Previous Year Questions 2025
Q1: Explain the reasons for Rajvir’s excitement on seeing the plantation and Pranjol’s lack of enthusiasm. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Rajvir was very excited to see the vast tea plantations as it was his first visit to Assam, the land of tea gardens. He was fascinated by the beautiful scenery of green bushes and hills. On the other hand, Pranjol showed no enthusiasm because he was born and brought up on a tea plantation and was familiar with it.
Q2: How does the author support the view that the people of Coorg are possibly of Arabic descent? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The author supports this view by pointing out similarities between the Coorgis’ culture and that of Arabs. Their traditional long black coat, called the kuppia, closely resembles the Arabic kuffia. Additionally, there are stories suggesting that some Arab settlers may have married locals, and traces of their customs can still be seen in Coorgi traditions, marriage rituals, and religious practices.
Q3: What according to Rajvir was the Indian legend about the origin of tea? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: According to Rajvir, the Indian legend says that Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, once cut off his eyelids to avoid sleeping during meditation. From those eyelids, ten tea plants grew, and when their leaves were boiled in hot water and drunk, they helped to banish sleep.
Q4: How does the description of the baker’s lifestyle in the past evoke a sense of nostalgia ? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The description of the baker’s lifestyle evokes nostalgia through memories of the “good old Portuguese days” — the sound of his bamboo staff, the fragrance of freshly baked loaves, and the joy of children waiting for bread-bangles. These vivid recollections remind the author of a simpler, happier childhood in Goa.
Q5: How did the baker herald his arrival every morning ? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The baker heralded his arrival every morning with the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo staff. One hand supported the basket of loaves on his head while the other banged the bamboo on the ground, announcing his presence to the villagers and delighting the waiting children.
Q6: Why is the baker very important to the village folk? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The baker is very important to the village folk because his bread is essential for every occasion. Sweet bread or bol is a must for marriages, cakes and bolinhas for Christmas and other festivals, and sandwiches for engagements. Without the baker’s products, no celebration in the village is complete.
Q7: The portrayal of the baker’s attire and role in the village emphasize the cultural and social significance of bread-making within the community. Elaborate. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The baker’s attire — the traditional kabai or knee-length frock — and his daily visits symbolize the deep-rooted Goan tradition of bread-making. His presence marked social occasions and celebrations, making him an essential part of village life. Bread was not just food but a cultural bond within the community.
Q8: Why does the author refer to Coorg as the kingdom of heaven? (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: The author refers to Coorg as the “kingdom of heaven” because of its breathtaking natural beauty — rolling hills, lush evergreen rainforests, coffee plantations, and misty landscapes. Its serene environment, rich culture, and hospitality make it appear like a heavenly place on earth.
Q9: Mention any three surprises that await visitors in Coorg. (Answer in 40-50 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Visitors to Coorg are delighted by many surprises — the panoramic view from the Brahmagiri hills, a walk across the rope bridge to the island of Nisargadhama, and meeting Buddhist monks in their red, ochre, and yellow robes at Bylakuppe, India’s largest Tibetan settlement near Coorg.
Q10: Pranjol seemed to have a different level of enthusiasm compared to Rajvir when they both saw the tree plantation. Justify. (Answer in 30-40 words) (3 Marks)
Ans: Pranjol showed little excitement because he had grown up on a tea plantation and was used to such sights. Rajvir, however, was seeing the lush green tea gardens for the first time, which filled him with wonder and enthusiasm.
Q11: Why wasn’t Pranjol as excited as Rajvir during the train journey? (Answer in about 30-40 words) (3 marks)
Ans: Pranjol wasn’t as excited as Rajvir during the train journey because he was born and brought up in Assam, surrounded by tea plantations. For him, the sight of tea gardens was common, while for Rajvir, it was a new and thrilling experience.
Previous Year Questions 2023
Q1: A Baker from Goa is a nostalgic saga of childhood memories. (2023)
Ans: In the story “A Baker from Goa,” the author takes us on a journey back to their childhood, reminiscing about the memories associated with a baker from Goa. The story evokes a sense of nostalgia as it explores the special bond between the children and the baker, and the significance of traditional Goan bread in their lives. The author’s nostalgic tone and vivid descriptions transport the readers to a bygone era, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and the jingling thud of the baker’s bamboo were an integral part of their childhood experiences.
Q2: Who are paders and why are they friends of children? (2023)
Ans: Paders are the bakers in Goa who follow the traditional methods of bread making. The term “paders” is derived from the Portuguese word “padeiro,” meaning baker. They are called paders because they wear a single-piece frock known as kibei, which is a distinctive attire of Goan bakers.
