil.

  3. What do you think is the significance of the two legends about tea?

    The significance of the two legends about tea lies in their representation of tea's ancient origins and its global appeal. They highlight the mystical and accidental nature of its discovery, giving it a rich history. The Chinese legend points to its use as a refreshing beverage, while the Indian legend emphasizes its stimulating properties (banishing sleep). Both legends contribute to the mystique and popularity of tea across different cultures.



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