Prasanna – Page 65 – HBSE Solutions

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon

July 6, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon

HBSE 10th Class English The Tale of Custard the Dragon Textbook Questions and Answers

Thinking about the Poem

1. Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.
Answer:
The characters in this poem are Belinda, a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, a little yellow dog, a little pet dragon and a pirate.
im

2. Why did Custard cry for a nice, safe cage? Why is the dragon called a “cowardly dragon”?
Answer:
Custard cried for a nice, safe cage because it was a coward. It is called a ‘cowardly dragon’ because everybody else in the house was brave. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears. Ink and Blink are described as so brave that they could chase lions down the stairs and Mustard was as brave as a tiger in rage. Compared to them, Custard is a coward because it cried asking for a nice and safe cage.

3. “Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful…” Why?
Answer:
Belinda tickled the dragon unmercifully because it was very scared and cried for a safe cage. They all laughed at it as it was a coward.

4. The poet has employed many poetic devices in the poem. For example: “Clashed his tail like iron in a dungeon” – the poetic device here is a simile. Can you, with your partner, list some more such poetic devices used in the poem?
Answer:
In the entire poem, the poet has made extensive use of similes. Apart from simile, another poetic device that has been used is repetition. For example, the repetitive use of the word Tittle’ in the first stanza to emphasise how everything from the house to Belinda to her pets were all little. Also, in the seventh stanza, the poet has made use of incorrect spelling as a poetic device to maintain the rhyme scheme of the poem. He has chosen to write ‘winda’ instead of‘window’ as ‘winda’ rhymes with ‘Belinda’, whereas ‘window’ does not. He has also used alliteration in the poem. For example, in the tenth stanza, ‘Custard’ has ‘clashed’ his tail with a ‘clatter’ and a ‘clank’. Similarly, in stanza eleven, the pirate ‘gaped’ at the dragon and ‘gulped’ some ‘grog’.

5. Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of the dragon.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

6. Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem?
Answer:
The rhyme scheme of each stanza of this poem is aabb.

7. Writers use words to give us a picture or image without actually saying what they mean. Can you trace some images used in the poem?
Answer:
Some such images used in the poem are ‘mouth like a fireplace’, ‘chimney for a nose’, ‘brave as a barrel full of bears’, ‘brave as a tiger in a rage’, ‘went at the pirate like a robin at a worm’, etc.

8. Do you find The Tale of Custard the Dragon to be a serious or a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer:
The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a light-hearted poem. It is almost a parody. The names of the pets of Belinda are all rhyming and funny. Belinda has been compared to a barrel full of bears. The kitten and mouse, both little, could chase lions down the stairs. The little yellow dog was as brave as a tiger, while the dragon was a coward and they all teased him. However, when the pirate came to their little house, all of them were engulfed in fear and had hid themselves. Ironically, the ‘cowardly’ dragon came to their rescue and jumped snorting like an engine. It clashed its tail and charged at the pirate like a robin at a worm and ate him up. Even as everybody became happy to see the bravery of the dragon, they again came back to glorify themselves that they could have been twice or thrice braver than the dragon. Finally, at the end of the poem, the situation again came back to the other pets being brave and the dragon being the coward.

9. This poem, in ballad form, tells a story. Have you come across any such modern song or lyric that tells a story? If you know one, tell it to the class. Collect such songs as a project.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

HBSE 10th Class English The Tale of Custard the Dragon Important Questions and Answers

I. Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
In which way did everyone react after Custard ate the pirate?
Answer:
Custard the dragon had killed the pirate. So, Belinda hugged him. Mustard licked him. This way they showed their affection. Ink and Blink danced merrily around Custard in happiness.

Question 2.
How was the appearance of the pirate? Discuss.
Ansswer:
The pirate was very horrifying. He carried pistols in both his hands. He stuck a dagger in his teeth. The pirate had black beard and one of his legs was of wood. All these things show that his appearance was dreadful.

Question 3.
Why was Custard the dragon called ‘percival’?
Ansswer:
Belinda considered Custard the dragon a coward. She always made mockery of the dragon. All the pets including Ink, Blink and Mustard also made sarcastic remarks on the timidity of Custard and lack of courage. That is why Custard the dragon was called ‘percival’.

Question 4.
Describe the appearance of the dragon.
Ansswer:
Custard, the dragon had a formidable appearance, with sharp teeth, toes like daggers, spikes on back and scales on the belly. Its mouth was a fireplace and the nose was always fuming like a chimney. However, in sharp contrast to the appearance its temperament was extremely timid.

II. Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
What message does the poet convey to the readers through this poem?
Ansswer:
The poet gives a very clear message to the readers. One should be energetic and physically fit. But it does not mean that outward appearances and physical strength make a person brave. One must be strong from within. One must have the strength of mind and self-confidence.
Although Custard the dragon had lot of physical strength even then he was bullied. He was retorted for his timidity and cowardly behaviour.

Question 2.
Do you find ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ to be a serious or a light-hearted comedy? Give reasons to support your answer.
Ansswer:
‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a humorous, light-hearted poem as the characters display behavioural attributes contrary to their appearance as well as nature. It is extremely funny to imagine a fierce looking dragon crying for a safe cage or mouse raging like a lion.

Question 3.
Is there any hidden message that the poet is wishing to convey or do you think that entertainment is the sole purpose of writing this poem?
Ansswer:
The interpretation of the message in the poem may vary for different readers. The situation narrated, underscores a basic truth that the real test of courage is seen during a crisis. The dragon though never put his strength on display, exhibited it in action when it was required to do so.

Question 4.
What do you think changed the attitude of the other animals and that of Belinda towards the dragon?
Ansswer:
Custard, the dragon initially commanded no amount of respect from Belinda and the other pets, on account of its cowardice; but when the house was attacked by an armed pirate, all others panicked and ran for shelter. Only the dragon savagely attacked the pirate and ate it up. Thus, the other animals realised his worth and came to respect him genuinely.

III. Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words & 5 marks each)

Question 1.
Why was Custard the dragon called ‘cowardly’? But he proved everyone wrong. How?
Answer:
Custard the dragon was physically strong. But each moment he cried for a nice safe case. It was his aspiration that the little house in which he lived with Belinda was not safe. He appeared to be a coward as he always cried for a safe cage. When the pirate entered the house of Belinda, everyone was terrified. The face of Belinda had become pale due to fear. Custard faced the pirate boldly and hit him hard. It led to the death of the pirate. Through these activities, we can say that he proved everyone wrong.

Question 2.
‘Bravery is spontaneous’. Explain it with reference to the poem.
Answer:
Custard was truly brave and did not boast like Belinda and her other pets. Custard had the courage to face real danger, whereas everyone only boasted of their bravery. Custard faced the pirate and killed him, and he proved it by not running away. Bravery and courage are the qualities, which are exhibited when someone actually faces a dangerous situation. Thus these qualities are spontaneous.

Question 3.
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cring keeps for a nice safe cage.
Discuss the humorous elements in the given passage.
Answer:
The extract from “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is humorous in vein. The poet gives a vivid description of Belinda and her pets. Belinda was very brave. She was as brave as a barrel full of bears. Ink and Blink also chased the lions down the stairs and showed their strength. Mustard showed his bravery like a tiger in anger. But Custard demanded for a nice safe cage to hide himself. This way Belinda and her pets like Mustard, Ink, Blink, etc., have been shown as courageous. The poet has presented all these things in a humorous vein. He also says that one must be strong from within so that one can have the strength of mind and self-confidence.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. Belinda lived in a little white house,
With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse,
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.

Paraphrase: Belinda lived in a little white house with her pets. A little black kitten, a grey mouse, a yellow dog, a red wagon, little pet dragon etc. were her pets.

Choose the correct option:

(a) For whom are the words ‘realio’ and ‘trulio’ used?
(i) Belinda
(ii) Dragon
(iii) Cat
(iv) Mouse
Answer:
(ii) Dragon

(b) With whom did Belinda live?
(i) A little brown kitten and a little white mouse
(ii) A little black kitten and a little grey mouse
(iii) A little white kitten and a little brown mouse
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) A little black kitten and a little grey mouse

(c) Belinda lived in a little ___________—-.
(i) black house
(ii) brown house
(iii) red house
(iv) white house
Answer:
(iv) white house

(d) What was the colour of wagon?
(i) Green
(ii) Red
(iii) White
(iv) Blue
Answer:
(ii) Red

(e) Who were the pets of Belinda?
(i) Kitten
(ii) Mouse
(iii) Dog
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(iv) All of these

2. Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,
And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,
And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.

Paraphrase: The name of the little black kitten was Ink, little grey mouse was Blink, little yellow dog was Mustard and the name of the dragon was Custard, who was a coward.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who was a coward?
(i) Ink
(ii) Belinda
(iii) Blink
(iv) Dragon
Answer:
(iv) Dragon

(b) What were the colours of dog and mouse respectively?
(i) Red and green
(ii) White and black
(iii) Yellow and grey
(iv) Yellow and brown
Answer:
(iii) Yellow and grey

(d) What did Belinda call the dragon?
(i) Blink
(ii) Mustard
(iii) Custard
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Custard

(e) Who was Blink?
(i) A cat
(ii) A mouse
(iii) A dog
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) A mouse

3. Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,
And spikes on top of him and scales underneath,
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,
And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.

Paraphrase: Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth. There were sharp spikes on top of him and scales were below him. The mouth of the dragon looked like a fireplace and nose like a chimney. There were daggers on his toes.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What was like a fireplace?
(i) Custard’s toes
(ii) Custard’s mouth
(iii) Blink’s mouth
(iv) Ink’s nose
Answer:
(ii) Custard’s mouth

(b) Which of the following is not a characteristic of Custard?
(i) Scales
(ii) Spikes
(iii) Sharp teeth
(iv) Fair skin
Answer:
(iv) Fair skin

(d) How did the nose of dragon look like?
(i) Tree
(ii) River
(iii) Chimney
(iv) Mountain
Answer:
(iii) Chimney

(e) Who had sharp spikes on top of him?
(i) Ink
(ii) Custard
(iii) Blink
(iv) Mustard
Answer:
(iv) Mustard

4. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.

Paraphrase: Belinda was very brave like a barrel full of bears. Ink and Blink were so brave that they could chase lions down the stairs. Mustard was brave like a tiger in anger but Custard always wanted a cage to hide.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who chased the lions down the stairs?
(i) Ink, Blink
(ii) Blink, Belinda
(iii) Belinda, Custard
(iv) Custard, Ink
Answer:
(i) Ink, Blink

(b) How brave was Mustard?
(i) As a cat
(ii) As a dog
(iii) As a tiger
(iv) As a mouse
Answer:
(iii) As a tiger

(c) Belinda was as brave as a barrel .
(i) full ofjuice
(ii) full of bears
(iii) both (i) and (ii)
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) full of bears

(d) The bravery of Mustard has been compared with whom?
(i) Roar of lion
(ii) Chirping of birds
(iii) Anger of tiger
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Anger of tiger

(e) Who wanted a cage to hide?
(i) Custard
(ii) Mustard
(iii) Dragon
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) Custard

5. Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,
Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival,
They all sat laughing in the little red wagon
At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.

Paraphrase: Belinda tickled the dragon and she tickled him in an unmerciful way. Ink, Blink and Mustard called the dragon, ‘Percival’. They all sat together laughing in the little red wagon.

Choose the correct option:

(a) By what name was Custard rudely called?
(i) Ink
(ii) Percival
(iii) Mustard
(iv) Trulio
Answer:
(ii) Percival

(b) Who is tickling whom?
(i) Belinda is tickling Ink.
(ii) Blink is tickling Ink.
(iii) Belinda is tickling Custard.
(iv) Ink is tickling Custard.
Answer:
(iii) Belinda is tickling Custard.

(c) Ink, Blink and Custard sat laughing in the .
(i) white car
(ii) red wagon
(iii) blue boat
(iv) all of these
Answer:
(ii) red wagon

(d) How did Belinda tickle the dragon?
(i) Merciful way
(ii) Unmerciful way
(iii) Embarrassing way
(iv) Naughty way
Answer:
(ii) Unmerciful way

(e) How is dragon?
(i) Coward
(ii) Innocent
(iii) Honest
(iv) Rude
Answer:
(i) Coward

6. Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a mouse,
Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,
When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.

Paraphrase: Belinda giggled very loudly till the entire house shook its foundation. Blink also giggled like a mouse. Ink and Mustard asked the age of Custard and made his mockery.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What did Blink say?
(i) Greek
(ii) Breek
(iii) Weeck
(iv) Dreek
Answer:
(iii) Weeck

(b) How had Belinda shaken the entire house?
(i) With her superpower
(ii) With her giggling
(iii) With her friends
(iv) With her talks
Answer:
(ii) With her giggling

(c) Ink and Mustard made fun of Custard by asking his
(i) name
(ii) home town
(iii) age
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) home town

(d) What happened with the giggling of Belinda?
(i) The foundation of entire house shook,
(ii) All members went out of house.
(iii) Nothing happened.
(iv) Both (i) and (ii)
Answer:
(i) The foundation of entire house shook,

(e) Who also giggled like a mouse?
(i) Mustard
(ii) Ink
(iii) Blink
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Blink

7. Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.
Meowch! cried Ink, and ooh! cried Belinda,
For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda.
Paraphrase: Suddenly, they heard a very nasty sound. Mustard growled in the way all looked him. Ink cried, ‘Meowch!, Belinda cried ‘ooh’! They saw that a pirate was climbing through a window.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who growled at the nasty sound?
(i) Ink
(ii) Custard
(iii) Mustard
(iv) Belinda
Answer:
(iii) Mustard

(b) How did Ink cry?
(i) Meowch!
(ii) Ooh!
(iii) Ouch!
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Meowch!

(c) They all saw a ………………… climbing through the window.
(i) dog
(ii) pirate
(iii) monkey
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) pirate

(d) How did Belinda cry?
(i) Meowch!
(ii) Ooh!
(iii) Ouch!
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Ooh!

(e) For which word is ‘Winda’ used?
(i) Pirate
(ii) Window
(iii) Sound
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Window

8. Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right,
And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright,
His beard was black, one leg was wood;
It was clear that the pirate meant no good.

Paraphrase: The pirate had pistols in both his hands. There was a dagger in his teeth. The beard of the pirate was black and one of his legs was of wood. It clearly indicated that the pirate entered their house with a bad intention.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Which weaponry did the pirate carry?
(i) Knife and sword
(ii) Knife and pistol
(iii) Gun and cannon
(iv) Sword and pistol
Answer:
(iv) Sword and pistol

(b) The pirate held the short sword in his
(i) hands
(ii) teeth
(iii) legs
(iv) feet
Answer:
(ii) teeth

(d) One of the legs of the pirate was of
(i) iron
(ii) wood
(iii) plastic
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) wood

(e) How was the intention of the pirate?
(i) Bad
(ii) Good
(iii) Neither bad nor good
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Bad

9. Belinda paled, and she cried Help ! Help !
But Mustard fled with terrified yelp,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.

Paraphrase: Seeing the pirate, Belinda got frightened. She became pale and cried for help. Mustard also ran away crying. Ink hid under the bottom of the household and Blink hid under the hole.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who trickled down to the bottom of the household?
(i) Ink
(ii) Blink
(iii) Belinda
(iv) Custard
Answer:
(i) Ink

(b) What did Belinda cry for?
(i) Benefit
(ii) Help
(iii) Blessings
(iv) Advantage
Answer:
(ii) Help

(d) How was the condition of Belinda after seeing the pirate?
(i) She fainted.
(ii) She laughed.
(iii) She got frightened.
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) She got frightened.

(e) Where did Blink hid?
(i) Under the window
(ii) Under the hole
(iii) Under the bed
(iv) Nowhere
Answer:
(ii) Under the hole

10. But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.

Paraphrase: Mustard jumped and snorted like an engine. His tail clashed with the pirate like irons in the jail. With a clattering and clanking sound, he jumped upon the pirate like a robin jumped upon a worm.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who is doing all the actions in the given stanza?
(i) Belinda
(ii) ink
(iii) Blink
(iv) Custard
Answer:
(iv) Custard

(b) How was Custard snorting?
(i) Like a horse
(ii) Like a lion
(iii) Like an engine
(iv) Like an ape
Answer:
(iii) Like an engine

(c) Custard went at the pirate like a ______________ at a worm.
(i) robin
(ii) housefly
(iii) butterfly
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(i) robin

(d) Who snorted like an engine?
(i) Mustard
(ii) Custard
(iii) Belinda
(iv) ink
Answer:
(ii) Custard

(e) Whose tail clashed with the pirate?
(i) Mustard
(ii) Ink
(iii) Blink
(iv) Custard
Answer:
(i) Mustard

11. The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,
And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon.
He fired two bullets but they didn’t hit,
And Custard gobbled him every bit.

Paraphrase: The pirate watched intently at Custard, swallowed some wine taking out a small container from his pocket. The pirate fired two bullets but it did not hit Custard the dragon. Custard gobbled every bit of the pirate.

Choose the correct option:

(a) At whom did the pirate fire?
(i) Belinda
(ii) Ink
(iii) Blink
(iv) Custard
Answer:
(iv) Custard

(b) What drink was the pirate carrying?
(i) Lemonade
(ii) Soda water
(iii) Alcohol
(iv) Mint-tea
Answer:
(iii) Alcohol

(d) What did the pirate fire?
(i) One bullet
(ii) Two bullets
(iii) Three bullets
(iv) Four bullets
Answer:
(ii) Two bullets

(e) Who gobbled every bit of pirate?
(i) Mustard
(ii) Custard
(iii) Dragon
(iv) Ink
Answer:
(ii) Custard

12. Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him,
No one mourned for his pirate victim.
Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate Around the dragon that ate the pirate.
Paraphrase: Belinda hugged Custard and Mustard licked him. No one wailed for the pirate victim who was dead. Ink and Blink danced merrily around the dragon.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who embraced Custard?
(i) Belinda
(ii) Blink
(iii) Mustard
(iv) Ink
Answer:
(i) Belinda

(b) Who danced in happiness?
(i) Belinda and Mustard
(ii) Ink and Blink
(iii) Blink and Belinda
(iv) Mustard and Ink
Answer:
(ii) Ink and Blink

(c) Everyone _________ Custard because he killed the pirate.
(i) embraced
(ii) reprimanded
(iii) condemned
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(i) embraced

(d) Who wailed for the dragon?
(i) Custard
(ii) Mustard
(iii) Belinda
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iv) None of these

(e) Who licked Custard?
(i) Mustard
(ii) Blink
(iii) Belinda
(iv) No one
Answer:
(i) Mustard

13. But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,
I’d have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been flustered.
And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink,
We’d have been three times as brave, we think,
And Custard said, I quite agree
That everybody is braver than me.

Paraphrase: The little dog Mustard started speaking. He told had he not flustered, he would have been twice as brave as he was. According to Ink and Blink, they would have been thrice time as brave as they had been. In their response, Custard told that all are braver than him.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who claimed that they had been three times as brave as Custard?
(i) Ink and Blink
(ii) Blink alone
(iii) Belinda
(iv) Mustard
Answer:
(i) Ink and Blink

(b) How was Custard?
(i) Hateful
(ii) Jealous
(iii) Unkind
(iv) Humble
Answer:
(iv) Humble

(d) Who considered themselves braver three times more?
(i) Ink and Blink
(ii) Custard and Mustard
(iii) Belinda and Mustard
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Ink and Blink

(e) Who accepted that everybody is braver than him?
(i) Mustard
(ii) Blink
(iii) Custard
(iv) Belinda
Answer:
(iii) Custard

14. Belinda still lives in her little white house,
With her little black kitten and her little grey mouse,
And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,
And her realio, trulio little pet dragon.

Paraphrase: But Belinda still lives in her little white house along with her little black kitten, grey mouse, little yellow dog and red wagon. Her pet dragon realio, trulio are also with her.

15. Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs,
Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.

Paraphrase: Now, Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears. Ink arid Blink chase lions down the stairs. Mustard is much brave like a tiger in a rage. But, Custard the dragon is crying for a nice safe cage.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Introduction

About the Poet

Frederic Ogden Nash (August 19, 1902 – May 19, 1971) was an American poet well known for his light verse. He wrote more than 500 pieces of verse. With his unconventional rhyming schemes, he was declared the country’s best-known producer of humorous poetry.
Nash died at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital on May 19, 1971. He was buried in East Side Cemetery in North Hampton, New Hampshire.
At the time of his death in 1971, The New York Times said his “droll verse with its unconventional rhymes made him the country’s best- known producer ofhumorous poetry.”
A biography of Ogden Nash: The Life and Work of Americas Laureate of Light Verse, was written by Douglas M. Parker, published in 2005 and in paperback in 2007. The book was written with the cooperation of the Nash family, and quotes extensively from Nash’s personal correspondence as well as his poetry.

Central Idea of the Poem

‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a humorous poem. It gives a detailed description of a little girl Belinda and her pets. She lives with her pets like a kitten, a mouse, a dog and a dragon. All the dwellers of the house except Custard,pride themselves on their fearlessness. They mock poor Custard for his timidity. The mouse and the kitten are so brave that they can even chase lions. Custard the dragon is such a coward that it always wants to live under the cage to protect itself. However,when the real danger comes, all other run away in panic except Custard. The pirate who comes to Belinda’s house is killed by the dragon with his heroic act. The bravery of Belinda and rest of her pets fails. They all shout for help and it is Custard who rescues them from the pirate.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary

This is a story of a girl Belinda, who has some strange pets. They have queer names. She calls the black kitten Ink, the little grey mouse Blink, the yellow dog Mustard and the cowardly dragon Custard. Belinda, the kitten, the mouse and the dog are very brave but the dragon is timid. One day, a pirate, armed with a pistol, enters their house. Except the dragon Custard, all the others become afraid of the pirate. Custard attacks the pirate and gobbles him up. Belinda then embraces him while Mustard licks him. Even after this brave incident, Custard does not give up his cowardly ways. He still keeps on crying for a safe cage.

Poem at a Glance

Belinda lived in a little white house with her pets.
Blank kitten, Ink, grey mouse, Blink, yellow dog, Mustard and a dragon named Custard were her pets.
All the pets were sharp and brave except Custard. Custard was a coward who always cried for a nice safe cage.
Custard had a big sharp teeth with spikes on the top and scales below him.
Belinda and Mustard always made mockery of timidity of Custard and called him ‘Percival’.
Belinda and Blink giggled loudly. Custard was insulted by asking his name.
All of a sudden, they saw a pirate climbing up through the window.
The pirate had pistols in both his hands and a dagger in his mouth.
Seeing the pirate, Belinda got frightened and cried for help. She also became pale in fear.
Mustard ran away in terror and cried. Ink reached in the household and Blink reached in the mousehole.
Custard snorted like an engine and struck his tails like irons in a prison.
The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon and gulped down some wine. He even fired two bullets but they did not hit.
Belinda hugged Custard, Mustard licked him, Ink and Blink danced around him in glee.
On the bravery of Mustard, Ink and Blink, Custard agreed that everybody was braver than him.
Belinda still lives in her white house alongwith little black kitten, grey mouse, yellow dog, red wagon and realio, trulio, her little pet dragon.
Belinda is very brave like a barrel full of bears. Ink and Blink, Mustard are also brave but Custard cries for a nice safe cage.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Word-Meanings

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 7 Animals

July 6, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 7 Animals Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 7 Animals

HBSE 10th Class English Animals Textbook Questions and Answers

Thinking about the Poem

1. Notice the use of the word ‘turn’ in the first line, “I think I could turn and live with animals…”. What is the poet turning from?
Answer:
The poet is turning away from living with other humans because he finds them complicated and false. He would rather live with animals that are self-contained and non-complaining. Human beings are not content and they always complain about something or the other.

2. Mention three things that humans do and animals don’t.
Answer:
The poet has drawn three comparisons between humans and animals.
(a) Humans sweat and work to make a living, but animals don’t do that.
(b) Humans lie awake at night and cry for the wrongs they have done, but animals do not repent such things. They sleep peacefully.
(c) Humans make each other sick by discussing with them their duties to God, while animals live and survive without any prayer.

3. Do humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago? Discuss this in groups.
Answer:
Yes, humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago. They worship their ancestors and pray by kneeling in front of their portraits. They hold religious sermons and ceremonies in their memory.

4. What are the ‘tokens’ that the poet says he may have dropped long ago, and which the animals have kept for him? Discuss this in class.
{Hint: Whitman belongs to the Romantic tradition that includes Rousseau and Wordsworth, which holds that civilisation has made humans false to their own true nature. What could be the basic aspects of our nature as living beings that humans choose to ignore or deny?
Answer:
The tokens that the poet says he might have dropped long ago are true nature of man, his affection, kindness, friendship, etc. As humans came closer to civilisation, they gradually deviated away from their true nature. As they came close to civilisation, they chose to leave behind the virtues of kindness, sincerity, unselfishness, joy, satisfaction, respectability and sharing. They adopted the path of greed, selfishness, desire to capture everything, and other such inhuman characteristics. Animals have carried forward the real instincts and characteristics, which the poet looks at and tries to remember where he had negligently lost his true nature.

HBSE 10th Class English Animals Important Questions and Answers

I. Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
What makes the poet sick?
Answer:
Humans do all kinds of sins and discuss with one another about their duties to God. It makes the poet sick. It shows the hypocrisy of humans, but animals do not repent such things.

Question 2.
What is the poet’s yearning?
Answer:
The poet’s yearning is to live with animals. Animals lead quite peaceful lives. They are
satisfied and never complain about it. Humans hanker after worldly possessions. Their desire and greed can never be satiated. That is why the poet wants to live with animals.

Question 3.
What does the poet say about animals in the poem?
Answer:
The poet says that animals are placid, calm, peaceful and self-contained. They never compromise with anything.

II. Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
In what respect are animals better than human beings?
Answer:
Animals are more sympathetic and considerate than human beings. They are quiet, calm and self-satisfied. They have no ill-will, grudge or envy against anyone. So, animals are better than human beings in numerous ways.

Question 2.
What qualities of animals have attracted the poet most?
Answer:
The noble virtues of animals have attracted the poet most. Animals are independent. They are not jealous, envious. They do not show unnecessary respect for their ancestors or to their fellow beings. They do not possess anything like human beings. These qualities of animals have attracted the poet most.

Question 3.
What is the underlying idea in the poem ‘Animals’?
Answer:
The idea depicted in the poem ‘Animals’ is the difference between human beings and animals. Initially, both animals and humans were similar in their innate goodness but over the years, humans have lost this natural goodness whereas it is still intact in animals. The peaceful, self-contained and happy nature of animals compels the poet to contemplate on man’s lost goodness.

Question 4.
Explain the satisfaction that animals have and humans don’t.
Answer:
Animals do not wish to possess worldly things. Whereas, humans’ desire grows constantly and they are never satisfied with what they have. The lack of this greed in animals keeps them satisfied and the presence of it in humans makes them dissatisfied.

III. Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words & 5 marks each)

Question 1.
Do you think that the poem ‘Animals’ presents a contrast between humans and animals?
Answer:
Human beings are jealous, envious, selfish and self-centred lot while animals are quiet, calm,
self-contained and happy lot. Animals do not lie awake at night, cry over their sins and discuss their duty towards God as human beings do. They have no intention of possessing things. They never kneel down before others. There are noble virtues inherent in them. But, humans lack all these things. They just change their perception according to circumstances. Animals remain whatever they are. They do not do things like that.

Question 2.
‘It is not complaining but accepting a situation, is the key to happiness in life.’ Elaborate this in context of the poem ‘Animals’.
Answer:
In the poem ‘Animals’, the poet has brought out the differences between animals and humans on the basis of their characteristics. In poet’s opinion, animals are ranked higher than humans, as they do not complain about anything and thus they are considered much happier than humans. Animals always live in their natural surroundings but humans tend to mould their surroundings as per their need and greed. Even after altering their habitat, humans remain sad and complaining.

Question 3.
Why do you think the poet has called the desire to own things, a mania? Is the poet right in doing so? Write your own views.
Answer:
The poet uses words such as ‘demented’ and ‘mania’ for never ending desire of human beings to own things. These words show that the poet is comparing this desire to madness. The poet stands right in doing so as this desire makes us so greedy. It traps us in a vicious circle of yearning more and more. Animals that are free from any possession are also free from sins, worries and complaints. In order to gain more wealth, all the important values such as morality and kindness are left behind.

Question 4.
What, according to you, should be the virtues that humans should possess? Discuss with reference to the poem, ‘Animals’.
Answer:
Human beings should be gentle not only to their own kind but also to everyone and everything. Virtues such as kindness bring other values like innocence and honesty. That makes the world a better place to live in. The lack of such values results in a corrupt society where people commit sins and repent in dark. They get dissatisfied and unhappy in their life. Human beings probably had these virtues in them but along with the advancement of civilisation, they have left them behind and adopted greed and cunningness.

Question 5.
Not one kneels another, nor to his kind that lived thousands of years ago,
Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth,
So they show their relation to me and I accept them
What does the poet want to convey through this?
Answer:
In this poem, it is the ardent desire of the poet to live among animals. According to him, the animals are quiet, calm and satisfied. One of the most important qualities of animals is that they neither feel happy nor sad over anything. Like human beings, they neither kneel down before others to show respect either to their elders or their ancestors. Animals want to lead independent life. They are quite indifferent to human beings. Animals are not greedy like human beings. The poet is quite happy with the behaviour and habits of animals. They just want to lead their own lives without bothering others. There is no greed, envy, hatred, ill-will, grudge, etc., prevalent among animals. So, the poet wants to live in the company of animals.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. I think I could turn and live with animals, they are
so placid and self-contain’d,
I stand and look at them long and long.

Paraphrase: The poet has drawn differences between human beings and animals. The poet wants to live in the company of animals. Because they are quiet, calm and self-satisfied. Animals impress him so much that he looks upon them constantly for a long time.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Why does the poet want to live with the animals?
(i) They are calm and self-contained.
(ii) They are good to be friend with.
(iii) They run errands for him.
(iv) They entertain him.
Answer:
(i) They are calm and self-contained.

(b) At whom does the poet look long and long?
(i) Himself
(ii) Friends
(iii) Animals
(iv) Poet’s family members
Answer:
(iii) Animals

(c) The poet says that the animals are .
(i) disturbing
(ii) noisy
(iii) calm and self-contained
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(iii) calm and self-contained

(d) Between whom has the poet drawn differences?
(i) Animals and human beings
(ii) Animals and birds
(iii) Nature and mankind
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Animals and human beings

(e) Why does the poet look at animals for long time?
(i) Because they disturb him
(ii) Because they impress him.
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Answer:
(ii) Because they impress him.

2. They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God.

Paraphrase: Animals do not whine about their miserable condition. They just take their sound sleep at night and never weep for their sins. Animals do not make anyone sick by discussing their duties to God.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What do the animals not complain about?
(i) They do not care for other animals.
(ii) They do not complain about their condition.
(iii) They do not have greed.
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) They do not complain about their condition.

(b) What makes the poet sick?
(i) When someone discusses their duty to God.
(ii) When animals bite him.
(iii) When he eats poisonous food.
(iv) When the poet travels.
Answer:
(i) When someone discusses their duty to God.

(d) Who does not whine about their miserable condition?
(i) Human beings
(ii) Animals
(iii) Beggars
(iv) The rich people
Answer:
(ii) Animals

(e) Why do animals not weep for their sins?
(i) They are innocent.
(ii) They lack sense.
(iii) They are aggressive.
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) They are innocent.

3. Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with
the mania of owning things,
Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that
lived thousands of years ago,
Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth.
So they show their relations to me and I accept them,

Paraphrase: There is no sense of dissatisfaction among the animals. They do not believe in possessing things like human beings. They do not kneel down before others to show respect either to their elders or to those who were bom thousands of years ago. According to them, nobody is respectable or unhappy on this earth.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What are the traits of animals?
(i) Satisfaction, not crazy about owning things
(ii) Anger, lust and restlessness
(iii) Loyal but lazy
(iv) Dissatisfied and mad
Answer:
(i) Satisfaction, not crazy about owning things

(b) What type of relation is being talked about here?
(i) Husband-wife
(ii) Brother-sister
(iii) Human-animal
(iv) Parents-kids
Answer:
(iii) Human-animal

(d) According to animals, who is respectable?
(i) Nobody
(ii) Human beings
(iii) God
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) Nobody

(e) In which things do animals not believe?
(i) God is one.
(ii) Possession of things
(iii) All are equal.
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Possession of things

4. They bring me tokens of myself, they evince
them plainly in their possession
I wonder where they get those tokens,
Did I pass that way huge times ago and negligently drop them?

Paraphrase: Animals show the token of noble virtues because they are full of such things. The poet is awestruck on this thing. After all from where animals got those qualities. The noble virtues have been left by the humans centuries ago.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What have the human beings lost?
(i) Grudge, ill-will
(ii) Tokens of noble virtues
(iii) Hatred
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) Tokens of noble virtues

(b) How is the reaction of the poet in the last line?
(a) Exciting
(b) Surprising
(c) Gloomy
(d) Neutral
Answer:
(b) Surprising

(c) Animals show the token of …………………
(i) honesty
(ii) Noble virtues
(iii) discipline
(iv) incivility
Answer:
(ii) Noble virtues

(d) How is the mood of the poet?
(i) He is awestruck on such thing.
(ii) He is disappointed
(iii) He is optimistic.
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) He is awestruck on such thing.

(e) When did the human beings leave the noble virtues?
(i) Ten years ago
(ii) Hundred years ago
(iii) Centuries ago
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Centuries ago

Animals Summary

Animals Introduction

About the Poet

Walt Whitman was bom on May 31,1819 in West Hills, Huntington.
He was an American poet, essayist, and journalist.
He incorporated transcendentalism and realism.
Whitman worked as a j oumalist, a teacher and a government clerk.
He also volunteered for nurse during the American Civil War.
Whitman’s major work, Leaves of Grass, was first published in 1855.
He died in 1892 at the age of 72.

Central Idea of the Poem

The poet has very beautifully drawn out a contrast between human beings and animals. According to him, human beings are greedy, selfish and envious whereas animals are simple and loyal. He wants to live among the animals who are always satisfied and do not possess things. They do not have any kind of falsehood. They just enjoy their lives in their surroundings.

Animals Summary

In the poem, ‘Animals’, the poet has portrayed a beautiful description of animals. The poet desires to live among the animals, because they are quiet, calm and self-contained. They do not bother about their guilt or sin. They neither feel too happy nor get frustrated over anything.
The animals are always satisfied. They do not possess the mania of possessing things. They do not show respect for the others. But, such is not the case with human beings. They hanker after worldly pleasures and money. They do not get satisfaction. They show respect to the elders.
The poet has a deep desire to leam from the animals since they show their deep concern for him. They pay him respect in the form of a token and show their plain feelings. They do not have any kind of falsehood. The poet is much surprised at their quality.

Poem at a Glance

The poet has tried to find out the differences between animals and human beings.
The poet feels comfortable in the company of animals.
Because animals are quiet, calm and satisfied.
The poet looks at them for a long time.
The animals neither repent over their miserable conditions nor weep for their sins.
The animals are not mad after possession of things.
Although human beings have lost their tokens of love but it still persists in animals.
Human beings have become jealous, envious, greedy but animals are not so.

Animals Word-Meanings

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 7 Animals Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 6 Amanda

July 5, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 6 Amanda Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 6 Amanda

HBSE 10th Class English Amanda Textbook Questions and Answers

Thinking about the Poem

1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?
Answer:
Amanda is a school going girl. She may be about 9-10 years old. It is apparent from the instructions given to her not to bite her nails or to do homework.

2. Who do you think is speaking to her?
Answer:
It seems that the poet is speaking to her.

3. Why are Stanzas 2,4 and 6 given in parenthesis? „
Answer:
Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 are given in parenthesis because they are the thoughts of the child. And these are given in different conditions.

4. Who is the speaker in Stanzas 2, 4 and 6? Do you think this speaker is listening to the speaker in Stanzas 1, 3, 5 and 7?
Answer:
In Stanzas 2,4 and 6, the speaker is the child, Amanda. No, she is not listening to the speaker in Stanzas 1,3,5 and 7. She is lost in her thoughts and she is clearly not listening to anybody.

