I. A Baker from Goa
Summary in English:
“A Baker from Goa” is a nostalgic account of a traditional Goan village baker during the author’s childhood. The Portuguese influence is evident in Goa’s bread-making tradition. The baker, or ‘pader,’ was a significant figure, acting as a friend and guide to the children, arriving twice a day with his musical bamboo staff. The author fondly remembers the sweet bread-bangles children would eagerly await. Bread, like ‘bol’ and ‘bolinhas,’ was essential for various Goan celebrations, from marriages to Christmas. The bakers wore a unique long frock called ‘kabai.’ This profession was profitable, and bakers were generally healthy and prosperous, a fact highlighted by their “jackfruit-like appearance.” The author emphasizes that despite the passage of time, the tradition of baking continues, and the age-old furnaces still operate.
Hindi Translation of Summary:
“गोवा का एक बेकर” लेखक के बचपन के दौरान गोवा के एक पारंपरिक गाँव के बेकर का एक यादगार वर्णन है। गोवा की रोटी बनाने की परंपरा में पुर्तगाली प्रभाव स्पष्ट है। बेकर, या ‘पाडर’, एक महत्वपूर्ण व्यक्ति था, जो बच्चों के लिए एक दोस्त और मार्गदर्शक के रूप में काम करता था, दिन में दो बार अपने संगीतमय बांस के डंडे के साथ आता था। लेखक बच्चों को बेसब्री से इंतजार करने वाले मीठे ब्रेड-बैंगल्स को प्यार से याद करता है। ‘बोल’ और ‘बोलिनहास’ जैसी रोटियाँ गोवा के विभिन्न समारोहों, शादियों से लेकर क्रिसमस तक के लिए आवश्यक थीं। बेकर ‘कबाई’ नामक एक लंबी फ्रॉक पहनते थे। यह पेशा लाभदायक था, और बेकर आमतौर पर स्वस्थ और समृद्ध होते थे, जिसकी पुष्टि उनकी “कटहल जैसी उपस्थिति” से होती है। लेखक इस बात पर जोर देता है कि समय बीतने के बावजूद, बेकिंग की परंपरा जारी है, और सदियों पुरानी भट्टियां अभी भी काम कर रही हैं।
Important Short Questions & Answers:
1. Who is a ‘pader’ in Goa?
* Answer: A ‘pader’ is the traditional baker in Goan villages, known for making and selling bread.
2. Why was the baker an important figure for children?
* Answer: The baker was important because he was a friend and guide, and children eagerly waited for his bread-bangles.
3. What does ‘kabai’ refer to?
* Answer: ‘Kabai’ is the peculiar single-piece long frock that Goan bakers used to wear in Portuguese days.
4. How did the bakers keep their monthly accounts?
* Answer: Bakers usually recorded their monthly accounts on some wall in pencil.
5. What does the author mean by “jackfruit-like appearance”?
* Answer: It refers to the plump and healthy physique of the bakers, indicating their prosperity.
Important Long Questions & Answers:
1. Describe the significance of the baker in Goan society, as depicted in “A Baker from Goa.”
* Answer: The baker held a very significant place in Goan society, far beyond just being a bread-seller. They were seen as friends, companions, and even guides, especially by children. Their musical arrival with the bamboo staff woke up the village, and their bread was an integral part of daily life and special occasions. Without specific breads like ‘bol’ for marriages or ‘bolinhas’ for festivals, celebrations felt incomplete. The baker’s profession was profitable, ensuring their families were well-fed and prosperous, symbolized by their “jackfruit-like appearance.” Even today, the author notes, the traditional furnaces and the art of bread-making continue, showing the lasting cultural importance of the pader in Goa.
2. How does the author highlight the Portuguese influence on Goan culture through the chapter “A Baker from Goa”?
* Answer: The author strongly emphasizes the enduring Portuguese influence on Goan culture, particularly through its bread-making traditions. He begins by mentioning elders “reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days” and their “famous loaves of bread.” While the Portuguese might have left, their culinary legacy, especially bread, remains. The continued existence of age-old, time-tested furnaces and the bakers (paders) themselves are direct links to that era. The specific names of breads like ‘bol’ and ‘bolinhas,’ essential for Goan ceremonies and festivals, further underline this influence. Even the baker’s traditional dress, the ‘kabai,’ is described as a unique garment from Portuguese times. The entire narrative suggests that bread and its makers are living symbols of Goa’s rich Portuguese heritage.
