Glimpses of India (Class 10 NCERT): MCQs, Answers & Chapter Analysis

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Explore the Class 10 NCERT chapter Glimpses of India with MCQs, answers, and analysis to master key themes and excel in English with confidence.

Comprehensive Understanding and Analysis of 'Glimpses of India' – NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 5

India is a land of vibrant contrasts, a mosaic of cultures, languages, landscapes, and livelihoods that coexist within its vast boundaries. The Class 10 NCERT English chapter, "Glimpses of India", from the First Flight textbook, captures the pulse of this diversity through three distinctive narratives, each unfolding a unique facet of the country's rich heritage. This essay explores the essence of the chapter, its regional vignettes, and offers insights into effective preparation for MCQ-based questions, while situating the stories firmly within India’s own educational and cultural context.

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Introduction: Unveiling the Heart of India

"Glimpses of India" is more than a mere reading comprehension module; it is a window into the everyday lives and remarkable identities that populate the Indian landscape. The chapter is thoughtfully divided into three parts, each penned by a different writer and set in a distinct region—Goa, Coorg, and Assam. These are:

1. "A Baker from Goa" by Lucio Rodrigues 2. "Coorg" by Lokesh Abrol 3. "Tea from Assam" by Arup Kumar Dutta

Through these texts, the curriculum aims to immerse students in the sensory experiences of India—its aromas, tastes, sounds, and sights—while honing their comprehension, analytical, and language skills through exposure to descriptive prose and lived traditions. For the student preparing for CBSE board exams or competitive tests, mastering this chapter not only promises success in English but also offers a deeper appreciation of Indian heritage and unity in diversity.

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Part 1 – ‘A Baker from Goa’: Celebration of a Timeless Craft

A Slice of Goan Heritage

Set in the sun-dappled lanes of old Goa, Lucio Rodrigues’s "A Baker from Goa" narrates the life of the local baker, known familiarly as the "Pader". Rodrigues paints an affectionate picture of a world where the rhythm of life is marked by the baker’s morning rounds. The profession, inherited from the days of Portuguese rule, is depicted with nostalgia and respect, as the baker—dressed in the traditional kabai—delivers moist loaves of "pao" and "bol" to eagerly awaiting customers, young and old alike.

Themes: Tradition, Community, and Continuity

One of the central themes of this section is the endurance of tradition. Despite being confronted by changing times and culinary preferences, the practice of bread-baking has remained a cherished custom, often passed down through generations. The children’s delight at the baker’s visits, and the integral role of bread in Goan festivals and ceremonies (such as weddings and Christmas), underscore the bond between the baker and the community. The narrative thus brings out the gentle importance of seemingly simple professions in shaping the identity and communal harmony of a region.

Character Analysis

Lucio Rodrigues’s writing style is that of a keen observer, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time and ethos in which the baker was a beloved figure. The baker himself emerges as a symbol of dedication, starting his day long before sunrise, his hard work rewarded by affection and trust. He is not just a purveyor of food, but a guardian of custom and joy, whose very appearance stirs happiness.

Cultural Context

Goan baking, with terms like ‘Pader’ and ‘Kabai’, reflects the confluence of Indian and Portuguese cultures. This culinary legacy, evident in the daily lives of Goans, is one of many examples across the country where colonial influences have merged with local practices to create something uniquely Indian.

MCQ and Exam Focus

MCQs from this piece often test vocabulary (meanings of ‘Pader’, ‘Kabai’), details about the baker’s routine, and the role of bread in Goan society. Students should be able to explain the significance of the baker and identify Rodrigues's tone of fond reminiscence.

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Part 2 – ‘Coorg’: Nature’s Abode and the Warrior Spirit

Land of Rolling Hills and Coffee

Lokesh Abrol’s sketch of Coorg transports us to the lush highlands of Karnataka, nestled between Mysore and Mangalore. Rich with coffee plantations, mist-shrouded forests, and swift rivers, Coorg is portrayed as a ‘piece of heaven’ that exudes tranquillity and grandeur. Abrol’s vivid descriptions enable the reader to virtually wander through coffee estates, dip toes in cool streams, and stand in awe of the grandeur of nature.

Ecotourism and Cultural Distinction

The narrative does more than describe scenery; it introduces readers to adventure sports like river rafting and canoeing, which have transformed Coorg into a tourist hotspot. Yet, the focus remains on the unique Kodava culture—renowned for its martial traditions. Every aspect, from the traditional dress to the reverence for hospitality and courage, spotlights a community deeply linked to its environment and history. Notably, Coorg has produced many prominent soldiers, including the legendary General Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

Symbolism and Deeper Meanings

The forests, rivers, and hills are not mere background—they symbolize the harmony between nature and the people of Coorg. The narrative gently propounds themes of sustainable living and respect for the environment, resonating with lessons taught in Indian schools about conservation.