5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
Answer:
If Amanda were a mermaid, she would have drifted slowly on a languid emerald sea. She would be the sole inhabitant of the relaxed green sea.

6. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
Answer:
No, Amanda is not an orphan. She says so because she wants to be alone. She wants to roam around the street alone. She finds silence ‘golden’ and freedom ‘sweet’. It is for this reason that she calls herself an orphan.

7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does she want to be Rapunzel?
Answer:
Rapunzel was a fairy. Amanda wants to be Rapunzel because she wants to live alone. Rapunzel lived alone in a tall tower and had long, beautiful hair. She was held captive by her grandmother, who came up the tower by climbing her long hair. The girl also wants to live alone in a tower as she would not have to care about anything as life in a tower would be tranquil, peaceful and rare. However, she also decided that she would never throw down her hair for anyone to come up as she wanted to live alone always.

8. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?
Answer:
The girl yearns for freedom. She wants to stay alone. If she were a mermaid, she would have wanted to drift slowly on a calm sea where she would be the only inhabitant. She imagines herself to be an orphan, roaming the street in silence and freedom. She also wishes to be Rapunzel though she would not let her hair down for anybody to climb up. This shows that she is fed up with the continuous scolding she receives from her mother. She wants to go away from her home to some place where she would not be constantly teased or rebuked by anybody and would be able to live peacefully.

9. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and is moody?
Answer:
It does not seem that she is sulking, though she could be moody. She is completely lost in her thoughts. She is not even listening to her mother. Her mother perceives her to be sulking as she does not react to her instructions at all. Since Amanda does not listen to her, she concludes that she is very moody and continues to nag her.

HBSE 10th Class English Amanda Important Questions and Answers

I. Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
What does Amanda imagine herself to be while day-dreaming and reaching the sea?
Answer:
While reaching the sea in her daydream, Amanda imagines of being a mermaid. She finds the sea relaxed and peaceful as she dreams of drifting on the waves blissfully.

Question 2.
What sort of instructions did Amanda get?
Answer:
Amanda is instructed not to bite her nail, complete her homework and clean her room. She is even asked not to hunch her shoulders. She is told to sit only in a straight manner.

Question 3.
What can you depict of Amanda’s nature?
Answer:
Amanda is a moody girl. She is nagged most of the time. She often escapes from reality, which makes her moody and uninterested.

Question 4.
How does Amanda describe herself as an orphan?
Answer:
Amanda says that she is an orphan. She roams the street freely. There is dust under her bare feet. With her bare feet, she creates patterns on the dust. Silence is golden and freedom is sweet.

Question 5.
Why is Amanda told not to eat chocolates?
Answer:
Amanda is told not to eat chocolates because she had been suffering from acne. Eating more chocolates will cause pimples on her face. That is why she is told so.

II. Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
What is the importance of punctuation in a language? Why has the poet used the exclamation mark after Amanda in the title of the poem?
Answer:
Punctuation in a language makes the sense of a text clear. It helps in conveying the message with clarity. It is further used to structure and organise a piece of writing. The exclamation mark used in the title ’Amanda’ is to show the mother’s surprise on seeing Amanda. Amanda is a moody girl and this trait of hers upsets her mother.

Question 2.
Who is instructing Amanda? Is he/she constantly giving instructions fulfilling some-thing?
Answer:
Amanda’s mother is instructing Amanda. When she keeps on instructing her, Amanda sulks and becomes moody. Her mother intends to make her well-behaved by constantly giving instructions to her but Amanda doesn’t care much and nor can she ignore her mother, so she sulks down rather than executing all the instructions.

Question 3.
Despite imagining to be Rapunzel, Amanda does not want to do what Rapunzel did. Why?
Answer:
Amanda wants to be Rapunzel to live a peaceful life in a tower. But she does not intend to
elope with a prince because she does not want to depart from the peaceful life on the top of the tower.

Question 4.
Why does Amanda seem moody most of the times?
Answer:
Amanda seems moody because she is constantly trying to make an escape from her reality where she is instructed all the time. It is indeed a sorry state for a little kid like Amanda to bear. Here, the only solution she finds to escape this reality is her imaginary world. Therefore, it makes her look moody and indifferent towards her mother’s instructions.

III. Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words & 5 marks each)

Question 1.
Why does Amanda want to escape into the dreamy world of mermaids and fairies? Discuss it on the basis of the poem ‘Amanda’.
Answer:
In this world, each one (including child, young, old, etc.) wants to lead the life of freedom. Amanda also like other child loves freedom. She does not want to be a pampered child. Amanda does not want that her parents should control and guide her activities. She wants to do the activity of her own choice. She does not want to be dictated by anyone. She creates a world of her own choice. Amanda wants to live in the dreamy world of mermaids and fairies. She wants to enjoy freedom roaming around the streets like an orphan. Like Rapunzel, Amanda wants to live in an imaginary tower. She does not like the nagging of her mother. This way Amanda wants to escape into the dreamy world of mermaids and fairies.

Question 2.
How has the poet discussed the importance of proper upbringing with reference to the poem, ‘Amanda’?
Answer:
Every child is bom with some innate quality. Their upbringing plays an important role in sharpening their personality. It is the moral duty of the parents to instil good values and moral principles in a growing child. Amanda shows how a child feels trapped in instructions. She is instmcted to do numerous things. Amanda is very frustrated. She wishes to be an orphan. She is even instmcted not to eat chocolate because it causes acne. She wants to live alone and lead a carefree life. So, children should be reared up with proper care.

Question 3.
State the value points in the poem ‘Amanda’.
Answer:
Every child is unique in its own way. There are some positive and negative aspects in each child. It requires a great deal of patience and love to make them understand this. Parents should impart proper education to children, as they leam through experiences as well. If children do leam some bad habits, it requires great level of understanding and right approach to rectify them. Children cannot be taught everything in one day. They should be told to behave properly. It is natural for a child like Amanda to seek freedom at her place. Growing up of child should not be about do’s and don’ts only. The fact is that Amanda is forbidden to do anything without seeking permission. She can’t sit lazily around. She can’t eat chocolate because it could cause acne. Life of Amanda is very suffocating and limited in itself. She desires for more freedom and choice. The fact is that Amanda is innocent and naive. She is too small to understand the benefits of advice. That is why Amanda wishes to be an orphan. That is why she wants to be free.

Question 4.
I am an orphan, roaming the street
I pattern soft dust with my hushed bare feet.
The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.
What does Amanda imagine herself to be? What does the poet want to convey through this?
Answer:
Through this paragraph, the poet has tried to depict the state of a little girl’s mind and also instructs her to do something good and change her habit. When the poet tells her so, she assumes that had she been an orphan, she would have roamed into the street. She would have made design on the soft dust with her feet quietly. According to her, silence is golden and freedom is the sweetest thing in the world. She wants to lead the life of freedom not of bondage. Through golden silence, the poet estimates the worth of silence. Amanda seeks peace and calmness. It is absent in her reality. Through this paragraph, the poet wants to say that freedom is the sweetest thing in the world. Not only the girl like Amanda but all living beings want freedom.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight,
Amanda!

Paraphrase: In this paragraph, the mother is instructing Amanda not to bite her nails because it is considered to be a bad habit. She even tells her to sit straight in right posture without bending her shoulders.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What was Amanda biting?
(i) A piece of cake
(ii) Bread crumbs
(iii) Strawberry
(iv) Nails
Answer:
(iv) Nails

(b) What does the poet mean by ‘sit up straight’?
(i) The poet tells Amanda to straighten up her hair.
(ii) The poet tells Amanda not to bend while sitting.
(iii) The poet tells Amanda to go straight.
(iv) The poet tells Amanda to bend down.
Answer:
(ii) The poet tells Amanda not to bend while sitting.

(d) What does her mother consider it?
(i) Good habit
(ii) Bad habit
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Bad habit

(e) To whom is the mother instructing here?
(i) Amanda
(ii) Her friend
(iii) Her father
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Amanda

2. (There is a languid, emerald sea,
where the sole inhabitant is me—
a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)

Paraphrase: Amanda imagines herself to be sitting near a calm and small island. She wants to be the only resident of the beautiful green sea. She imagines herself like a mermaid who leads her life in a relaxing way.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What is emerald here?
(i) The poet
(ii) The girl
(iii) The sea
(iv) Gemstone
Answer:
(iii) The sea

(b) What does Amanda imagine her to be?
(i) An actor
(ii) A chef
(iii) A fish
(iv) A mermaid
Answer:
(iv) A mermaid

(c) The poet uses brackets to present the
(i) trust
(ii) imagination
(iii) disappointment
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) imagination

(d) What does Amanda want?
(i) She wants to be the only resident of the beautiful Green Sea.
(ii) She does not want anything.
(iii) She only wants to play.
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) She wants to be the only resident of the beautiful Green Sea.

(e) What type of life does Amanda want to lead?
(i) Disappointing
(ii) Relaxing
(iii) Miserable
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Relaxing

3. Did you finish your homework, Amanda?
Did you tidy your room, Amanda?
I thought I told you to clean your shoes,
Amanda!

Paraphrase: Amanda was enquired whether she had finished her homework or not. She was even enquired whether she had cleaned her room or not. She was even instructed to clean her shoes.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What was Amanda asked to clean?
(i) The house
(ii) The dishes
(iii) The room
(iv) The curtains
Answer:
(iii) The room

(b) What did the poet think about Amanda?
(i) She thought that she had told her to clean her shoes.
(ii) She thought that she had asked her to buy grocery.
(iii) She thought that she had told her to tidy her room.
(iv) She thought that she had told her to watch out for birds.
Answer:
(i) She thought that she had told her to clean her shoes.

(d) What did her mother enquire first?
(i) About the completion of homework
(ii) About her imagination
(iii) About her dirty habits
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) About the completion of homework

(e) What does Amanda’s mother want from her?
(i) To learn bad habits
(ii) To learn good habits
(iii) To speak fitiently
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) To learn good habits

4. (I am an orphan, roaming the street.
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.
The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.)

Paraphrase: Amanda imagines herself to be an orphan who is roaming into the street. It implies that had she been without parents she would have wandered freely into the street. She is barefoot. She would have made designs on the soft dust with her bare feet quietly. In her opinion, silence is golden and freedom is the sweetest thing in the world.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What kind of silence does Amanda envision?
(i) Amazing
(ii) Silver
(iii) Sweet
(iv) Golden
Answer:
(iv) Golden

(b) What does Amanda do with her feet?
(i) Makes design on the deposited dust
(ii) Hushes the little puppies
(iii) Runs along the road
(iv) Roam in the street
Answer:
(i) Makes design on the deposited dust

(d) What is golden here?
(i) Silence
(ii) Conversation
(iii) custom
(iv) Tradition
Answer:
(i) Silence

(e) What is the sweetest thing in the world?
(i) Passion
(ii) Freedom
(iii) Imagination
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Freedom

5. Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,
Amanda!

Paraphrase: Amanda’s mother is instructing her not to eat chocolates. She reminds of her pimples which she has due to eating chocolates. She even reminds her for not paying attention to what her mother says.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What is Amanda asked to do?
(i) To look into the mirror
(ii) To look at the narrator
(iii) To look inside the tidy room
(iv) To look before crossing the road
Answer:
(ii) To look at the narrator

(b) When does the narrator want Amanda to look at her?
(i) When she is speaking to her
(ii) When she needs a make up.
(iii) When she asks a question.
(iv) When she waves at her.
Answer:
(i) When she is speaking to her

(c) Amanda should not eat chocolate because it will cause .
(i) disappointment
(ii) irritation
(iii) acne
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(iii) acne

(d) Amanda’s mother is instructing her not to eat—
(i) cake
(ii) chocolates
(iii) fruits
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) chocolates

(e) What does her mother remind her of?
(i) For not paying attention to her advice
(ii) For studies
(iii) For playing
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) For not paying attention to her advice

6. (I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;
life in a tower is tranquil and rare;
I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!)

Paraphrase: Amanda only imagines herself to be Rapunzel, (a character from a fairy tale), who lives in a tower. But Amanda does not care for anybody. She wants to live alone in a quiet and calm tower. She also tells that she will never let her hair down to anyone so that nobody could come to her in the tower.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who does Amanda envision to be?
(i) Snow-white
(ii) Cinderella
(iii) Rapunzel
(iv) Sleeping beauty
Answer:
(iii) Rapunzel

(b) What legend is related with Rapunzel?
(i) Long-bright hair
(ii) Missing sandal
(iii) Beauty and the Beast
(iv) Magic mirror
Answer:
(i) Long-bright hair

(c) The life of Rapunzel in a tower is .
(i) disturbing
(ii) calm and quiet
(iii) illusory
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) calm and quiet

(d) Who is Rapunzel?
(i) A character-from–the Ramayana
(ii) A character from the fairy tale
(iii) A character from the folk tale
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) A character from the fairy tale

(e) Why does Amanda not care for anybody?
(i) Because she wants to live alone.
(ii) Because she is not interested in studies.
(iii) Because she does not want to do any work.
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) Because she wants to live alone.

7. Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!
You’re always so moody, Amanda!
Anyone would think that I nagged at you,
Amanda!

Paraphrase: Amanda’s mother warns her not to feel unhappy and disappointed. She should be more happy. Amanda is very moody. She is of unstable nature. Her mother tells her to remain cheerful, otherwise her mother will be blamed for harassing her.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who would think that the narrator is nagging at her?
(i) Anyone
(ii) Amanda
(iii) Poet
(iv) Her friends
Answer:
(i) Anyone

(b) Amanda’s nature is said to be
(i) moody and happy
(ii) sulky and moody
(iii) cheerful and excited
(iv) calm and composed
Answer:
(ii) sulky and moody

(d) What does her mother advise her?
(i) She tells her to remain cheerful.
(ii) She tells her to talk agressive.
(iii) Does not say anything
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) She tells her to remain cheerful.

(e) Who will be blamed for harassing her?
(i) Amanda’s father
(ii) Amanda’s mother
(iii) Amanda’s sister
(iv) Amanda’s friends
Answer:
(ii) Amanda’s mother

Amanda Summary

Amanda Introduction

About the Poet

Robin Klein was bom on 28 February, 1936, in Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia.
She wrote more than 40 books, including Hating Alison Ashley, Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left and Came Back to Show You I Could Fly.
She left school at the age of 15 and did several jobs to establish herself as a writer.
She won the CBCA Children s Book of the Year Award in both the Younger Readers and the Older Readers categories, and a Human Rights Award for Literature in 1989.
Klein is considered one of the most prolific and beloved authors of Australia.

Central Idea of the Poem

‘Amanda’ is the poem of a young girl who does one thing after other but she is instructed not to do so, by the poet. It is the ardent desire of every child to enjoy the beauty of the dreamy world of childhood. The instructions given by the poet curtail her freedom. As the poet tells her not to eat chocolates, she considers it to be an infringement of her freedom. She only wants to remain in fantasy. Amanda does not want to grow up. She wants to remain a child now.

Amanda Summary

The poem ‘AmandaV depicts the state of a little girl’s mind. She is constantly instructed about do’s and don’ts by her elders. The narrator scolds and instructs her. She is told not to bite her nails. She is told not to hunch her shoulders and to sit up straight. The girl imagines that she is in an emerald sea. She is told to finish her homework and tidy her room. She is an orphan, that is why she roams in the street. She is forbidden from eating a chocolate because she has acne on her face. But all the time, the little girl Amanda keeps dreaming of a life of freedom in the open. She dreams of mermaids in the sea, of roaming barefoot in the dusty street and of the golden-haired Rapunzel who lived alone in a high tower. She takes no note of what is being said to her. Then she is rebuked for being moody and sulking all the time. This way the girl has been advised.

Poem at a Glance

This poem is about a girl, Amanda who bites her nails.
The poet asks her not to do so and also sit straight.
The girl is lost in the world of dreams and fantasy.
She imagines as if she were a mermaid.
Amanda lives in a peaceful emerald sea all alone.
She roams all around freely like a mermaid.
Amanda lives in a peaceful emerald sea all alone.
She roams all around freely like a mermaid.
The poet asks if she has finished her homework and cleaned the room.
She is told to clean her shoes but she has not done so.
She does not care for all the things.
Amanda wants to walk on the dust with her bare feet.
She is told not to eat chocolates as it might cause her some problem.
Amanda is told to inculcate good manners. But she ignores all these things.
Amanda imagines herself as Rapunzel living in a tower.
There is the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity here.
The poet calls Amanda moody.
She asks her not to be unhappy.

Amanda Word-Meanings

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 6 Amanda Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 5 The Ball Poem

July 5, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 5 The Ball Poem Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 5 The Ball Poem

HBSE 10th Class English The Ball Poem Textbook Questions and Answers

Thinking about the Poem

1. Why does the poet say, “I would not intrude on him”? Why doesn’t he offer him money to buy another ball?
Answer:
The poet says so because the boy has lost his ball. He is quite unhappy. He wants the boy to learn the meaning of loss on his own. He does not offer him money to buy another ball because according to him, money or another ball is worthless. The boy was trying to understand his responsibility because he had lost something, which could not be brought back.

2. staring down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball went…”
Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to the memories of days when he played with it?
Answer:
Yes, it seems like the boy has had the ball for a long time. He had more affection with the ball. When it bounced into the water, all his memories of the childhood days flashed in his mind. This led to a realisation that those moments would not come back, just like the ball. He can buy new balls but the moments which had gone would never come again.

3. What does “in the world of possessions” mean?
Answer:
“In the world of possessions” means the materialistic world. Here everything and every action is made to possess something, whether it is the possession of land, property, money, or anything else. This would make the boy realise that this is the world of possessions where one can possess more things by buying them. One cannot buy what has been lost.

4. Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that suggest the answer.
Answer:
No, it seems that the boy has not lost anything earlier. The words that suggest so are ‘He senses first responsibility, in the world of possessions’.

5. What does the poet say the boy is learning from the loss of the ball? Try to explain this in your own words.
Answer:
The poet suggests that from the loss of the ball, the boy is just learning about the loss and how it hurts. The boy gets upset with this loss. The boy is learning what it means to lose something. Every man has to stand up after such losses. The boy too will learn how to stand up and leave the losses behind as he would have understood the true meaning and nature of loss.

6. Have you ever lost something you liked very much? Write a paragraph describing how you felt then, and saying whether — and how — you got over your loss.
Answer:
Yes, I have lost numerous things, but the loss of a dictionary really shocked me. The price of money does not matter here but the dictionary of Dr. Kamil Bulke – from English to Hindi really was an indispensable book to me, because I had leamt a lot of words and their uses from it. It not only enriched my vocabulary but also helped me learn idioms and phrases. I had bought it by saving my pocket money, that is why I really liked it much. Finally my loss was compensated. One of my friends suggested me to go to the store where I got an old piece of dictionary. I got really happy and purchased it. This way I overcome the loss.

HBSE 10th Class English The Ball Poem Important Questions and Answers

I. Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
How was the ball valuable for the boy?
Answer:
The ball was valuable for the boy is obvious from his reaction after losing it. He was much disappointed, dejected, shocked, fixed and stared at the place constantly where the ball had fallen.

Question 2.
What responsibility is the poet referring to?
Answer:
The poet is referring to the responsibility of the boy, who lost his ball and then stands up and bears the loss through self-understanding.

Question 3.
Write the sum and substance of the poem ‘The Ball Poem’.
Answer:
The poet, John Berryman tells us how quickly our childhood can go, like the pace at which the ball is lost in the poem and how at times we must face the hardships like loss unsuspectingly in our life.

Question 4.
What is the boy’s state of mind at the loss of his ball?
Answer:
The boy is very disturbed at the loss of his ball. He keeps staring at the ball with his desperate eyes.

II. Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
“And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.” What does these lines denote?
Answer:
These lines denote that no one can buy something that is lost for good. Here, the poet has compared money with an external thing. Nobody can buy the boy that very ball which he has lost. Money is a medium of possessing things. Even money cannot buy a ball back to the boy. The poet wants to make the boy aware of the loss.

Question 2.
What message does the poet want to convey through ‘The Ball Poem’?
Answer:
The poet has given a very positive message through the poem. He has tried to convey that gain and loss are the part and parcel of life. But one must be aware about the knowledge of loss. We may repent over the losses we have suffered from. But one must try to face even the adverse circumstances with good stead.

Question 3.
How did the boy react to the loss of the ball or was he fearful of something? Explain on the basis of the poem.
Answer:
When the ball of the boy lost, he was very upset. He was not fearful of anyone. He was really shocked, grief-stricken and disappointed. The ball might be a little thing and easily available, but the loss of the ball taught a lesson to the boy. Money can give only external happiness and satisfaction. It can not give us emotional satisfaction.

Question 4.
Write the theme of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’.
Answer:
Each individual has fascination for something. But if we lose something that we love, we
should not feel disappointed, desperate and dejected. We should just try to bear the loss through our understanding. This is what the poem is all about.

Question 5.
Why does the poet say, “Balls will be lost always”?
Answer:
Here, balls symbolise man’s possession. These are dearer to us than the others. But nothing is permanent in this world. Everything is transitory. When we lose something, we suffer from a sense of loss. It happens in everyone’s life. That is why the poet says the ball will always be lost.

Question 6.
Why did the poet not console the boy?
Answer:
There are two reasons behind it. Firstly, the boy was too shocked and grief-stricken to know about the loss of the ball. Secondly, the boy was trying to bear the loss on his own through self-understanding which is much more lasting. Due to these reasons, the poet did not console the boy.

III. Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words & 5 marks each)

Question 1.
What is the epistemology of loss in this world of possessions? How far has the child learned to stand up in life? Substantiate it on the basis of the poem.
Answer:
The poet has tried to show that gain or loss are the part and parcel of life. These are the two facets of the same coin. At the loss of his ball, the boy is very depressed and dejected. It is not only the matter of an ordinary ball but the boy’s association and memories with the ball. The ball once lost will be lost for ever. But what is the ultimate solution to this problem? In this materialistic world, it is the notion of people that money can buy everything. But this notion is totally wrong. Money has its own limitations. It can compensate the financial losses to certain extent but it can not compensate the losses that a person suffers emotionally or internally. No money can buy back that ball that has been lost for good. It cannot buy even the lost childhood. But even in the adverse circumstances, the boy will have to stand in good stead. He must not repent over the losses. On the contrary, he should have to go ahead in his life.

Question 2.
Elaborate the idea that “one should learn to accept and let go and not stick to something that we can not have.”
Answer:
It is important for everyone to experience to accept the loss and be bold and get on with life. Staying strong is the only way to survive. One should understand that the past is gone and will never come back. Sometimes loss helps us to grow up and we are able to face hardships like loss. We also leam to accept and let go and not to stick to something which we can not have.

Question 3.
Why is it important for everyone to experience loss and to stand up after it?
Answer:
It is important for everyone to experience loss and to stand up after it in order to be strong and to get on with life. One must be strong irrespective of how much it hurts inside. Staying strong is the only way to survive. Moreover, one needs to leam to accept and let go and not cling to something that they can never have. One should understand that the past is gone and it will never come back. Sometimes loss helps us to grow up and face hardships. So, we must look at it with positive perspective.

Question 4.
I would not intrude on him,
A time, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possession.
On the basis of the given passage, what message does the poet want to convey through this?
Answer:
Through this, the poet has tried to convey that this world is materialistic. The boy who has lost his ball must understand the profoundness or intensity of loss. Although the ball is a small thing and it does not matter if it gets lost, he must understand to take the responsibility from the very beginning of his life. Another ball is worthless for the boy. Because he has lost something dear to him. He suffers from a sense of loss. He senses responsibility when his possessed ball is lost. The main thing that the poet wants to convey to us is that money cannot compensate for the loss of boy. Through this the poet also realises what is his first responsibility in such a world. The boy must inculcate the value of loss or gain from his childhood because then only he can become a sensible and rational man in the latter part of his life.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over – there it is in the water!

Paraphrase: In this paragraph, the poet is talking about a boy who has lost his ball while playing. He wants to know about him and his reaction after losing his ball. He said that the ball was bouncing and jumping up and down into the street. The ball skipped from the hands of the boy and lost into the water for ever.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Which thing was bouncing merrily down the street?
(i) Ball
(ii) Water
(iii) Poet
(iv) Boy
Answer:
(i) Ball

(b) Where did the ball go ultimately?
(i) Rooftop
(ii) Water
(iii) Road
(iv) Pit
Answer:
(ii) Water

(d) “Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over-there it is in the water!”
Which literary device has been used here?
(i) Metaphor
(ii) Alliteration
(iii) Simile
(iv) Anaphora
Answer:
(iv) Anaphora

(e) About whom does the poet talk about?
(i) A boy who has lost his ball.
(ii) A boy who has lost his memory
(iii) A boy who has lost his pen.
(iv) A boy who has lot his school bag
Answer:
(i) A boy who has lost his ball.

2. No use to say ‘O there are other balls’:
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went.

Paraphrase: There is no advantage of consoling the boy by saying that he will get another ball in lieu of the lost ball. The boy is very disappointed. He is shaking with grief. He is trembling with fear. He is staring at the ball that has gone into the harbour. The loss of the ball reminds him of his childhood days that have been lost in the harbour.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What fixes the boy unlimitedly?
(i) Happiness
(ii) Grief
(iii) Madness
(iv) Calmness
Answer:
(ii) Grief

(b) How is the boy standing?
(i) Laughing
(ii) Rigid
(iii) Fearful
(iv) Joking
Answer:
(ii) Rigid

(c) The boy is in because his ball has been lost.
(i) bad mood
(ii) anger
(iii) imagination
(iv) grief
Answer:
(iv) grief

(d) Where has the ball gone?
(i) Into the harbour
(ii) Into the room
(iii) Into the field
(iv) Nowhere
Answer:
(i) Into the harbour

(e) What is the condition of the boy?
(i) He is very happy.
(ii) He trembles with fear
(iii) He is in high temper.
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) He trembles with fear

3. I would not intrude on him;
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions.

Paraphrase: The poet does not want to intrude on the boy. He cannot console the boy saying that he can buy him another ball. He says so because the new ball will not bring the sense of belonging to the boy. It is the time for the boy to learn the responsibility of taking care of the things. He must realise what is his first responsibility in this world.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What does the boy sense?
(i) Taste of ice-cream
(ii) A gust of wind
(iii) Presence of a dog in bushes
(iv) First responsibility
Answer:
(iv) First responsibility

(b) What is worthless here?
(i) Another bottle of milk
(ii) A dime for another ball
(iii) Company of friends
(iv) Putting efforts in something
Answer:
(ii) A dime for another ball

(c) The ‘world of possessions’ depicts that the world is .
(i) transient
(ii) materialistic
(iii) spiritual
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) materialistic

(d) What should the boy realise?
(i) His first responsibility
(ii) His first priority
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) His first responsibility

(e) What will the new ball not bring?
(i) Attitude
(ii) Belongingness
(iii) Manners
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) Belongingness

4. People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.

Paraphrase: In this materialistic world, many of his belongings will be lost. The poet says that the boy is learning how to withstand the sense of losses. Once a ball has been lost, it can be replaced with another one. Here money is external. It can buy us ball but not the memories and emotions related with it. The boy with his hopeless eyes sees the nature of loss and also thinks how to come out of that situation. The poet says that one must learn to accept the miseries of life and stand up again. This is the truth of life.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What is the boy learning?
(i) How to gain
(ii) The epistemology of loss
(iii) How to become passive
(iv) How to compensate
Answer:
(ii) The epistemology of loss

(b) What must every person learn at the end of the day?
(i) To run away
(ii) To stand up even in odds
(iii) To cook
(iv) To laugh
Answer:
(ii) To stand up even in odds

(c) The boy sees this loss with _________ eyes.
(i) desperate
(ii) optimistic
(iii) gazing
(iv) all of these
Answer:
(i) desperate

(d) What is external here?
(i) Ball
(ii) Money
(iii) Harbour
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Money

(e) What does the poet say?
(i) One must accept the miseries of life.
(ii) One must not accept the miseries of life.
(iii) One must be ignorant from all these.
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) One must accept the miseries of life.

The Ball Poem Summary

The Ball Poem Introduction

About the Poet

John Berryman was bom on October 25, 1914 in McAlester, Oklahoma in America. He was a renowned scholar and famous American poet.
He was concerned with the literary movement, viz., Confessional Poetry.
The Dream Songs’ is one of his notable works. It is an intensely personal sequence of 385 poems.
He was bestowed with Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, Bollingen Prize, etc.
He died on January 7, 1972.

Central Idea of the Poem

In this poem, the poet has described the grief of a boy over the loss of his ball. This is the world of materialism. In this materialistic world, the things which you love will not always remain with you. In this life, you will be forced to do things that you do not want to do and you will have to give up the things which you love the most. All these may happen due to circumstances. In spite of all the circumstances, you must have to stand in good stead. It does not matter how much does it hurt. It teaches us to leam to accept and do not cling onto something that you can never have.

The Ball Poem Summary

In ‘ The Ball Poem ’, the poet has narrated the desperation and disappointment of a boy who has lost his ball. It was more lovable to him. For a common man, the loss of a ball is of minor significance. But to a little boy, this is not so. Money is external; it cannot buy back our love. It can also not replace the things that we love. The loss of the ball will teach the boy a lesson. This way he will leam how to accept the loss with tolerance and pleasure. Everyone has to lose something or the other in this world if he has to survive and fulfil his obligations. It is the part and parcel of life. But if you lose something you will have to stand up to be strong and get on with your life.

Poem at a Glance

This poem is about a boy who lost his ball while playing.
He saw the ball bouncing down the street.
But ultimately it fell down into the river and lost for good.
All the incidents occur before the boy but he is unable to do anything.
He only repents at the loss of a ball.
Although the loss of a ball is considered to be an ordinary incident but the poet has given a deep thought to it.
According to the poet, the loss of the ball is the loss of childhood and his dreams.
If it is lost once, it never comes back again.
The child is sad that the ball he has lost cannot be brought back.
At last, change comes in the life of a boy.
He draws this conclusion that loss is a part of human life.
One should not grieve over one’s loss.
The loss cannot break one’s spirits.
One should face such losses with courage and determination.

The Ball Poem Word-Meanings

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 5 The Ball Poem Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 3 A Tiger in the Zoo

July 5, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 3 A Tiger in the Zoo Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 3 A Tiger in the Zoo

HBSE 10th Class English A Tiger in the Zoo Textbook Questions and Answers

Thinking about the Poem

1. Read the poem again and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks.
(i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns.
(ii) Find the words that describe the two places, and arrange them in two columns.
Now try to share ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast the two situations.
Answer:
table

(i) Movements and actions of Tiger in the cage | Movements and actions of Tiger in the wild Stalking
Lurking Hearing
Snarling Staring
Baring his white fangs Ignoring
Sliding, Terrorising
A Tiger in the Zoo
359

(ii)
Places in the cage Few steps of his cage Concrete cell
, Places in the wild Long grass Water hole Houses at the jungle’s edge
Locked
Behind bars
Village

2. Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these:
(i) On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
What do you think is the effect of this repetition?
Answer:
Repetition is a poetic device used by the poet in order to enhance the beauty of the poem.
‘Velvet quiet’ refers to the quiet velvet pads of the tiger’s paws. He can only walk around the limited space in the cage. The use of quiet rage’symbolises the anger and ferocity of the tiger. He wants to run out into the forest and hunt a deer, but his rage is quiet because he is caged and can not come out in the open. The use of ‘quiet’ has brought immense beauty to the poem. Similarly, the use of “brilliant for the tiger’s eyes as well as the stars also bring out the magnificence of these lines.

3. Read the following two poems – one about a tiger and the other about a panther. Then discuss:
Are zoos necessary for the protection or conservation of some species of animals? Are they useful for educating the public? Are there alternatives to zoos?

The Tiger
The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,
The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,
The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.
Then he thinks.
It would be nice not to be behind bars all
The time
Because they spoil my view
I wish I were wild, not on show.
But if I were wild, hunters might shoot me,
But if I were wild, food might poison me,
But if I were wild, water might drown me.
Then he stops thinking
And…
The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,
The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,
The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.
– PETER NIBLETT

The Panther

His vision, from the constantly passing bars,
has grown so weary that it cannot hold
anything else. It seems to him there are
a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.
As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,
the movement of his powerful soft strides
is like a ritual dance around a centre
in which a mighty will stand paralysed.
Only at times, the curtain of the pupils
lifts, quietly. An image enters in,
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone.
– RAINER MARIA RILKE
Answer:
To some extent, zoos are necessary for the protection or conservation of some species of
animals. In the forest, they might be hunted down, poisoned by some wild food, or could be drowned in water. But, a zoo is not the correct alternative to a forest. In a zoo, an animal feels caged and bound. They cannot roam freely as in the wild. Only due to this reason, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks have been made in order to conserve several endangered species. These places provide protection as well as natural surroundings to these species. They can roam freely in their habitats and are safe too. The public can visit these parks and get educated about the animals and their lifestyles. The parks and sanctuaries are run using a strict set of rules, the most prominent being the ban on hunting. If animals roam in the open, visitors would not be able to feed them and would not misbehave or try to play with them as they are under strict supervision. Such incidents have been recorded in zoos where people irritate and tease the animals. Hence, a wildlife sanctuary is a good alternative for animals to be safe as well as free to move in their natural surroundings. Yes, they are quite useful for educating the public. The public may get proper information about them.

4. Take a point of view for or against zoos, or even consider both points of view and write a couple of paragraphs or speak about this topic for a couple of minutes in class.
Answer:
Hints:
• Teaches about the importance of nature.
• Provides recreation to the visitors.
• Scientists do study about wild animals.
• Saves from danger of extinction.

On the hints given above, the students may develop their views accordingly.

HBSE 10th Class English A Tiger in the Zoo Important Questions and Answers

I. Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
Enlist some of the activities of the tiger, as described in the poem.
Answer:
Some of the activities of the tiger are – walking along the cage, hearing the patrolling of cars, ignoring visitors and staring at the brilliant stars of the sky.

Question 2.
Why does the tiger express his anger quietly?
Answer:
The tiger expresses his anger quietly, because he is helpless. He can do nothing from behind the bars. He is no longer independent in the cage the way he was in the forest.

Question 3.
How does the tiger terrify the villagers?
Answer:
The tiger growls at the villagers who pass through that way. He also shows his white sharp teeth and ferocious claws to the villagers to terrify them.

Question 4.
Why does the tiger not take much interest in the visitors?
Answer:
The tiger is imprisoned in the cage. He feels uncomfortable and is in a rage. He wants to enjoy freedom. That is why the tiger does not take much interest in the visitors.

Question 5.
Why are the eyes of the tiger said to be brilliant? What is common between the tiger’s eyes and the stars?
Answer:
The eyes of the tiger shine brightly in the darkness of night. That is why they are said to be brilliant. And it is this brilliance that is common between the tiger’s eyes and the stars.

II. Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
Is living in the wild safe for tigers these days?
Answer:
It is ideal for tigers to live in the wild. But looking at today’s jungles where poachers are always on the hunt of innocent animals, frequent forest fires caused by men are on the rise, it is becoming less viable for wildlife to thrive in natural habitat.

Question 2.
How does the tiger hunt in his natural habitat, i.e., jungle?
Answer:
The ferocious tiger roams freely in his natural habitat. He is wary of catching his prey. He waits for his prey lurking invisibly in the shadow of trees. He slides through the long grass stealthily and unnoticed. He comes to the water hole where he can hunt his favourite prey, i.e., plump deer.

Question 3.
Why should the tiger snarl around houses at the edge of the forest?
Answer:
The tiger should snarl around houses at the edge of the forest so that the villagers do not disturb the peace of the forest and they do not kill the wild animals to fulfil their selfish motive.

Question 4.
What message does the poet want to convey through the poem, ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’?
Answer:
All creatures of the earth, i.e., human beings, animals, etc., want freedom. It is quite unwise and cruel to keep the wild animals in the zoo. They feel angry, and irritated there. So, their freedom should not be caged. The tiger should be allowed to live only in forests not in cages.

Question 5.
How does the poet make a contrast between the tiger in the cage with tiger in the forest?
Answer:
The poet makes a very beautiful contrast between the tiger in the cage with tiger in the forest.
In the cage, the tiger is not free. He is quite angry and irritated. While the tiger in the forest remains free and lives with ease. The tiger walks in the tall grass and hunts the deer that passes by the water hole.

III. Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words & 5 marks each)

Question 1.
Love for freedom is the natural instinct of every living being. Comment.
Answer:
It is absolutely true that love for freedom is the natural instinct of every living being. Everyone prefers to live without restrictions and tends to deny any kind of confinement. Likewise, the caged tiger also longed for freedom. He was so fed up that he even ignored the visitors who would always be awestruck looking at him. He took to and fro steps inside the cage as if looking for an opportunity to escape the captivity. God has made all living beings equal and therefore the animals too have the right to freedom. They are not supposed to be caged. It is their right to enjoy their natural habitat in the wild. Hence, humans should not cage them out of sheer selfishness and respect them as well.

Question 2.
Do you agree that wild animals should be caged? Comment with reference to the poem.
Answer:
Wild animals should not be caged at any cost. This is a well-known fact that tiger is a royal species. They are on the verge of extinction. In ancient times, tigers moved around freely in the forests. But today, they are caged and left in the zoo for the entertainment of people. In fact, they are not meant for confinement only. The result is that their offsprings also do not learn how to hunt, when they are caged. Caging wild animals also leads to disturbance of ecological balance. So, wild animals should be left free. They belong to the forest. Cages are not meant for any wild animal, specially a tiger.

Question 3.
“Captivity is the greatest curse one suffers from. No creature likes to stay behind the bars.” Discuss with reference to the poem, ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’.
Answer:
Since the evolution of human civilization on the earth, we have been finding that man has tried to exploit others for his own benefit. The weak have been enslaved and made to bow before the master. A bird also does not want to live in a caged nest but wants to live and sing freely under the sky. Leslie Norris, the poet has depicted the irony of the situation for the tiger. A ferocious animal like tiger has to satisfy itself by moving in the closed bars. His strength is behind the bars where instead of terrorising, he himself is being terrorised.

Question 4.
But he’s locked in concrete cell, His strength behind bars, Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors. On the basis of the given passage, explain how the tiger looks like from the outside of the cage. What does the poet want to convey through this?
Answer:
The poet, Neslie Norris has given a vivid description of a tiger in the zoo. In the zoo, the tiger can’t lead his natural life. He remains helpless there. He remains locked in a cage, i.e., a concrete cell. His strength is locked behind bars. The tiger moves slowly and quietly along the length of the cage. He walks to and fro in utter helplessness. The tiger also ignores the visitors because he considers them devoid of feelings. Nobody tries to help him come out of the cage. He is under the strict surveillance of the curator. Actually, this is not the natural habitat of the tiger in which he is living. He is really helpless in the cage and draws pity for his condition. Through this, the poet wants to convey that everybody loves freedom whether it is a human being or an animal. Nobody wants to lead the life of bondage and slavery. God has made all living beings free. So their right to freedom must not be snatched at any cost.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.

Paraphrase: The poet has given a vivid description of the tiger. The tiger is confined in the zoo and roams in the cage. The stripes are visible on his skin. He walks quietly on the pads of velvet in his cage without showing his anger.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What does the tiger do in his cell?
(i) Hunts
(ii) Hides
(iii) Stalks
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Stalks

(b) How is the cage?
(i) It is very small.
(ii) It is very big.
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) It is very small.

(d) Why can one not hear the footsteps of tiger?
(i) Because the tiger has no feet.
(ii) Because he has very soft feet.
(iii) Because there is problem in his feet.
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Because he has very soft feet.

(e) What does the tiger do to control his anger?
(i) The tiger does nothing.
(ii) The tiger barks violently.
(iii) The tiger walks quietly in the limited area of his cage.
(iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
Answer:
(iii) The tiger walks quietly in the limited area of his cage.

2. He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.

Paraphrase: According to the poet, had this tiger been free, he would have hid himself behind the long grass near the waterbodies and could have easily caught a deer in order to have its prey. But the tiger is not in a position to do so, because he is entrapped in a cage.

Choose the correct option:

(a) How should the tiger walk through the grass?
(i) Sliding through long grass
(ii) Jumping through long grass
(iii) Walking through bushes
(iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
Answer:
(i) Sliding through long grass

(b) Who passes by the water hole?
(i) Tiger
(ii) Rabbit
(iii) Langur
(iv) The plump deer
Answer:
(iv) The plump deer

(d) What is the rhyming scheme of the above stanza?
(i) aabb
(ii) abab
(iii) abcb
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(iii) abcb

(e) Had the tiger been free what would he have done?
(i) He would have hid himself behind the long grass.
(ii) He would have done nothing.
(iii) He would have attacked on the animals of the forest.
(iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
Answer:
(i) He would have hid himself behind the long grass.

3. He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle’s edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!

Paraphrase: The poet says that if the tiger would have been free, he would have roamed around freely. The tiger would have been snarling around houses on the outskirts of the jungles. He would terrorise the village people with his sharp teeth and claws.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Whom does the tiger terrorise?
(i) The zoo people
(ii) The town people
(iii) The villagers
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(iii) The villagers

(b) How will the tiger terrorise the people?
(i) With sharp teeth and claws
(ii) With his nails
(iii) By roaring
(iv) By attacking upon them
(i) He would have hid himself behind the long grass.
Answer:
(i) With sharp teeth and claws

(d) How would the village people feel?
(i) They would be scared.
(ii)They would be in panic.
(iii) They would feel happy.
(iv) They would be sad.
Answer:
(ii)They would be in panic.

(e) What are the ‘white fangs’ referred to?
(i) Claws
(ii) Jaws
(iii) Teeth
(iv) Nails
Answer:
(iii) Teeth

4. But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.

Paraphrase: The tiger is inside the cage. He is confined in a concrete cell. His strength and ferociousness is also hidden behind the bars. He is stalked in the cage. The tiger is locked in
the cage, so he does not pay heed to the visitors.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Where is the tiger locked?
(i) Concrete cell
(ii) In the house of a hunter
(iii) In the forest
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Concrete cell

(b) What is found behind the bars of cage here?
(i) Criminals
(ii) Children
(iii) Tiger’s strength
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Tiger’s strength

(d) Along with the tiger what is also behind bars?
(i) Tiger’s ferociousness
(ii) Tiger’s nature
(iii) Tiger’s weaknesses
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Tiger’s ferociousness

(e) Whom does the tiger ignore?
(i) Friends
(ii) Relatives
(iii) Visitors
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(iii) Visitors

5. He hears the last voice at night,
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.

Paraphrase: The tiger hears the sounds of the patrolling cars at night. He gazes at the shining stars with his eyes. It shows that the tiger is sad and he is confined in the cage.

Choose the correct option:

(a) With which eyes does the tiger stare?
(i) Tired
(ii) Sleepy
(iii) Ferocious
(iv) Brilliant
Answer:
(iv) Brilliant

(b) Where is the tiger staring at?
(i) Stars in the sky
(ii) Walls of the cage
(iii) Television screen
(iv) Visitors
Answer:
(i) Stars in the sky

(c) The tiger hears the voice of the
(i) animals
(ii) trains
(iii) human beings
(iv) patrolling cars
Answer:
(iv) patrolling cars

(d) How is the mood of the tiger?
(i) Happy
(ii) Sad
(iii) Nostalgic
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Sad

(e) What is the rhyming scheme of the above stanza?
(i) aabb
(ii) abab
(iii) abcb
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(iii) abcb

A Tiger in the Zoo Summary

A Tiger in the Zoo Introduction

About the Poet

George Leslie Norris (May 21, 1921 – April 6, 2006), was a famous poet and short story writer. He was born in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. He is considered one of the most important Welsh writers of the post-war period.
Norris published his first poem in 1938. By 1943, he published his first book of poetry. His first collection of poetry was Finding
Gold that was published in 1967. By 1980, Norris published three volumes in the Phoenix Living Poets.
The Loud Winder, Sliding, The Girl from Cardigan, Holy Places, etc., are some of his important works.
He was bestowed with Cholmondeley Poetry Prize, the Katherine Mansfield Memorial Award, the AML Award for poetry and many more awards. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the Welsh Academy.
Leslie died on April 6, 2006 in Provo.

Central Idea of the Poem

The poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’ deals with the feelings of a tiger inside the cage. He is not free to move freely as he is restricted to its boundaries. The animals, like tiger is meant to roam in the open terrorising the village with his paws and roars. He never harms anyone until provoked. He yearns to get out of the cage while watching the stars at night. The tiger values his freedom like humans do and we should not earn out livelihood at the expense of the freedom of animals.

A Tiger in the Zoo Summary

DO In the poem, ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’, the poet has presented a contrast between a tiger when it is in its natural habitat and when it is imprisoned in a zoo. The poet sees a tiger in a zoo on a starry night. The tiger moves slowly up and down in his cage. He is full of anger. The poet says that the tiger should have been in the jungle. He should have been lurking quietly in the shadows near some water hole, and waiting for a plump deer to pass that way. But he is locked in a concrete cell. He does not take cognizance of the visitors and is looking at the brilliant stars with his brilliant eyes. Now he is content with merely looking at the stars. He is no longer free to move in his natural habitat and look at the brilliant stars from there.

Poem at a Glance

The tiger is not free to roam.
It is confined to a caged habitat in a zoo.
There are dark spots on the skin of a tiger. It is visible from a distance.
The tiger walks quietly with his velvety soft feet.
But in the forest, the tiger terrorises the villagers by opening his white fangs, long teeth and the claws.
But the tiger has no intention of terrorising the villagers.
A lot of visitors come to see him in the zoo but he does not like the stares of the visitors.
He does not take much cognizance of the visitors.
Now, the tiger limits his movements only to the caged habitat.
Late night, he hears the noise of the patrolling cars moving around the zoo.
The tiger looks at the shining stars in the night.
He just watches the shining stars standing in the caged habitat.

A Tiger in the Zoo Word-Meanings

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 3 A Tiger in the Zoo Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 2 Fire and Ice

July 5, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 2 Fire and Ice Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 2 Fire and Ice

HBSE 10th Class English Fire and Ice Textbook Questions and Answers

Thinking about the Poem

1. There are many ideas about how the world will ‘end’. Do you think the world will end some day? Have you ever thought what would happen if the sun got so hot that it ‘burst’, or grew colder and colder?
Answer:
The poet has presented two ideas about the end of this world. Nothing is permanent in this world and everything will perish one day. If the sun gets too hot, each and everything will turn into ashes. And, on the contrary, if the sun grows colder and colder, life from the universe will vanish. Nothing will remain in this world as the Sun is the source of life.

2. For Frost, what do ‘fire’ and `ice’ stand for? Here are some ideas:

greed
avarice
cruelty
lust
conflict
fury
intolerance
rigidity
insensitivity
coldness
indifference
hatred.
Answer:
“Fire’ stands for greed, avarice, lust, conflict and fury.
‘Ice’stands for cruelty, insensitivity, coldness, indifference and hatred.

3. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? How does it help in bringing out the contrasting ideas in the poem?
Answer:
The rhyme scheme of the poem is as follows:
1st stanza: a b a a
2nd stanza: a b a b a

The contrasting ideas of ‘fire’ and `ice’are presented using this rhyme scheme. He mentions that both fire and ice are probable ends of this world. While he talks about how fire represents desire and can, therefore, be a cause of the end of the world, he also mentions ice in the poem to symbolise that the coldness and indifference towards one another will also be enough to end the world. In the second stanza, he says that he knows enough of hate in the world to be sure that even destruction through ice would be sufficient to bring about the end of the world.

HBSE 10th Class English Fire and Ice Important Questions and Answers

I. Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
Which underlying idea is represented in the poem ‘Fire and Ice’?
Answer:
The poet compares fire to ‘desire’and ice to ‘hatred’. Both of these are surging exponentially. If we don’t keep a check on their rapid growth, the world will perish. Therefore, we must control our desires and hatred.

Question 2.
Why did the poet say about the world perishing twice?
Answer:
The poet said about the world perishing twice because, at first if some parts of the world are left out of apocalypse through fire, the remaining parts would definitely be destroyed by ice.

Question 3.
How is ice sufficient to bring destruction?
Answer:
In the poem, ‘ice’ denotes hatred. It does not matter what type of hatred it is. There is much hatred in this world. It will certainly destroy.

II. Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
What do ‘fire’ and `ice’ stand for and what is the general opinion regarding the world?
Answer:
Fire stands for fury, hatred, anger, cruelty; ice stands for insensitivity, coldness and intolerance. In general, it is the opinion of some people that fire will destroy the world while some say that ice will destroy it.

Question 2.
What does the poet say regarding the end of the world?
Answer:
It is a universal truth that everything has a beginning and it will certainly come to an end. Either ‘fire’ or ‘ice’may cause the end of the world. Some day the existing world will certainly end.

III. Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words & 5 marks each)

Question 1.
Why does the poet say he is in favour of fire ending the world?
Answer:
In this poem, the poet has used an analogy between fire and greed. In his opinion, the nature of fire is just like that of desire, greed, lust or avarice. The more we try to satisfy these, the more they grow. They spread like fire spreading throughout a forest and embracing trees, animals in its agony and leaving nothing but the ash. Likewise, the never-ending desires of humans pose a danger to this world. It can be seen from the past trends. The forest cover has been shrinking. Since the inception of Industrial Revolution, many animal species have become extinct and some are in endangered category. All this happened and is still happening because of human’s never satisfying greed. The poet could visualise the ramifications of uncontrolled desires and this is why he is in favour of fire ending the world.

Question 2.
How can ice end the world?
Answer:
The word ‘ice’ is a metaphor representing cruelty, hate, coldness, unkind nature and rigidity. Time has seen it all, how a feeling of hatred in one person spreads to thousands of them, wiping out an entire generation or a community, e.g., Hitler’s hatred for a particular faith inspired him for his infamous atrocities. There had been wars to become the ultimate superpower and the intention to carry out such cowardly acts was based on unkind nature of an individual.
So, considering all this in mind, the poet referred ice as a way of ending this world.

Question 3.
Is it possible to avoid the end of the world? How can we prevent the fire and ice to carry out the ending of this world? Answer:
Yes, it is possible to avoid the apocalypse. If we humans are responsible for the catasrophe so far, we also have the capability to deter. To save this world from fire and ice, we must act upon our necessities and not desires. We must go for inner engineering to know, observe, analyse and learn the ways this nature works. Moral education should be inculcated at a young age, knowledge about feeling of being content should be imparted, to control the feelings of anger, lust, hatred, we must practise meditation. All these little steps will produce a large return towards the benefit of
humankind and thus deter our world from evils.

Question 4.
Some say the world will end in
fire some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
On the basis of the given passage, explain how will the world end? Substantiate.
Answer:
Through the given passage, the poet wants to convey two things about the world. According to some people, the world will end in fire. But some people also opine that the world will end in ice. Both of these are the contradictory opinions. But one similar thing between them is that both of them would destroy everything in the world. In the poem, fire stands for desire and ice stands for hatred.

So, the poet gives a clear message to us that nothing is eternal in this world. Everything will perish either in fire or ice. Hatred and desire will end this world. This fire of passions and desire will lead the end of the world. Cold reasoning and hate will lead this world to destruction. But the poet is with those who think that fire of passions and desires will lead to the destruction of this world.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.

Paraphrase: The poet expresses that the world would end in two ways – either by ice or by fire. It is the opinion of some people that the world would end in fire. It denotes that fiery desires and passion will lead to the destruction of the world. On the other hand, some people opine that the world would end in ice. Hatred, jealousy etc. will lead to the destruction of this world.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who are ‘some’ in the given stanze?
(i) Aliens
(ii) Martians
(iii) Humans
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(iii) Humans

(b) What does ‘fire’ here symbolise?
(i) Hatred
(ii) Desire
(iii) Satisfaction
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Desire

(d) What does the poet compare fire and ice with?
(i) Constructive features of human emotions
(ii) Destructive features of human emotions
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Answer:
(ii) Destructive features of human emotions

(e) What is the rhyming scheme of the given extract?
(i) aaab
(ii) abab
(iii) aabb
(iv) abaa
Answer:
(iv) abaa

2. But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice

Paraphrase: If this world has to perish twice, ice would be stronger or more effective in doing this work. Hatred will lead towards the destruction of this world. Ice is sufficient enough to cause the destruction of this world.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What would be more effective in the end of this world?
(i) Fire
(ii) Ice
(iii) Fury
(iv) Intolerance
Answer:
(ii) Ice

(b) What poetic device has the poet used in the line, “To say that for destruction, ice is also great”?
(i) Imagery
(ii) Alliteration
(iii) Oxymoron
(iv) Metaphor
Answer:
(i) Imagery

(d) What would be a better option to end the earth?
(i) Ice
(ii) Fire
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)

(e) What would be the consequences if we don’t control our emotions?
(i) It will lead us on the verge of destruction.
(ii) It will lead us on the verge of death.
(iii) It will lead to chaos.
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) It will lead us on the verge of destruction.

Fire and Ice Summary

Fire and Ice Introduction

Central Idea of the Poem

It is a universal truth that nothing is permanent in this world. On the one hand, some people think that the world will end in fire while on the other hand, some people think that the world will end in ice. The poet equates the fire with desire and ice with hate. As the ice destroys the world melting slowly, in the same way hatred will also destroy the world. Because greed, hatred, strife, intolerance, etc., bring much destruction to the society. So, human beings should live peacefully.

Fire and Ice Summary

‘Fire and Ice’ is a short poem by Robert Frost. In this poem, the poet refers to two predictions of how the world will end. Some say it will end in fire whereas others say it will end in ice. According to the poet, ‘fire’ stands for desire, greed, avarice or lust. The more you try to satisfy them, the more they grow. There is no end to it. They spread rapidly like fire and engulf your whole life. One becomes selfish and sometimes cruel too. On the other hand, ‘ice’ according to the poet, stands for hatred, coldness and rigidity. One becomes insensitive and indifferent towards the feelings of others. The poet says that both fire and ice are growing with such a rapid pace that the world would soon perish either way, in fire or in ice.

Poem at a Glance

It is the perception of poet that the world will certainly come to an end.
This world will end either in fire or in ice.
Fire has been compared to human emotion of desire or passions.
Ice has been compared to hate.
Fire or ice can destroy the world once but hatred can destroy it twice.
So, we should try to live peacefully in this world.

Fire and Ice Word-Meanings

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 2 Fire and Ice Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow

July 4, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow

HBSE 10th Class English Dust of Snow Textbook Questions and Answers

Thinking about the Poem

1. What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?
Answer:
A “dust of snow” means particles of snow. The poet’s mood changed because of shaking down of something from the hemlock tree. He was holding the day in regret when this dust of snow fell on him and this simple little thing brought him some joy.

2. How does Frost present nature in this poem? The following questions may help you to think of an answer.
(i) What are the birds that are usually named in poems? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow?
(ii) Again, what is “a hemlock tree”? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?
(iii) What do the “crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent – joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?
Answer:
(i) In poems, usually birds like nightingales and sparrows are mentioned. Frost has presented nature in quite an unconventional manner. The poet has used a crow in this poem. A crow is usually not mentioned in poems. A crow is usually considered to be dark, black and foreboding. That is why other poets usually mention singing nightingales or beautiful white doves in their poems.
(ii) A hemlock tree is a poisonous tree with small white flowers. The poet has not written about a more beautiful tree such as a maple, or oak, or pine because these trees symbolise beauty and happiness. Frost wanted to symbolise the feelings of sadness, despondency and regretfulness, that is why he has used a hemlock tree.
(iii) The crow and the hemlock tree represent sorrow and grief. The dust of snow that is shaken off by the crow stands for joy that Frost experiences. He has, therefore, used an unconventional tree and bird in order to contrast them with joy in the form of snow.

3. Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Answer:
Several times I felt depressed or hopeless. One day, one of my classmates told me that I had got only 40 marks in English out of 80. At that time, I felt depressed and dejected. But after an hour, the result was announced and I got 75 out of 80. The English teacher also congratulated me on my success, and after this, I felt relaxed and happy.

HBSE 10th Class English Dust of Snow Important Questions and Answers

I. Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
What is the underlying message for us in our hectic life with reference to the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’?
Answer:
The underlying message for us in our hectic life is that we should enjoy nature more often and should have a positive attitude even towards simple acts because they can lead to the learning of greater lessons of enjoying life.

Question 2.
Why does the poet say that he had saved some part of the day he had rued?
Answer:
In the morning, the poet was sad and listless. He thought that the entire day would go waste. But, the falling of dust of snow on him changed his mood suddenly. It brought a ray of hope in him. This way he felt that he had saved some part of the day.

II. Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
Why did the poet use poetically uncommon bird and tree?
Answer:
The poet appears to be in a depressive and sorrowful mood. In this kind of state, one can not look at the beautiful things which nature has to offer, only gloomy and miserable thoughts strike in one’s mind. Therefore, the poet has used the poetically uncommon bird and tree which reflect his depressed state of mind.

Question 2.
Does the poet present a bright and pleasant side of nature in the poem?
Answer:
No, the poet does not present a bright and pleasant side of nature in the poem. He presented the situation as a dull and depressive cold day. The fall of fine dust of snow does bring a sudden change in the mood of the poet by uplifting his spirits and refreshing his mind.

Question 3.
What message does the poet want to convey through the poem ‘Dust of Snow’?
Answer:
The poet conveys that sadness, hopelessness and disappointment do come into the life of mankind. It makes them feel dejected and depressed. But there is always happiness behind sadness. If sadness comes, happiness is bound to come in our life. As the poet was sad and low in spirits in the morning but the falling of dust of snow on him brought a sudden change in his mood. So, we should not get disheartened in any circumstance.

III. Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words & 5 marks each)

Question 1.
No matter how ordinary or unimportant an incident may be, it’s the reaction or the response that matters. Taking inspiration from the poet’s reaction write how inherent values can be picked up and learnt. Mention any two lessons for students like you that could be useful.
Answer:
Yes, response matters a lot. Inherent values can be picked up by adopting a positive attitude towards nature, because nature is a great teacher. Each little thing in nature can teach us some important lessons at times and even a small flake of snow has its own significance. We should not judge anything by its appearance. Although crow and hemlock tree are considered as bad omen but even then they can bring cheerfulness in uplifting poet’s mood. So nothing is useless in nature. Nature is very beautiful. One should live one’s present cheerfully.

Question 2.
Robert Frost opens before us a new world in which at times evil doer by chance do a good act before us. Discuss the philosophy of life with reference to the poem ‘Dust of Snow’.
Answer:
Robert Frost opened a different world before us through the poem ‘Dust of Snow’. It gives us a philosophy of life that at times when we are completely dejected and in bad mood, we get surprised. In fact, it also depicts his philosophy of life through which he passed. In the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’ the poet is wandering in a dejected mood. The whole mood changes when bad omen of crow is shown. Snow falls from the hemlock tree and mood of the poet changes. So evil is released by good luck.

Question 3.
In life, people feel sad and frustrated. It is his thinking that things will never change.
But suddenly change occurs in his life and his sadness is converted into happiness.
Discuss it on the basis of the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’.
Answer:
Life is full of miseries. The circumstances in life never remain the same. They keep on changing with the passage of time. So far the poem is concerned, the poet is in sad and frustrated mood. At the beginning of the day, he feels sad. He feels that his entire day has been wasted. But, it does not happen. The falling of the fine dust of snow on him brings a sudden change in his mood. He realises that all is not lost. Although he has lost the most part of the day. The change of landscape has changed his mood. His spirits are not listless. The sudden change has changed his heart and mood. So, we should not be sad and disappointed.
Life is a cycle. Happiness and sorrow are its two wheels.

Question 4.
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
of a day I had rued.
What type of change in the mood does the poet talk about? Discuss it with reference to the given passage.
Answer:
The famous poet, Robert Frost has given a vivid description about the change of his mood. The arrival of a crow and its sitting on the hemlock tree is not a very big incident. It is a very ordinary incident. The poet has used symbolism here. Here crow denotes an ‘ill omen’ and hemlock tree symbolises ‘Poison’. But these things create a deep impression on the mind of the poet. According to the poet, this is a dull and disappointing day and it is not good for him.

But the falling of flakes and dust of snow on him are good or welcome signs for the poet. This phenomenon has suddenly changed the mood of the poet. His mood is now better and spirits are highly enthusiastic. He realises that the whole day has not gone waste. The moment the snow falls on him is the most happiest moment of the day. They lift up his mood and also gladden his heart. Ultimately, he realises that at least some part of the day has been spent happily. Now the moment of disappointment has changed into a happier one.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Paraphrase: The poet was walking by a hemlock tree in the morning hour. He was perhaps in a bad mood. Hemlock tree is considered to be a poisonous tree. As he was walking, a crow threw some dust of snow on him. The “crow’ and ‘hemlock tree’ denote “sadness’ and ‘gloom’. The poet thought that day was not good for him.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Which tree is covered with snow?
(i) Acacia
(ii) Hemlock
(iii) Areca palm
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Hemlock

(b) Which bird shook down the tree?
(i) Sparrow
(ii) Ostrich
(iii) Crow
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Crow

(d) What is the rhyme scheme of the given extract?
(i) abab
(ii) cdcd
(iii) abcd
(iv) Free Verse
Anwer:
(i) abab

(e) What does “Dust of Snow” represent?
(i) The cool weather
(ii) The healing power of nature
(iii) The nature of mankind
(iv) The particles of snow
Answer:
(ii) The healing power of nature

2. Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

Paraphrase: The falling of the snow on the poet’s head made his mood upbeat. Till now, he had spent his day in a bad mood but now his mood had changed and also saved some part of the day. The poet here emphasises that inauspicious things can also bring joy and happiness to us.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What did lift the mood of the poet instantly?
(i) Falling of the snow on his head
(ii) Falling of the leaves of trees on his head
(iii) Drizzling on his body
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) Falling of the snow on his head

(b) What does the poet talk about here?
(i) Change of his mood
(ii) Change of his nature
(iii) Change of his habits
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) Change of his mood

(d) What can inauspicious things even bring too?
(i) Only sadness
(ii) Joy and happiness
(iii) Nothing
(iv) Our past memories
Answer:
(ii) Joy and happiness

(e) What does the poet suggest through this?
(i) Dust of snow is very useful.
(ii) Crow is an insignificant bird.
(iii) Hemlock tree has a lot of importance.
(iv) Small things can bring big changes in life.
Answer:
(iv) Small things can bring big changes in life.

Dust of Snow Summary

Dust of Snow Introduction

About the Poet

Robert Frost was born on March 26, 1874 in San Francisco, California, to journalist William Prescott Frost, Jr., and Isabelle Moodie. His mother was a Scottish immigrant, and his father descended from Nicholas Frost of Tiverton, Devon, England, who had sailed to New Hampshire in 1634 on the Wolfrana. Frost was a descendant of Samuel Appleton, one of the early settlers of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and Rev. George Phillips, one of the early settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts. His notable works are A Boy’s Will, North of Boston, etc. Frost’s father was a teacher and later an editor of the San Francisco Evening Bulletin (which later merged with The San Francisco Examiner), and an unsuccessful candidate for city tax collector. After his death on May 5, 1885, the family moved across the country to Lawrence, Massachusetts, under the patronage of Robert’s grandfather William Frost, Sr., who was an overseer at a New England mill. Frost graduated from Lawrence High School in 1892. Frost’s mother joined the Swedenborgian church and had him baptized in it, but he left it as an adult. Although known for his later association with rural life, Frost grew up in the city, and he published his first poem in his high school’s magazine. He attended Dartmouth College for two months, long enough to be accepted into the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. Frost returned home to teach and to work at various jobs, including helping his mother teach her class of unruly boys, delivering newspapers, and working in a factory maintaining carbon arc lamps. He did not enjoy these jobs, feeling his true calling was poetry. Frost was honoured frequently during his lifetime, receiving four of his Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry for his book “New Hampshire’. He became one of America’s rare “public literary figures, almost an artistic institution.” He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1960 for his poetic works. On July 22, 1961, Frost was named poet laureate of Vermont. He died on January 29, 1963 at the age of 88 in Boston.

Central Idea of the Poem

Through this poem, the poet conveys that worst time often comes in the life of mankind. But a little good thing can change the entire course of action. The crow, dust and the hemlock tree symbolise bad things which make the people believe that something wrong is bound to happen. The poet is in quite disappointed mood. When he comes out of his home to wander in the snow, a crow shakes and snow falls on him. It makes him quite happy. So, the poet conveys that one should hope for the best even in the worst situation.

Dust of Snow Summary

The short poem by Robert Frost throws light upon the unimaginable healing power of nature and tiny things. From a bad mood to ill-health, there is nothing that can’t be cured by nature. The poet was experiencing one such bad day when a crow’s movement near a hemlock tree dusted snow upon him. The soft and cold touch of snow changes the poet’s mood from despondency to happiness. He starts feeling soothed and refreshed. In this way, a simple moment proves to be very significant and saves the rest of the day of the poet from being wasted and held in regret. The black crow is a symbol of death and fear.

Since the crow is not associated with goodness, it is ironic that in this poem, it is doing a good deed by shaking off the snow. The poet uses the elements of the fearsome crow and poisonous hemlock tree to do something good – shake the white, pure snow off the branches.

The poem, “Dust of Snow’ reiterates that the little things in life can make huge changes in our future. It also shows that if we can take the hard times of life in stride, eventually something will happen to change our situation into happier times. The simple things we do for others can make all the difference. Just think about those random acts of kindness we do and how much they brighten our day and sometimes change our future.

Poem at a Glance

On a winter day, the poet was quite upset and sitting under the hemlock tree.
Suddenly, a crow alighted on the hemlock tree.
The snowflakes fell down on the poet while he was sitting under the tree.
The falling of snowflakes on the poet made a tremendous effect on him.
Now, he was feeling refreshed.
It changed the mood of the poet and also his mental state.
A little thing saved the entire day of the poet.

Dust of Snow Word-Meanings

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal

July 4, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal

HBSE 10th Class English The Proposal Textbook Questions and Answers

Before You Read

Activity

1. The word ‘proposal has several meanings. Can you guess what sort of proposal the play is about?
(i) a suggestion, plan or scheme for doing something
(ii) an offer for a possible plan or action
(iii) the act of asking someone’s hand in marriage
Answer:
(iii) The act of asking someone’s hand in marriage

2. Do you think Indian and Russian weddings have any customs in common? With the help of a partner, fill in the table below.

Customs similar to Indian ones	Customs different from Indian ones

Answer:

Customs similar to Indian ones	Customs different from Indian ones
1. Reception	No fight by the groom to get bride
2. Ring ceremony	No need to answer any question
3. Organising contests	No stealing of bride’s shoes
4. Wedding lasts for two days

Thinking about the Play

1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.
Answer:
Chubukov suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money. He is not at all sincere when he says so. He has decided that he will not give Lomov any money if he tries borrowing from him. If he had truly meant what he has said, then he would not have thought of not giving him money. He said so only because Lomov had come with the proposal to marry his daughter.

2. Chubukov says of Natalya: “… as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat…” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Chubukov thought that Lomov was a very suitable candidate for his daughter. He had been waiting for this proposal for a long time. When Lomov expressed his doubt regarding Natalya’s consent to the proposal, Chubukov immediately told him that she was in love with him. However, this was not true. Natalya did not seem to be in love with Lomov at any point in the play. It seemed that she was more attached to her land, meadows and dogs than to Lomov. Their argument of trivial matters suggests that neither Lomov nor Natalya was in love with each other.

3. (i) Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other, and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other. (For example, Lomov in the end calls Chubukov an intriguer; but earlier, Chubukov has himself called Lomov a “malicious, doublefaced intriguer.” Again, Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well educated.”)
Answer:
(i) Lomov calls Chubukov – Intriguer, grabber
(ii) Lomov calls Natalya – Well educated, an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking
(iii) Natalya calls Lomov – the rascal, monster
(iv) Chubukov calls Lomov – My precious

(ii) Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each
character in the play.
Answer:
Chubukov – cunning, mean, insensible
Lomov – weak, frail, stupid, simpleton
Natalya – immature, foolish, parsimonious, miserly, mingy

(iii) Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
Answer:
From the play, it is clear that they quarrel over petty matters and will do so even later on.

Thinking about Language

I. 1. This play has been translated into English from the Russian original. Are there any expressions or ways of speaking that strike you as more Russian than English? For example, would an adult man be addressed by an older man as my darling or my treasure in an English play?

1. Read through the play carefully, and find expressions that you think are not used in contemporary English, and contrast these with idiomatic modern English expressions that also occur in the play.
Answer:
Expressions not used in contemporary English

“my darling”; “my beauty”, “my precious”“my angel” (In this play, an older man is addressing to an adult man)
“…and so on…” (It is used to complete a sentence)
“…and all that sort of thing.”
“the scarecrow”; “the stuffed sausage”; “the wizen-faced frump” (derogatory remarks to insult each other)

Modern English expressions

“Madam”, “my heart; “honoured Natalya Stepanovna” (used by Lomov for Natalya)
“Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch” (used by Lomov for Chubukov)
“My dear fellow” (Chubukov addressing Lomov)
“malicious, double-faced intriguer”; “fool” (Chubukov insulting Lomov)

2. Look up the following words in a dictionary and find out how to pronounce them. Pay attention to how many syllables there are in each word, and find out which syllable is stressed, or said more forcefully.

palpitations
interfere
implore
thoroughbred
pedigree
principle
evidence
misfortune
malicious
embezzlement
architect
neighbours
accustomed
temporary
behaviour
documents
Answer:
Do it yourself.

3. Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own.
(i) You may take it that
(ii) He seems to be coming round
(iii) My foot’s gone to sleep
Answer:
(i) You may take it that I am lying, but in fact it will help you in the long run.
(ii) He seems to be coming round after the trauma of his father’s death.
(iii) After the three hour long yoga session, my foot’s gone to sleep.

II. Reported Speech

A sentence in reported speech consists of two parts: a reporting clause, which contains the reporting verb, and the reported clause. Look at the following sentences.

(a) “I went to visit my grandma last week,” said Mamta.
(b) Mamta said that she had gone to visit her grandma the previous week.

In sentence (a), we have Mamta’s exact words. This is an example of direct speech. In sentence (b), someone is reporting what Mamta said. This is called indirect speech or reported speech. A sentence in reported speech is made up of two parts — a reporting clause and a reported clause.

In sentence (b), Mamta said is the reporting clause containing the reporting verb said. The other clause — that she had gone to visit her grandma last week — is the reported clause.
Notice that in sentence (b) we put the reporting clause first. This is done to show that we are not speaking directly, but reporting someone else’s words. The tense of the verb also changes; past tense (went) becomes past perfect (had gone).

Here are some pairs of sentences in direct and reported speech. Read them carefully, and do the task that follows:

1. (i) LOMOV : Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, do you think I may count on her
consent? (Direct Speech)
(ii) Lomov asked Stepan Stepanovitch respectfully if he thought he might count on her
consent. (Reported Speech)
2. (i) LOMOV : I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement. (Direct Speech)
(ii) Lomov said that he was getting a noise in his ears from excitement. (Reported Speech)
3. (i) NATALYA : Why haven’t you been here for such a long time? (Direct Speech)
(ii) Natalya Stepanovna asked why he hadn’t been there for such a long time. (Reported Speech)
4. (i) CHUBUKOV : What’s the matter? (Direct Speech)
(ii) Chubukov asked him what the matter was. (Reported Speech)
5. (i) NATALYA : My mowers will be there this very day! (Direct Speech)
(ii) Natalya Stepanovna declared that her mowers would be there that very day. (Reported Speech)

You must have noticed that when we report someone’s exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentences fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.

1. To report a question, we use the reporting verb…………….asked……………. (as in Sentence Set 1).
2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb
3. The adverb of place here changes to
4. When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the…………….tense (as in Sentence Set 3).
5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to ……………. tense. For example, changes to was getting.
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb ……………. in the reporting clause (as in Sentence Set 1).
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as ……………., ………………. or ………….. in reported speech.
Answer:
1. To report a question, we use the reporting verb asked.
2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb declared.
3. The adverb of place here changes to there.
4. When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the past tense.
5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to past continuous tense. For example, am getting changes to was getting.
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb respectfully in the reporting clause.
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as he/she, him/her, their or his/her in reported speech.