Paders are friends of children because their arrival in the neighborhood is eagerly awaited by the children. The jingling thud sound of the baker’s bamboo, announcing his presence, wakes up the children in the houses, and they rush out to meet and greet their beloved baker. The children have a special bond with the baker as he brings them freshly baked bread, including the sweet bread known as bolinhas and bangle-bread. The paders become companions and guides to the children, creating fond memories that last a lifetime.
Q3: What did Pranjol and Rajvir do during the journey? Why? (CBSE 2023)
Ans: Pranjol and Rajvir enjoyed their journey to Assam on a train. Rajvir was much excited as it was for the first time he was visiting Assam to see the tea gardens. So, he was looking at the lush greenery outside the train. However, Pranjol read stories and listened to Rajvir as Assam was his home so he had seen everything before.
Q4: Where is Coorg located? Write any two characteristics of the people of Coorg ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans: Coorg is in Karnataka. It is the smallest district of the state located midway Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. The people of Coorg are extremely brave and hospitable. They are fierce but welcoming towards the guests at the same time.
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Previous Year Questions 2021
Q5: How did the baker become synonymous with celebrations and occasions in Goa? (Glimpses of India) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: In Goa, the baker became synonymous with celebrations and occasions because bread, which was baked by the traditional bakers, became an integral part of every Goan tradition and festival. The baker’s arrival in the morning, announced by the thud and jingle of his bamboo staff, was eagerly awaited by the children who ran to meet him. The baker brought delicious bread bangles, especially for the children, which added to the festive spirit of the celebrations.
Traditional Goan Bakery
Q6: In Coorg, which is the season of joy? Why? (2021C)
Ans: The season of joy in Coorg is the period between September and March. During this time, the weather in Coorg is perfect with moderate showers, and the air is filled with the distinct aroma of coffee. The lush greenery of the evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations, combined with the pleasant weather, make this season a joyful time for visitors.
Q7: Why is Coorg called the land of the rolling hills? (Glimpses of India) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: Coorg is called the land of the rolling hills because the entire area is situated among gently sloping hills that seem to roll down in a panoramic view. The picturesque landscape of Coorg is characterized by these rolling hills, which add to its natural beauty and charm.
Q8: What attracts visitors to Coorg? (Glimpses of India) (Term II, 2021-22)
Ans: Visitors are attracted to Coorg by its scenic beauty and natural attractions. Coorg is known for its lush greenery, evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations. The region offers opportunities for outdoor adventures such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. These attractions make Coorg a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Q9: Why did Pranjol not share Rajvir’s excitement at seeing the tea gardens? (2021C)
Ans: Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement at seeing the tea gardens because he had been born and brought up on a tea plantation in Assam. For Pranjol, the sight of tea gardens was a familiar and everyday occurrence. He was used to the lush greenery and the scenic beauty of the tea gardens, as he had grown up surrounded by them. Therefore, the novelty and excitement that Rajvir felt as a visitor were not experienced by Pranjol.
Q10: How will a tourist enjoy when he climbs the Brahmagiri hills? (2021C)
Ans: When a tourist climbs the Brahmagiri hills, they can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. The hills offer a stunning vantage point from where the tourist can take in the beauty of the surrounding nature. The lush greenery, the rolling hills, and the serene atmosphere create a sense of tranquility and awe. Additionally, there is a rope bridge that leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama, which is a popular attraction in Coorg. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills provides a memorable experience for tourists, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q11: How do we know that Goa’s bakers are very prosperous? (CBSE 2019)
Ans: The author judges this by the fact that a baker, his family members and people associated with the baker looked happy and had fatty physique. Their plump bodies were an open testimony to their prosperity.
| Also read: Very Short Questions: Glimpses of India |
Previous Year Questions 2018
Q12: What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement? (2018)
Ans: Rajvir was excited to see the tea garden in Assam because it was his first visit and he had never seen vast stretches of tea bushes growing in orderly rows against the backdrop of tall shade trees. The view of the tea garden was splendid to him. On the other hand, Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement because he was born and brought up on a tea estate and was already familiar with the surroundings.
Previous Year Questions 2017
Q13: What do the elders in Goa still love to remember? (Delhi 2017)
Ans: The elders in Goa still love to remember the good old Portuguese days. They have fond memories of the authentic loaves of bread baked by traditional bakers, which were a part of Goan traditions and festivals. The time-tested furnaces used by the traditional bakers still exist and serve as a reminder of how bread was baked in the past.
