First Flight Chapter 7 Glimpses Of India

1. The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the Portuguese and their loaves of bread.
2. They remember about it fondly.
3. Often.

1. The children look upon the baker as their friend, companion and guide.
2. Baker enjoys an important place in the lives of Goan people.
3. Twice.

1.  The musical sounds of his bamboo staff announced the arrival of the baker.
2.  The jingling thud of the baker's bamboo attracted the children.
3.  Greet.

1. The children would give up only when they are scolded.
2. He remembers the sweet fragrance of the loaves.
3. Give up.

1. ‘We’ stands for the Goan children.
2. They didn’t care much about brushing and cleaning teeth and mouths because they were lazy and careless.
3. Plucking.

1. Bread was an essential part of the marriage functions, parties or the feast, Christmas and other festivals.
2. A baker is important to the people of the village because bread is essential for every party or festival.
3. Meaningless.

1. It means that they were prosperous.
2. The plump physique of the baker proves that he is prosperous and has enough to eat.
3. Plump.

The Goan people are quite attached to their colonial past under the Portuguese rule. They are nostalgic about their good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese people and their famous loaves of bread.

Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. Bread-making started during the days of Portugese rule in Goa and it has become a tradition in Goa. Though the old bakers have died but their sons have carried the legacy forward. The time-tested and age-old furnaces are still used. Many such mixers, moulders and the bakers of the loaves are a part of Goan public. 

The baker would come everyday to deliver the loaves of bread to the houses. He would carry the traditional bamboo staff and its ‘jhang, jhang’ sound would announce his arrival.

After he made his musical entry with 'jhang-jhang', he would greet the lady of the house with ‘good morning’ and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo.

The pader or a baker usually was very tolerant. When the kids would surround him, he would push them aside with a mild rebuke and sell the loaves to the servant.

The jingling sound of the bamboo used to wake up the children from sleep. The children would run to meet and greet him. The children used to treat the baker as their friend, companion and guide. They were attracted to the typically sweet fragrance of the bread loaves. They were only interested in the bread-bangles or the special sweet breads meant for them.  So they would run to meet him.

They would surround him. When they were not able to see what was inside the basket, they would climb on a bench and peep into the basket to get the sweet fragrance. They would not make any efforts to brush their teeth in a hurry to eat the sweet breads. 

The children are as free as the tiger in the jungle. They do not care about brushing their teeth or washing their mouths. They start eating as soon as they wake up. The author presents their carefree attitude by supporting it with the example of a tiger.

Different varieties of bread are – bol, cakes and bolinhas. Every variety of bread is associated with different occasions. The sweet bread, bol is used as a marriage gift. The sandwiches are made on engagements. The cakes and bolinhas form an essential part of Christmas and other festivals.

(i) The bakers used to wear a dress named ‘Kabai’ which was a single-piece long frock reaching out to the knees.

(ii) When the author was young, the bakers used to wear shirts and trousers which were shorter than full length ones and longer than half-pants.

Baking was really a profitable profession as the bread was an important part of the food of the Goan people. The presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential. In this profession, the people never starved. The bakers earned well and kept servants. Their plump physique was a proof that they lived a happy and prosperous life. 

A Goan baker appears to be a plump and healthy man, wearing the traditional Kabai dress. He carries a bamboo staff and a huge basket. He is welcomed and respected everywhere. He is called a ‘pader’.

A baker used to be a friend, companion and guide of the children of a Goan village. The presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential. He does not merely represent a profession but a highly admired Portuguese tradition. As his items are essential on each and every Goan occasion, he is respected and loved by the people. 

The elders of Goan villages are still nostalgic about the old Portuguese days, and the famous loaves of bread. Though the eaters might have vanished, yet the makers are still there. The mixers, the moulders and the bakers still form good part of Goan population. Bread forms an essential part of the Goan culture. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential. 

1. It is situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
2. Coorg is compared to heaven because of its natural beauty.
3. Drifted.

1. The area receives heavy rainfall during the monsoons.
2. September to March is the best time to visit Coorg.
3. Commences.

1.  They are very independent.
2.  People of Coorg are possible descendents of Greek or Arabians.
3.  Descent.

1. The people of Coorg wear Kuppia which resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
2. The people of Coorg are known as Kodavus.
3. Resemble.

1. It means the recipient of the maximum number of medals.
2. The Kodavus carry firearms without a licence because the firearms are a part of their tradition.
3. Permitted.

1. Coorg is famous for its water sports, rock climbing and mountain biking and trekking.
2. The various water and mountain sports offer adventure and thrill.
3. It means relaxed and lazy.

1. He describes his fear of the wild elephants here.
2. It can be viewed from the higher hills of Brahmagiri.
3. To step aside.

Coorg, also called Kodagu, is located midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. It receives heavy rainfall. So, the best time to visit it is from September to March.