III. Here is an excerpt from an article from the Times of India dated 27 August 2006.
Rewrite it, changing the sentences in direct speech into reported speech. Leave the other sentences unchanged.

“Why do you want to know my age? If people know I am so old, I won’t get work!” laughs 90-year-old A. K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors. For his age, he is rather energetic. “What’s the secret?” we ask. “My intake of everything is in small quantities. And I walk a lot,” he replies. “I joined the industry when people retire. I was in my 40s. So I don’t miss being called a star. I am still respected and given work, when actors of my age are living in poverty and without work. I don’t have any complaints,” he says, adding, “but yes, I have always been underpaid.” Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. “No doubt I am content today, but money is important. I was a fool not to understand the value of money earlier,” he regrets.
Answer:
90-year-old A.K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors, asked why we wanted to know his age. If people knew he was that old, he would not get work. For his age, he is rather energetic. We asked him what the secret was. He replied that his intake of everything was in small quantities and he walked a lot. He said that he had joined the industry when people retired. He had been in his 40s. So he did not miss being called a star. He was still respected and given work, when actors of his age were living in poverty and without work. He said he did not have any complaints, adding that he had always been underpaid. Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. He said that no doubt he was content at present, but money was important. He said regretfully that he was a fool not to understand the value of money before.

Speaking and Writing

1. Anger Management: As adults, one important thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain calm. Can you think of three ill-effects that result from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are there any benefits from anger?
Answer:
Anger is a basic human emotion. It is usually experienced as an unpleasant feeling. When it gets out of control, it can lead to numerous problems, like ill-effects to health, tension, accidents, etc.

Anger can result in domestic violence.
It affects rational thinking. Hence, it leads to wrong decisions.
It reduces emotional feelings and causes physiological arousal.

Tips to prevent Anger

Certainly, there is no benefit from anger. Following tips can be helpful.

Meditation
Sense of discipline
Improve your analytical capacity
Be sociable
Be tolerant

2. In pairs, prepare a script based on the given excerpt from The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. You may write five exchanges between the characters with other directions such as movements on stage and way of speaking, etc.

One afternoon, when I happened to be specially busy, word came to my office room that Bimala had sent for me. I was startled.
“Who did you say had sent for me?” I asked the messenger.
“The Rani Mother”.
“The Bara Rani?”
“No, sir, the Chota Rani Mother.”

The Chota Rani! It seemed a century since I had been sent for by her. I kept them all waiting there, and went off into the inner apartments. When I stepped into our room I had another shock of surprise to find Bimala there with a distinct suggestion of being dressed up. The room, which from persistent neglect, had latterly acquired an air of having grown absentminded, had regained something of its old order this afternoon. I stood there silently, looking enquiringly at Bimala.

She flushed a little and the fingers of her right hand toyed for a time with the bangles on her left arm. Then she abruptly broke the silence. “Look here! Is it right that ours should be the only market in all Bengal which allows foreign goods?”

“What, then, would be the right thing to do?” I’asked.
“Order them to be cleared out!”
“But the goods are not mine.”
“Is not the market yours?”
“It is much more theirs who use it for trade.”
“Let them trade in Indian goods, then.”
“Nothing would please me better. But suppose they do not?”
“Nonsense! How dare they be so insolent? Are you not…”
“I am very busy this afternoon and cannot stop to argue it out. But I must refuse to tyrannise.”
“It would not be tyranny for selfish gain, but for the sake of the country.”
“To tyrannise for the country is to tyrannise over the country. But that I am afraid you will never understand.” With this I came away.
Answer:
Sahib is sitting in his office room. It is afternoon. He seems to be very busy. All of a sudden, a messenger comes to him and says that Bimla had sent a message for him. Hearing this, he gets surprised.

Sahib asked the messenger suddenly. “Who did you had sent for me? The messenger speaks hesitatingly that the Rani Mother has sent me. Sahib tells Bara Rani? Messenger says, no, the Chota Rani Mother.

It seems that the Chota Rani had been sent for by her since ages. When the messenger entered the room, he gets surprised and asks Bimla to get dressed. The room was not properly arranged. The messenger stood there silently and enquired about Bimla.

Bimla flushed a little and the fingers of her right hand toyed with the bangles on her left arm. She broke the silence and told that it should be the only market in Bengal which allows foreign goods.

Sahib asked, “What would be the right thing to do?” The Rani Sahib ordered them to be cleared out. Sahib told that goods do not belong to him. It seems to be the trade done by the English merchants. But, let them sell Indian goods. Sahib does not approve it. He advocates for the traders. He seems a bit confused how to convey his thoughts to Rani Mother. He can’t stop selling foreign goods in Bengal. The Rani advocates for the country. But Sahib thinks it would be selfish to drive away the traders though he prefers ‘Swadeshi goods. Sahib fails to communicate and convey his feelings. Above all, he was busy and had no time to discuss over the matter for a long time. Taking an excuse he left the place, immediately.

3. In groups, discuss the qualities one should look for in a marriage partner. You might consider the following points.
Personal qualities
– Appearance or looks
– Attitudes and beliefs
– Sense of humour

Value system
– Compassion and kindness
– Tolerance, ambition
– Attitude to money and wealth

Education and professional background
Answer:
Marriage partner should be co-operative, compassionate, tolerant and kind. She should have
sense of humour. Education also plays a significant role. She should be professional, rational and active. Money and wealth also should be taken into consideration. Honesty and integrity, respect and affection, etc. should be there.

4. Are there parts of the play that remind you offilm scenes from romantic comedies? Discuss this in groups, and recount to the rest of the class episodes similar to those in the play.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

HBSE 10th Class English The Proposal Important Questions and Answers

Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
What was Chubukov’s reaction when Lomov told him the reason of his coming home?
Answer:
Lomov visited Chubukov to ask for her daughter’s hand for marriage. Listening that, Chubukov became overwhelmed with joy. He embraced and kissed Lomov and told him that he had expected that to happen. He further told Lomov that he had always loved him as his own son.

Question 2.
Why did Lomov want to marry Natalya despite knowing that Natalya was not his real love?
Answer:
Though Natalya was not Lomov’s real love, he still wanted to marry her. It was so because he was already at a critical age of 35 and wanted to lead a quiet and regular life. Moreover, he would never get married if he kept looking for an ideal love and also Natalya was beautiful and educated.

Question 3.
Who is Lomov and why does he visit Chubukov?
Answer:
Lomov is a landowner in Russia. He is about thirty-five years old which is a critical age for marriage. He visits Chubukov’s house in his best dress to put his proposal for Natalya. But Chubukov thought that he had come here to borrow money.

Question 4.
What did Lomov say to Nataya and Chubukov to prove that he is the rightful owner of Meadows?
Answer:
Lomov told Nataya and Chubukov that his aunt’s grandmother had given the Meadows for free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants on temporary basis. That is why he is the rightful owner of Meadows.

Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
Was Lomov a quarrelsome person?
Answer:
Yes, Lomov was a quarrelsome person. He came to Chubukov’s house to ask Natalya’s hand for marriage but started arguing about the meadow. Later, he kept on proving that his dog Squeezer was better than Chubukov’s dog Guess. During all this, he did not care of his health and his proposal of getting married to Natalya.

Question 2.
How was Natalya not convinced that Oxen Meadows were owned by Lomov?
Answer:
When Lomov said that his Oxen Meadows touched Natalya’s birchwoods, a verbal duel started between them. Natalya asserted that they owned Oxen Meadows for nearly 300 years. It was ridiculous if somebody else claimed it to be his own. Natalya’s father, Chubukov also joined the quarrel.

Question 3.
Why did the marriage proposal remain unmade during Lomov’s first visit?
Answer:
The proposal of Lomov remained unmade during his visit to Chubukov’s house as he was very nervous. He did not understand how to put forward his proposal of marriage. But, somehow he told about it to Natalya’s father. When Natalya came, they began to quarrel on a piece of land. He got very much excited and left the room, cursing and threatening the old
man and his daughter. In this chaos, he forgot everything about his proposal.

Question 4.
What happened when Lomov was thought to be almost dead?
Answer:
Lomov had come with the proposal of marrying Natalya. When he fell unconscious in an armchair, both the father and the daughter got worried. Natalya started crying thinking Lomov to be dead. Chubukov called for a doctor and he threatned to shoot himself or cut his throat. When Lomov became conscious, Chubukov grabbed the opportunity to bless them for a happy married life.

Question 5.
What was the matter of controversy about dogs?
Answer:
Natalya claims that Squeezer, her dog, is better than Guess, who is the dog of Lomov. He claims that Guess is a first rate dog. Each one wants to dominate the other on dog. Lomov says that Squeezer is overshot. His lower jaw is shorter than the upper. But Natalya says that Guess is very old and ugly. This was the only matter of controversy. 6. What do you learn about Natalya from the play, “The Proposal?? Ans. Natalya is the only daughter of the landowner, Chubukov. She was very possessive about her land. She was a short-tempered lady. She used to quarrel with anyone even on petty matters. She always pinpointed the amount of help she had offered to her neighbours. She did not want to give a part of it to anyone.

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
Justify the title of the play ‘The Proposal’.
Answer:
The title of the play ‘The Proposal is very appropriate.A thirty-five year old bachelor, Lomov wants
to propose Natalya for marriage. He goes to her house with the same purpose. Being confused, he doesn’t propose at once. He beats about the bush. He talks irrelevantly. As Natalya doesn’t know that he has come to propose her, she thinks that he has come to claim Oxen Meadows as his own. She starts quarrelling. This results in one after another quarrel. After Chubukov’s interference, Natalya comes to know that he has come to propose her. Then atonce she forgets the issue of fighting. Then the proposal is made and accepted. Finally, they getengaged. Thus, it can be said that the title of the play is quite apt.

Question 2.
‘Discussions and disputes seldom solve a problem’. Describe the dispute between Natalya and Lomov over the dogs and their superiority.
Answer:
Natalya and Lomov had a hot discussion over the superiority of their dogs – Squeezer and Guess. Lomov was aware of the fact that despite many qualities, Guess had two major defects, i.e., the dog was old and short in the muzzle. Lomov was proud of his dog’s pure breed and its well sprung ribs. It was also a good hunter. On the other hand, Natalya’s Squeezer was a bad hunter. Natalya pointed out that her dog Squeezer was better than Guess. She remarked that Guess was old, ugly and a worn out cab horse. She also called Guess a lame dog. Though Lomov had come there to propose Natalya as he wanted to marry her, they involved themselves in silly arguments – that also over petty issues. Their main purpose was sidelined in the dispute. But such petty arguments should never come in the way of matrimony. Rather it is the attribute of tolerance and acceptance that paves the way to good relationship.

Question 3.
What are the main points of pleading between Chubukov and Lomov over Oxen Meadows?
Answer:
On hearing about quarrel between Natalya and Lomov, Chubukov comes at the spot.
Immediately Natalya asks her father about the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Chubukov too pleaded that these were the properties of theirs. But Lomov denied their ownership. He pointed out that it was his aunt’s grandmother who gave the meadows to the peasants of Chubukov’s grandfather on the pretext that they would prepare bricks for his aunt. 4. Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and Natalya do not have.

Question 4.
Describe the first fight between them.
Answer:
Lomov and Natalya were next-door neighbours. One day, Lomov came to Natalya to propose
her. Natalya, who didn’t know that he had come to propose her, thought that he had come to claim Oxen Meadows as his own. When Chubukov, Natalya’s father, interfered with them and also pleaded that the Oxen Meadows were the properties of Chubukov, the fight aggravated. For a few moments, Lomov’s real purpose was overshadowed by that issue and he continued the bias that meadows belonged to his aunt’s grandmother who gave them to the peasants of Chubukov’s grandfather on the condition that they would prepare bricks for her. So how it would be considered as Natalya’s property. Though both Lomov and Chubukov, Natalya’s father, were very rich landlords, they quarrelled over a tiny piece of land, called, “Oxen Meadows. But that was not the end of quarrel. Natalya didn’t agree with Lomov’s explanation. Instead, she offered to make a present of it to Lomov who, in turn, rejected the suggestion. And the quarrel continued endlessly. Such first meeting of Lomov and Natalya had in itself seeds of things (quarrels over petty issues)
to be expected in their married life.

Question 5.
Natalya and Lomov lose their temper on trivial issues. It shows their poor skills at anger management. Suggest some ways that help you in maintaining cordial relationship with people around you.
Answer:
Anger is a basic human emotion. Someone controls over anger but someone gets outburst
within a very short span of time. Angry people even lose their temper on trivial issues. But anger should be controlled. It always leads to destruction. In the play, Natalya and Lomov lose their temper on petty issues. It could somehow be controlled by them. Some ways that help us in maintaining cordial relationships with people around us are:

good behaviour
etiquette
manners
give due respect to others
be co-operative
patience

Question 6.
“In the first place, I’m already 35-a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations. I’m excitable and always in my right eyebrow. But the very worst of all is the way I sleep.” On the basis of the passage given what does the author want to say through this?
Answer:
Through this passage, the author wants to highlight the physical features and mental state of Lomov. This is conversation between Lomov and Chubukov. Lomov was a funny man. He was physically weak but economically sound. He was a rich bachelor and he wanted to marry Natalya. He was 35 years old. He wanted to lead a quiet and regular life. But the worst things about him was the way he slept. He always suffered from palpitations. Sometimes he got upset. His tips also trembled with fear. At this critical age, be would never get married if he kept looking for an ideal life. So, the only intention of Lomov was to get married at any cost because he was just on verge of expiry of marriage. After getting married he wanted to lead a quiet and regular life.

Question 7.
“Don’t excite yourself, my precious one. Allow me, your Guess certainly has his good points. He’s purebred, firm on his feet, has well spring ribs, and all that. But, my dear man, if you want to know the truth, that dog has two defects he is old and he’s short in the muzzle.” In the given passage, what has been discussed here?
Answer:
Through this passage, the author has discussed the merits and defects of Guess, the dog.
Chubukov tells that Guess has numerous merits. He has certainly some good points. His bred is pure. He has very firm or strong feet on which he can stand at stretch. He has well-spring ribs. But that is not the reality of the dog. There are two defects in dog. The dog is short and old in the muzzle. So, Chubukov asks Lomov not to excite himself. Guess is loyal and obedient to his master. He keeps a strict vigil on his master’s house. His master also likes him and takes proper care of the dog. This way Guess is a the good and loyal servant to his master. Except a few defects, Guess is a fit and fine.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. CHUBUKOV : [aside] He’s come to borrow money. Shan’t give him any!
[aloud] What is it, my beauty?
LOMOV : You see, Honoured Stepanitch… I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch… I
mean, I’m awfully excited, as you will please notice… In short, you alone can help me, though I don’t deserve it, of course… and haven’t any right to count on your assistance….

Choose the correct option:

(a) What does Lomov need?
(i) Money
(ii) Help
(iii) Property
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) Help

(b) Who has been referred to as ‘beauty’in the above extract?
(i) Lomov
(ii) Money
(iii) Natalya
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Natalya

(c) Lomov stutters while speaking to Chubukov because he is awfully.
(i) sad
(ii) excited
(iii) depressed
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) excited

(d) Who does not rely on anyone’s assistance?
(i) Lomov
(ii) Chubukov
(iii) Natalya
(iv) Stepanitch
Answer:
(i) Lomov

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to ‘support.’
(i) contradict
(ii) oppose
(iii) helpless
(iv) assistance
Answer:
(iv) assistance

2. I’ve been hoping for it for a long time. It’s been my continual desire. [Sheds a tear] And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son. May God give you both – His help and His love and so on, and so much hope… What am I behaving in this idiotic way for? I’m off my balance with joy, absolutely off my balance! Oh, with all my soul… I’ll go and call Natalya, and all that.

Choose the correct option:

(a) For how long has Chubukov been hoping?
(i) For 1 minute
(ii) For a long time
(iii) For 1 hour
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) For a long time

(b) Who considers himself behaving in an idiotic way?
(i) Lomov
(ii) Natalya
(iii) Chubukov
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Chubukov

(c) Natalya getting married to Lomov has been Chubukov’s continual
(i) dejection
(ii) desire
(iii) inspiration
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) desire

(d) Who is referred to as “angle’ here?
(i) Chubukov
(ii) Lomov
(iii) Natalya
(iv) Stepanitch
Answer:
(ii) Lomov

(e) Find out a word from the passage opposite in meaning to “despair.’
(i) decide
(ii) reject
(iii) hope
(iv) degrade
Answer:
(iii) hope

3. Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated. What more
do I want? But I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement. [Drinks] And it’s impossible for me not to marry. In the first place, I’m already 35 — a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I’m excitable and always getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling, and there’s a twitch in my right eyebrow. But the very worst of all is the way I sleep. I no sooner get into bed and begin to go off, when suddenly something in my left side gives a pull, and I can feel it in my shoulder and head… I jump up like a lunatic, walk about a bit and lie down again, but as soon as I begin to get off to sleep there’s another pull! And this may happen twenty times…

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who is Natalya Stepanovna?
(i) An excellent orator
(ii) An excellent housekeeper
(iii) A good scholar
(iv) A good sportswoman
Answer:
(ii) An excellent housekeeper

(b) How old is Lomov?
(i) Twenty-five years old
(ii) Thirty years old
(iii) Thirty-five years old
(iv) Forty years old
Answer:
(iii) Thirty-five years old

(d) What happens with Lomov while he goes for sleeping?
(i) He faints from time to time.
(ii) He gets one pull after another.
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Answer:
(ii) He gets one pull after another.

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to ‘maniac’.
(i) sensible
(ii) reasonable
(iii) sane
(iv) lunatic
Answer:
(iv) lunatic

4. But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, it’s true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s grandfather had the free use of the Meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own, when it happened that…

Choose the correct option:

(a) What were once the subject of dispute?
(i) Oxen Meadows
(ii) Oxen Shadows
(iii) Sea Springs
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Oxen Meadows

(b) Oxen Meadows belongs to whom?
(i) Natalya
(ii) Lomov
(iii) Ivan Vassilevitch
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Lomov

(c) The peasants belonging to Natalya’s father’s grandfather made ………….. for her in return.
(i) bricks
(ii) cement
(iii) iron
(iv) plastic
Answer:
(i) bricks

(d) How many years did they make free use of the Meadows?
(i) Twenty years
(ii) Twenty-five years
(iii) Forty years
(iv) Fifty years
Answer:
(iii) Forty years

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to “permanently’.
(i) temporarily
(ii) perpetuity
(iii) momentary
(iv) transitory
Answer:
(ii) perpetuity

5. What a surprise! We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years, and then we’re suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch, I can hardly believe my own ears. These meadows aren’t worth much to me. They only come to five dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand unfairness. Say what you will, I can’t stand unfairness.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What can the speaker not tolerate?
(i) People
(ii) Fairness
(iii) Unfairness
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Unfairness

(b) What is the cost of these meadows?
(i) 300 roubles
(ii) 400 roubles
(iii) 500 roubles
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) 300 roubles

(c) …………….. can hardly believe her own ears.
(i) Natalya
(ii) Lomov
(iii) Vassilevitch
(iv) Stepanitch
Answer:
(i) Natalya

(d) What is ‘dessiatins’?
(i) A unit of land measurement in Russia
(ii) A unit of land measurement in England
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) A unit of land measurement in Russia

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to ‘value.’
(i) frugal
(ii) worth
(iii) worthless
(iv) insignificant
Answer:
(ii) worth

6. I can make you a present of them myself, because they’re mine! Your behaviour, Ivan Vassilevitch, is strange, to say the least! Up to this we have always thought of you as a good neighbour, a friend; last year we lent you our threshing-machine, although on that account we had to put off our own threshing till November, but you behave to us as if we were gypsies. Giving me my own land, indeed! No, really, that’s not at all neighbourly! In my opinion, it’s even impudent, if you want to know.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What is the matter of dispute between both the characters?
(i) Land
(ii) Meadows
(iii) Cows
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Meadows

(b) Till which month did the narrator put off their own threshing?
(i) October
(ii) November
(iii) December
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) November

(c) Last year Natalya lent Lomov their
(i) threshing-machine
(ii) binding-machine
(iii) washing-machine
(iv) all of these
Answer:
(i) threshing-machine

(d) How is the behaviour of Ivan Vassilevitch?
(i) Rude
(ii) Strange
(iii) Good
(iv) Ill-tempered
Answer:
(ii) Strange

(e) Find out a word from the passage opposite in meaning to “respectful.’
(i) impudent
(ii) sycophant
(iii) dissident
(iv) satisfied
Answer:
(i) impudent

7. Don’t excite yourself, my precious one. Allow me. Your Guess certainly has his good points.
He’s purebred, firm on his feet, has well-sprung ribs, and all that. But, my dear man, if you want to know the truth, that dog has two defects: he’s old and he’s short in the muzzle.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What are the major defects of Guess, according to the speaker?
(i) Old and short in the muzzle
(ii) Young and stout
(iii) Short and thin
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Old and short in the muzzle

(b) What kind of breed is the dog?
(i) Purebred
(ii) Mixedbred
(iii) Monobred
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Purebred

(d) What are the good points of Guess?
(i) Weak feet and well sprung ribs
(ii) Firm feet and well sprung ribs
(iii) Flexible feet and inflexible ribs
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) Firm feet and well sprung ribs

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to definitely’.
(i) excitedly
(ii) uncertainly
(iii) certainly
(iv) roughly
Answer:
(iii) certainly

The Proposal Summary

The Proposal Introduction

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (29 January, 1860 — 15 July, 1904) is considered one of the greatest writers of short fiction in history.
He completed his school education in 1879.
He was a physician, short-story writer and playwright of Russia.
“The Seagull’, ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Three Sisters’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard are some of his notable plays.
He was bestowed with the coveted Pushkin Prize for the best literary production.

Gist of the Lesson

In ‘The Proposal, the author Anton Chekhov has given a detailed description of the marriage. Its theme is based on two people who love each other by fighting. It is a story about Stepanovitch Chubukov and his neighbour Lomov. Natalya is the daughter of Chubukov. The main purpose of the play is to increase their estates and land properties.

Lomov enters the house of Chubukov with a request. Chubukov thinks that Lomov has come to take some money. But that is not true. Instead Lomov has come to ask for Natalya’s hand. At this, Chubukov gets happy and embraces Lomov. Chubukov gives his consent and also tells him that Natalya is also in love with him. Natalya is beautiful and educated. So he wants to lead a happy and married life with Natalya.

When Natalya comes and asks about his visit, he changes the track of conversation. Lomov tells that he has great respect for his family. When Lomov talks about Oxen Meadows, birchwoods, there starts a verbal duel between the two. At this, Natalya refuses Lomov’s claim.

Lomov calls Chubukov a land grabber and threatens to drag Chubukov into the court. They start abusing each other. Chubukov calls Lomov the villain and the scarecrow. Natalya calls Lomov ‘a rascal’. They also quarrel over their dogs. They also want to prove each other’s dog superior. Lomov’s heart starts palpitating. But after a few moment, he regains his consciousness and Chubok tells him that Natalya is ready to marry. But ultimately they tie a nupital knot. And they start leading their married life.

The Proposal Summary

Lomov and Chubukov meet: Lomov in a formal evening dress comes to visit Chubukov. He is so excited about the purpose of his visit that he beats around the bushes rather than saying his purpose.

Lomov asks for Natalya’s hand: After gathering courage, Lomov finally speaks up to Chubukov that he has come to ask for Natalya, his daughter’s hand in marriage.

Chubukov calls Natalya: Chubukov becomes very happy at the proposal of Lomov and calls Natalya. Lomov asks Chubukov whether she will accept his proposal. Chubukov consoles him by saying that she is like a lovesick cat and will accept his proposal.

Lomov’s thoughts about Natalya: Lomov thinks that Natalya is an amazing house-keeper, educated and beautiful. He should not miss this opportunity of getting married at the age of thirtyfive.

Lomov’s reasons of getting married: Lomov suffers from serious diseases like palpitation, excitement and insomnia. Therefore, he wants to settle down and have a peaceful married life.

Natalya enters the drawing-room: Natalya sees Lomov in drawing-room and welcomes him. She compliments his dress which excites Lomov before he can tell his proposal.

Lomov’s claim of Oxen Meadows: Lomov starts talking how their families had good relations over many decades and also his Oxen Meadows touch their birchwoods.

Lomov and Natalya quarrel: Natalya opposes Lomov’s claim of calling Oxen Meadows his as the meadows belongs to her family. They both quarrel over the ownership of the Oxen Meadows. Lomov goes out after listening to the insults of her family.

Natalya gets to know the proposal: Chubukov enters the drawing room and gets angry on how Lomov dared to come with marriage proposal for his daughter and insulted him afterwards.

Natalya feels sad: After knowing about the proposal, Natalya becomes sad and repents for the fight she picked up with Lomov. Chubukov goes out to call Lomov.

Natalya pacifies Lomov: Natalya calms down Lomov by saying that the Oxen Meadows belongs to him. But Lomov is still disturbed and therefore, he starts praising his dog Guess, that he purchased for 125 roubles.

Another fight between Lomov and Natalya: Natalya says that her dog, Squeezer which she purchased for 85 roubles, is better than his dog Guess. They both start fighting over the qualities of their dogs.

Lomov falls unconscious: Chubukov also sides with his daughter rather than ending their quarrel. While throwing abuses at each other, Lomov falls into the armchair. Both Chubukov and Natalya think he is dead. She laments that her chance of getting married to Lomov has gone.

Lomov and Natalya decide to marry: After a few moments, Lomov regains his consciousness and without missing this opportunity, Chubukov tells him that Natalya is ready to marry him. He asks them to kiss each other. Later, they playfully debate over their dogs’ qualities again.

Lesson at a Glance

Chubukov and Lomov are neighbours. They both are landowners.
Lomov is thirty-five years old and he wants to live a peaceful married life.
Lomov goes to Chubukov’s house to ask for his daughter Natalya’s hand in marriage.
In Lomov’s opinion, Natalya is an amazing housekeeper and not bad looking either.
After coming to her house, he forgets the purpose of his visit and starts fighting with Natalya over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.
Chubukov enters and asks what the matter is about. He supports his daughter in the quarrel.
Lomov threatens them to go to the court. They further abuse one another.
Later, Natalya comes to know about the marriage proposal Lomov has come up with. She is annoyed with her father that he did not tell her about the proposal.
She asked her father to bring Lomov back, else she would end her life.
Lomov comes back and this time they start quarrelling over their dogs.
Natalya asserts that her dog Squeezer is better than Lomov’s dog Guess.
Chubukov also takes his daughter’s side and says that Squeezer is the best dog in the district.
In between all this fighting, Lomov becomes excited and his palpitations start rising.
He falls down in the chair and loses his consciousness.
Chubukov gets confused and threatens to cut his throat or shoot himself.
Gradually, Lomov regains his consciousness and Chubukov tells them to get married soon.

Character Sketch

Lomov: Lomov was a funny man. He was physically weak but economically sound. He was a rich bachelor who wanted to marry Natalya. He was not really in love with Natalya but wanted to marry her because he thought that she was a good-housekeeper and beautiful. Lomov said if he had desired for an ideal or real love, he would never have got married. It was his feeling that at the age of 35, he must lead a quiet and regular life. When he went to propose her, Natalya thought that he had come to claim Oxen Meadows as his own. That is why quarrel took place between them. They even quarrelled over their dogs. Before finally proposing to her, he fainted and after that shouted a lot but finally succeeded to get acceptance.

Chubukow: Chubukov was a landowner. He loved his daughter a lot. He was in search ofa good match for his daughter. He called Lomov, angel, treasure etc. He was a cunning man. Whenever Chubukov fought with Natalya, he supported his daughter. He even abused Lomov and told him to leave his house.

Natalya: Natalya was a very short-tempered girl. She was much concerned about the honour of her family and land. She had even hot discussion with Lomov about the ownership of Oxen Meadows and her dog, Squeezer. She was also ready to tie a nupital knot.

Word-Meanings

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus

July 2, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus

HBSE 10th Class English Madam Rides the Bus Textbook Questions and Answers

Activity

1. Look at the words and phrases given below. Then put a tick against the ones you think you will find in the text.

______ a set of passengers
______ get on the bus
______ get off the bus
______ platform
______ Tickets, please
______ a roar and a rattle
______ a row of seats
______ slowing down to a crawl
______ blowing a whistle
Answer:
a set of passengers
get on the bus
get off the bus
a roar and a rattle

2. You must have travelled by bus more than once. What can you see from a fast-moving bus ? Given below are some suggestions. Speak briefly about some of these scenes, or about other such scenes that you have seen; or write a sentence or two about them.

rivers
roadside shops
moving trains
a crowd
green fields
market places
vehicles on the road
clothes in shops
hills
railway tracks
trees
animals
Answer:
Usually the following scenes can be seen from a fast-moving bus :

• green fields
• roadside shops
• market places
• grazing animals
• moving trees
• a crowd
• vehicles on the road
• crops in fields
• people walking on the road
• factories
• distant hills
• rivers
• valleys

The above scenes are generally visible when the bus is moving in the plains and passing through cities. When the bus leaves the city, we can see green fields on both side of the road. In these fields we can see the grazing animals, standing crops, etc. We also see the trees moving towards us when the bus runs. We also see factories and the people walking on the road. When the bus passes through the cities, we can see market places, crowds of people and roadside shops. But when the bus passes through a hilly area, we can see hills, far off mountains, rivers, valleys, etc. All these things look very charming and beautiful.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 119)

1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime ? (वल्ली का प्रिय शौक क्या था?)
Answer:
Valli’s favourite pastime was to stand in the doorway of her house and watch what was happening in the street outside.
(अपने घर के सामने वाले दरवाजे पर खड़े होकर गली में घट रही घटनाओं को देखना वल्ली का प्रिय शौंक था।)

2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli ? What was her strongest desire ?
(वल्ली के लिए प्रसन्नता का कभी समाप्त न होने वाला स्रोत क्या था? उसकी सबसे मज़बूत इच्छा क्या थी?)
Answer:
The sight of the bus filled each time with a new set of passengers was a source of unending joy for Valli. Her strongest desire was to enjoy a ride on that bus.
(हर बार नए यात्रियों के समूह से भरी हुई बस का दृश्य वल्ली के लिए कभी समाप्त न होने वाला प्रसन्नता का स्रोत था। . उसकी सबसे अधिक मज़बूत इच्छा उस बस पर सवार होकर सफर करने की थी।)

3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey ? How did she find out these details ? (बस यात्रा के बारे में वल्ली को क्या जानकारी हासिल हुई? उसने ये जानकारियाँ कैसे हासिल की?)
Answer:
Valli found out about the bus journey that the bus fare was thirty paise one way.The town was six miles from the village. She found out these details after hearing the conversation between her neighbours and those who had travelled by the bus.
(वल्ली को बस यात्रा के बारे में पता चल गया कि बस यात्रा का एक तरफ का किराया तीस पैसे था। कस्बा गाँव में छह मील की दूरी पर था। उसने ये जानकारियाँ अपने पड़ोसियों और उन लोगों की बातचीत से हासिल की थीं जो बस की यात्रा कर चुके थे।)

4. What do you think Valli was planning to do? (आपके विचार में वल्ली क्या करने की योजना बना रही थी?)
Answer:
She was planning to save money so that she could ride on the bus. She could take the one-o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town at one forty-five and be back home by about two forty-five.
(वह पैसे बचाने की योजना बना रही थी ताकि वह बस पर सवार हो सके। वह दोपहर बाद एक बजे वाली बस ले सके, एक बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट पर कस्बे में पहुँच सके और दो पैंतालिस पर अपने घर लौट सके।)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 122)

1. Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
(परिचालक वल्ली को ‘मैडम’ क्यों कहता है?) ।
Answer:
The conductor was amused to see the self-confidence of Valli. She behaved like a grown up woman. She was quick in her answers to the conductor’s questions. So he addresses Valli as ‘madam.’
(परिचालक वल्ली के आत्मविश्वास से अति प्रसन्न था। वह एक सयानी महिला की तरह व्यवहार कर रही थी। वह परिचालक के प्रश्नों का तेजी के साथ उत्तर दे रही थी। इसलिए वह वल्ली को ‘मैडम’ कहता है।)

2. Why does Valli stand up on the seat ? What does she see now ? (वल्ली सीट पर क्यों खड़ी हो जाती ? अब वह क्या देखती है?)
Answer:
Valli stands up on the seat because she couldn’t see outside as the bus curtain had covered the lower part of her window. Now she sees the outside scenes and is filled with wonder.
(वल्ली सीट पर खड़ी हो जाती है क्योंकि वह बस से बाहर नहीं देख सकती है क्योंकि बस में लगे पर्दो ने उसकी खिड़की के निचले भाग को ढक रखा है। अब वह बाहर के दृश्यों को देखती है और आश्चर्य से भर जाती है।)

3. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child ? (वल्ली वृद्ध आदमी को क्या बताती है जब वह उसे बच्ची कहकर पुकारता है?)
Answer:
Valli feels angry when the elderly man calls her a child. She tells him that she is not a child and that she has a full ticket for the bus journey.
(वल्ली क्रोधित हो जाती है जब वृद्ध आदमी उसे बच्ची कहकर पुकारता है। वह उसे बताती है कि वह बच्ची नहीं है और उसके पास बस यात्रा का पूरा टिकट है।)

4. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman ? (वल्ली वृद्ध महिला के साथ मित्रता क्यों नहीं करना चाहती थी?)
Answer:
Valli did not want to make friends with the elderly woman because she looked ‘repulsive’ and ‘smelled foul.’
(वल्ली वृद्ध महिला के साथ मित्रता नहीं करना चाहती थी क्योंकि वह ‘घृणित’ लग रही थी और उससे ‘बुरी गंध’ आ रही थी।)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 125)

1. How did Valli save up money for her first journey ? Was it easy for her ?
(वल्ली ने अपनी पहली यात्रा के लिए धन कैसे बचाया? क्या यह उसके लिए आसान था?)
Answer:
Valli saved up money for her first journey by resisting the temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, etc. It was difficult for her. She even suppressed her desire to enjoy a merry-go-round at the village fair.
(वल्ली ने पिपरमिंट की गोलियाँ, खिलौने, गुब्बारे इत्यादि खरीदने से अपने आपको रोककर धन बचाया। यह उसके लिए कठिन था। उसने गाँव के मेले में झूले का आनन्द लेने की अपनी इच्छा को भी दबाया।)

2. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh ? (वल्ली ने रास्ते में क्या देखा जिससे वह हँसने लगी?)
Answer:
Suddenly a cow which came before the bus with her raised tail. The driver sounded the horn. But more he honked, the animal became more frightened and the faster it galloped. This made Valli laugh.
(अचानक ही एक गाय जिसने अपनी पूँछ उठा रखी थी बस के आगे आ गई। चालक ने हॉर्न बजाया। लेकिन जितना ज्यादा वह हॉर्न बजाता था, जानवर उतना ज्यादा डर जाता था और तेजी से भागने लग जाता था। इससे वल्ली हँस पड़ी।)

3. Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station? (वह बस स्टेशन पर बस से नीचे क्यों नहीं उतरी?)
Answer:
Valli didn’t get off the bus at the bus station because she was going back on the same bus. So she gave the money to the conductor for the ticket for her return journey.
(बस स्टैण्ड पर वल्ली बस से नीचे नहीं उतरी क्योंकि वह उसी बस से वापस जा रही थी। इसलिए उसने चालक को उसकी वापसी की यात्रा के टिकट के पैसे दे दिए।)

4. Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
(वल्ली दुकान पर जाकर शीतल पेय क्यों नहीं पीना चाहती थी? इससे आपको उसके बारे में क्या जानकारी मिलती है?)
Answer:
Valli did not want to go to the stall and have a drink because she didn’t have the money for that. The conductor offered to pay for her. But she declined this offer. It tells that she was a wise and confident girl.
(वल्ली दुकान पर नहीं जाना चाहती थी और पेय पदार्थ नहीं लेना चाहती रो क्योंकि उसके पास इसके लिए धन नहीं था। परिचालक ने इसके लिए पैसे देने की पेशकश की। लेकिन उसने इस पेशकश को इंकार कर दिया। इससे पता चलता है कि वह एक बुद्धिमान और विश्वस्त लड़की थी।)

Thinking about the Text

1. What was Valli’s deepest desire ? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
(वल्ली की तीव्रतम इच्छा क्या थी? कहानी में से वे शब्द या वाक्यांश छाँटिए जो इसके बारे में आपको बताते हैं।)
Answer:
Valli’s deepest desire was to ride on the bus which ran from her village to the nearby town. The words and phrases which tell this are : ‘Day after day she watched the bus’, ‘she wanted to ride on that bus’, “This wish became stronger and stronger.’ ‘until it was an overwhelmin
(वल्ली की तीव्रतम इच्छा थी कि वह अपने गाँव से निकटतम कस्बे में जाने वाली बस की सवारी करे। जो शब्द या वाक्यांश हमें इसके बारे में बताते हैं कि-‘दिन-प्रतिदिन वह बस को निहारती थी’, ‘वह बस पर सफर करना चाहती थी’, ‘यह इच्छा मज़बूत-से-मजबूत होती गई’, ‘जब तक कि यह एक अनियंत्रित इच्छा नहीं बन गई।)

2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
(वल्ली ने अपनी बस की यात्रा की योजना कैसे बनाई? उसने बस के बारे में क्या जानकारी हासिल की, और उसने किराया कैसे बचाया?)
Answer:
Valli planned her bus ride after knowing all the related facts like the fare, the time it took to reach the town, when it started to and fro. She found out all these details by listening carefully to conversation between her neighbours and the persons who had travelled by the bus. :
(वल्ली ने बस के बारे में सारे तथ्यों; जैसे किराया, शहर पहुँचने में लिया जाने वाला समय, यह यहाँ और वहाँ से किस समय चलती थी जानने के बाद अपनी बस यात्रा की योजना बनाई। उसने ये सारी जानकारियाँ अपने पड़ोसियों और उन लोगों की बातचीत को जो बस की यात्रा कर चुके थे ध्यान से सुनकर हासिल की थीं।)

3. What kind of a person is Valli? To answer this question, pick out the following sentences from the text and fill in the blanks. The words you fill in are the clues to your answer.
(वल्ली किस प्रकार की लड़की है? इस प्रश्न के उत्तर के लिए पाठ से निम्नलिखित वाक्य लो और खाली स्थान को भरो। जो शब्द आप भरेंगे वही आपके उत्तर के लिए संकेत होंगे।)
(i) “Stop the bus ! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised
(ii) “Yes,I .go to town,” said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
(iii) “There’s nobody here ______.” she said haughtily.“I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
(iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can ____ . You don’t have to help me. I’m not a child, I tell you,” she said,
(v) “You needn’t bother about me. I _____________. “Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope ____.”
Answer:
(i) commandingly
(ii) simply have to
(iii) who’s a child
(iv) get on by myself
(v) can take care of myself
(vi) to see you again

4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’ ?
(परिचालक वल्ली को मैडम क्यों कहता है?)
Answer:
The conductor was impressed by Valli’s self-confidence. She behaved like a grown up woman. She was quick in her answers to the conductor’s questions. She was self-dependent. So he addressed Valli as ‘madam.’

