GLIMPSES OF INDIA
1. Where is Coorg?
Ans- Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
2. . What is the story about the Kodagu people’s descent?
Ans - A part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became
impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial
traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. Their culture
remains alive even to this day.
3. What are some of the things you know about?
1) the people of Coorg?
Ans- The people of Coorg are very fine in martial arts, their hospitality is very unique and refined. There
are some different views about their origin, though mostly it is said that they are of Greek or Arabic
descent.
2) the main crop of Coorg?
Ans: The main crop of Croog is coffee.
3) the sports it offers to tourists?
Ans: Coorg offers many adventurous sports like rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and
mountain biking etc. to tourists.
4) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg?
Ans: The animals you are likely to see in Coorg are: Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris
and wild elephants.
5) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?
Ans: Coorg is 260 km away from Bangalore. One can go there by air, by rail or by road.
Additional Questions & Answers
1. What are the animals that a visitor is likely to see in Coorg?
Ans:- The animals likely to be seen in Coorg are, Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris and
wild elephants.
2. How is the water of the Kaveri rivers? Where does the river obtain its water from?
Ans:- The water of Kaveri river is Freshwater where fish like Mahaseer abound. The river obtains its
water from the hills of Coorg.
3. What does the season of joy commence in Coorg? What time does it continue?
Ans:- The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect,
with some showers thrown in for good measure.
4. Mention the story that supports the view that the people of Coorg are of Greek origin?
Ans:- A part of Alexander’s army moved South along the coast and settled there only when they were
unable to return to their country. Their culture is evident in the marital traditions, married and religious
rites which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. This is the story that supports the view that the
people of Coorg are of Greek origin.
5. What does the writer say about the Coorg regiment?
Ans:- The writer says that the Coorgi people are brave. Their tales of bravery are famous. The Coorg
regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General
Cariappa, was a Coorgi.
6. What is Kuffia? Who wears it?
Ans:- Kuffia is a traditional dress worn by the Arabs and the Kurdus. It resembles the Kuppia worn by the
Kodavus.
Tea from Assam
1.Who is the writer of tea from Assam? Who is Mr. Barua mentioned in the lessons?
Ans:- Arup Kumar Dutta is the writer of tea from Assam.Mr. Barua was a tea garden manager and the
father of Pranjal.
2. Give a description of Dhekiabari Tea Estate as seen by Rajvir?
Ans- Rajvir along with Pranjol and his family travelled from mariani junction to Dhekiabari Tea Estate in
Mr. Barua’s car. The car veered sharply off the main road. They crossed a cattle bridge and entered
Dhekiabari Tea Estate. On both sides of the gravel- road were acre upon acre of tea bushes, all neatly
pruned to the same height. Groups of tea – pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their back, wearing plastic
aprons were plucking the newly sprouted tea leaves. Mr. Barua slowed down the car to allow a tractor,
pulling a trailer load of leaves, to pass.
3.Why did Rajvir prefer to look out of the train window instead of reading?
Ans:- Rajvir came to Assam with his friend Pranjol, It was his first visit to Assam.He looked out of the
train because, the outside view was so mesmerising the entire landscape was filled with green tea
gardens. Soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. Therefore, Rajvir preferred to look out of the
train instead of reading.
4. “Chai- Garam …….. garam – chai”.
(i) Where are these words usually heard?
Ans:- These words are usually heard in railway stations.
(ii) Who was the listener of these words here?
Ans:- Here, Pranjol was the listener of those words although most of the passengers of the
compartment heard those words.
(iii) What did the listener say to the speaker of these words?
Ans:- The listener said to the speaker “Give us two cups’.
5. Where was tea first drunk? What is the Indian legend about tea?
Ans:- Tea was first drunk in china. According to the Indian legend, Bodhidharma, a Buddhist ascetic, cut
off his eyelids because he fell asleep during meditations. Ten plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves
of these plants are put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.