MCQ Focus

Questions typically focus on Coorg's geography (its location, names of hills or rivers), details about local customs, adventure tourism, and significant personalities. Students should be comfortable explaining terms and drawing links between Coorg’s physical and cultural landscape.

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Part 3 – ‘Tea from Assam’: Leaves that Bind the Nation

Origins and Economic Significance

The story "Tea from Assam", by Arup Kumar Dutta, brings alive the scenic expanse of Assam’s tea gardens, tracing their journey from colonial beginnings to becoming a vital engine of India’s economy. Assam’s foggy mornings, the disciplined rows of tea bushes, and the workers’ dexterous hands contribute to making India one of the largest tea producers in the world.

The Craft of Tea-Making

The narrative takes the reader through the meticulous process of tea cultivation—planting, plucking, withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying. It also highlights the role of tea planters and workers, whose efforts are often obscured by the glamour of the beverage.

Socio-cultural Reflections

Tea is not just a crop—it is intertwined with every Assamese’s identity and daily life, symbolised by ‘chai’ transcending class and region in India. The tea industry provides livelihoods but also brings to light the struggles of plantation workers, a topic that often sparks debate in social science classes.

Ecological Awareness

Assam’s undulating terrain and suitable climate offer perfect conditions for tea, yet the narrative subtly acknowledges the impact large-scale plantations have on local ecology—a concern familiar in Indian environmental discussions, such as in projects based on river valley issues.

MCQ Angles

MCQs typically probe facts about tea origins, steps in processing, famous estates, and social impacts. Questions may also touch upon succinct facts (such as Assam’s position as the largest tea-producing state) and terms related to the tea industry.

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Comparative Insights: India’s Many Faces

Uniting Diversity

Though Goa, Coorg, and Assam differ in language, habitat, and history, the three parts of "Glimpses of India" underline a common thread—regional pride and the harmony of tradition with changing times. Whether it is the baker’s generations-old business, the Kodava warrior-cum-farmer, or the tea pluckers’ early morning labour, all are bridges between India’s varied past and dynamic present.

Distinct Identities

Goa’s narrative is shaped by the aroma of bread and echoes of Portuguese culture; Coorg’s is marked by coffee, forests, and military legends; Assam’s by the rhythm of tea gardens and workers’ songs. Each region is distinct, yet every narrative celebrates the ordinary Indian’s extraordinary resilience and adaptability.

Learning Outcomes

For students, engaging with ‘Glimpses of India’ develops not just reading skills but a nuanced understanding of what it means to be Indian. It fosters empathy, curiosity, and a respect for different ways of living, reinforcing values present in the Indian educational system.

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Strategies for Effective Preparation

Active Reading

Underlining phrases, jotting down region-specific terms, and summarising paragraphs help in remembering key points.

Vocabulary Mastery

Learning meanings and origins of terms like ‘Pader’, ‘Kabai’, or ‘canoeing’ empowers students to answer MCQs with confidence.

Practicing MCQs

Attempting NCERT and other sample papers, focusing on why each answer fits, is crucial. Discussing options in group study can reveal new perspectives.

Thematic Mapping

Creating visual charts linking geography, culture, and economy helps during revision and in essay-type answers.

Connecting Subjects

Relating this chapter to Indian geography, history, and social science enriches understanding and strengthens inter-disciplinary learning.

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Conclusion: Reflections and Future Curiosity

"Glimpses of India" is a celebration of the country’s infinite variety—a quality that textbooks alone cannot exhaust. By journeying through Goa’s scented bylanes, Coorg’s verdant estates, and Assam’s sprawling gardens, students witness the heart of India in its simplest joys and hardest labours. The chapter is a reminder that the spirit of the nation lives not only in its grand monuments or history books but also in its everyday stories.

As students master their MCQs and prepare for exams, they are also encouraged to look beyond textbooks—perhaps visiting a local bakery, researching a region’s heritage, or reading more by the featured authors. ‘Glimpses of India’ thus becomes both a lesson in English and an invitation to truly experience the country's spectacular diversity.

Sample questions

The answers have been prepared by our teacher

What are the key themes in Glimpses of India Class 10 NCERT?

The key themes are Indian diversity, tradition, community, and cultural heritage, as seen through regional stories from Goa, Coorg, and Assam.

Who wrote the parts of Glimpses of India in Class 10 NCERT?

Lucio Rodrigues wrote 'A Baker from Goa', Lokesh Abrol wrote 'Coorg', and Arup Kumar Dutta wrote 'Tea from Assam'.

What is the cultural significance of a baker in Glimpses of India Class 10?

The baker in Goa symbolizes tradition, community bonding, and the blending of Indian and Portuguese cultures through daily bread baking.

How can I prepare for MCQs on Glimpses of India Class 10 NCERT?

Focus on vocabulary, details of regional practices, character roles, and the significance of traditions described in each narrative.

What regions of India are featured in Glimpses of India Class 10 NCERT?

The chapter features Goa, Coorg (Karnataka), and Assam, each highlighting a unique aspect of India's cultural and natural diversity.

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