(परिचालक वल्ली के आत्मविश्वास से अति प्रसन्न था। वह एक सयानी महिला की तरह व्यवहार कर रही थी। वह परिचालक के प्रश्नों का तेजी के साथ उत्तर दे रही थी। वह आत्म-निर्भर थी। इसलिए वह वल्ली को ‘मैडम’ कहता है।) .

5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus. (अध्याय में से पंक्तियाँ छाँटिए जो आपको बताती हैं कि वल्ली अपनी यात्रा का आनन्द ले रही थी।)
Answer:
The following lines tell us that Valli was enjoying the bus ride : ‘Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with glee,’ ‘Somehow this was very funny to Valli,’ ‘She laughed and laughed …,’ ‘Struck dumb with wonder, Valli gaped at everything.’

6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back ? (घर वापसी में वल्ली खिड़की से बाहर देखने से क्यों मना कर देती है?)
Answer:
On her way back, Valli sees the dead cow. It makes her sad. So she refuses to look out of the window on her way back because what was so beautiful a little while ago now looked so horrible. The memory of the dead cow haunts her. It dampens her enthusiasm.
(वापसी में, वल्ली एक मृत गाय को देखती है। इससे वह उदास हो जाती है। इसलिए घर वापसी पर वह खिड़की से बाहर देखने से मना कर देती है क्योंकि थोड़ी देर पहले जो कुछ इतना सुन्दर था अब इतना भयानक लग रहा था। मृत गाय की याद उसे परेशान कर रही है। यह उसके उत्साह को ठंडा कर रही है।)

7. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge.”
(वल्ली का क्या भाव है जब वह कहती है “मैं तो सिर्फ आपकी बात से सहमत हो रही थी जो हमारी जानकारी के बिना चीजों के घटित होने के विषय में आप ने कहा था।”)
Answer:
Valli means to say that many things happen in our midst and in the world outside. We do not know about them all. Even if we know them, we can’t understand them completely.
(वल्ली के कहने का भाव है कि हमारे बीच में और बाहर संसार में बहुत-सी चीजें घटित होती हैं। हम उनके बारे में सब कुछ नहीं जानते। यदि हम उनके बारे में जानते भी हैं तो हम उन्हें पूर्णतया समझ नहीं सकते हैं।)

8. The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement ?
(लेखक चीज़ों का वर्णन उस रूप में करता है जिस रूप में एक आठ साल की लड़की वल्ली उन्हें देखती है। क्या आप अध्याय से कुछ प्रमाण ढूँढ सकते हैं जो इस कथन की पुष्टि करते हैं?)
Answer:
The following evidence from the text tells us that the poet describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year old’s point of view :
“The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town,’
“Valli devoured everything with her eyes,’
‘Oh, it was all so wonderful!’ palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue, blue sky,”
‘Valli’s stands to look outside as the bus curtain covers the lower part of her window,’
‘Somehow this was very funny to Valli’ (seeing the cow run ahead of the bus),
“She laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes.

Speaking

This story has a lot of people talking in it. The conductor jokes and laughs with Valli, some passengers try to show their concern for her, and her mother and her aunt spend time chatting.
Read the conversations carefully. Then think of similar people, or similar situations that you have experienced. Mimic a person or persons who spoke to you, saying what they said, along with your replies.
Answer:
I often travel by a bus. The memory of one such journey is till fresh in my mind. The conductor of the bus was a very jolly person. He was perhaps a man who could never be sad. He replied to every question in a humorous way. I saw the bus stand. I went near it asked the conductor where the bus would go. He looked at me and said, “How can the bus go? Do you find any legs attached to the bus?” Everyone laughed. I too enjoyed the joke. In the meantime someone had told me that the bus was going to Delhi. It was the right bus so I boarded it. After sometime a person asked the conductor as to what was the last stop of the bus. At this conductor replied, “The last stop of every bus is the junk dealer’s shop.” Again everybody laughed. At next stop, an old man boarded the bus. He was a stammered while talking. He said something to the conductor, who replied, “Sir, applying the brakes is the driver’s job. Why do you apply brakes when speaking?” Thus the conductor kept making humorous remarks. As a result, I and the other passengers had a good time.

Writing

Write a page—about three paragraphs on one of the following topics.

1. Have you ever planned something entirely on your own, without taking grown-ups into your
confidence ? What did you plan, and how ? Did you carry out your plan ?
Answer:
What I Planned Entirely on My Own

I remember that once I planned a visit to the International book fair on my town, without taking any elders into confidence. I am a book lover. When I learnt that an international book fair was being held in Delhi, I could not resist the temptation of visiting it. I told my father that I wanted to visit my uncle who lived in Delhi. After some hesitation, my father agreed. A few days ago I had won a cash prize at a declamation contest held in our school. So I had money in my pocket for the books. My father gave me the bus fare. I was very happy. On reaching Delhi, I boarded a local bus for the Pragati Maidan. After one hour, I reached the book fair site. I was thrilled to see so many book stalls there. I kept money only for the return fare and spent the rest of money on the books. I purchased some very good books. I shall always remember that visit.

2. Have you made a journey that was unforgettable in some way? What made it memorable ?
Answer:
My Unforgettable Journey

Once I went to Ludhiana by bus. That journey will always remain fresh in my mind. Everything went wrong from the start to the finish. First of all I was late for the bus. I hired an auto-rickshaw for the bus stand. But the auto-rickshaw struck an electric pole and turned over. Luckily I escaped without any injury. I rushed to the bus stand and found the bus just leaving. I ran very hard and was able to catch it. But as I entered the bus, I collided against a lady who was standing. She asked me if I was blind. Everyone laughed at me. I was red in the face. Then the bus broke down on the way. After waiting for one hour for the bus to be repaired, I finally took another bus. I reached Ludhiana at night. Then I forgot the adder’s of my friend. I kept wandering in his colony. However, all is well that ends well. Luckily I found my friend coming in the street. I went to his room and heaved a sigh of relief.

3. Are you concerned about traffic and road safety ? What are your concerns ? How would you
make road travel safer and more enjoyable ?
Answer:
My Concern about Traffic and Road Safety

I am concerned about the traffic and the road safety. In India, the traffic rules are very commonly ignored. As a result, there are many accidents in which numerous people lose their lives.

We must follow the traffic rules for our own and others’ safety. We should keep to the left while driving on the road. We should use the zebra crossing while crossing the road. When we are driving a vehicle, we must slow it when we approach the zebra crossing. The most important thing is that public should be educated about traffic rules and traffic safety. The police must check the traffic violations strictly. Those who violate the traffic rules should be punished severely.

HBSE 10th Class English Madam Rides the Bus Important Questions and Answers

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Who was Valli?
Answer:
Valli was an eight years old village girl.

Question 2.
What was Valli’s favourite pastime ?
Answer:
Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.

Question 3.
How old was Valli ?
Answer:
Valli was eight years old.

Question 4.
Who did Valli live with ?
Answer:
Valli lived with her mother.

Question 5.
What was the most fascinating thing for Valli ?
Answer:
The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers was the most fascinating thing for Valli.

Question 6.
When would Valli be jealous ?
Answer:
Valli would be jealous when one of her friends described the sight of the town to her.

Question 7.
What did Valli carefully listen to ?
Answer:
Valli carefully listened to conversations of her neighbours who used the bus regularly.

Question 8.
How far was the town from the village ?
Answer:
It was at a distance of six miles.

Question 9.
What type of a man was the bus conductor ?
Answer:
The bus conductor was a jolly and fun loving type of person.

Question 10.
How much money did Valli save for the bus ride ?
Answer:
She saved sixty paisa for the bus ride.

Question 11.
What made Valli sad ?
Answer:
The sight of the dead cow made Valli sad.

Question 12.
What was Valli’s deepest desire?
Answer:
Valli’s deepest desire was to have a bus ride to the town.

Question 13.
What does the bus conductor call Valli?
Answer:
The bus conductor calls her ‘madam’.

Question 14.
What did Valli buy from the town?
Answer:
She bought nothing from the town.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Write down the conductor’s advice to Valli?
(परिचालक के द्वारा वल्ली को दी गई सलाह लिखिए।)
Answer:
Calling Valli a child, the conductor requested her to sit down. It will make her comfortable. Standing up again and again can make her fall and get hurt because the bus can make a sharp turn.
(वल्ली को बच्ची कहते हुए, परिचालक ने उसे नीचे बैठ जाने को कहा। इससे वह आरामदायक रहेगी। बार-बार खड़े होने से वह गिर सकती है और उसे चोट लग सकती है क्योंकि बस को तीव्र मोड़ काटने पड़ते हैं।)

Question 2.
How did Valli manage to leave the house?
(वल्ली ने घर से जाने का प्रबंध कैसे किया?)
Answer:
Valli knew that after lunch her mother would nap for about one to four or so. It was Valli’s habit to engage these hours for her excursions and move outside the village.
(वल्ली जानती थी कि दोपहर का खाना खाने के बाद उसकी माँ एक बजे से लेकर चार बजे तक हल्की नींद लेती थी। वल्ली की आदत थी कि वह इन घंटों का प्रयोग भ्रमण करने या गाँव में इधर-उधर घूमने में करती थी।)

Question 3.
What did Valli calculate and plan?
(वल्ली ने क्या गणना की और क्या योजना बनाई?)
Answer:
Valli calculated and planned that if she took one o’clock afternoon bus, she would reach the town at one forty-five. On reaching town if she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise she could return home by the same bus by about two forty-five.
(वल्ली ने गणना की और योजना बनाई कि यदि उसने दोपहर बाद एक बजे वाली बस पकड़ ली तो वह एक पैंतालिस पर शहर पहुँच जाएगी। शहर पहुँचकर यदि वह अपनी सीट पर ही बैठी रही और अतिरिक्त तीस पैसे का भुगतान कर दिया तो वह उसी बस से दो बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट तक घर पहुंच जाएगी।)

Question 4.
What type of person was the conductor?
(परिचालक किस प्रकार का व्यक्ति था?)
Answer:
The conductor was very wise man and knew how to tackle and talk with the passengers. He was fond of jokes and in his jolly tone interrogated Valli many times.
(परिचालक बहुत ही बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति था और जानता था कि यात्रियों से किस तरह व्यवहार किया जाना चाहिए। वह मजाक पसंद करने वाला था और उसने कई बार मजाक की मुद्रा में वल्ली से बात की।)

Question 5.
What did Valli’s mother say about the things happening without our knowledge?
(वल्ली की माँ ने हमारी जानकारी के बिना घटित होने वाली चीज़ों के बारे में क्या कहा?) ।
Answer:
Valli’s mother said that so many things happen amidst us and in the world outside. We cannot know about everything. Even when we know about something we often can’t understand it completely.
(वल्ली की माँ ने कहा कि कितनी सारी चीजें हमारे बीच में और हमारे से बाहर की दुनिया में घटित होती हैं। हम प्रत्येक चीज़ के बारे में नहीं जान सकते हैं। यहाँ तक कि यदि हम कभी किसी चीज़ के बारे में जान भी लेते हैं तो हम उसे पूर्ण रूप से समझ नहीं सकते हैं।)

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
Who was Valli? What was her overwhelming desire?
(वल्ली कौन थी? उसकी तीव्र इच्छा क्या थी?)
or
Who was valli? What was her favourite pastime?
(वल्ली कौन थी? उसका प्रिय शौंक क्या था?)
Answer:
Valli was an eight-year old girl. She was a curious girl. She wanted to know many things. She did not have playmates of her own age. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house to see what was happening outside. The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that passed through the street each hour. The bus travelled between her village and the nearest town. The sight of the bus was a source of unending joy for Valli. It was a great joy for her to watch new sets of passengers everytime the bus passed through the street. As she watched the bus day after day, she developed a wish to have a ride on that bus. Her wish became stronger and stronger until it was an overwhelming desire.

(वल्ली एक आठ वर्ष की लड़की थी। वह एक जिज्ञासु लड़की थी। वह बहुत-सी चीजें जानना चाहती थी। उसके पास उसकी उम्र के साथी नहीं थे जिनके साथ वह खेल सके। उसका प्रिय शौक था अपने घर के सामने वाले दरवाजे में खड़े होकर गली में हो रही घटनाओं को निहारना। उसके लिए सबसे आकर्षक चीज़ थी गली में से हर घंटे गुजरने वाली बस। यह बस उसके गाँव और निकटतम कस्बे के बीच चलती थी। बस का दृश्य वल्ली के लिए कभी न समाप्त होने वाली प्रसन्नता का स्रोत था। जैसे-जैसे वह गली में से प्रतिदिन बस को गुजरते हुए देखती गई बस में सवार होने की उसकी इच्छा विकसित होती रही। उसकी इच्छा मजबूत-से-मजबूत होती रही, जब तक कि वह अनियंत्रित इच्छा में नहीं बदल गई।)

Question 2.
How did Valli plan to have a bus ride?
(वल्ली ने बस की यात्रा करने की योजना कैसे बनाई?)
or
How did Valli plan her visit to the town ?
(वल्ली ने अपने शहर जाने की योजना कैसे बनाई? व्याख्या करें।).
Answer:
Valli carefully listened to the conversations between her neighbours and people who had travelled on the bus or who regularly used it. She asked some casual questions also. She came to know that the town was six miles away from her village. It took forty-five minutes to reach there. The fare was thirty paise for one way. Valli planned her journey to the town and back. It would be her first journey out of her village. She saved every paisa by resisting her desire to buy icecream, toys, balloons, etc. She had also killed her desire to visit the village fair and have a ride in the merry-go-round. When she had saved sixty paise, she was ready for her first bus journey. Then she planned how she would slip out of house. She knew that her mother slept daily after lunch. She decided to use these hours for her journey.

(वल्ली अपने पड़ोसियों तथा उन लोगों के वार्तालाप को बड़े ध्यान के साथ सुनती थी जो बस की यात्रा कर चुके थे या बस का नियमित रूप से प्रयोग करते थे। वह कुछ सामान्य प्रश्न भी पूछती थी। उसे पता चल गया था कि कस्बा उसके गाँव से छह मील की दूरी पर है। वहाँ पहुँचने में पैंतालिस मिनट लगते हैं। एक तरफ का किराया तीस पैसे था। वल्ली ने शहर जाने और वापस आने की योजना बनाई। गाँव से बाहर की यह उसकी पहली यात्रा थी। उसने आईसक्रीम खाने, खिलौने खरीदने, गुब्बारे खरीदने इत्यादि की इच्छा को दबाकर पैसे बचाए। उसने गाँव के मेले में जाने और झूला झूलने की इच्छा को भी दबा दिया। जब उसने साठ पैसे बचा लिए, तो वह अपनी पहली बस यात्रा के लिए तैयार थी। तब उसने योजना बनाई कि वह घर से बाहर कैसे निकलेगी। वह जानती थी कि उसकी माँ दोपहर का खाना खाने के बाद सोती है। उसने इन घंटों का प्रयोग अपनी यात्रा के लिए करने का निर्णय लिया।)

Question 3.
What did Valli notice after she boarded the bus? (बस में सवार होने के पश्चात् वल्ली ने क्या देखा?)
Answer:
Valli looked around in the bus. It had soft and comfortable seats. It had a beautiful clock above the wind screen. The overhead bars shone like silver. Then she tried to look outside. She found her view cut off by a curtain that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood on her seat to enjoy the outside scene. The bus was going along the bank of a canal. She saw palm trees, mountains and the blue sky. On the other side, there were green fields. Suddenly an elderly man warned Valli not to stand on the seat. He called her a child and said that she could fall and get hurt. But Valli did not care for him. She told him proudly that she was not a ‘child’. She had paid the full fare like the others. The conductor told the man that Valli was a grown up madam. Valli looked at the conductor angrily and said that she was not a madam.

(वल्ली ने बस में चारों ओर देखा। इसमें नरम और आरामदायक सीटें थीं। हवा रोकने वाले शीशे के ऊपर एक सुन्दर घड़ी लगी हुई थी। ऊपर लगी हुई सलाखें चाँदी की तरह चमक रही थीं। तब उसने बाहर देखने का प्रयास किया। उसने पाया कि उसकी खिड़की के निचले भाग पर लगा हुआ पर्दा उसके बाहर देखने में बाधा बना हुआ था। इसलिए वह अपनी सीट पर खड़ी होकर बाहर के दृश्यों का आनन्द लेने लगी। बस एक नहर के किनारे-किनारे जा रही थी। उसने खजूर के वृक्ष, पर्वत और नीला आसमान देखे। दूसरी ओर हरे वृक्ष थे। अचानक ही एक वृद्ध आदमी ने वल्ली को सीट पर खड़ा न होने की चेतावनी दी। उसने उसे बच्ची कहकर सम्बोधित किया और कहा कि वह गिर जाएगी और चोट खा लेगी। लेकिन वल्ली ने उसकी बात पर ध्यान नहीं दिया। उसने उसे गर्व से कहा कि वह ‘बच्ची’ नहीं है। उसने भी दूसरों की भाँति पूरा टिकट खरीदा है। परिचालक ने उस आदमी को बताया कि वल्ली एक समझदार मैडम है। वल्ली ने परिचालक की ओर क्रोधपूर्वक देखा और कहा कि वह मैडम नहीं है।)

Question 4.
Describe Valli’s return journey. (वल्ली की वापसी यात्रा का वर्णन करो।) .
Answer:
The bus resumed its return journey. There were the same wonderful sights. Valli enjoyed the scene again. But suddenly she saw a young cow lying dead, by the roadside. It had been struck by a fast moving vehicle. She asked the conductor if it was the same cow they saw earlier. The conductor nodded. Valli became sad. It had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little ago. But now the cow was without its charm and its life. The bus moved on. The memory of the dead cow haunted Valli. She no longer wanted to see out of the window. She kept sitting on her seat until her village came. She got down and wished the conductor to see him again. The conductor smiled. He told Valli that whenever she felt like riding the bus she could come and join them.

(बस ने अपनी वापसी की यात्रा आरम्भ की। रास्ते में वही अद्भुत दृश्य थे। वल्ली ने पुनः दृश्यों का आनन्द लिया। लेकिन अचानक ही उसने एक छोटी गाय को सड़क के किनारे मृत पड़े हुए पाया। इसको किसी तेज गति वाले वाहन ने टक्कर मार दी थी। उसने परिचालक से पूछा कि क्या यह वही गाय है जो उन्होंने पहले देखी थी। परिचालक ने हाँ में सिर हिलाया। वल्ली उदास हो गई। थोड़ी देर पहले तो वह एक प्यारा, सुन्दर जीव था। लेकिन अब गाय अपने आकर्षण और जीवन के बिना थी। बस आगे बढ़ गई। मृत गाय की याद वल्ली को परेशान कर रही थी। अब वह खिड़की से बाहर नहीं देखना चाहती थी। जब तक उसका गाँव नहीं आया वह सीट पर ही बैठी रही। वह बस से नीचे उतरी और परिचालक से पुनः मिलने की कामना की। परिचालक मुस्कराया। उसने वल्ली को बताया कि जब भी उसका दिल बस की सवारी करने को करे तो वह उनके पास आ जाए।)

Question 5.
Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
(घर लौटते समय वल्ली खिड़की से बाहर देखने से क्यों मना कर देती है?)
Answer:
On her way to the town Valli laughed heartily to see a young cow running at high speed in the middle of the road just in front of their bus. But on her way back, she saw a young cow lying dead near the road. She asked the bus conductor if it was the same cow that was running in front of the bus. The bus conductor nodded. She was shocked and sad. So she refuses to look out of the window on her way back because what was so beautiful a little while ago now looked so horrible. The memory of the dead cow haunts her. It dampens her enthusiasm.

(शहर जाते समय वल्ली अपनी बस के आगे-आगे सड़क के बीच में तेज गति से भागती हुई एक युवा गाय को देखकर खूब जोर से हँसी। लेकिन घर लौटते समय उसने एक युवा गाय को सड़क किनारे मृत पड़े पाया। उसने बस कंडक्टर से पूछा कि क्या यह वही गाय है जो बस के आगे दौड़ रही थी। बस कंडक्टर ने हाँ में सिर हिलाया। उसे आघात लगा और वह उदास हो गई। अतः वह घर लौटते समय बस से बाहर देखने से भी मना कर देती है क्योंकि थोड़ी देर पहले जो चीज इतनी सुंदर लग रही थी अब वह बहुत दर्दनाक दिख रही थी। मृत गाय की याद उसे परेशान कर रही है। यह उसके उत्साह को ठंडा कर रही है।)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
How old was Valli ?
(A) eight years
(B) ten years
(C) twelve years
(D) fourteen years
Answer:
(A) eight years

Question 2.
Valli’s favourite pastime was :
(A) riding the bus
(B) visiting the town
(C) standing at her door
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(C) standing at her door

Question 3.
How far was the town from Valli’s village ?
(A) four miles
(B) six miles
(C) eight miles
(D) ten miles
Answer:
(B) six miles

Question 4.
Who did Valli live with ?
(A) her father
(B) her mother
(C) her aunt
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(B) her mother

Question 5.
What type of a man was the bus conductor ?
(A) jolly
(B) wise
(C) fun loving
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(D) all of the above

Question 6.
Valli had the strongest desire of :
(A) swimming
(B) riding on the bus
(C) playing
(D) dancing
Answer:
(B) riding on the bus

Question 7.
How much time the bus takes from her village to the town?
(A) forty-five minutes
(B) one hour
(C) an hour and half
(D) two hours
Answer:
(A) forty-five minutes

Question 8.
The conductor called Valli as :
(A) child
(B) madam
(C) baby
(D) auntie
Answer:
(B) madam

Question 9.
Who did Valli find in her home when she returned from the town?
(A) her father
(B) her teacher
(C) her aunt
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(C) her aunt

Question 10.
What did Valli buy from the town ?
(A) a set of bangles
(B) cold drinks
(C) a frock
(D) nothing
Answer:
(D) nothing

Question 11.
What made Valli sad?
(A) the cow running in front of the bus
(B) the dead cow
(C) the sights in the town
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(B) the dead cow

Question 12.
Who is the author of the lesson ‘Madam Rides the Bus’?
(A) Gavin Maxwell
(B) Vallikkannan
(C) Anton Chekov
(D) Arup Kumar Datta
Answer:
(B) Vallikkannan

Madam Rides the Bus Important Passages for Comprehension

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

There was a girl named Valliammai who was called Valli for short. She was eight years old and very curious about things. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside. There were no playmates of her own age on her street, and this was about all she had to do.
But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences.
The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once coming back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli.

Word-meanings : Curious = eager (उस्तुक); pastime = hobby (शौका); elaborate = detailed (विस्तृत)

Questions :
(a) Name the chapter and its author.
(b) What was full name of Valli.
(c) What was Valli’s favourite pastime ?
(d) How many playmates of her age did Valli have ?
(e) Find words from the passage which mean the same as : (a) eager, (b) hobby.
Answers :
(a) Chapter : Madam Rides the Bus, Author : Vallikkannan.
(b) The full name of Valli was ‘Valliammai’.
(c) Valli’s favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.
(d) She had no playmates of her own age
(e) (a) curious, (b) pastime.

PASSAGE 2

Day after day she watched the bus, and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there: she wanted to ride on that bus, even if just once. This wish became stronger and stronger, until it was an overwhelming desire. Valli would stare wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus when it stopped at the street corner. Their faces would kindle in her longings, dreams and hopes. If one of her friends happened to ride the bus and tried to describe the sights of the town to her, Valli would be too jealous to listen and would shout, in English: ‘Proud ! proud” Neither she nor her friends really understood the meaning of the word, but they used it often as a slang expression of disapproval.

Word-meanings : Gradually = slowly (धीरे धीरे); overwhelming = strong (मजबूत); wistfully = with longing (इचासे); disapproval = refusal (असहमति).

Questions :
(a) What was Valli’s ‘tiny wish’?
(b) What would Valli wistfully stare at?
(c) When were Valli’s longings, hopes and dreams kindled?
(d) When would Valli be jealous?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means “excite’.
Answers :
(a) Valli’s tiny wish was to travel by a bus.
(b) She would stare wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus.
(c) The sight of the bus passengers would kindle in her longings, dreams and hopes.
(d) She felt jealous when one of her friends described the sights of the town to her.
(e) “kindle.

PASSAGE 3

Over many days and months Valli listened carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus, and she also asked a few discreet questions here and there. This way she picked up various small details about the bus journey. The town was six miles from her village. The fare was thirty paise one way— “which is almost nothing at all,” she heard one well-dressed man say, but to Valli, who scarcely saw that much money from one month to the next, it seemed a fortune. The trip to the town took forty-five minutes. On reaching town, if she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise, she could return home on the same bus. This meant that she could take the one-o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town at one forty-five, and be back home by about two forty-five …

Word-meanings : Discreet = quiet (शांत); various = many (कई); scarcely = hardly (मुश्किल से )

Questions :

(a) What did Valli carefully listen to?
(b) What seemed ‘a fortune’ to Valli ?
(c) How much time did the bus take from Valli’s village to the city?
(d) How far was the town from the village?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘hardly.’
Answers :
(a) Valli listened carefully to conversations of her neighbours who used the bus regularly.
(b) “Thirty paise’ seemed ‘a fortune’ to Valli.
(c) It took forty-five minutes.
(d) It was six miles away.
(e) ‘scarcely.’

PASSAGE 4

The conductor was a jolly sort, fond of joking. “Oh, please don’t be angry with me, my fine madam,” he said. “Here, have a seat right up there in front. Everybody move aside please – make way for madam.”.
It was the slack time of day, and there were only six or seven passengers on the bus. They were all looking at Valli and laughing with the conductor. Valli was overcome with shyness. Avoiding everyone’s eyes, she walked quickly to an empty seat and sat down.

“May we start now, madam?” the conductor asked, smiling. Then he blew his whistle twice, and the bus moved forward with a roar.
It was a new bus, its outside painted a gleaming white with some green stripes along the sides. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silver. Directly in front of Valli, above the windshield, there was a beautiful clock. The seats were soft and luxurious.

Word-meanings : Slack time = when there is not much work ( जब अधिक काम न हो); luxurious = comfortable (आरामदाकाया))!

Questions :

(a) How does the author describe the conductor?
(b) By what name did the conductor call Valli?
(c) What does the author mean by ‘the slack time of day’ ?
(d) How were the seats of the bus?
(e) Find a word from the passage which is the opposite of ‘serious’.
Answers :
(a) The conductor was a jolly sort of man.
(b) He called Valli ‘madam’.
(c) The author means that there were not many passengers riding the bus at that time.
(d) The bus had soft and luxurious seats.
(e) “jolly’.

PASSAGE 5

Valli devoured everything with her eyes. But when she started to look outside, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood up on the seat and peered over the blind.
The bus was now going along the bank of a canal. The road was very narrow. On one side there was the canal and, beyond it, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue, blue sky. On the other side was a deep ditch and then acres and acres of green fields—green, green, green, as far as the eye could see. Oh, it was all so wonderful!

Word-meanings : Devoured = looked attentively (ध्यान से देखना); peered over = looked over (ऊपर देखना); ditch = pot hole (खड्डा) !

Questions :

(a) How was Valli’s view cut off?
(b) Why did Valli stand up on the seat?
(c) There were fields on one side of the road. What was there on the other side?
(d) Was the road wide?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘curtain’.
Answers :
(a) Vallli’s view was cut off by a canvas curtain.
(b) She stood up on the seat because a canvas blind cut off the view for her.
(c) There was a canal on the other side.
(d) No, the road was narrow.
(e) ‘blind.’

PASSAGE 6

An elderly woman came and sat beside her. “Are you all alone, dear?” she asked Valli as the bus started again.
Valli found the woman absolutely repulsive – such big holes she had in her ear lobes, and such ugly earrings in them! And she could smell the betel nut the woman was chewing and see the betel juice that was threatening to spill over her lips at any moment. Ugh! – who could be sociable with such a person?

“Yes, I’m travelling alone,” she answered curtly. “And I’ve got a ticket too.” “Yes, she’s on her way to town,” said the conductor. “With a thirty-paise ticket.”
“Oh, why don’t you mind your own business,” said Valli. But she laughed all the same, and the conductor laughed too.

Word-meanings : Absolutely = compulsive (पूरी तरह से); ugly = dirty (गंदी); betel = a chewing leaf (पान); spill over = fall (गिरना)

Questions :

(a) What did the elderly woman ask Valli?
(b) How were the woman’s ear lobes and earrings?
(c) What was the woman chewing?
(d) Did Valli like the elderly woman sitting beside her?
(e) Find a word in the passage which means “completely’.
Answers :
(a) She asked Valli if she was travelling all alone.
(b) Her ear lobes had big holes and her earrings were ugly.
(c) She was chewing a betel nut.
(d) ‘No, she found the woman repulsive.
(e) “absolutely.

PASSAGE 7

After she had enough money saved, her next problem was how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge. But she managed this without too much difficulty. Every day after lunch her mother would nap from about one to four or so. Valli always used these hours for her “excursions’ as she stood looking from the doorway of her house or sometimes even ventured out into the village; today, these same hours could be used for her first excursion outside the village.

Word-meanings : Slip out = go to secretly (चुपके से जाना), excursion = a short journey (सैर), ventured ont = going somewhere (बहार निकलना)

Questions :

(a) What was her next problem?
(b) What time did she use for her excursions?
(c) What was Valli’s first excursion outside the village?
(d) Find the word from the passage which means ‘went cautiously’.
(e) Name the chapter and its author.
Answers :
(a) Her next problem was how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge.
(b) When her mother would nap from about one to four or so.
(c) Going to the town by bus was her first excursion outside the village.
(d) Ventured
(e) Chapter : Madam Rides the Bus, Author : Vallikkannan.

PASSAGE 8

Sometimes the bus seemed on the point of gobbling up another vehicle that was coming towards them or a pedestrian crossing the road. But lo! somehow it passed on smoothly, leaving all obstacles safely behind.

Trees came running towards them but then stopped as the bus reached them and simply stood there helpless for a moment by the side of the road before rushing away in the other direction.
Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with glee. A young cow, tail high in the air, was running very fast, right in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus. The bus slowed to a crawl, and the driver sounded his horn loudly again and again. But the more he honked, the more frightened the animal became and the faster it galloped – always right in front of the bus.

Word-meanings : obstacles = hindrances (रुकावटें); honked = sounded (बजाया); galloped = ran (भागी) :

Questions :
(a) Name the chapter.
(b) What did the bus seem on the point of gobbling up ?
(c) Why did Valli clap her hands with glee?
(d) Why did the driver sound the horn again and again ?
(e) Find a word from the passage similar in meaning of ‘gobbling up.’
Answers :
(a) The name of the chapter is ‘Madam Rides the Bus’.
(b) The bus seemed on the point of gobbling up another vehicle that was coming up towards them.
(c) Valli clapped her hands with glee to see a young cow, tail high in the air, running fast in the middle of the road just in front of the bus.
(d) The driver sounded the horn again and again for the cow to get away.
(e) Swallow.

Madam Rides the Bus Summary in English

Madam Rides the Bus Introduction in English

This is a story about the first bus journey of an eight year old girl, Valli. She was a curious girl. She had a strong desire to go to the nearest town by riding on a bus. She saves money for this purpose. When she has money for the ticket, she boards the bus. She enjoys her first bus journey. She does not get down the bus in the town. She remains sitting at her seat. She pays another thirty paise for the ticket and reaches home back.

Madam Rides the Bus Summary in English

This is a story about the first bus journey of an eight-year old girl. Her name was Valliammai. She was called Valli for short. She was a curious girl. She wanted to know many things. She did not have playmates of her own age. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house to see what was happening outside.

Watching the happenings in the street gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that passed through the street each hour. The bus travelled between her village and the nearest town: The sight of the bus was a source of unending joy for Valli. It was a great joy for her to watch new sets of passengers everytime the bus passed through the street. As she watched the bus day after day, she developed a wish to have a ride on that bus. Her wish became stronger and stronger until it was an overwhelming desire.

Valli carefully listened to the conversations between her neighbours and people who had travelled on the bus or who regularly used it. She asked some casual questions also. In this way, she learnt about small details about the journey. She came to know that the town was six miles away from her village. It took fortyfive minutes to reach there. The fare was thirty paise for one way. One could keep sitting in the bus and return to the village by paying another thirty paise. Valli planned her journey to the town and back. It would be her first journey out of her village. She saved every paisa by resisting her desire to buy ice cream, toys, balloons, etc. She had also killed her desire to visit the village fair and have a ride in the merry-go-round. When she had saved sixty paise, she was ready for her first bus journey.

Then she planned how she would slip out of house. She knew that her mother slept daily after lunch. She decided to use these hours for her journey. She decided to board the bus at one o’clock so that she could be back by two forty-five. So one fine spring day Valli boarded the bus. The conductor was surprised; but seeing her confidence, he allowed her to board the bus. He was a jolly fellow. He understood that Valli spoke with pride. He called her Madam and offered a seat. He asked others to make way for the ‘madam’. There were only six or seven passengers in the bus. They were all looking at Valli. They and the conductor were laughing. Valli overcame her shyness, quickly walked to an empty seat and sat down.