Let’s move on to the next story, “Coorg.”
II. Coorg
Summary in English:
“Coorg,” or Kodagu, is a beautiful, misty district in Karnataka, famous for its evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations. It’s often described as a “piece of heaven.” The region is home to fiercely independent people, the Kodavus, believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent, known for their martial traditions and hospitality. They are the only people in India allowed to carry firearms without a license. The river Kaveri originates here, supporting abundant freshwater life. Coorg offers numerous adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, and rock climbing, along with extensive trekking trails. The Brahmagiri hills provide panoramic views, and nearby Nisargadhama and Bylakuppe (a Tibetan settlement) add to its allure. The best time to visit is from September to March, when the weather is ideal.
Hindi Translation of Summary:
“कूर्ग”, या कोडगु, कर्नाटक का एक सुंदर, धुंध भरा जिला है, जो अपने सदाबहार वर्षावनों, मसालों और कॉफी बागानों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इसे अक्सर “स्वर्ग का एक टुकड़ा” कहा जाता है। यह क्षेत्र अत्यंत स्वतंत्र लोगों, कोडवों का घर है, जिनके बारे में माना जाता है कि वे ग्रीक या अरबी मूल के हैं, जो अपनी मार्शल परंपराओं और आतिथ्य के लिए जाने जाते हैं। वे भारत में बिना लाइसेंस के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति वाले एकमात्र लोग हैं। कावेरी नदी यहीं से निकलती है, जो प्रचुर मीठे पानी के जीवन का समर्थन करती है। कूर्ग नदी राफ्टिंग, कैनोइंग, रैपलिंग और रॉक क्लाइम्बिंग जैसे कई साहसिक खेल प्रदान करता है, साथ ही व्यापक ट्रेकिंग ट्रेल्स भी प्रदान करता है। ब्रह्मगिरी पहाड़ियां मनोरम दृश्य प्रस्तुत करती हैं, और पास के निसर्गधाम और बाइलाकुप्पे (एक तिब्बती बस्ती) इसके आकर्षण को बढ़ाते हैं। यात्रा के लिए सबसे अच्छा समय सितंबर से मार्च तक है, जब मौसम आदर्श होता है।
Important Short Questions & Answers:
1. Where is Coorg located?
* Answer: Coorg, or Kodagu, is the smallest district of Karnataka, located midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
2. What are Coorg famous for?
* Answer: Coorg is famous for its evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations.
3. What is the story about the Coorgi people’s descent?
* Answer: One story says they are of Greek descent, part of Alexander’s army that settled there. Another theory suggests Arab origin due to their ‘kuppia’ dress.
4. What is ‘kuppia’?
* Answer: ‘Kuppia’ is the long, black, embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus, resembling the ‘kuffia’ worn by Arabs and Kurds.
5. Name some adventure sports offered in Coorg.
* Answer: Coorg offers river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Important Long Questions & Answers:
1. Describe the natural beauty and environment of Coorg.
* Answer: Coorg is a place of breathtaking natural beauty, often called a “piece of heaven.” It’s characterized by rolling hills, evergreen rainforests that cover a significant portion of the district, and fragrant coffee plantations. During the monsoon, it rains heavily, but the season of joy from September to March offers perfect weather with invigorating coffee-scented air. Colonial bungalows are tucked under tree canopies, blending with the lush landscape. The river Kaveri flows from its hills, teeming with freshwater fish like mahaseer, and its clear waters are enjoyed by kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, and elephants. The mist-covered Brahmagiri hills offer panoramic views, and numerous walking trails invite trekkers to explore its diverse flora and fauna.
2. What unique characteristics define the people of Coorg, the Kodavus?
* Answer: The Kodavus are a proud and fiercely independent race with distinct characteristics. They are believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent, which sets them apart from the Hindu mainstream. They have a strong tradition of martial valor and hospitality, always ready to recount tales of bravery. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and Kodavus are unique in India for being permitted to carry firearms without a license. Their traditional dress, the ‘kuppia,’ further signifies their unique cultural identity. Despite their martial prowess, they are also capable of high-energy adventure, enjoying sports like river rafting and rock climbing.
Finally, let’s look at “Tea from Assam.”