The people of Coorg are fiercely independent and brave. Coorgi houses have a tradition of hospitality. The Coorg Regiment is the most decorated in the Indian army. They feel proud in sharing the courageous tales of their sons and fathers.

There are two theories regarding the descent of Kodavu people. The first one says that Kodavus have Greek origin. A part of Alexander’s army settled here and married among the locals. Their descendents are called Kodavus. The second one proposes that Kodavus are of Arab origin. This theory is supported by the the fact that they wear the same traditional dress Kuppia i.e., a long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt. The kuppia resembles the Kuffia of the Arabs and the Kurds.

Coorgis are fiercely independent and brave. Tales of courage and fighting spirit of the Coorgis have earned them immense respect. The Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated regiment of the Indian Army. Besides, General Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was also a Coorgi.

The visitors are attracted by the evergreen forests, the hills and river Kaveri, the various adventure sports and India’s largest Tibetan settlement.

Coorg’s river, Kaveri offers perfect setting for various water sports like - river rafting, canoeing, etc. The mountains provide an adventurous terrain for rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. The numerous trails here are a favourite with trekkers.

As one climbs the high hills of Brahmagiri, he gets a panoramic view of the entire landscape of Coorg. Walking a little more across a rope bridge, he is pleased to find the sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama. The largest Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe is a surprising bonus. The author calls it a bonus as it is the least expected here.

The sixty four acre island of Nisargadhama, the India’s largest Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe and the monks, in red, ochre and yellow robes are some of the many surprises that wait to be discovered at Coorg.

The climb to the Brahmagiri hills not only offers the panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg, but also it is a gateway to many hidden surprises. Besides, a walk across the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama. Then, there is the India's largest Tibbetan settlement,  Bylakuppe. Thus, it is important to climb the Brahmagiri hills while visiting Coorg.

1. Rajvir liked to read the detective stories.
2. He is going to his home in Assam.
3. It means more interested.

1. It refers to the tea-pluckers.
2. The building was called ugly because it spoilt the natural scenery.
3. The scene of a tea garden is described here.

1. Rajvir was excited to see the tea garden.
2. Pranjol didn't share Rajvir's excitement because he had seen that scene since his childhood.
3. Excitement.

1. Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk.
2. He cut off his eyelids because they made him feel sleepy while he was meditating.
3. Banished.

1. The speaker is Rajvir.
2. Tea was discovered in China.
3. Beverage means drink.

1. Pranjol's father was surprised because Rajvir knew more than he expected.
2. Rajvir had gone there to know about the tea.
3. Confessed or accepted.

Rajvir planned to visit his friend, Pranjol who lived in Assam. Pranjol had invited him to spend the summer vacations with him at his house. Moreover, Rajvir was much interested to know about the tea gardens in Assam. 

During the journey, Pranjol either read the detective stories or listened to Rajvir while Rajvir enjoyed the greenery outside and shared his knowledge about the tea with Pranjol. Pranjol had been born and brought up on a tea plantation. Hence, he didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement.

Rajvir enjoyed magnificent view with a lot of greenery on his way to Pranjol’s house. He saw soft green paddy fields and then the tea bushes. It seemed there was a sea of tea bushes against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. There were tall sturdy shade-trees. Amidst the rows of tea bushes, tea pluckers were looking like dolls. 

A tea garden is a tea plantation. It has tea bushes, arranged in orderly rows with the tall shade-trees behind them. The tea-pluckers can be seen moving busily amidst these rows. There is usually a tea factory in the middle of it where tea is processed and packed mechanically.

Rajvir had never seen a tea garden before. He was much excited about the trip to his friend's house as he wanted to enjoy the beauty of the tea gardens and know more about tea.  So, the sight of a tea garden excited him. But Pranjol had been born and brought up on tea plantation. He had seen them many-a-times. So he was not excited as his friend.

Rajvir found the tea garden very beautiful with tiny tea plants, tall trees and doll-like tea pluckers. He liked the greenery. The building appeared to be ugly to him because it was spoiling the beauty of the scenery and also it was polluting it with the smoke billowing out of the chimneys. 

It is said that tea was discovered in China. There was a Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. Once a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. When the emperor drank it, he found it had a delicious flavour. They came to be known as tea leaves. 
The Indian legend says that a Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids as he felt sleepy during the meditation. Later, ten tea plants grew up from there. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.

Rajvir shared his knowledge about the tea plantation with Mr Barua. He told him about the second-flush or sprouting period of tea i.e., from May to July that yields the best tea. His extensive knowledge about the tea plantation surprised Mr Barua because he did not expect it from someone who had come there for the first time.

There are many legends or stories about the discovery and origin of tea. According to a story, the tea was discovered in China. The Chinese Emperor used to drink boiled water. Once while boiling it, few leaves of a twig burning under the pot fell into it. The Emperor found the flavour delicious. Those were later named as tea leaves. Another legend says that an ancient Buddhist ascetic, Bodhidharma, cut off his eyelids when he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids. Thus, the tea was discovered.