Q14: What do we learn about the financial condition of the bakers of Goa? (AI2017)
Ans: The bakers of Goa had a profitable profession in the olden days. Bread was an integral part of every Goan tradition and festival, ensuring a consistent demand for it. As a result, the fire in the baker’s furnace never extinguished, and the baker and his family never had to face the situation of starvation. Instead, they appeared happy and prosperous.
Q15: When did the baker come every day? Why did the children run to meet him? (Foreign 2017)
Ans: The baker came twice a day, once in the morning and later after he had sold all the bread loaves. The children ran to meet him in the morning because they eagerly awaited his arrival. The baker brought delicious bread bangles, especially for the children, which they longed for. Sometimes, he also brought sweet bread of special make, adding to the excitement of the children.
Q16: The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure with river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in this region are a favorite with trekkers. (Delhi 2017 C)
(a) What do the laidback persons get converted to?
Ans: The laidback individuals get converted to a life of high-energy adventure, engaging in activities such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. They transition from a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle to one that is filled with thrilling and exhilarating adventures.
(b) What is liked by trekkers?
Ans: The trekkers are fond of the numerous walking trails in this region. These trails, with their scenic beauty and challenging terrains, are a favorite among trekkers. They offer opportunities for exploration, physical fitness, and the chance to connect with nature.
(c) Find the word from the extract which means ‘paths’.
Ans: The word from the extract that means ‘paths’ is “trails.”
Previous Year Questions 2016
Q17: What legends are associated with the origin of tea? (Delhi 2016)
Ans: There are two legends associated with the origin of tea. One legend tells the story of a Chinese emperor who accidentally dropped a few tea leaves into his boiling water, thus discovering its delicious taste. The other legend is from India and involves a Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidharma. According to this legend, Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids to prevent himself from falling asleep during meditation. From these eyelids, tea plants grew, and the leaves of these plants provided a remedy for sleep when put in hot water and drunk.
Q18: How can a baker be recognized? (Foreign 2016)
Ans: A baker can be recognized by certain characteristics. A traditional baker always carries a bamboo staff, which he bangs on the road, creating a thud and jingle sound. This is the way he announces his arrival. Additionally, traditional bakers in Goa wear a peculiar attire called Kabai, which is a single-piece long frock reaching down to their knees.
Previous Year Questions 2015
Q19: The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it been recognized in modern India? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: The tradition of courage and bravery among the people of Coorg has been recognized in modern India through the establishment of the Coorg Regiment, which is the most decorated regiment in the Indian Army. The people of Coorg have a long history of military service and have made significant contributions to the defense of the country.
Q20: Which season is the best to visit Coorg? (Delhi 2015)
Ans: The best season to visit Coorg is sometime between September and March. During this period, the weather in Coorg is perfect with moderate showers, and the air is filled with the distinct aroma of coffee. The pleasant weather and the scenic beauty of Coorg make it an ideal time for tourists to visit.
Q21: What proves Kodavu people’s Arab descent? (Al 2015)
Ans: The traditional attire worn by Kodavu people, called Kuppia, is similar to the attire worn by Arabs and Kurds called Kuffia. This similarity in attire suggests that the Kodavu people have Arab descent, as their traditional clothing resembles that of the Arabs.
Q22: “Do you know that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?” Rajvir said. “Whew!” exclaimed Pranjol. “Tea really is very popular.” The train pulled out of the station. Pranjol buried his nose in his detective book again. Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories, but at the moment he was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery. (Foreign 2015)
(a) How do we know that tea is very popular?
Ans: We know that tea is very popular because Rajvir mentions that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. This staggering number indicates the widespread consumption and popularity of tea as a beverage.
(b) Rajvir was a great fan of reading detective stories. Why didn’t he like to read at that moment?
Ans: At that moment, Rajvir was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery outside the train. Although he was an ardent fan of detective stories, the allure of the scenic beauty captured his attention, prompting him to enjoy the view instead of indulging in his usual reading.
(c) What is the meaning of the word ‘keener’?
Ans: The word ‘keener’ means to be more eager or enthusiastic about something.
| Also read: Very Short Questions: Glimpses of India |
Previous Year Questions 2014
Q23: Why was Rajvir excited to see the tea garden? (Delhi 2014)
Ans: Rajvir was excited to see the tea garden because it was his first visit to a tea estate. He had never seen vast stretches of tea bushes growing in orderly rows against the backdrop of tall, sturdy shade trees. The view of the tea garden fascinated him and sparked his excitement.