III. Tea from Assam
Summary in English:
“Tea from Assam” describes Rajvir’s visit to Assam, the world’s largest tea-growing region, with his classmate Pranjol, whose father manages a tea garden. Rajvir is amazed by the vast expanse of green tea bushes stretching as far as the eye can see. The narrative delves into the history and legends of tea. One Chinese legend tells of tea leaves accidentally falling into an emperor’s boiling water, creating a delicious flavor. An Indian legend attributes tea’s discovery to Buddhist ascetic Bodhidharma, whose eyelids, when cut off, grew into tea plants that banished sleep. Rajvir notes that tea was first drunk in China around 2700 B.C. and arrived in Europe as medicine. The chapter concludes with Rajvir’s excitement to learn more about tea while observing tea-pluckers in the Dhekiabari Tea Estate.
Hindi Translation of Summary:
“असम से चाय” में राजवीर के असम दौरे का वर्णन है, जो दुनिया का सबसे बड़ा चाय उत्पादक क्षेत्र है, अपने सहपाठी प्रांजल के साथ, जिसके पिता एक चाय बागान का प्रबंधन करते हैं। राजवीर हरे-भरे चाय के बागानों के विशाल विस्तार को देखकर चकित रह जाता है, जो दूर-दूर तक फैले हुए हैं। यह कहानी चाय के इतिहास और किंवदंतियों में गहराई से जाती है। एक चीनी किंवदंती बताती है कि चाय की पत्तियां गलती से एक सम्राट के उबलते पानी में गिर गईं, जिससे एक स्वादिष्ट स्वाद बना। एक भारतीय किंवदंती चाय की खोज का श्रेय बौद्ध तपस्वी बोधिधर्म को देती है, जिनकी पलकें, जब काट दी गईं, तो चाय के पौधे बन गईं जिनसे नींद भाग जाती थी। राजवीर बताते हैं कि चाय सबसे पहले चीन में लगभग 2700 ईसा पूर्व में पी गई थी और यूरोप में दवा के रूप में पहुंची थी। अध्याय का समापन राजवीर की चाय के बारे में और जानने की उत्सुकता के साथ होता है, जबकि वह ढेकियाबाड़ी चाय बागान में चाय तोड़ने वालों को देखता है।
Important Short Questions & Answers:
1. Who are Pranjol and Rajvir?
* Answer: Pranjol is a youngster from Assam, and Rajvir is his classmate from Delhi.
2. What is Assam famous for, according to the chapter?
* Answer: Assam is famous for having the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world.
3. What is the Chinese legend about the discovery of tea?
* Answer: The Chinese legend says that an emperor always boiled water, and one day, a few leaves from burning twigs fell into the water, giving it a delicious flavor. These were tea leaves.
4. What is the Indian legend about tea?
* Answer: The Indian legend says that Buddhist ascetic Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids to avoid sleep during meditations, and ten tea plants grew out of them. The leaves from these plants banished sleep when put in hot water.
5. When and where was tea first drunk?
* Answer: Tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C.
Important Long Questions & Answers:
1. Describe the scenic beauty of the Dhekiabari Tea Estate that Rajvir observes.
* Answer: As Rajvir and Pranjol drove into the Dhekiabari Tea Estate, Rajvir was mesmerized by the magnificent view. On both sides of the gravel road, there were acres upon acres of neatly pruned tea bushes, all of the same height, stretching as far as the eye could see. This vast “sea of tea bushes” was set against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. Tall, sturdy shade-trees dwarfed the tiny tea plants, providing a canopy. Amidst the orderly rows of bushes, he saw doll-like figures – tea-pluckers wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets on their backs, busy plucking the newly sprouted leaves. The overall impression was one of immense, ordered greenery and industrious activity, a sight Rajvir had never experienced before.
2. Discuss the historical and legendary origins of tea as presented in the chapter “Tea from Assam.”
* Answer: The chapter presents both legendary and historical accounts of tea’s origins. Rajvir shares two main legends. The Chinese legend speaks of an emperor who always boiled water. One day, while he was boiling water, a few leaves from burning twigs accidentally fell into the pot, giving the water a delicious flavor. These were later identified as tea leaves. The Indian legend tells of Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, who cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids, and the leaves from these plants, when put in hot water and drunk, were said to banish sleep. Historically, Rajvir informs us that tea was first drunk in China around 2700 B.C., and words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are derived from Chinese. Tea only came to Europe in the sixteenth century, primarily as a medicine rather than a beverage.