Life in an Indian house starts with a refreshing cup of tea. India has now surpassed China in tea production. India is one of the largest tea producers in the world. Seventy per cent of its tea is consumed within India. Assam and Darjeeling produce world renowned tea. Tea became widely popular in India during 1950s. Tea Industry is the second largest employer in the country. It is grown in many states in India. Tea plants need shade to grow besides humid climate. Tea has a number of medical and therapeutic properties.

The elders in Goa often recall nostalically about the good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. The Portugese might have left but their art of baking is still carried as a tradition.

The baker is known as 'pader' in Goa.

The baker used to come at least twice a day. He used to come when he was on his selling round and again when he returned after selling all the items. The children ran to meet him because they longed for bread bangles which were made specially.

Anyone who wears a half pant reaching just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader. The baker is known as 'pader' in Goa. He used to wear a shirt and a half pant reaching just below the knees.

The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. He used to record his monthly accounts on some wall in pencil.

A ‘jackfruit -like appearance’ means a plump physique.

Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. Bread is essential for every celebration in a Goan house. The Portuguese ruled Goa for centuries and the art of bread making is a legacy which is granted by them. It is quintessential to have a baker's furnace in the village. 

(i)   nostalgic

(ii)  hopeful

(iii) nostalgic

(iv) funny

(v)  matter-of-fact

(vi) matter-of-fact

For self attempt

Student's activity

It might be a possibility that the people of Coorg are of Greek or Arabic descent. The theory of Greek origin is supported by the fact that the Greek culture is apparent in their various traditions. Alexander's army inhabited this place for a while and married local people.
The theory of Arab origin is supported by the fact that these people wear a long, black coat with an embroidered waist belt known as kuppia. Kuppia is similar to the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

(i) The people of Coorg are fiercely dependent people. They are always willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers.

(ii) Coffee is the main crop of Coorg.

(iii) River rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking are the major sports that Coorg offers to its tourists.

The people of Coorg are fiercely dependent people. They are always willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers.

(ii) Coffee is the main crop of Coorg.

(iii) River rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking are the major sports that Coorg offers to its tourists.

(iv) Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris and Elephants.

(v) Coorg is located at a distance of  nearly 250 kilometres from Bangalore. State buses as well as taxis can be hired from the nearby cities like Mysore, Bangalore and Mangalore.

(i)   Keep many visitors away
(ii)  As one story goes
(iii) Willing to recount numerous tales of valour
(iv) The most laidback individuals become converts
(v)  Draws support
(vi) Keep a watchful eye

(a) 'How young are you?'
(b) a pleasant pillow

(i)   culture:         unique culture, ancient culture 

(ii)  monks:         serious monks, ancient monks

(iii) surprise:       unique surprise, unforgettable

(iv) experience:    wide, sudden
 
(v)  weather:       terrible, unique

(vi) tradition:       ancient, unique

(i)   tales of  valour     

(ii)  coastal  town

(iii) a piece of  heaven

(iv) evergreen rainforests 

(v)  coffee plantations 

(vi)  rope bridge 

(vii) wild creatures
 
 You may add your own examples to this list.

(i)   downpour
(ii)  undergo
(iii) upkeep
(iv) dropout
(v)  walk-in

overthrow

breakthrough

bypass

outlook

downcast

exciting

heated

bored

delighted

amused

exhausted

thrilled

moved

(i) birds can't sit, insects can't hide, sun can't bury its feet in shadow

(ii) It means that the sun can't set settling its burning rays in the cool shadow of the forest. The poet refers to sun rays.

(i) The trees are in the veranda. The roots work to disengage themselves from the cracks. The leaves strain toward the glass and their twigs shuffle under the roof.

(ii) The poet compares their branches to newly discharged patients who are moving to the clinic doors.

(i) (a) The moon shines brightly 
     (b) The moon is broken like a mirror. It happens because the trees are going outside the poet's house into the forests. 
    
(ii) When the trees move out of the house, the glass gets broken and the smell of the leaves and lichens still reaches the rooms of the house. 

(iii) The poet has decorated her house with the trees. She doesn't want the world to know about this sudden revolution of trees.
     

(i) Absolutely, the poem presents a conflict between man and nature. The poem suggests that the plants and trees are rebelling and making their way to the place where they actually belong to. They are unwilling to be used for decorating houses. They don't want to stay imprisoned so they are  breaking out from the poet's house. Man wants to control nature. He likes to have a control over natural resources so that he can fulfill his wishes. He uses trees and plants to decorate his home. But he forgets that they are nature's gift to him. 
In the poem A Tiger in the Zoo, the poet says that animals feel bounded by cages. They want to live in open where they can be on their own. Both the poems advocate that human beings should not confine plants, trees and animals to restictive surroundings to meet his own demands. 

(ii) If the poet has used trees as metaphor for human beings, then it can be uinterpreted that human beings are also a part of the nature. They also want to be free from the mechanization of lives wish to enjoy the natural bliss.