Q24: How does Rajvir describe the tea garden at Dhekiabari? (Al 2014)
Ans: Rajvir describes the tea garden at Dhekiabari as having acre upon acre of tea bushes stretched on both sides of the gravel road. The tea bushes are perfectly pruned to the same height, and groups of tea pluckers can be seen wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets on their backs. Rajvir visited during the second flush, also known as the sprouting period, when the tea leaves are plucked for processing.
Q25: What was the peculiar dress of the bakers during the Portuguese days? (Foreign 2014)
Ans: During the Portuguese days, the peculiar dress of the bakers in Goa was called Kabai. It was a single-piece long frock that reached down to their knees. This traditional attire was worn by the bakers while baking loaves of bread and was a distinctive feature of their profession.
Q26: Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol, just as a party or a feast loses its charm without bread. Not enough can be said to show how important a baker can be for a village. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of the 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. (Delhi 2014)
(a) Why is the baker’s furnace essential for the Goan people?
Ans: The baker’s furnace is essential for the Goan people because bread, especially the sweet bread known as bol, holds significant cultural and traditional value in Goan society. Bread is an integral part of various occasions and festivals. Without the sweet bread, known as bol, marriage gifts would be meaningless, and parties or feasts would lose their charm. Therefore, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is considered absolutely essential to ensure the availability of bread for various celebrations and gatherings.
(b) On which occasions are the cakes and bolinhas necessary?
Ans: Cakes and bolinhas are necessary for Christmas as well as other festivals in Goa. They are an essential part of the festive celebrations and are enjoyed by the people during these joyous occasions.
(c) Which word in the passage is the opposite in meaning of ‘absence’?
Ans: The word in the passage that is the opposite in meaning of ‘absence’ is ‘presence.’
Q27: He would greet the lady of the house with “Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke, and the loaves would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket, somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and the bangles for the children. (Delhi 2014)
(a) Why would the children peep into the basket?
Ans: The children would peep into the basket to catch a glimpse of the freshly baked bread and the sweet bread known as bangles. They were eager to see and savor the delicious treats that the baker had brought. Despite being pushed aside initially, the children’s curiosity and desire to enjoy the bread compelled them to find a way to peep into the basket.
(b) Why did he push aside the children?
Ans: He pushed aside the children to deliver the loaves of bread to the servant. The baker’s primary responsibility was to deliver the bread to the lady of the house, and the children’s presence could hinder the delivery process. Therefore, he gently rebuked the children and pushed them aside to ensure a smooth delivery.
(c) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘to take a quick look’?
Ans: The word in the passage that means the same as ‘to take a quick look’ is ‘peep.’=
Q28: Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners. (AI 2014)
(a) Why is the monsoon season not the best period to visit Coorg?
Ans: The monsoon season is not the best period to visit Coorg because it receives heavy rainfall during this time, which is enough to keep many visitors away. The continuous downpour can make it challenging to explore the region and enjoy outdoor activities. Therefore, it is not the ideal time for tourists to visit Coorg.
(b) What is the best period for the visitors?
Ans: The best period for visitors to Coorg is from September to March. During this time, the season of joy commences, and the weather is perfect. The days are pleasant, and the presence of occasional showers adds to the charm. It is a favorable time for tourists to explore Coorg and indulge in various activities while enjoying the invigorating aroma of coffee in the air.
(c) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘starts’?
Ans: The word in the passage that means the same as ‘starts’ is ‘commences.’
Q29: It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees, and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures. In the distance was an ugly building with smoke billowing out of tall chimneys. (Foreign 2014)
(a) Why does the author call the tea plants ‘a sea of tea bushes’?
Ans: The author calls the tea plants ‘a sea of tea bushes’ to emphasize their vastness and abundance. The tea plants cover the landscape extensively, resembling an expansive body of water, stretching as far as the eye can see. The imagery of a ‘sea’ conveys the sheer magnitude and visual impact of the tea bushes, creating a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
(b) Why has the building been described as ugly?
Ans: The building has been described as ugly because it stands in stark contrast to the natural beauty of the densely wooded hills and the sea of tea bushes. The smoke billowing out of the tall chimneys further adds to its unattractive appearance. The author’s use of the word ‘ugly’ suggests that the building disrupts the picturesque scenery and is considered unappealing in comparison to the surrounding natural elements.
(c) Which word in the passage means ‘splendid/ attractive’?
Ans: The word in the passage that means ‘splendid/ attractive’ is ‘magnificent.’