Valli looked around her in the bus. The bus had a fine painting of green stripes on the white. It had soft and comfortable seats. It had a beautiful clock above the wind screen. The overhead bars shone like silver. Then she tried to look outside. She found her view cut off by a curtain that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood on her seat to enjoy the outside scene. The bus was going along the bank of a canal. She saw palm trees, mountains and the blue sky. On the other side, there were green fields. Suddenly an elderly man warned Valli not to stand on the seat. He called her a child and said that she could fall and get hurt. But Valli did not care for him. She told him proudly that she was not a child’. She had paid the full fare like the others. The conductor told the man that Valli was a grown up madam. Valli looked at the conductor angrily and said that she was not a madam. The conductor told her that she should not stand on the seat. She could fall when the bus took sharp turns. But Valli ignored his remarks also.

On the way bus stopped and some new passengers got on. Afraid of losing her seat, Valli finally sat down. An elderly woman came and sat beside her. Valli looked at the woman. She found her repulsive. She had big and ugly earrings. She was chewing a betel. Valli could see that the betel juice was likely to spill over her lips. That woman asked Valli whether she was travelling all alone. Valli told her that she was alone and she had got a ticket too. Then the old woman asked her if it was proper for a child to travel alone. She also asked whether Valli knew exactly where she was going in town. Valli told the old woman that she need not bother about her. Then she turned her face towards the window.

The bus moved on across a bare landscape. Valli enjoyed the outside scene. Trees came running towards them. Sometimes, the bus seemed to strike the oncoming vehicle. But both passed safely. Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with joy. A cow was running in the middle of the road, in front of the bus. The bus slowed down. The driver sounded the horn again and again. But the cow became more frightened and continued running before the bus. Valli laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes. At last the cow moved off the road. The bus passed by the side of a railway crossing. Valli enjoyed the scene of trains. Then the bus entered the city area. There were huge crowds of people. Valli looked at different things with surprise. Then the bus reached the city bus stand and stopped. Everybody got off the bus except Valli. The conductor asked Valli to get down.

But she told him that she was going back on the same bus. He was surprised and asked her why she had come to the city. She replied that she just wanted to take a ride on the bus. He asked Valli if she would like to have look at the sights outside the bus. Valli said that she was afraid of that. He asked to have a cold drink. Valli said that she had not enough money for that. The conductor offered to pay for her drink. But Valli did not accept the offer.

The bus resumed its return journey. There were the same wonderful sights. Valli enjoyed the scene again. But suddenly she saw a young cow lying dead, by the roadside. It had been struck by a fast moving vehicle. She asked the conductor if it was the same cow they saw earlier. The conductor nodded. Valli became sad. It had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little ago. But now the cow was without its charm and its life. The bus moved on. The memory of the dead cow haunted Valli. She no longer wanted to see out of the window. She kept sitting on her seat until her village came. She got down and wished the conductor to see him again. The conductor smiled. He told Valli that whenever she felt like riding the bus she could come and join them.

Valli reached home. She found her mother was awake. She was talking to her aunt who lived in the South Street. She was a chatterbox. She asked Valli where she had been. But Valli just smiled. Her mother and the aunt were discussing about the things outside the world. Her mother said that no one could know about everything. At this Valli remarked that there were many things happening without our knowledge. Her mother asked her what she meant. Valli’s aunt called her a chit of a girl She took interest in things which did not concern her. She behaved as if she were a grown up lady. Valli smiled to herself. She didn’t want them to understand her smile.

A Letter to God Summary in Hindi

Madam Rides the Bus Introduction in Hindi

(यह एक आठ वर्षीय वल्ली नाम की लड़की की पहली बस यात्रा की कहानी है। वह एक जिज्ञासु लड़की थी। उसकी तीव्र इच्छा थी कि वह बस में सवार होकर निकटतम कस्बे की यात्रा करे। इस उद्देश्य के लिए वह पैसे एकत्र करती है। जब उसके पास टिकट के पैसे हो जाते हैं, तो वह बस में सवार हो जाती है। वह बस की अपनी पहली यात्रा का आनंद लेती है। वह कस्बे में बस से नीचे नहीं उतरती है। वह अपनी सीट पर बैठी रहती है। वह टिकट के लिए और तीस पैसे का भुगतान करती है तथा वापस घर पहुँच जाती है।)

Madam Rides the Bus Summary in Hindi

यह कहानी आठ साल की एक लड़की की पहली बस यात्रा की है। उसका नाम वलियामायी था। उसे संक्षेप में वल्ली कहा जाता था। वह एक जिज्ञासु लड़की थी। वह बहुत-सी चीज़ों के बारे में जानना चाहती थी। उसके अपनी उम्र के खेल के साथी नहीं थे। उसका पसंदीदा शौक था अपने घर के दरवाजे में खड़ा हो जाना और देखना कि बाहर क्या हो रहा है।

गली की घटनाओं को देखने से उसे बहुत-से असाधारण अनुभव हुए। इनमें से सबसे अधिक आकर्षक चीज़ थी वह बस जो गली में से हर घंटे बाद गुज़रती थी। वह बस उसके गाँव और नजदीक के शहर के बीच चलती थी। बस को देखना वल्ली के लिए असीमित प्रसन्नता का स्रोत था। जब भी बस गली में से गुजरती थी तो वल्ली के लिए हर बार नए प्रकार के यात्रियों को बस में देखना एक बड़ी खुशी की बात थी। बस को दिन-प्रतिदिन देखते रहने से उसके अन्दर एक इच्छा पैदा हो गई कि वह भी बस की सवारी करे। उसकी यह इच्छा अधिक मज़बूत होती गई और एक दिन यह बहुत तीव्र इच्छा बन गई।

वल्ली अपने पड़ोसियों और उन लोगों के बीच की बातचीत को ध्यान से सुनती थी जो बस में सफर कर चुके थे या जो नियमित रूप से इसका प्रयोग करते थे। उसने कुछ सामान्य से प्रश्न भी पूछे। इस प्रकार, उसने यात्रा के बारे में छोटी-छोटी बातें भी जान लीं। उसे पता चला कि शहर गाँव से छह मील दूर है। वहाँ तक पहुँचने में पैंतालिस मिनट लगते हैं। एक तरफ का किराया तीस पैसे है। कोई व्यक्ति चाहे तो तीस पैसे और देकर बस में बैठा रह सकता है और वापस गाँव में आ सकता है। वल्ली ने शहर जाने और फिर वहाँ से वापस आने की यात्रा की योजना बनाई। यह उसकी अपने गाँव से बाहर पहली यात्रा होगी। उसने आईसक्रीम, खिलौने, गुब्बारे आदि खरीदने की अपनी इच्छा को दबाकर प्रत्येक पैसा बचाया। उसने गाँव के मेले में जाने और वहाँ पर झूले का आनन्द उठाने की अपनी इच्छा को भी दबाया। जब उसके पास साठ पैसे इकट्ठे हो गए तो वह अपनी पहली बस की यात्रा करने के लिए तैयार थी।।

तब उसने योजना बनाई कि वह घर से बाहर कैसे निकलेगी। वह जानती थी कि उसकी माता रोज़ दोपहर के खाने के बाद सोती है। उसने उन घंटों को अपनी यात्रा के लिए प्रयोग करने की बात सोची। उसने फैसला किया कि वह बस में एक बजे सवार होगी ताकि वह दो बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट तक वापस लौट आए। इस प्रकार, बसंत के एक सुंदर दिन को वल्ली बस में सवार हुई। परिचालक हैरान हो गया; मगर उसके विश्वास को देखकर, उसने उसे बस में सफर करने दिया। वह एक हँसमुख व्यक्ति था। वह समझता था कि वल्ली गर्व से बोल रही है। उसने वल्ली को ‘मैडम’ कहकर पुकारा और उसे एक सीट दी। उसने दूसरों को भी ‘मैडम’ के लिए रास्ता बनाने के लिए कहा। बस में केवल छह या सात यात्री ही थे। वे सभी वल्ली को देख रहे थे। वे और परिचालक हँस · रहे थे। वल्ली ने अपने शर्मीलेपन पर काबू पाया, जल्दी से एक खाली सीट पर गई और बैठ गई।

वल्ली ने बस में अपने चारों ओर देखा। बस में सफेद रंग पर सुंदर हरी धारियों का पेंट किया हुआ था। इसकी सीटें नरम और आरामदायक थीं। हवा रोकने वाले शीशे के ऊपर एक सुंदर दीवार घड़ी लगी हुई थी। ऊपर का डंडा चाँदी की तरह चमक रहा था। तब उसने बाहर झाँकने का प्रयत्न किया। उसने देखा कि बाहर का दृश्य एक पर्दे से रुका हुआ है जिसने खिड़की के नीचे के भाग को ढक रखा था। इसलिए बाहर के नज़ारे को देखने के लिए वह अपनी सीट पर खड़ी हो गई। बस एक नहर के किनारे के साथ-साथ जा रही थी। उसने खजूर के वृक्षों, पहाड़ों और नीले आसमान को देखा। दूसरी तरफ, हरे खेत थे। अचानक एक वृद्ध व्यक्ति ने उसे चेतावनी दी कि वह सीट पर खड़ी न हो। उसने उसे बच्ची कहकर पुकारा और कहा कि वह गिर सकती है और उसे चोट लग सकती है। मगर वल्ली ने उसकी परवाह नहीं की। उसने उसे गर्व से बताया कि वह ‘बच्ची’ नहीं है। उसने अन्य लोगों की तरह पूरा किराया दिया है। परिचालक ने उस व्यक्ति को बताया कि वल्ली एक विकसित मैडम है। वल्ली ने परिचालक को गुस्से से देखा और कहा कि वह मैडम नहीं है। परिचालक ने कहा कि उसे सीट पर खड़ी नहीं होना चाहिए। जब बस एकदम मोड़ लेगी तो वह गिर सकती है। मगर वल्ली ने उसकी बातों की भी उपेक्षा कर दी।

रास्ते में बस रुकी और कुछ अन्य यात्री सवार हुए। अपनी सीट को खो देने के भय से वल्ली आखिर बैठ गई। एक बुजुर्ग महिला आई और वल्ली के पास बैठ गई। वल्ली ने महिला को देखा। उसे वह महिला घृणित लगी। उसने बड़ी और गंदी बालियाँ पहनी हुई थीं। वह पान चबा रही थी। वल्ली ने देखा कि पान की पीक उसके होठों से कभी भी गिर सकती है। उस महिला ने वल्ली से पूछा कि क्या वह अकेली सफर कर रही है। वल्ली ने उसे बताया कि वह अकेली है और उसके पास टिकट भी है। तब उस बूढ़ी महिला ने पूछा कि क्या एक बच्ची के लिए अकेले सफर करना उचित है। उसने यह भी पूछा कि वल्ली जानती है कि शहर में वह निश्चित रूप से कहाँ जा रही है। वल्ली ने उस बूढ़ी महिला से कहा कि वह उसके बारे में चिंता न करे। तब उसने अपना चेहरा खिड़की की ओर कर लिया।

बस एक खाली भू-दृश्य के बीच से गुजरी। वल्ली ने बाहर के दृश्य का आनंद उठाया। वृक्ष उनकी तरह भागते हुए प्रतीत होते थे। कई बार, ऐसा लगता था कि बस सामने से आते हुए किसी वाहन से टकराने वाली है। मगर वे दोनों सुरक्षित गुजर जाते थे। अचानक वल्ली ने खुशी से तालियाँ बजाईं। एक गाय बस के आगे-आगे सड़क के बीचों-बीच भाग रही थी। बस धीमी हो गई। ड्राइवर ने बार-बार हॉर्न बजाया। मगर गाय और भी भयभीत हो गई और बस के आगे भागती रही। वल्ली तब तक हँसती रही जब तक उसकी आँखों में आँसू नहीं आ गए। आखिर गाय सड़क से हट गई। बस एक रेलवे फाटक के पास से गुजरी। वल्ली ने गाड़ियों के दृश्य का आनंद लिया। तब बस ने शहर के क्षेत्र में प्रवेश किया। वहाँ पर लोगों की बहुत भीड़ थी। वल्ली ने विभिन्न वस्तुओं को हैरानी से देखा। तब बस शहर के बस स्टैंड पर पहुँची और रुक गई। वल्ली के अलावा हर व्यक्ति बस से उतर गया। परिचालक ने वल्ली से उतर जाने को कहा।

मगर उसने उसे बताया कि वह उसी बस से वापस जा रही है। वह हैरान हो गया और पूछा कि वह शहर में क्यों आई है। उसने कहा कि वह केवल बस की सवारी करना चाहती थी। उसने वल्ली से पूछा कि क्या वह बस से बाहर के दृश्यों को देखना चाहेगी। वल्ली ने कहा कि उसे इन सबसे डर लगता है। उसने उससे कहा कि वह शीतल पेय ले ले। वल्ली ने कहा कि उसके पास इसके लिए पैसे नहीं हैं। परिचालक ने उसके पेय के लिए पैसे देने की पेशकश की। मगर वल्ली ने उसकी पेशकश को स्वीकार नहीं किया।

बस ने वापसी की यात्रा आरंभ की। वे अद्भुत दृश्य फिर से आए। वल्ली ने दृश्य का फिर से आनंद उठाया। मगर अचानक उसने सड़क के किनारे पड़ी एक मरी हुई गाय देखी। वह किसी तेज़ चलते हुए. वाहन से टकरा गई थी। उसने परिचालक से पूछा कि क्या वह वही गाय है जिसे उन्होंने पहले देखा था। परिचालक ने हाँ में अपना सिर हिलाया। वल्ली उदास हो गई। केवल कुछ समय पहले से यह एक प्यारी और सुंदर प्राणी थी। मगर अब यह गाय बिना आकर्षण और बिना जीवन के थी। बस चलती रही। मरी हुई गाय की याद वल्ली को बार-बार आती रही। अब खिड़की से बाहर देखने की उसकी इच्छा नहीं थी। वह तब तक अपनी सीट पर बैठी रही जब तक कि उसका गाँव नहीं आ गया। वह उतर गई और उसने परिचालक को कहा कि वे फिर मिलेंगे। परिचालक मुस्कराया। उसने वल्ली को बताया कि जब भी उसका बस में सफर करने का मन करे तो वह आ सकती है।

वल्ली घर पहुँची। उसने देखा कि उसकी माता जाग गई है। वह उसकी चाची से बात कर रही है जो दक्षिण गली में रहती थी। वह बहुत बातूनी थी। उसने वल्ली से पूछा कि वह कहाँ थी। मगर वल्ली केवल मुस्करा दी। उसकी माता और चाची बाहर के संसार की वस्तुओं के बारे में बात कर रही थीं। उसकी माँ ने कहा कि कोई भी हर चीज़ के बारे में नहीं जान सकता। इस पर वल्ली ने कहा कि ऐसी बहुत-सी बातें हो रही हैं जिनका हमें ज्ञान नहीं है। उसकी माँ ने पूछा कि उसका अभिप्राय क्या है। वल्ली की चाची ने कहा कि वह तो एक छोटी-सी लड़की है। वह ऐसी बातों में रुचि लेती है जिनसे उसका कोई वास्ता नहीं है। वह ऐसे व्यवहार करती है जैसे कि वह एक बड़ी स्त्री हो। वल्ली अपने आप में मुस्कराई। वह नहीं चाहती थी कि वे उसकी मुस्कराहट का अर्थ समझें।

Madam Rides the Bus Translation in Hindi

[Part I]

[PAGE 116] : यह उसके जीवन और मृत्यु का रहस्य है। वह इस बात के अंतर को समझती है कि हम मौत के बारे में क्या जानते हैं और क्या समझते हैं।

[PAGE 117] : वलियामायी नाम की एक लड़की थी जिसे संक्षेप में वल्ली कहते थे। वह आठ साल की थी और चीज़ों के बारे में बहुत उत्सुक रहती थी। उसका प्रिय शौक अपने घर के सामने वाले दरवाजे में खड़े होकर यह देखना था कि बाहर गली में क्या हो रहा है। उसकी गली में उसके साथ खेलने के लिए उसकी उम्र के साथी नहीं थे और वह तो बस यही करती थी।
लेकिन वल्ली के लिए, अपने सामने वाले दरवाजे पर खड़ा होना उतना ही आनंददायक था जितना कि अन्य लड़कों के लिए कोई विस्तृत खेल खेलना । गली में देखना उसे बहुत-से नए असाधारण अनुभवों का ज्ञान कराता था।

[PAGE 118] : उसके लिए सबसे अधिक आकर्षक चीज़ वह बस थी जोकि उसके गाँव और निकटतम कस्बे के बीच चलती थी। यह हर घंटे बाद उसकी गली में से गुजरती थी, एक बाहर कस्बे में जाते समय और एक बार वहाँ से वापस आते समय । हर बार नए यात्रियों से भरी उस बस का दृश्य, वल्ली के लिए निरंतर आनंद का स्रोत था।

दिन-प्रतिदिन वह बस देखती थी, और धीरे-धीरे एक छोटी-सी इच्छा उसके दिमाग में रेंगने लगी और वहाँ पैदा हो गई। वह बस पर सवार होना चाहती थी चाहे सिर्फ एक बार ही। यह इच्छा मज़बूत-से-मज़बूत होती गई, जब तक कि वह एक तीव्र इच्छा नहीं बन गई। वल्ली बहुत ही गहन इच्छा के साथ एकटक भाव से लोगों को बस में चढ़ते और उतरते हुए देखती थी तब वह गली के कोने पर रुकती थी। उनके चेहरे उसकी इच्छाओं, सपनों और आशाओं को प्रकाशित करते थे। यदि उसकी कोई सहेली बस में सवार हो जाती है और वह उसे शहर के दृश्यों के बारे में बताती, तो वल्ली को उससे इतनी ईर्ष्या होती थी कि वह उसकी बात नहीं सुनती थी और अंग्रेजी में चिल्ला उठती थी ‘घमंडी! घमंडी!’ न तो वह स्वयं और न ही उसकी सहेलियाँ इस शब्द का अर्थ समझती थीं लेकिन वे असहमति का भाव प्रकट करने के लिए इस शब्द का प्रयोग करती थीं।

बहुत-से दिनों और महीनों तक वल्ली सावधानीपूर्वक अपने उन पड़ोसियों और लोगों के बीच की बातचीत को सुनती थी जो नियमित रूप से बस में सफर करते थे और कभी-कभार वह उनसे कुछ शांत से सवाल भी पूछ लिया करती थी। इस तरह से बस की यात्रा के बारे में उसने कई छोटी-छोटी जानकारियाँ हासिल कर ली थी। कस्बा उसके गाँव से छह मील की दूरी पर था। एक तरफ का किराया तीस पैसे था–“जोकि लगभग न के बराबर था” उसने एक अच्छी पोशाक पहने हुए व्यक्ति को कहते सुना, लेकिन वल्ली ने इतना अधिक धन कभी नहीं देखा था। एक महीने से दूसरे महीने, उसके लिए तो यह बड़ी धन-सम्पत्ति था। कस्बे तक की यात्रा में पैंतालिस मिनट लगते थे। शहर पहुँचकर यदि वह अपनी सीट पर बैठी रहती और तीस पैसे का भुगतान कर देती, तो वह उसी बस पर गाँव लौट सकती थी। इसका अर्थ था कि वह एक दोपहर बाद एक बजे की बस ले सकती थी और एक बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट पर कस्बे में पहुँच सकती थी और लगभग दो बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट तक घर लौट सकती थी…।।
जैसे-जैसे वह गणना और पुनर्गणना, योजना और पुनर्योजना बनाती गई उसके मन में विचार चलते रहे।

[PART-II]

[PAGE 119] : बसंत ऋतु में एक सुहावने दिन को जब दोपहर बाद वाली बस में गाँव से जाने ही वाली थी और मुख्य मार्ग पर मोड़ मुड़ने ही वाली थी, एक छोटी-सी बच्ची के चिल्लाने की आवाज़ सुनाई दी, ‘बस को रोको! बस को रोको!’ और आदेशात्मक मुद्रा में एक छोटा-सा हाथ उठा।
बस की गति धीमी हो गई और परिचालक ने दरवाजे से सिर बाहर निकालकर कहा, ‘जल्दी करो! जो कोई भी आ रहा है उसे जल्दी आने को कहो।’
‘यह मैं हूँ,’ वल्ली ने चिल्लाकर कहा, ‘मैं ही अकेली हूँ, जिसे बस में चढ़ना है।’
अब तक बस रुक चुकी थी और परिचालक ने कहा, ‘ओह, सचमुच! तुम ऐसा नहीं कहते!’
‘हाँ, मुझे तो सिर्फ कस्बे में जाना है,’ वल्ली ने अभी भी बस से बाहर खड़े हुए कहा, ‘और ये मेरे पैसे हैं’ उसने उसे कुछ सिक्के दिखाए।
‘ठीक है, ठीक है, लेकिन तुम पहले बस पर तो चढ़ जाओ’, परिचालक ने कहा और उसने उसे ऊपर चढ़ाने में मदद करने के लिए अपना हाथ आगे बढ़ाया।
‘चिन्ता मत करो, मैं स्वयं ही बस में चढ़ जाऊँगी। आपको मेरी मदद करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है,’ उसने कहा। __ परिचालक एक हँसमुख स्वभाव का मजाक का शौकीन व्यक्ति था, “ओह, मेरी सुन्दर मैडम कृपया मुझसे नाराज मत होइए’ उसने कहा, ‘वहाँ सामने एक सीट ले लीजिए। कृपया सभी रास्ते से हट जाइए। मैडम के लिए रास्ता बनाइए।”

यह दिन का मंदी वाला समय था और बस में केवल छह या सात सवारियाँ थीं। वे सभी वल्ली की ओर देख रही थी और परिचालक के साथ हँस रही थीं। वल्ली को शर्म आ रही थी। सभी की नज़रों से बचते हुए, वह तेजी से एक खाली सीट तक गई और बैठ गई।

[PAGE 120] : “मैडम, क्या अब हम चल सकते हैं?” परिचालक ने मुस्कराते हुए पूछा। तब उसने दो बार अपनी सीटी बजाई और एक शोर के साथ बस आगे चल दी।
यह एक नई बस थी, इसके बाहर चमकदार सफेद रंग हुआ था जिस पर हरे रंग की कुछ पट्टियाँ बनी थीं। अंदर ऊपर लगी लोहे की सलाखें चाँदी की तरह चमक रही थीं। वल्ली के बिल्कुल सामने हवा रोकने वाले शीशे के ऊपर वहाँ एक सुन्दर घड़ी लगी थी। सीटें नर्म और आरामदायक थीं।
वल्ली ने अपनी नज़रों से सब कुछ खोजा। लेकिन जब उसने बाहर देखना शुरु किया, उसने पाया कि उसकी नज़र को मोटे कपड़े से बने एक पर्दे से रुकावट पैदा हो रही थी जो उसकी खिड़की के निचले भाग को ढके हुए था। इसलिए वह उठकर सीट पर खड़ी हो गई और पर्दे के ऊपर से झाँकने लगी।
अब बस एक नहर के किनारे के साथ-साथ जा रही थी। सड़क बहुत तंग थी। उसके एक ओर तो नहर थी तथा इसके पार खजूर के पेड़, घास के मैदान, दूरी पर पर्वत व नीला-नीला आसमान था। दूसरी ओर एक गहरी खाई थी और फिर कई एकड़ में फैले हरे खेत, चारों ओर जहाँ तक नज़र जाती थी हरियाली-ही-हरियाली थी।।
‘ओह, यह सब कुछ कितना अद्भुत था।
अचानक ही वह एक आवाज़ सुनकर चौंक पड़ी, “सुनो, बच्चे,” आवाज़ ने कहा, “तुम्हें इस तरह से खड़े नहीं होना चाहिए, नीचे बैठ जाओ।”।

[PAGES 121-122] : नीचे बैठते हुए, उसने यह देखने का प्रयास किया कि कौन बोला था। वह एक बूढ़ा आदमी था जो सचमुच में उसके प्रति परवाह कर रहा था, लेकिन वह उसके ध्यान की वजह से नाराज़ हो रही थी।
“यहाँ ऐसा कोई नहीं है, जो बच्चा है,” उसने घमंडपूर्वक कहा, “मैंने भी अन्य सभी की तरह तीस पैसे का भुगतान किया है।”
परिचालक बीच में बोल पड़ा, “अरे, श्रीमान जी, लेकिन यह तो एक बहुत ही व्यस्क मैडम है। आपके विचार में क्या मात्र एक लड़की अपना किराया खुद दे सकती है और बिल्कुल अकेली शहर जा सकती है?”
वल्ली ने क्रोधित नज़रों से परिचालक की ओर देखा और कहा, ‘मैं मैडम नहीं हूँ। कृपया यह बात याद रखना कि आपने अभी तक मुझे मेरा टिकट नहीं दिया है।”
“मैं याद रखूगा,” परिचालक ने उसकी आवाज़ की नकल उतारते हुए कहा। हर कोई हँसने लगा और धीरे-धीरे वल्ली भी हँसी में शामिल हो गई।
परिचालक ने एक टिकट पर नम्बर छेदे और उसे वल्ली को पकड़ा दिया, “अब आराम से बैठ जाओ। जब तुमने सीट के पैसे दे रखे हैं तो तुम खड़ी क्यों हो?” .
“क्योंकि मैं खड़ा होना चाहती हूँ,” उसने उत्तर दिया, फिर से खड़ी होते हुए।
“लेकिन यदि तुम सीट के ऊपर खड़ी होती हो तो तुम गिर सकती हो और तुम्हें चोट लग सकती है। जब बस कोई तेज मोड़ काटेगी। बच्ची यही कारण है कि हम चाहते हैं कि तुम बैठ जाओ।” .
“मैं एक बच्ची नहीं हूँ, मैं आपको बता देती हूँ”, उसने चिढ़ते हुए कहा, “मैं आठ साल की हूँ।” ‘निःसंदेह, निःसंदेह। मैं भी कितना मूर्ख हूँ! आठ साल! हे भगवान!’
बस रुक गई, कुछ नए यात्री अंदर आए और थोड़ी देर के लिए परिचालक व्यस्त हो गया। अपनी सीट के खो जाने के भय से वल्ली अंततः नीचे बैठ गई।
एक वृद्ध महिला उसके पास आकर बैठ गई। “प्रिय, क्या तुम बिल्कुल अकेली हो?” जैसे ही बस पुनः चली उसने वल्ली से पूछा।
वल्ली को वह औरत पूर्णतया घृणाजनक लगी। उसके कानों के तलवों में कितने बड़े-बड़े सुराख थे और उनमें कितनी भद्दी बालियाँ थीं तथा वह उस सुपारी की गंध सूंघ सकती थी जिसे वह महिला चबा रही थी और पान के उस रस को देख सकती थी जो किसी भी पल उसके होठों से गिरने का भय पैदा कर रहा था। ओह! इस तरह के व्यक्ति के साथ कौन मिलनसार हो सकता है?

[PAGE 122] : “हाँ, मैं बिल्कुल अकेली यात्रा कर रही हूँ” उसने तीखे स्वर में उत्तर दिया। “और मैंने टिकट भी लिया है।” “हाँ, वह शहर जा रही है’ परिचालक ने कहा, तीस पैसे का एक टिकट लेकर”। “ओह, आप अपने काम पर ध्यान क्यों नहीं देते हो?” वल्ली ने कहा। लेकिन वह फिर भी हँस पड़ी और परिचालक भी हँसने
लगा।
लेकिन बूढ़ी औरत ने अपनी बकबक जारी रखी। “क्या इतने छोटे व्यक्ति के लिए अकेले यात्रा करना उचित है? क्या तुम्हें सही-सही पता है कि तुम शहर में कहाँ जा रही हो? कौन-सी गली है? क्या मकान नम्बर है?”
“आपको मेरे बारे में चिंता करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है। मैं अपना ख्याल खुद रख सकती हूँ।” वल्ली ने खिड़की की ओर अपना चेहरा घुमाते हुए कहा और बाहर देखने लगी।

[PART-III]

उसकी पहली यात्रा इसके लिए उसको कितना ध्यानपूर्वक, परिश्रम के साथ और सोच-समझकर योजनाएँ बनानी पड़ी थीं! जो भी छोटे-छोटे सिक्के उसके हाथ लग जाते थे कितनी किफायत के साथ उन्हें बचाकर के रखा था और कैसे अपने-आपको पुदीने की गोलियाँ, खिलौने, गुब्बारे और इस तरह की अन्य चीजें खरीदने से रोककर रखा था और आखिरकार उसने 60 पैसे बचा लिए थे। यह सब कुछ उसके लिए कितना कठिन था, खासतौर पर गाँव के मेले वाले दिन लेकिन उसने दृढ़ निश्चय के साथ झूलों पर सवार होने की अपनी इच्छा को दबा दिया था, जबकि उसके पास पैसे भी थे।

उसने पर्याप्त धन बचा लिया था, उसके बाद उसकी अगली समस्या थी अपनी माँ को बिना बताए कैसे घर से बाहर निकले। लेकिन बिना किसी अधिक कठिनाई के उसने इसकी व्यवस्था कर ली। दोपहर का भोजन करने के पश्चात् उसकी माँ एक बजे से लेकर चार बजे तक हल्की नींद लिया करती थी। वल्ली इन घंटों का प्रयोग हमेशा अपने ‘सैर-सपाटे’ के लिए किया करती थी। जब वह अपने घर के दरवाजे पर खड़ी होकर बाहर देखती थी या फिर कई बार गाँव में भी जाने का साहस कर लेती थी। आज वह इन घंटों का प्रयोग गाँव से बाहर उसके पहले भ्रमण के लिए करेगी।

[PAGE 123] : कभी बस एक पेड़ रहित भूमि क्षेत्र, कभी किसी छोटे-से गाँव से भागती हुई तथा रास्ते के किनारे बनी किसी दुकान के पास से निकलती हुई आगे बढ़ रही थी। कई बार ऐसा प्रतीत होता था कि बस अपनी ओर आते हुए किसी दूसरे वाहन अथवा सड़क पार कर रहे किसी पद यात्री को निगल जाएगी। लेकिन यह तो सभी बाधाओं को सुरक्षित भय से पीछे छोड़ते हुए आराम से निकल जाती थी। वृक्ष उनकी ओर भागते हुए प्रतीत होते थे लेकिन जब बस उनके पास पहुँचती थी तो वे वहीं रुक जाते थे और सड़क के एक ओर एक पल के लिए असहाय हुए खड़े रहते और फिर दूसरी दिशा में भागने लगते।

अचानक ही वल्ली ने (खुशी से) अपने दोनों हाथों से ताली बजा दी। एक छोटी-सी गाय हवा में अपनी पूँछ को उठाकर बहुत तेजी से भाग रही थी, बिल्कुल सड़क के बीच में, ठीक बस के सामने। बस की गति धीमी हो गई और चालक बार-बार हॉर्न बजा रहा था। लेकिन वह जितना ज्यादा हॉर्न बजाता पशु उतना अधिक भयभीत हो जाता तथा और तेजी से भागता हमेशा ठीक बस के आगे।

[PAGE 124] : यह बात वल्ली को बहुत अधिक मनोरंजक लगी। वह तब तक हँसती रही जब तक कि उसकी आँखों से आँसू नहीं आ गए।
‘अरे युवती, क्या तुम बहुत ज्यादा नहीं हँस ली हो?’ परिचालक ने आवाज लगाई, ‘बेहतर होगा, कुछ हँसी कल के लिए बचाकर रख लो।’
अंततः गाय सड़क से हट गई और शीघ्र ही बस एक रेलवे क्रॉसिंग के पास आ गई। दूर से रेलगाड़ी एक छोटे-से धब्बे के समान दिखाई दे रही थी, जैसे-जैसे वह निकट आ रही थी, बड़ी और बड़ी होती जा रही थी। तब वह बहुत अधिक शोर और खट-खट के साथ क्रॉसिंग गेट को पार कर गई, बस को हिलाते हुए। तब बस चल दी और उसने स्टेशन को पार किया। वहाँ से उसने एक अच्छी तरह से सजी हुई दुकानों वाले बाजार को पार किया और मुड़ने के बाद एक अधिक चौड़े रास्ते पर आ गई। इतनी बड़ी, चमकदार दुकानें। वस्त्रों तथा बेचने की अन्य चीज़ों का कितना चमकदार प्रदर्शन हो रहा था। इतनी ज्यादा भीड़!
हैरानी के कारण मूक बनी वल्ली हर चीज़ को मुँह खोले देखती रही। ‘हे युवती,’ परिचालक ने कहा, ‘क्या तुम नीचे उतरने के लिए तैयार नहीं हो? तुम्हारे तीस पैसे तुम्हें यहीं तक ला सकते थे।’
‘नहीं, वल्ली ने कहा, ‘मैं इसी बस पर वापस जा रही हूँ।’ उसने अपनी जेब से और तीस पैसे निकाले तथा सिक्के परिचालक को सौंप दिए।
‘क्यों, क्या कुछ बात हो गई है?’ ‘नहीं, कोई बात नहीं है। मैं तो सिर्फ बस की सवारी करना चाहती थी और वह मैंने कर ली।’ ‘क्या तुम कुछ दृश्यों को नहीं देखना चाहोगी, अब तब तुम यहाँ आ ही गई हो।’ ‘बिल्कुल अकेली? अरे, मुझे बहुत अधिक डर लगेगा।’
लड़की के बोलने के ढंग से अत्यधिक प्रसन्न होकर परिचालक ने कहा, ‘लेकिन तुम्हें बस में आते समय तो डर नहीं लगा।
‘उसमें डर वाली कोई बात नहीं थी, उसने उत्तर दिया। ‘ठीक है, तो फिर तुम वहाँ उस दुकान पर जाकर कुछ पीना क्यों नहीं चाहोगी? उसमें तो डरने की भी कोई बात नहीं है।’ ‘अरे नहीं, मैं ऐसा नहीं कर सकती हूँ।’ ‘तो ठीक है, मुझे तुम्हारे लिए एक शीतल पेय लाने दो।’ .

[PAGES 125-126] : ‘नहीं, मेरे पास पर्याप्त पैसे नहीं हैं। बस मुझे तो मेरा टिकट दे दो, यही काफी है।’ यह मेरी तरफ से दावत रहेगी और इसका तुम्हें कोई खर्च नहीं करना पड़ेगा। ‘नहीं, नहीं’ उसने दृढ़तापूर्वक कहा, ‘कृपया नहीं।’
परिचालक ने अपने कंधे सिकोड़ लिए तथा वे प्रतीक्षा करते रहे जब तक कि बस की वापसी की यात्रा का समय नहीं हो गया। दोबारा बस में फिर से अधिक यात्री नहीं थे।

[PART-IV]

‘क्या तुम्हारी माँ तुम्हें ढूंढ नहीं रही होगी?’ परिचालक ने पूछा जब उसने उसे टिकट दिया। ‘नहीं, कोई भी मेरी तलाश नहीं कर रहा होगा,’ उसने कहा। बस चल दी और फिर से वहाँ वहीं अद्भुत दृश्य थे।
वल्ली का मन बिल्कुल भी नहीं ऊबा और वह प्रत्येक चीज़ का उसी उत्साह से स्वागत कर रही थी जैसा पहली बार देखने पर किया था। लेकिन अचानक ही उसने एक छोटी गाय को सड़क किनारे मृत पड़े हुए पाया, ठीक उसी स्थान पर जहाँ किसी तेज रफ्तार वाले वाहन ने उसे टक्कर मारी थी।
‘क्या यह वहीं गाय नहीं है जो शहर आते समय हमारी बस के आगे भाग रही थी?’ उसने परिचालक से पूछा।
परिचालक ने हाँ में सिर हिलाया और उस पर उदासी छा गई। कुछ ही समय पहले जो एक प्यारा, सुन्दर जीव था अब अचानक अपनी सुन्दरता और जीवन खो चुका था और इतना भयानक और डरावना लग रहा था। जब वह वहाँ पड़ा हुआ था, टाँगें फैली हुईं, बेजान आँखों में एक स्थायी टकटकी भरे हुए और सब जगह खून के साथ।
बस आगे चल दी। मृत गाय की याद उसे परेशान कर रही थी, उसके उत्साह को ठंडा कर रही थी। अब वह खिड़की से बाहर नहीं देखना चाहती थी।
वह अपनी सीट पर तब तक चिपकी हुई बैठी रही जब तक कि तीन चालीस पर बस उसके गाँव नहीं पहुंच गई। वह उठी और उसने एक अंगड़ाई ली। तब वह परिचालक की ओर मुड़ी और कहा, ‘अच्छा श्रीमान जी, मैं आपसे फिर मिलने की आशा रखूगी।’

[PAGE 126] : ‘ठीक है, मैडम,’ उसने उसे मुस्कराते हुए उत्तर दिया, ‘जब कभी भी बस की सवारी करने को तुम्हारा मन करे, तो हमारे साथ आ जाना और अपना किराया लाना मत भूलना।’
वह हँसी और उसने बस से छलाँग लगा दी। तब वह सीधी घर की ओर भाग गई।
जब वह घर में घुसी तो उसने अपनी माँ को जागा हुआ पाया और दक्षिणी गली में रहने वाली वल्ली की एक मौसी से बातें करते हुए पाया। वह मौसी वास्तव में एक बातूनी थी, यदि एक बार बोलना शुरु कर देती थी तो कभी अपना मुँह बंद नहीं करती थी।
‘और तुम कहाँ थी?’ उसकी मौसी ने पूछा जब वल्ली अंदर आई। वह बहुत बेरुखी से बोली, उसे उत्तर की आशा नहीं थी। इसलिए वल्ली सिर्फ मुस्कराई और उसकी माँ तथा मौसी अपने वार्तालाप को जारी रखती रही।
‘हाँ, तुम ठीक हो,’ उसकी माँ ने कहा, ‘कितनी सारी चीजें हमारे में और हमारे से बाहर की दुनिया में होती हैं। हम संभवतः हर चीज़ के बारे में कैसे जान सकते हैं और यदि हमें किसी बात के बारे में पता भी चल जाता है तो हम उसे पूर्णतया समझ नहीं पाते हैं, क्या समझ पाते हैं?’
‘ओह, हाँ!’ वल्ली ने सांस लेते हुए कहा।
‘ओह, वल्ली ने कहा, ‘मैं तो केवल उस बात से सहमति व्यक्त कर रही थी जो आप कह रही थी हमारी जानकारी के बिना घटित होने वाली बातों के बारे में।
‘एक छोटी-सी लड़की है वह,’ उसकी मौसी ने कहा।
‘और देखो वह हमारी बातचीत में बिना किसी मतलब के अपनी टाँग अड़ा रही है जैसेकि वह एक समझदार औरत हो।’
वल्ली स्वयं पर मुस्कराई। वह नहीं चाहती थी कि वे उसकी मुस्कराहट का अर्थ समझें। लेकिन फिर इसकी कोई ज्यादा सम्भावना भी नहीं थी, क्या थी?

Madam Rides the Bus Word-Meanings in Hindi

[PART-I]

[PAGE 116] : Induction = entry (प्रवेश); mystery = secret (रहस्य); gap = difference (अंतर)।
[PAGE 117] : Curious = eager (उत्सुक); pastime = hobby (शौक); elaborate = detailed (विस्तृत)।
[PAGE 118] : Fascinating = attractive (आकर्षक); gradually = slowly (धीरे-धीरे); overwhelming = strong (मज़बूत); stare = look fixedly (घूरना); wistfully = with longing (इच्छा से); kindle = create (पैदा करना, उकसानां); longings = strong desires (तीव्र इच्छाएँ); slang = informal language (अनौपचारिक भाषा); disapproval= refusal (असहमति); discreet = quiet (शांत); various = many (कई); scarcely = hardly (मुश्किल से); calculated = made a count (गिनती करना)।

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus Read More »

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 7 Glimpses of India

July 1, 2022 / Class 10 / By Prasanna

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 7 Glimpses of India

HBSE 10th Class English Glimpses of India Textbook Questions and Answers

Part I: A Baker From Goa

Discuss in class

1. What images of people and of places come to your mind, when you think of our country ? (जब आप अपने देश के बारे में सोचते हो तो आपके मन में लोगों और स्थानों की कौन-कौन सी तस्वीरें आती हैं?)
Answer:
When I think of my country the images of the variety of India come to my mind. I visualize people wearing different dresses, speaking different languages and having different customs. There is geographical variety also. I think of different places like snow-clad mountains, deserts, plains, forests, etc.
(जब मैं अपने देश के बारे में सोचता हूँ तो भारत की भिन्न-भिन्न तस्वीरें मेरे दिमाग में आती हैं। मैं लोगों को भिन्न-भिन्न तरह की पोशाकें पहने, भिन्न-भिन्न भाषाएँ बोलते और भिन्न-भिन्न रीति-रिवाज़ मनाते हुए देखता हूँ। इसमें भौगोलिक विभिन्नता भी है। मैं भिन्न-भिन्न स्थानों; जैसे बर्फ से ढके पर्वतों, मरुस्थलों, मैदानों और जंगलों इत्यादि के बारे में सोचता हूँ।)

2. What parts of India have you lived in, or visited ? Can you name some popular tourist destinations?
(आप भारत के किस भाग में रह चुके हैं या यात्रा कर चुके हैं? क्या आप कुछ प्रसिद्ध पर्यटक स्थलों के नाम बता सकते हो?)
Answer:
I have lived in the north of India. There are many popular tourist destinations in this part of India. These are : The Baradari of Patiala, The Red Fort of Delhi, The Taj Mahal in Agra, Qutub Minar, Humayun Tomb, Raj Ghat, etc. Forts, palaces and other monuments in Gwalior, Jaipur, etc.
(मैं भारत के उत्तर में रह चुका हूँ। भारत के इस भाग में बहुत-से प्रसिद्ध पर्यटक स्थल हैं। ये हैं-पटियाला की बारादरी, दिल्ली का लाल किला, आगरा का ताजमहल, कुतुबमीनार, हुमायु का मकबरा, राजघाट इत्यादि । ग्वालियर और जयपुर के किले, महल और अन्य यादगार चीजें।)

3. You may know that apart from the British, the Dutch and the French, the Portuguese have also played a part in the history of our country. Can you say which parts of India show French and Portuguese influences ?
(आप शायद जानते हो कि अंग्रेजों के अलावा डचों, फ्रांसीसियों और पुर्तगालियों ने भी हमारे देश के इतिहास में भूमिका निभाई है। क्या आप बता सकते हो कि हमारे देश के किन भागों पर फ्रांसीसियों और पुर्तगालियों का प्रभाव था?)
Answer:
We can see the French influence in Pondicherry because France ruled it for years. In the same way, we find the Portuguese influence in Goa as it was ruled by Portugal.
(हम फ्रांसीसी प्रभाव को पांडिचेरी में देख सकते हैं, क्योंकि फ्रांस ने उस पर वर्षों तक शासन किया था। उसी प्रकार से हम पुर्तगाली प्रभाव को गोआ में देख सकते हैं, क्योंकि गोआ पर पुर्तगाल का शासन था।)

4. Can you say which parts of India grow (i) tea, (ii) coffee ? (क्या आप बता सकते हो कि भारत के किन भागों में (i) चाय, (ii) कॉफी पैदा होती है?)
Answer:
Assam and Darjeeling in the north-east grow tea and Western Ghats grow coffee.
(उत्तर-पूर्व में आसाम, दार्जिलिंग में चाय का उत्पादन होता है और पश्चिमी घाटों पर कॉफी का उत्पादन होता है।)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 86)

1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?:
(गोआ के बुजुर्ग किस बात का शौक के साथ वर्णन करते हैं?)
Answer:
The elders of Goa are nostalgic about the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread.
(गोआ के बुजुर्ग पुर्तगालियों और उनकी पावरोटियों का शौक के साथ वर्णन करते हैं।)

2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa ? How do you know ?
(क्या पावरोटी बनाना गोआ में अभी भी प्रसिद्ध है? आप कैसे जानते हो?)
Answer:
Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. The furnaces where bread is made still exist there. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in the morning. This is clear from the sentences, : ‘The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished…’ ।
(हाँ, गोआ में पावरोटी बनाया जाना अभी भी प्रसिद्ध है। भट्टियाँ, जहाँ पावरोटी बनाई जाती है, गोआ में अभी भी पाई जाती हैं। बेकर की धानी की ठक-ठक और झंकार प्रातःकाल के समय में अभी भी सुनी जा सकती है। यह बात इस वाक्य से स्पष्ट है’भट्टी की आग अभी तक भी नहीं बुझाई जा सकी है…..।’) .

3. What is the baker called ?
(बेकर को किस नाम से पुकारा जाता है?)
Answer:
The baker is called pader in Goa.
(गोआ में बेकर को पेदर के नाम से पुकारा जाता है।)

4. When would the baker come everyday ? Why did the children run to meet him ?
(बेकर हर रोज कब आता था? बच्चे उससे मिलने के लिए क्यों भागते थे?)
Answer:
He would come twice a day. Once in the morning and again after selling all his breads. The children ran to meet him because they were fond of the ‘bread-bangles’ sold by him.
(बेकर दिन में दो बार आता था। एक बार तो वह सुबह के समय आता था और दोबारा तब आता था जब उसकी सारी पावरोटियाँ बिक जाती थीं। बच्चे उससे मिलने के लिए दौड़ते थे, क्योंकि वे उसके द्वारा बेचे जाने वाले पावगजरों को बहुत पसंद करते थे।)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 87)

1. Match the following. What is a must
(i) as marriage gifts ? – cakes and bolinhas
(ii) for a party or a feast ? – sweet bread called bol
(iii) for a daughter’s engagement ?- bread
(iv) for Christmas ? – sandwiches.
Answer:
(i) as marriage gifts – sweet bread called bol
(ii) for a party or a feast – bread
(iii) for a daughter’s engagement – sandwiches
(iv) for Christmas – cakes and bolinhas

2. What did the bakers wear : (i) in the Portuguese days, ?
(बेकर क्या पहनते थे? (i) पुर्तगालियों के दिनों में?)
(ii) when the author was young?
(ii) जब लेखक छोटा था?)
Answer:
(i) In the Portuguese days, the bakers wore the kabai. It was a single-piece long frock that reached down to the knees. (ii) When the author was young, the bakers wore a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants.
(i) पुर्तगालियों के दिनों में बेकर कबाई पहनते थे। यह एक ही कपड़े से बनी लंबी फ्रॉक होती थी जो घुटनों तक पहुँचती थी।
(ii) जब लेखक छोटा था तो उन दिनों बेकर कमीज और पैंट पहनते थे जोकि पूरी पैंट की लम्बाई से छोटी होती थी और निक्कर से लम्बी होती थी।)

3. Who invites the comment —“he is dressed like a pader” ? Why? .
(किस पर यह टिप्पणी की जाती है “उसने पेदर जैसी पोशाक पहन रखी है”? क्यों?)
Answer:
Any one who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites this comment because trousers like that used to be the typical dress of a baker or pader.
(कोई भी जो घुटनों से नीचे आने वाली निक्कर पहनता है, उस पर यह टिप्पणी की जाती है क्योंकि इस तरह की पैंटे बेकर अर्थात् पेदर के द्वारा पहनी जाती थी।)

4. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded ?
(बेकर का मासिक हिसाब कहाँ दर्ज किया जाता था?)
Answer:
They recorded the accounts on some wall in pencil.
(वे हिसाब को किसी दीवार पर पैंसिल के साथ दर्ज करते थे।)

5. What does a jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?
(‘कटहल जैसा लगने’ का क्या अर्थ है?) ।
Answer:
It means fat and plump like the jackfruit itself.
(इसका मतलब है कटहल की तरह मोटा और गोल-मटोल होना।)

Thinking about the Text

1. Which of these statements are correct ?

(i) The pader was an important person in the village in old times.
(ii) Paders still exist in Goan villages.
(iii) The paders went away with the Portuguese.
(iv) The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock.
(v) Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days.
(vi) Traditional bread-baking is still a very profitable business.
(vii) Paders and their families starve in the present times.
Answer:
(i) correct,
(ii) correct,
(iii) incorrect,
(iv) incorrect,
(v) correct,
(vi) incorrect,
(vii) incorrect.

2. Is bread an important part of Goan life ? How do you know this ?
(क्या पावरोटी गोआ के जीवन का एक अभिन्न अंग है? आप यह कैसे जानते हो?)
Answer:
Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. It is clear from marriage gifts, cakes and bolinhas for Christmas, etc.
(हाँ, पावरोटी गोआ के जीवन का एक अभिन्न अंग है। यह बात शादी के उपहारों, केक, बोलिनाह, क्रिसमस इत्यादि से स्पष्ट है।)

3. Tick the right answer. What is the tone of the author when he says the following ?

(i) The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some places. (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)
(ii) Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)
(iii) I still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. (nostalgic, hopeful, naughty)
(iv) The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all. (naughty, angry, funny)
(v) Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. (sad, hopeful, matter-of-fact)
(vi) The baker and his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous. (matter-of-fact, hopeful, sad)
Answer:
(i) nostalgic, (ii) hopeful, (iii) nostalgic, (iv) naughty, (v) matter-of-fact, (vi) matter-of-fact.

Writing

I. In this extract, the author talks about traditional bread-baking during his childhood days. Complete the following table with the help of clues on the left. Then write a paragraph about the author’s childhood days.

Clues	Author’s childhood days
	the way bread was baked the way the pader sold bread what the pader wore when the pader was paid how the pader looked

Answer:

Clues	Author’s childhood days
the way bread was baked	Age-old time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire still burns in them. The baker still arrives in some places with the old thud and jingle.
the way the pader sold bread	The pader made his musical entry with ‘jhang, jhang’ sound with his bamboo staff. He wished ‘Good morning’ and breads were sold in minutes.
what the pader wore	He wore kabai, a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees.
when the pader was paid	He was paid at the end of the month
how the pader looked	He looked fat and plump.

Author’s Childhood Days

The author remembers his childhood days. He recollects that the baker was an important part of the village in those days. He was called pader. He used to come twice a day to sell his bread. He carried a bamboo stick. With this stick he made a musical sound, jhang, jhang’ sound with his bamboo staff. He placed his basket on the vertical bamboo. He wished ‘Good morning’ to the lady of the house. The bread was usually bought by the maid servant of the house. The author as a child would climb a bench or the parapet to peep into his basket of loaves of bread. He and other children longed for bread-bangles which were sweet bread of special make. Bread was an essential part of every function. The bread-seller collected his bills at the end of the month. The accounts were generally written on a wall in pencil. The bread-sellers were well off. It was evident from their plump bodies.

II.

1. Compare the piece from the text (on the left below) with the other piece on Goan bakers (on the right). What makes the two texts so different ? Are the facts the same ? Do both writers give you a picture of the baker ?

Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are stIll there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire in the furnaces had not yet been extinguished. The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some places.

May be the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession.

After Goa’s liberation, people used to say nostalgically that the Portuguese bread vanished with the paders. But the paders have managed to survive because they have perfected the art of door-to-door delivery service. The paders pick up the knowledge of bread-making from traditions in the family. The leavened, oven-baked bread is a gift of the Portuguese to india.

[Adaptedfrom Nandakumar Kama: ‘The Unsung Lives of Goan Paders’]

Answer:
The two texts tell about the Goan Paders. But they are different because they differently about the same thing. The first text tells us about paders and the things with which they make bread. The
second text emphasises the fact that Portuguese bread vanished when Goa was liberated and the · Portugueses left Goa. The facts in both the texts relate to bread-making. The facts are almost the same. Both the writers give us a picture of the baker. But the first text gives a more elaborate picture than the one given by the second text.

2. Now find a travel brochure about a place you have visited. Look at the description in the brochure. Then write your own account, adding details from your own experience, to give the reader a picture of the place, rather than an impersonal, factual description.
Answer : For self-attempt.

Group Discussion

1. In groups, collect information on how bakeries bake bread now and how the process has · changed over time.
Answer:
For self-attempt.

2. There are a number of craft-based professions which are dying out. Pick one of the crafts below. Make a group presentation to the class about the skills required, and the possible reasons for the decline of the craft. Can you think of ways to revive these crafts ?
(i) Pottery,
(ii) Batik work
(iii) Dhurri (rug) weaving
(iv) Embroidery
(v) Carpentry
(vi) Bamboo weaving
(vii) Making jute products
(viii) Handloom
Answer:
For self-attempt.

Part II: Coorg

Thinking about the Text

1. Where is Coorg ?
(कुर्ग कहाँ पर है?)
Answer:
Coorg lies midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is situated in the Karnatka state of India.
(कुर्ग मैसूर और तटीय नगर मंगलौर के मध्य मार्ग पर स्थित है। यह भारत के कर्नाटक राज्य में स्थित है।)

2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent ? [B.S.E.H. 2019
(कोडावु लोगों के वंश के बारे में क्या कहानी प्रचलित है?)
Answer:
According to the story, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast. As their return became impractical, they settled there. They married among the locals..
(कहानी के अनुसार, सिकन्दर की सेना का एक भाग तट के साथ-साथ दक्षिण की ओर चला गया। जब उनकी वापसी असंभव हो गई, तो वे वहीं बस गए। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों में शादी कर ली।)

3. What are some of the things you now know about
(i) the people of Coorg?
(ii) the main crop of Coorg?
(iii) the sports it offers to tourists ?
(iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg ?
(v) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?
(आप इनके बारे में अब कौन-कौन सी बातें जानते हो?) (कुर्ग के लोग?) (कुर्ग की मुख्य फसल?) (पर्यटकों के लिए यहाँ जो खेल हैं?) (आप कुर्ग में कौन-से पशु देख पाओगे?) (बंगलौर से इसकी दूरी और यहाँ पहुँचा कैसे जाता है?)
Answer:
I now know about all the things given from (i) to (v) here. The text gives the whole information in the following way:
(i) The people of Coorg are greatly independent. They are of Greek or Arabic descent.
(ii) The main crop of Coorg is coffee.
(iii) Coorg offers adventurous sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking to tourists.
(iv) The animals one is likely to see in Coorg are Macaques, Malabar squirrel, langurs and loris.
(v) The distance between Bangalore and Coorg is around 260 km. One can reach Coorg by Air, by Rail and by Road.

(मैं इन सभी चीज़ों के बारे में जानता हूँ जो यहाँ (i) से (v) तक दी गई हैं। अध्याय में इन सभी बातों के बारे में निम्नलिखित जानकारी दी गई है-

(i) कुर्ग लोग पूर्णतया स्वतंत्र रहने वाले लोग हैं। वे यूनानियों और अरबों के वंशज हैं।
(ii) missing
(iii) कुर्गों के साहसिक खेल हैं जैसे रिवर रैफ्टिंग, नौका चलाना, रस्सियों के सहारे पहाड़ियों पर चढ़ना-उतरना, चट्टानों पर चढ़ना और पर्वतारोहण इत्यादि
(iv) कुर्ग क्षेत्र में दिखाई दिए जाने वाले पशु हैं-अफ्रीकी लंगूर, मालाबारी गिलहरियाँ, लंगूर और तोते।
(v) बंगलौर और कुर्ग के बीच की दूरी लगभग 260 कि०मी० है। कुर्ग में हवाई जहाज से, रेल से और सड़क मार्ग द्वारा जाया जा सकता है।)

4. Here are six sentences with some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (Look at the paragraphs indicated)
(i) During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg. (para 2)
(ii) Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there. (para 3)
(iii) The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’ valour. (para 4)
(iv) Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy adventure sports of Coorg. (para 6)
(v) The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear. (para 3)
(vi) Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy. (para 7)
Answer:
(i) to keep many visitors away.
(ii) as the story goes
(iii) more than willing to recount
(iv) the most laidback individuals become converts to
(v) draws support from
(vi) keep a watchful eye

Thinking about Language

Collocations

Certain words ‘go together’. Such ‘word friends’ are called collocations. The collocation of a word is “the company it keeps’. For example, look at the paired sentences and phrases below. Which is a common collocation, and which one is odd ? Strike out the odd sentence or phrase.
(a) ‘How old are you?’
‘How young are you ?’
(b) a pleasant person
a pleasant pillow

1. Here are some nouns from the text.
culture
monks
surprise
experience
weather
tradition

Work with a partner and discuss which of the nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives given below. The first one has been done for you.

unique
terrible
unforgettable
serious
ancient
wide
sudden

(i) culture : unique culture, ancient culture
(ii) monks ……………………
(iii) surprise ……………………
(iv) experience : ……………………
(v) weather : ……………………
(vi) tradition : ……………………
Answer:
The following shall collocate together :
(ii) monks z serious monks, unique monks
(iii) surprise : terrible surprise, sudden surprise
(iv) experience : unique experience, terrible experience, unforgettable experience.
(v) weather : pleasant weather, terrible weather, unique weather
(vi) tradition : unique tradition, ancient tradition.

2. Complete the following phrases from the text. For each phrase, can you find at least one other word that would fit into the blank ?

(i) tales of……………………
(ii) coastal ……………………
(iii) a piece of ……………………
(iv) evergreen ……………………
(v) Plantations
(vi) ……………………bridge
(vii) wild ……………………
You may add your own examples to this list.
Answer:
(i) tales of valour
(ii) coastal town
(iii) a piece of heaven
(iv) evergreen rainforests
(v) coffee plantations
(vi) rope bridge
(vii) wild elephants

Some other examples :

Tales of heroism
hilly areas/terrains
river beds
Tibetan settlements
adventure sports

Part III: Tea from Assam

Thinking about Language

I. 1. Look at these words : upkeep, downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in. They are built up from verb (keep, pour, go, drop, walk) and an adverb or a particle (up, down, under, out, in). Use these words appropriately in the sentences below. You may consult a dictionary.

(i) A heavy ___has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
(ii) Rakesh will ______major surgery tomorrow morning.
(iii) My brother is responsible for the ______of our family property.
(iv) The _______ rate for this accountancy course is very high.
(v) She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a _ ___ interview.
Answer:
(i) downpour
(ii) undergo
(iii) upkeep
(iv) dropout
(v) walk-in

2. Now fill in the blanks in the sentences given below by combining the verb given in brackets with one of the words from the box as appropriate.

over
by
through
out
updown

(i) The Army attempted unsuccessfully to ______ the Government. (throw)
(ii) Scientists are on the brink of a major ______ in cancer research. (break)
(iii) The State Government plans to build a ______ for Bhubaneshwar to speed up traffic on the main highway. (pass)
(iv) Gautama’s ______ on life changed when he realised that the world is full of sorrow.(look)
(v) Rakesh seemed unusually ______after the game. (cast)
Answer:
(1) overthrow (ii) breakthrough (iii) bypass (iv) outlook (v) downcast

II. Notice how these -ing and -ed adjectives are used.

(a) Chess is an interesting game. — I am very interested in chess.
(b) Going trekking in the Himalayas this summer is an exciting idea. — We are very excited about the trek.
(c) Are all your school books this boring? — He was bored as he had no friends there.

The -ing adjectives show the qualities that chess, trekking, or these books have : they cause interest, excitement, or boredom in you. The -ed/-en adjectives show your mental state, or your physical state: how you feel in response to ideas, events or things.

1. Think of suitable -ing or-ed adjectives to answer the following questions. You may also use words from those given above. How would you describe :

(i) a good detective serial on television ? _____
(ii) a debate on your favourite topic ‘Homework Should Be Banned’ ? _____
(iii) how you feel when you stay indoors due to incessant rain ? _____
(iv) how you feel when you open a present ? _____
(v) how you feel when you watch your favourite programme on television ? _____
(vi) the look on your mother’s face as you waited in a queue ? _____
(vii) how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger reserve forest ? _____
(viii) the story you have recently read, or a film you have seen ? _____
Answer:
(i) interesting
(ii) exciting
(iii) bored
(iv) thrilled
(v) excited
(vi) worrying
(vii) excited
(viii) interesting

2. Now use the adjectives in the exercise above, as appropriate, to write a paragraph about Coorg.
Answer:
A visit to Assam was really interesting. It was an invigorating. The magnificent scenery was invigorating. I felt excited and thrilled to visit this beautiful place. I was thrilled when I read that Assam tea is the best in the world. The wildlife and the panoramic view of the entire misty landscape excited me. A walk among the hills was thrilling. But the idea that man is creating pollution here also made me worried. However, the whole scene of tea plantations was breathtaking.

1. Read the following passage about tea.

India and tea are so intertwined together that life without the brew is unimaginable. Tea entered our life only in the mid-nineteenth century when the British started plantations in Assam and Darjeeling! In the beginning though, Indians shunned the drink as they thought it was a poison that led to umpteen diseases. Ironically, tea colonised Britain where it became a part of their social diary and also led to the establishment of numerous tea houses. Today, scientific research across the world has attempted to establish the beneficial qualities of tea-a fact the Japanese and the Chinese knew anyway from ancient times, attributing to it numerous medicinal properties.
[Source : ‘History : Tea Anytime’, by Ranjit Biswas from Literary Review, The Hindu, 1 October 2006]

Collect information about tea, e.g. its evolution as a drink, its beneficial qualities. You can consult an encyclopedia or visit Internet websites. Then form groups of five and play the following roles. Imagine a meeting of a tea planter, a sales agent, a tea lover (consumer), a physician and a tea-shop owner. Each person in the group has to put forward his/her views about tea. You may use the following words and phrases.

I feel _
It is important to know_
I disagree with you _
I think that tea _
I would like you to know _
I agree with _
It is my feeling _
I suggest _
May I know why you _
I am afraid _

Answer:
For self-attempt at class level. Students should consult an encyclopedia or visit some Internet sites for getting this information. Then they may form groups and play these roles.

2. You are the sales executive of a famous tea company and you have been asked to draft an advertisement for the product. Draft the advertisement using the information you collected for the role play. You can
draw pictures or add photographs and make your advertisement colourful.
Answer:
For self-attempt as in case of Question 1 above.

BSE 10th Class English A Baker From Goa Important Questions and Answers

Part I: A Baker From Goa

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What do the elders of Goa remember nostalgically?
Answer:
They remember nostalgically the old Portuguese days and the loaves of bread.

Question 2.
What are the time tested things which still exit in Goa?
Answer:
The furnaces of the bakers of Goa are time tested things which still exist there.

Question 3.
When did the baker come daily?
Answer:
He came daily twice. Once in the morning when he set out for his selling and the other time after selling the breads.

Question 4.
What was the baker’s place in Goa is the author’s childhood days?
Answer:
In those days the baker was the friend, companion and guide.

Question 5.
How is the entry of the baker described?
Answer:
The entry of the baker is described as musical.

Question 6.
What did the author and the other children do to look into the baker’s basket?
Answer:
They would climb a bench or the parapet to look into the baker’s basket.

Question 7.
What is the name of the dress worn by baker in olden days?
Answer:
It was known with the name of kabai.

Question 8.
What is the baker called in Goa?
Answer:
The baker is called ‘pader’in Goa.

Question 9.
What is the financial status of a baker of Goa?
Answer:
A bakes of Goa is mostly in a sound financially position.

Question 10.
What is a kabai?.
Answer:
A kabai is a type of frock made out of single piece of cloth.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What are the childhood memories described by the author in this extract?
(इस अध्याय में लेखक के द्वारा बचपन की किन-किन यादों का वर्णन किया गया है?)
Answer:
The author passed his childhood days in Goa. In this extract, he remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an important place in life. Although, with the passage of time, people do not . eat so much bread, yet the village bakers are still there.
(लेखक ने अपने बचपन के दिन गोआ में बिताए थे। इस अध्याय में वह गोआ में अपने बचपन के दिनों को याद करता है जब गाँव के बेकर का जीवन में महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान होता था। यद्यपि समय बीतने के साथ-साथ लोगों ने पावरोटी खाना कम कर दिया है, फिर भी ग्रामीण बेकर वहाँ पर पाए जाते हैं।) .

Question 2.
What marks of the Portuguese way of life can still be seen in Goa?
(पुर्तगाली जीवन के तरीकों के कौन-कौन से संकेत अभी भी गोआ में देखे जा सकते हैं?)
Answer:
Goa was once occupied by the Portuguese. They were famous for preparing the loaves of bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional work of the bakers can still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread was baked still exist there.
(गोआ पर पुर्तगालियों का कब्जा था। वे पावरोटियाँ तैयार करवाने के लिए प्रसिद्ध थे। वे काफी समय पहले गोआ से चले गए। लेकिन गोवा में बेकरों का परंपरागत काम अभी भी देखा जा सकता है। जिन भट्टियों में पावरोटी पकाई जाती थी वे अभी भी वहाँ पर हैं।)

Question 3.
What does the author recall about the visit of the baker to his village?
(लेखक अपने गाँव में बेकर की यात्रा के बारे में क्या बातें याद करता है?)
Answer:
The author recalls that a baker used to visit the village twice a day. He used to be the author’s friend and guide. He used to carry a bamboo stick. The sound of this stick used to wake up the author and others from sleep.
(लेखक याद करता है कि एक बेकर दिन में दो बार उनके गाँव में आता था। वह लेखक का मित्र और मार्गदर्शक हुआ करता था। वह एक बाँस का डंडा उठाए रखता था। डंडे की आवाज़ लेखक और अन्य लोगों को नींद से जगा देती थी।)

Question 4.
How was the village baker very important for special occasions in the village?
(गाँव में विशिष्ट अवसरों पर गाँव का बेकर अति महत्त्वपूर्ण कैसे हो जाता था?) .
Answer:
The village baker was specially important for festive occasions. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘bol’. Marriage gifts were meaningless without these sweet breads. Sandwiches, cakes and bolinhas were a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were made with the bread.
(त्योहारों के अवसरों पर गाँव का बेकर अति महत्त्वपूर्ण हो जाता था। गाँव वाले उसकी मीठी पावरोटी ‘बोल’ के बहुत शौकीन थे। इन मीठी पावरोटियों के बिना शादी के उपहार अर्थहीन थे। क्रिसमस और अन्य त्योहारों के लिए सैंडविच, केक और बोलिनाह अति आवश्यक होते थे। ये पावरोटी से बनते थे।)

Question 5.
Describe the bread-seller’s dress. (पावरोटी विक्रेता की पोशाक का वर्णन करें।).
Answer:
The baker or the bread-seller wore a special, peculiar dress. It was known as the ‘kabai’. It was a single-piece long frock. It reached down to his knees. During narrator’s childhood Bakers wore trousers which were shorter than full-length and longer than half pants.
(बेकर अर्थात् पावरोटी विक्रेता एक विशेष और विचित्र किस्म की पोशाक पहनता था। इसे कबाई के नाम से जाना जाता था। यह एक ही कपड़े से बनी लम्बी फ्रॉक होती थी। यह घुटनों से नीचे तक जाती थी। लेखक के बचपन के दिनों में बेकर कमीज़)

Question 6.
When did the baker collect his bills? What showed that the bakers were prosperous?
(बेकर अपने बिलों का संग्रह कब करता था? किस बात से पता चलता था कि बेकर अमीर थे?)
Answer:
The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. In the household, the baker’s monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was a profitable business in those days. Their families never starved. Their plump bodies showed that they were prosperous.
(बेकर प्रायः महीने के अंत में अपने बिलों का संग्रह करता था। घर में बेकर के महीने के हिसाब को किसी दीवार पर पेंसिल के साथ लिख दिया जाता था। उन दिनों में बेकिंग का कार्य बहुत फायदे वाला था। उनके परिवार कभी भूखे नहीं मरते थे। उनके मोटे-ताजे शरीर दिखाते थे कि वे सम्पन्न लोग थे।)

Question 7.
When would the baker come everyday? Why did the children run to the baker?
(बेकर हर रोज किस समय आता था? बच्चे बेकर के पास क्यों भागे आते थे?)
Answer:
The baker would come twice a day. Once in the morning when he set out on his selling round, and then again after emptying his basket. In the morning the children ran to him to have bread-bangles.
(बेकर दिन में दो बार आया करता था। एक बार तो सुबह के समय जब वह अपनी बिक्री की फेरी पर निकलता था और दूसरी बार तब जब अपनी टोकरी खाली करके लौटता था। सुबह के समय बच्चे उसके पास से पाव-गजरे लेने के लिए भाग कर जाते थे।)

Question 8.
How did the baker make his entry in the morning?
(सुबह के समय बेकर अपना आगमन कैसे करता था?)
Answer:
In the morning the baker made his musical entry on the scene with the “jhang-jhang’ sound of his specially made staff. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground.
(सुबह के समय बेकर दृश्य पर आगमन एक विशेष रूप से बनाई गई बाँस की लंबी छड़ी की ‘झंग-झंग’ जैसी संगीतमयी आवाज़ के साथ करता था। उसका एक हाथ सिर पर टोकरी को थामे रखता था और दूसरा हाथ जमीन पर बाँस को पटकता रहता था।)

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
How is the effect of the traditional bread bakers can still be seen in Goa of today?
(परम्परागत बेकरों का प्रभाव आज के गोआ में भी कैसे देखा जा सकता है?)
Answer:
The author remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an important place in life. Bread eating was very common in those days. Apart from eating bread daily, bread held an important place at the time of Christmas, marriages and other functions. Although, with the passage of time, people do not eat so much bread today, yet the village bakers are still there. The Portugueses were famous for earns the loaves of bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional work of the bakers can still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread was baked still exist there. The sound of the traditional bakers’ bamboo can still be heard. These bakers are known as Pader in Goa even today. . .

(लेखक गोआ में अपने पुराने दिनों की याद करता है जब गाँव के बेकर का उनके जीवन में महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान होता था। उन दिनों में पावरोटी खाने का बहुत प्रचलन था। हर रोज पावरोटी खाए जाने के अतिरिक्त पावरोटी का क्रिसमस, शादियों तथा अन्य उत्सवों पर अति महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान होता था। यद्यपि समय के बीतने के साथ-साथ लोग अब इतनी ज्यादा पावरोटी नहीं खाते हैं लेकिन अभी भी गाँवों में बेकर हैं। पुर्तगाली पावरोटियाँ तैयार करवाने के लिए बहुत प्रसिद्ध थे। उन्होंने काफी समय पहले गोआ को छोड़ दिया। लेकिन बेकरों का परम्परागत काम अभी भी गोआ में देखा जा सकता है। जिन भट्टियों में पावरोटी पकाई जाती थी अभी भी वहाँ पर हैं। बेकर के परम्परागत बाँस (धानी) की आवाज़ अभी भी सुनी जा सकती है। इन बेकरों को गोआ में आज भी पेदर के नाम से जाना जाता है।)

Question 2.
What was the importance of the baker in the village? What kind of dress did he wear?
(गाँव में बेकर का क्या महत्त्व होता था? वह किस तरह की पोशाक पहनता था?)
Answer:
The village baker was specially important for all occasions. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘Bol’. Marriage gifts were meaningless without these sweet breads. San and bolinhas were a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were made with the bread. Thus the presence of a baker’s furnace was very essential in each village. The baker or the bread-seller wore a special, peculiar dress. It was known as the ‘kabai’. It was a single-piece long frock. It reached.down to his knees. During narrator’s childhood bakers wore trousers which were shorter than full-length and longer than half pants. Even today if someone wears a half pant, he is said to be dressed like a pader.

(गाँव का बेकर सभी अवसरों पर विशेष रूप से महत्वपूर्ण होता था। ग्रामीण उसकी मीठी पावरोटी, जिसे ‘बोल’ कहा जाता था, के बहुत अधिक शौकीन थे। इन मीठी पावरोटियों के बिना शादी के उपहार महत्त्वहीन होते थे। सैंडविच, केक और बोलिनाह क्रिसमस तथा अन्य अवसरों के लिए अति आवश्यक होते थे। ये पावरोटी से बनाए जाते थे। अतः प्रत्येक गाँव में बेकर की भट्टी का होना बहुत जरूरी था। बेकर अर्थात् पावरोटी विक्रेता एक खास तरह की और विचित्र पोशाक पहनता था। इसे ‘कबाई’ के नाम से जाना जाता था। यह एक ही कपड़े से बनी लम्बी फ्रॉक होती थी। यह उसके घुटनों से नीचे तक जाती थी। लेखक के बचपन के दिनों में बेकर पैंटें पहनते थे जोकि पूरी पैंट की लम्बाई से कम और निक्कर की लम्बाई से अधिक होती थी। यदि आज भी कोई निक्कर पहनता है, तो ऐसा कहा जाता है कि उसने पेदर की तरह पोशाक पहन रखी थी।)

Question 3.
Give a pen-portrait of a Goan Village baker.
(गोवा के एक ग्रामीण बेकर का चित्रण कीजिए।)
Answer:
A Goan village baker used to sell all kinds of bread loaves. He used to come in the morning with a basket of breads loaves on his head. He made a musical entry on the scene with the ‘jhang-jhang’ of his bamboo stick. He used to wear a peculiar dress known as the ‘kabai’. It was a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees. The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days. The baker always looked happy and prosperous. He had a plump physique.

(गोवा का एक ग्रामीण बेकर सभी प्रकार के पाव बेचा करता था। वह सुबह के समय सभी प्रकार के पाव अपने सिर पर टोकरी में भरकर लाता था। वह अपनी बाँस की छड़ी की झंग-झंग की संगीतमयी आवाज़ के साथ दृश्य पर अपना आगमन करता था। वह एक विचित्र तरह की पोशाक पहनता था जिसे ‘कबाई’ कहते थे। यह कपड़े के एक ही टुकड़े से बनी विशेष प्रकार की फ्रॉक होती थी जो घुटनों से नीचे तक आती थी। बेकर महीने के अंत में अपने बिल एकत्र किया करता था। उन पुराने दिनों में बेकरी का व्यवसाय लाभ का काम था। बेकर हमेशा प्रसन्न और खुशहाल दिखाई देता था। शारीरिक रूप से वह गोल-मटोल होता था ।)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Where were bakers specially found in India ?
(A) Goa
(B) Karnataka
(C) Assam
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) Goa

Question 2.
Who ruled over Goa?
(A) British
(B) Portuguese
(C) French
(D) Dutch
Answer:
(B) Portuguese

Question 3.
In the olden days baker in Goa was known as :
(A) baker
(B) pader
(C) kabai
(D) bolinhas
Answer:
(B) pader

Question 4.
What did the children like to buy ?
(A) bread
(B) bangle-bread
(C) bol
(D) cake
Answer:
(B) bangle-bread

Question 5.
Which name is used for the sweet bread?
(A) bol
(B) kabai
(C) pedar
(D) cake
Answer:
(A) bol

Question 6.
The bakers used to wear…………
(A) kabai
(B) bol
(C) pedar
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) kabai

Question 7.
When were the bills collected?
(A) daily
(B) weekly
(C) fortnightly
(D) at the end of the month
Answer:
(D) at the end of the month

Question 8.
What type of people are bakers?
(A) poor
(B) prosperous
(C) both (A) and (B)
(D) starving
Answer:
(B) prosperous

Question 9.
How are bakers in their physique?
(A) weak
(B) sick looking
(C) plump
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(C) plump

Question 10.
The elders in Goa are nostalgic about :
(A) the portuguese people
(B) the good old Portuguese days
(C) their famous loaves of bread
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(D) all of the above

Question 11.
The baker used to come ………….. daily.
(A) only once
(B) twice
(C) thrice
(D) four times
Answer:
(B) twice

Question 12.
Who is the author of the lesson “A Baker from Goa’?
(A) Lucio Rodrigues
(B) Lokesh Abrol
(C) Arup Kumar Datta
(D) Gavin Maxwell
Answer:
(A) Lucio Rodrigues

A Baker From Goa Important Passages for Comprehension

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some places. Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. These bakers are, even today, known as pader in Goa.

Word-meanings : Reminiscing = remembering (याद करना); vanished = disappeared (गायब हो गया); moulders = those who mould (फफूंद बनाने वाले); extinguished = put out (बुझा देना); furnaces = ovens (भट्ठियाँ)

Questions :

(a) What do the elders remember nostalgically?
(b) Whom do the residents of Goa still have among them?
(c) What are the time tested things which still exist there?
(d) How are the bakers known as in Goa?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means “put out’.
Answers :
(a) They remember nostalgically the old Portuguese days and the loaves of bread.
(b) They still have the mixers, the moulders and bakers of bread.
(c) The furnaces of the bakers are the time-tested things which still exist there.
(d) The bakers are known as pader.
(e) ‘extinguished’.

PASSAGE 2

During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide. He used to come at least twice a day. Once, when he set out in the morning on his selling round, and then again, when he returned after emptying his huge basket. The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up from sleep and we ran to meet and greet him. Why was it so? Was it for the love of the loaf ? Not at all. The loaves were bought by some Paskine or Bastine, the maid-servant of the house! What we longed for were those bread-bangles which we chose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread of special make.

Word-meanings : Greet = welcome (स्वागत करना); longed for = wished for (इच्छा करना)

Questions :

(a). What was the baker’s place in Goa in the author’s childhood days?
(b) What happened after the author woke up on hearing the baker’s jingling sound?
(c) Who bought the loaves?
(d) What did the narrator long for?
(e) Find a phrase from the passage which means “wished for’.
Answers :
(a) In those days the baker was the friend, companion and guide.
(b) He ran to meet and greet him.
(c) The maid-servant of the house bought the loaves of bread.
(d) The author longed for ‘bread-bangles’.
(e) ‘longed for’.

PASSAGE 3

The baker made his musical entry on the scene with the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo staff. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground. 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. Then we did not even care to brush our teeth or wash our mouths properly. And why should we? Who would take the trouble of plucking the mango-leaf for the toothbrush? And why was it necessary at all ? The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all!

Word-meanings : Supported = helped (सहारा देना); banged = beat with (ठक-ठक करना); greet = welcome (स्वागत करना); fragrance = smell (सुगन्ध) |

Questions :

(a) Who would push aside the kids and why ?
(b) Why did the kids climb the bench or the parapet ?
(c) What did the baker have for the kids and the elders ?
(d) How did the narrator brush his teeth ?
(e) What did the writer (as a child) think about brushing his teeth ?
Answers :
(a) The baker pushed aside the kids to deliver the loaves to the servant.
(b) They climbed the bench or the parapet to peep into the bakers’s basket.
(c) The baker had loaves for the elders and bangles for the children.
(d) The narrator brushed his teeth with a mango leaf.
(e) The writer thought that there wasn’t any need of brushing teeth as hot tea can do it so nicely.

PASSAGE 4

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 said to show how important a baker can be for a village. 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.

Word-meanings : Feast = grand party (प्रीतिभोज, दावत); charmi = attraction (आकर्षण ); absolutely = completely (पूरी तरह ); essential = necessary (आवश्यक ) |

Questions :

(a) Name the chapter and the writer.
(b) What makes marriage gifts meaningless?
(c) When does a party or a feast lose its charm?
(d) What has the lady of the house to do on the occassion of her daughter’s engagement?
(e) What is a must for Christmas?
Answers :
(a) Chapter : A Baker From Goa.
Writer : Lucio Rodrigues.
(b). Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol. . (c) A party or a feast loses its charm without bread.
(d) She must prepare sandwiches on such a occassion.
(e) Cakes or bolinhas are a must for Christmas.

PASSAGE 5

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 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.
The baker or bread-seller of those days had a peculiar dress known as the Kabai. It was a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees. In our childhood we saw bakers wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants. Even today, anyone who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader !

Word-meanings : Furnace = an oven (बट्टी ); peculiar = strange (विचित्र ); childhood = the state of a child(बचपन)

Questions :

(a) Name the chapter.
(b) On which occasion must the lady of the house prepare sandwiches ?
(c) What is a must for Christmas ?
(d) When is one said to be dressed like a pader ?
(e) Find a word opposite in meaning to ‘partially’.
Answers :
(a) The name of the chapter is ‘A Baker from Goa’.
(b) The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement.
(c) Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas.
(d) When one is wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full length ones and longer than half pants, he is said to be dressed like a pader.
(e) Absolutely

Part II. Coorg

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Where is Coorg situated ?
Answer:
Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.

Question 2.
What are the people of Coorg a descent of ?
Answer:
The people of Coorg are a descent of Greek and Arab people.

Question 3.
Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty ?
Answer:
Coffee and spices grow in Coorg in plenty.

Question 4.
What is the best time of the year to visit Coorg ?
Answer:
The best time of the year to visit Coorg is between September and March.

Question 5.
Why did a part of Alexander’s army settle here?
Answer:
A part of Alexander army settled here because their return had become impractical.

Question 6.
What is so similar between the Kodavus and the Arabs ?
Answer:
The long black coat with an embroidered waistbelt is so similar to the one worn by the Arabs.

Question 7.
What kind of tales do the Coorg people tell their children ?
Answer:
They tell them the stories of bravery of their sons and fathers.

Question 8.
Who was the first chief of Indian Army?
Answer:
The first chief of Indian Army was General Cariappa.

Question 9.
Which river flows through Coorg ?
Answer:
The river Kaveri flows through Coorg.

Question 10.
Which hills are found there in Coorg ?
Answer:
The Brahmagiri hills are found there in Coorg.

Question 11.
What is the district headquarters of Coorg ?
Answer:
Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What does the writer say about Coorg ? (लेखक कुर्ग के बारे में क्या कहता है?)
Answer:
The writer says that Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is known as Kodagu also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place. The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God.
(लेखक कहता है कि कुर्ग कर्नाटक का सबसे छोटा ज़िला है। इसे कोडागु के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। कुर्ग तटीय नगर मंगलौर और मैसूर के मध्य मार्ग पर स्थित है। यह एक अति सुन्दर स्थान है। लेखक कहता है कि यह तो अवश्य ही भगवान् के राज्य से आया है।)

Question 2.
What is Coorg famous for ? What is the best season to visit Coorg ? (कुर्ग किसलिए प्रसिद्ध है? कुर्ग जाने के लिए सबसे बढ़िया मौसम कौन-सा है?)
Answer:
Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests and spices. Thirty per cent of its area is covered with the evergreen rainforests. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The air is full of coffee flavour.
(कुर्ग अपने कॉफी बागानों, सदाबहार वर्षा वनों और मसालों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इसके तीस प्रतिशत भू-क्षेत्र पर सदाबहार वर्षा वन पाए जाते हैं। इस क्षेत्र की सैर करने का सबसे बढ़िया मौसम सितंबर से लेकर मार्च तक है। हवा कॉफी की गंध से भरपूर होती है।)

Question 3.
What does the writer say about the people of Coorg ? (लेखक कुर्ग के लोगों के विषय में क्या कहता है?).
Answer:
The writer says that the people of Coorg are independent and brave. They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married among the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marriage and religious customs.
(लेखक,कहता है कि कुर्ग लोग स्वतंत्र और बहादुर हैं। वे यूनानियों और अरबों के वंशज हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार, सिकन्दर की सेना का एक भाग वापस नहीं लौटा और यहीं पर बस गया। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों में शादियाँ कीं। यह संस्कृति उनकी युद्ध परम्पराओं, शादी और धार्मिक रीति-रिवाजों में झलकती है।)

Question 4.
What supports the theory that the people of Coorg originated from the Arabs ?
(इस सिद्धान्त को किस बात से बल मिलता है कि कुर्ग लोगों की उत्पत्ति अरबों से हुई है?)
Answer:
According to a theory, the people of Coorg originated from the Arabs. It is evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
(एक सिद्धान्त के अनुसार, कुर्ग लोगों की उत्पत्ति अरबों से हुई है। यह बात इन लोगों के द्वारा पहने जाने वाले काले लम्बे कोट से स्पष्ट होती है। यह अरबों और कुर्दो के द्वारा पहने जाने वाले कुफिया के समान है।)

Question 5.
What does the writer say about the bravery of the Coorgi people ? . (लेखक कुर्गी लोगों की बहादुरी के बारे में क्या कहता है?)
Answer:
The writer says that the Coorgi people are brave people. 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. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without licence.
(लेखक कहता है कि कुर्गी लोग बहादुर लोग होते हैं। उनकी बहादुरी की कहानियाँ प्रसिद्ध हैं। भारतीय सेना की कुर्ग रेजिमेंट सबसे अधिक सुसज्जित है। भारतीय सेना का पहला मुखिया जनरल करियप्पा एक कुर्गी था। आज भी, भारत में कोडावु केवल मात्र ऐसे लोग हैं, जिन्हें बिना लाइसेंस के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति है।)

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
Where is Coorg situated ? What is it famous for ?
(कुर्ग कहाँ पर स्थित है? यह किसलिए प्रसिद्ध है?) ।
Answer:
Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is known as Kodagu also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place. The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God. Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests and spices. Thirty per cent of its area is covered with the evergreen rainforests. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The air is full of coffee flavour.

(कुर्ग कर्नाटक का सबसे छोटा जिला है। इसे कोडागु के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। कुर्ग तटीय नगर मंगलौर और मैसूर के मध्य मार्ग पर स्थित है। यह एक अति सुन्दर स्थान है। लेखक कहता है कि यह तो अवश्य ही भगवान के राज्य से आया है। कुर्ग अपने कॉफी बागानों, सदाबहार वर्षा वनों और मसालों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इसके तीस प्रतिशत भू-क्षेत्र पर सदाबहार वर्षा वन पाए जाते हैं। इस क्षेत्र की सैर करने का सबसे बढ़िया मौसम सितंबर से लेकर मार्च तक है। हवा कॉफी की गंध से भरपूर होती है।)

Question 2.
What does the author say about the people of Coorg ?
(लेखक कुर्ग लोगों के विषय में क्या कहता है?)
Answer:
The writer says that the people of Coorg are independent and brave. They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married among the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marriage and religious customs. According to an another theory Coorg people originated from the Arabs. It is evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds. Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality. They are brave people. 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. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without licence.
(लेखक कहता है कि कुर्ग लोग स्वतंत्र और बहादुर हैं। वे यूनानियों और अरबों के वंशज हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार, सिकन्दर की सेना का एक भाग वापस नहीं लौटा और यहीं पर बस गया। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों में शादियाँ कीं। यह संस्कृति उनकी युद्ध परम्पराओं, शादी और धार्मिक रीति-रिवाज़ों में झलकती है। एक सिद्धान्त के अनुसार, कुर्ग लोगों की उत्पत्ति अरबों से हुई है। यह बात इन लोगों के द्वारा पहने जाने वाले काले लम्बे कोट से स्पष्ट होती है। यह अरबों और कुर्दो के द्वारा पहने जाने वाले कुफिया के समान है। कुर्गी लोगों की अतिथि-सत्कार की अपनी एक परंपरा है। वे बहुत बहादुर लोग हैं। उनकी बहादुरी की कहानियाँ प्रसिद्ध हैं। भारतीय सेना की कुर्ग रेजिमेंट सबसे अधिक सुसज्जित है। भारतीय सेना का पहला मुखिया जनरल करियप्पा एक कुर्गी था। आज भी, भारत में कोडावु केवल मात्र ऐसे लोग हैं, जिन्हें बिना लाइसेंस के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति है।)

Question 3.
What does the writer say about the natural beauty of Coorg?
(लेखक कुर्ग की प्राकृतिक सुंदरता का वर्णन कैसे करता है?)
Or
Write a note on the climate and natural wealth of Coorg.
(कुर्ग की प्रकृति और प्राकृतिक संपत्ति पर नोट लिखें।)
Answer:
Coorg is situated in Karnataka midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It looks like a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. This is a land of rolling hills. It is a home of evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen forests cover thirty percent of Coorg district. The river Kaveri flows through Coorg. Big elephants are also found here. Birds, bees and butterflies are there to give the visitors company. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings (the visitors) into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. It is said that the people searching for the heart and soul of India visit Coorg.

(कुर्ग कर्नाटक राज्य में मैसूर और तटीय कस्बे मंगलौर के मध्य में स्थित है। यह स्वर्ग के एक अंश की तरह लगता है जो अवश्य ही भगवान के राज्य से भटक कर आया होगा। यह घुमावदार पहाड़ियों वाली भूमि है। यह सदाबहार-वर्षा वाले वनों, मसालों और कॉफी के बागानों का घर है। सदाबहार वन कुर्ग जिले के 30 प्रतिशत भू-भाग को घेरते हैं। कावेरी नदी कुर्ग से होकर बहती है। यहाँ पर बड़े-बड़े हाथी भी पाए जाते हैं। पर्यटकों को संगति प्रदान करने के लिए यहाँ पक्षी, मधुमक्खियाँ और तितलियाँ पाई जाती हैं। ब्रह्मगिरी पहाड़ियों की चढ़ाई चढ़ते समय हमें पूरे कुर्ग के धुंधले भू-भाग का नजारा नजर आ जाता है। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि भारत के दिल और आत्मा की खोज करने वाले भ्रमणकारी कुर्ग अवश्य आते हैं।)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
In which state of India is Coorg situated ?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Goa
(C) Kerala
(D) Tamilnadu
Answer:
(A) Karnataka

Question 2.
Coorg is famous for its :
(A), coffee plantation
(B) evergreen rainforests
(C) spices
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(D) all of the above

Question 3.
The best season to visit Coorg is :
(A) September to March
(B) April to June
(C) July to August
(D) all the years
Answer:
(A) September to March

Question 4.
How much area of Coorg is covered by evergreen forests ?
(A) ten per cent
(B) twenty per cent
(C) thirty per cent
(D) forty per cent
Answer:
(C) thirty per cent

Question 5.
From which river do Coorg get water ?
(A) Krishna
(B) Kaveri
(C) Narmada
(D) Tapi
Answer:
(B) Kaveri

Question 6.
The Coorgi people are famous for the tradition of :
(A) enmity
(B) selfishness
(C) cleverness
(D) hospitality
Answer:
(D) hospitality

Question 7.
Coorg is descents of :
(A) Greeks
(B) Arabs
(C) Hindus
(D) both (A) and (B)
Answer:
(D) both (A) and (B)

Question 8.
Who was General Cariappa ?
(A) the first chief of Indian Army
(B) a great political leader
(C) a great coffee planter
(D) a british officer
Answer:
(A) the first chief of Indian Army

Question 9.
The freshwater fish of Coorg is :
(A) whale
(B) shark
(C) mahaseer
(D) dolphin
Answer:
(C) mahaseer

Question 10.
We can reach Coorg by :
(A) air
(B) rail
(C) road
(D) all of the above of the above

Question 11.
What is the district headquarter of Coorg?
(A) Mangalore
(B) Bangalore
(C) Mysore
(D) Madikeri
Answer:
(D) Madikeri

Question 12.
What is the distance between Bangalore and Coorg?
(A) 135 kms
(B) 260 kms
(C) 300 kms
(D) 335 kms
Answer:
(B) 260 kms

Question 13.
What is Nisargadhama?
(A) a river
(B) an island
(C) a city
(D) a coffee plantation
Answer:
(B) an island

Question 14.
Who is the writer of the lesson ‘Coorg’?
(A) Lucio Rodrigues
(B) Lokesh Abrol
(C) Arup Kumar Datta
(D) Gavin Maxwell
Answer:
(B) Lokesh Abrol

Coorg Important Passages for Comprehension

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

Midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of god. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.

Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. 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.

Word-meanings :
Coastal =of the coast (तटीय); drifted = carried along (बह जाना); inhabited = resided by (निवासी); canopies = hanging covers (छतरी) |

Questions :

(a) Where is Coorg situated ?
(b) What does the author say about the people of Coorg?
(c) Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty ?
(d) What is the best time of the year to visit Coorg?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘health giving’.
Answers :
(a) Coorg is situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
(b) The author says that the Coorg is inhabited by proud race of martial men and beautiful women.
(c) Spices and coffee grow in Coorg in plenty.
(d) The best period to visit Coorg is between September and March.
(e) ‘invigorating.

PASSAGE 2

The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, 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. The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus. Known as kuppia, it resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

Word-meanings : Fiercely = great (बहुत अधिक); descent = ancestry (वंश); apparent = clear (स्पष्ट)

Questions :

(a) What does the author say about the descent of the people of Coorg ?.
(b) Why did a part of Alexander’s army settle here?
(c) Which things show that their culture is distinct from the Hindu mainstream ?
(d) What is so similar between the Kodavus and the Arabs ?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘different’.
Answers :
(a) The author says that the people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent.
(b) They settled here because their return had become impractical.
(c) Their martial traditions, marriage and religious rites show that they are distinct from the Hindu mainstream.
(d) The long black coat with an embroidered waist-belt known as kuppia or kuffia is so similar to the one worn by the Arabs.
(e) ‘distinct.

PASSAGE 3

Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

The river, Kavery, obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. MaHaseer — a large freshwater fish — abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch, while squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit for the mischief of enjoying the splash and the ripple effect in the clear water. Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts.

Word-meanings : Hospitality = reception of guests (मेहमान-नवाज़ी); recount = narrate (वर्णन करना) I

Questions :

(a) What kind of tales do the Coorgi people tell their children ?
(b) Which famous Coorgi is mentioned in this paragraph ?
(c) What does the narrator say about the Coorg Regiment ?
(d) Which wild animals are described here ?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘many’.
Answers :
(a) They tell them the tales of bravery of their sons and fathers.
(b) The first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi.
(c) The writer says that Coorg Regiment has won many medals and awards for actions of bravery in battlefields. .
(d) Squirrels, langurs, kingfishers, elephants, etc. are described here. (e) ‘numerous’. .

PASSAGE 4

The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings you into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama. Running into Buddhist monks from India’s largest Tibetan settlement, at nearby Bylakuppe, is a bonus. The monks, in red, ochre and yellow robes, are amongst the many surprises that wait to be discovered by visitors searching for the heart and soul of India, right here in Coorg.

Word-meanings : Panoramic = beautiful (सुन्दर); misty = full of mist (धुंध भरा); landscape = land scene (धरती का दृश्य) ; bonus = plus point (अच्छी बात) |

Questions :

(a) Name the chapter and its author.
(b) What view is seen from the Brahmagiri hills?
(c) How can one reach Nisargadhama island?
(d) What is bonus for the visitors who visit Coorg ?
(e) Find words from the passage which mean the same as :
(a) view of wide area of land, (b) full of mist.
Answers :
(a) Chapter : Coorg.
Author : Lokesh Abrol.
(b) A panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg is seen from the Brahmagiri hills.
(c) One can reach Nisargadhama island having a walk across the rope bridge.
(d) India’s largest Tibetan settlement, at nearby Bylakuppe, is a bonus for the visitors who visit Coorg.
(e) (a) landscape, (b) misty.

Part III. Tea from Assam

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Which state did Pranjol belong to?
Answer:
Pranjol belonged to Assam a North-Eastern State of India.

Question 2.
What was Pranjol’s father?
Answer:
Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea garden in upper Assam.

Question 3.
Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going ?
Answer:
They were going to Assam to visit Pranjol’s home in summer vacation.

Question 4.
What could Rajvir see as far as his eyes could see?
Answer:
There were tea bushes as far as his eyes could see.

Question 5.
According to Rajvir how many cups of tea are drunk daily throughout the world?
Answer:
According to Rajvir over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk daily throughout the world.

Question 6.
When was tea drunk first in China ?
Answer:
Tea was first drunk in China 2700 B.C.

Question 7.
Where was Pranjol’s father Tea Estate situated ?
Ans.
It was situated at Dhekiabari.

Question 8.
Where was tea first drunk ?
Answer:
Tea was first drunk in China.

Question 9.
Why did Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids?
Answer:
He cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations.

Question 10.
When did tea come to Europe ?
Answer:
Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century.

Question 11.
Who cut off his eyelids?
Answer:
Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Who were Pranjol and Rajvir? Where were they going? (प्रांजल और राजवीर कौन थे? वे कहाँ जा रहे थे?)
Answer:
Pranjol and Rajvir were friends. Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was studying in a school in Delhi. Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam. Pranjol invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Both of them travelled to Assam in a train.
. (प्रांजल और राजवीर मित्र थे। प्रांजल आसाम का रहने वाला था। वह दिल्ली के एक स्कूल में पढ़ रहा था। राजवीर उसका . एक सहपाठी था। प्रांजल का पिता ऊपरी आसाम के एक चाय-बागान का प्रबंधक था। प्रांजल ने ग्रीष्मावकाश में राजवीर को अपने घर आमंत्रित किया। दोनों ने एक रेलगाड़ी से आसाम की यात्रा की।)

Question 2.
What did Rajvir and Pranjol do after the train pulled out of the station? (जब रेलगाड़ी स्टेशन से बाहर निकली तो राजवीर और प्रांजल ने क्या किया?)
Answer:
When the train pulled out of the station, Pranjol became busy in reading a detective book. Rajvir was looking out of the train. It was green, green everywhere. He had never seen so much greenery before.
(जब रेलगाड़ी स्टेशन से बाहर निकली तो प्रांजल एक जासूसी किताब पढ़ने में व्यस्त हो गया। राजवीर रेलगाड़ी से बाहर देख रहा था। चारों ओर हरा-ही-हरा था। उसने पहले कभी भी इतनी हरियाली नहीं देखी थी।)

Question 3.
Which story of a Chinese emperor is associated with the discovery of tea? (चाय की उत्पत्ति के साथ चीनी सम्राट की कौन-सी कहानी जुड़ी हुई है?)
Answer:
According to one legend a Chinese emperor discovered tea by chance. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled water got a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves.
(एक दंत कथा के अनुसार एक चीनी सम्राट् ने संयोगवश ही चाय की खोज कर दी। वह पानी को पीने से पहले हमेशा उबालता था। एक दिन बर्तन के नीचे जल रही टहनियों के कुछ पत्ते पानी में गिर गए। इसके परिणामस्वरूप, उबले हुए पानी से स्वादिष्ट गंध आने लगी। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि वे चाय की पत्तियाँ थीं।)

Question 4.
What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea?
(चाय की खोज के बारे में भारतीय दंत कथा क्या है?)
OR
What is the Indian legend regarding tea ?
(चाय के बारे में भारतीय दंत कथा क्या है?)
Answer:
According to an Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk, felt sleep during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.
(एक भारतीय दंत कथा के अनुसार, बोधिधर्म, एक प्राचीन बौद्ध भिक्षुक को समाधि के दौरान नींद आती थी। इसलिए उसने अपनी पलकें काट दीं। इन पलकों पर चाय के दस पौधे उग आए। इन पौधों की पत्तियों को जब गर्म पानी में डालकर पिया गया तो नींद दूर भाग गई।)

Question 5.
Where was tea first drunk? When did tea come to Europe? (चाय पहली बार कहाँ पी गई? चाय यूरोप में कब आई?)
Answer:
It is believed that tea was first drunkinChina in2700 B.C.Words like chai’ and ‘chini areChinese. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. At first it was used more as a medicine than as a beverage.
(ऐसा माना जाता है कि चाय पहली बार 2700 ई० पू० चीन में पी गई। ‘चाय’ और ‘चीनी’ जैसे शब्द चीन से संबंधित हैं। यूरोप में चाय का आगमन सोलहवीं सदी में हुआ। पहले-पहले तो इसका प्रयोग एक पेय पदार्थ की अपेक्षा एक औषधि के रूप में अधिक किया जाता था।)

Question 6.
What is the best season for tea Production? (चाय उत्पादन के लिए सर्वोत्तम मौसम क्या है?).
Answer:
Rajvir and Pranjol reached Assam in the sprouting season. This season lasts from May to July. The best tea is produced during this season.
(राजवीर और प्रांजल चाय के अंकुरण काल में आसाम पहुँचे। यह मौसम मई से जुलाई तक चलता है। इस मौसम के दौरान सर्वोत्तम चाय का उत्पादन होता है।)

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going? What did Rajvir see when he looked out of the train on the way? .
(प्रांजल और राजवीर कहाँ जा रहे थे? जब राजवीर ने रेलगाड़ी से बाहर रास्ते पर देखा तो उसने क्या पाया?)
Answer:
Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was studying in a school in Delhi. Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam., Pranjol invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Both of them travelled to Assam in a train. When the train stopped on the way at a station, a vendor called, ‘chai-garam … garam-chai, they took tea and started sipping it. Rajvir told Pranjol that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. Pranjol started reading his detective book again. But Rajvir looked out of the window of the moving train. There was beautiful scenery outside. Soon the soft green paddy fields were left behind and there were tea bushes everywhere. Rajvir was fascinated by the magnificent view of tea gardens.

(प्रांजल आसाम का रहने वाला था। वह दिल्ली के एक स्कूल में पढ़ रहा था। राजवीर उसका एक सहपाठी था। प्रांजल का पिता ऊपरी आसाम के एक चाय-बागान का प्रबंधक था। प्रांजल ने ग्रीष्मावकाश में राजवीर को अपने घर आमंत्रित किया। दोनों ने एक रेलगाड़ी से आसाम की यात्रा की। जब रेलगाड़ी रास्ते में एक स्टेशन पर रुकी तो एक फेरीवाले ने आवाज़ लगाई “चाय-गर्म, गर्म-चाय……”। उन्होंने चाय ली और पीना शुरु कर दिया। राजवीर ने प्रांजल को बताया कि पूरे विश्व में हर रोज 80 करोड़ से भी ज्यादा कप चाय पी जाती है। प्रांजल फिर से अपनी जासूसी किताब पढ़ने लग जाता है। लेकिन राजवीर चल रही गाड़ी की खिड़की से बाहर देखता है। बाहर सुंदर दृश्य था। शीघ्र ही धान के हरे-भरे खेत पीछे रह गए और चारों ओर चाय की झाड़ियाँ थीं। चाय के बागों के शानदार दृश्यों को देखकर राजवीर आकर्षित हो रहा था।)

Question 2.
What did Rajvir tell Pranjol about the discovery of tea ? (राजवीर ने प्रांजल को चाय की खोज के बारे में क्या बताया?)
Answer:
Rajvir said that no one really knows who discovered tea. He told Pranjol that there were many legends attached to discovery of tea. According to one story a Chinese emperor discovered tea by chance. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled water got a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves. According to another Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk, felt sleep during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep. It is believed that tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. Words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are Chinese. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. At first it was used more as a medicine than as a beverage.

(राजवीर ने कहा कि वास्तव में कोई नहीं जानता कि चाय की खोज किसने की। उसने प्रांजल को बताया कि चाय की खोज के बारे में दंत कथाएँ प्रचलित हैं। एक दंत कथा के अनुसार एक चीनी सम्राट् ने संयोगवश ही चाय की खोज कर दी। वह पानी को पीने से पहले हमेशा उबालता था। एक दिन बर्तन के नीचे जल रही टहनियों के कुछ पत्ते पानी में गिर गए। इसके परिणामस्वरूप उबले हुए पानी से स्वादिष्ट गंध आने लगी। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि वे चाय की पत्तियाँ थीं। एक दूसरी भारतीय दंत कथा के अनुसार, बोधिधर्म, एक प्राचीन बौद्ध भिक्षुक, को समाधि के दौरान, नींद आती थी। इसलिए उसने अपनी पलकें काट दीं। इन पलकों पर चाय के दस पौधे उग आए। इन पौधों की पत्तियों को जब गर्म पानी में डालकर पिया गया तो नींद दूर भाग गई। ऐसा माना जाता है कि चाय पहली बार 2700 ई० पू० चीन में पी गई। ‘चाय’ और ‘चीनी’ जैसे शब्द चीन से संबंधित हैं। यूरोप में चाय का आगमन सोलहवीं सदी में हुआ। पहले-पहले तो इसका प्रयोग एक पेय पदार्थ की अपेक्षा एक औषधि के रूप में अधिक किया जाता था।)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Which state did Pranjol belong to ?
(A) Assam
(B) Goa
(C) Karnataka
(D) Delhi
Answer:
(A) Assam

Question 2.
Pranjol and Rajvir were student in a school in :
(A) Dhekiabari
(B) Mariani
(C) Delhi
(D) none of the above
Answer:
(C) Delhi

Question 3.
Pranjol and Rajvir go to Assam by :
(A) air
(B) train
(C) taxi
(D) ship
Answer:
(B) train

Question 4.
Assam is famous for the production of :
(A) tea
(B) coffee
(C) bread
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) tea

Question 5.
Tea was first drunk in ………..
(A) China
(B) Europe
(C) India
(D) America
Answer:
(A) China

Question 6.
What was Pranjol’s father ?
(A) a bank manager
(B) a school manager
(C) a tea-garden manager
(D) a transport manager
Answer:
(C) a tea-garden manager

Question 7.
Tea came to Europe in ……………………. century.
(A) fifteenth
(B) sixteenth
(C) seventeenth
(D) eighteenth
Answer:
(B) sixteenth

Question 8.
Tea was first drunk in China in :
(A) 2000 B.C
(B) 2300 B.C
(C) 2700 B.C
(D) 3100 B.C
Answer:
(C) 2700 B.C

Question 9.
How many cups of tea are drunk across the world daily?
(A) eighty thousand
(B) eighty lakh
(C) eighty crore
(D) eighty million
Answer:
(C) eighty crore

Question 10.
Tea was mainly drunk in Europe as ……..
(A) medicine
(B) sleep banishing drink
(C) soft drink
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) medicine

Tea from Assam Important Passages for Comprehension

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

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.
It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. Then the soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes.
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.

Word-meanings : Pulled out = came out (बाहर आना); detective = suspenseful (जासूसी); dwarfing = making others look small (छोटा करते हुए)।

Questions :

(a) What was Rajvir looking at?
(b) What kind of a scenery was it ?
(c) What was there as far as the eye could see?
(d) What was there in the distance ?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘spread’.
Answers:
(a) Rajvir was looking at the beautiful scenery outside.
(b) The scenery was very beautiful. There was greenery everywhere.
(c) There were tea bushes as far as the eye could see.
(d) In the distance there was an ugly building with smoke coming out of its chimney.
(e) ‘stretched’.

PASSAGE 2

“I have been reading as much as I could about tea,” Rajvir said. “No one really knows who discovered tea but there are many legends.”
“What legends?”
“Well, there’s the one about the Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea-leaves.”
“Tell me another !” scoffed Pranjol.“We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.

Word-meanings : legends = myths (किवदंतियाँ); twigs = branches (टहनियाँ); delicious = tasty (स्वादिष्ट)।

Questions :

(a) What kind of water did the Chinese emperor drink?
(b) What happened when a few leaves of the twigs fell into the water kept for boiling ?
(c) What did Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids ?
(d) What banished sleep ?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘tasty’.
Answers :
(a) He drank boiled water.
(b) The water got a delicious flavour.
(c) He cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations.
(d) The tea leaves when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.
(e) delicious’.

PASSAGE 3

We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.

“Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added, “as far as 2700 B.C.! In fact words such as tea, chai and chini are from Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine than as beverage.”

Word-meanings : Meditation = deep thought (साधना चिन्तन); ascetic = monk (भिक्षु); banished = put off (दूर करना); beverage = a drink (पेय) |

Questions :

(a) Who cut off his eyelids and why?
(b) What kind of plants grew out of the eyelids?
(c) When was tea first drunk in China? When did it come to Europe?
(d) What purpose was tea drunk in Europe for?
(e) Find from the passage words that means :
(i) a story from the past that may or may not be true
(ii) any type of drink except water
Answers :
(a) Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation.
(b) Tea plants grew out of the eyelids.
(c) Tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century.
(d) Tea was drink in Europe as medicine.
(e) (i) legend, (ii) beverage

A Baker From cha pater name Goa Summary

A Baker From Goa Introduction in English

This is a pen-portrait of a traditional Goan village baker who still has an important place in the society. What changes take place in the life of the baker with the passage of time a glimpse is presented in this extract.

A Baker From Goa Summary in English

In this extract, the author remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an important place in life. Although, with the passage of time, people do not eat so much bread, yet the village bakers are still there. The Portuguese were famous for preparing the loaves of bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional work of the bakers can still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread was baked still exist there. The sound of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard. Someone in the baker’s family still carries on the business and the tradition. These bakers are known as Pader in Goa even today.

The author recalls that a baker used to visit the village twice a day. He used to be the author’s friend and guide. He used to carry a bamboo stick. The sound of this stick used to wake up the authors and others from sleep. The servants from the different houses bought loaves. But the author ran to the baker for buying breadbangles.

The baker’s bamboo stick was a special one. He made the sound “jhang, jhang’ by banging his bamboo on the ground. With one hand the baker supported the basket of bread on his head and with the other he struck the ground with the bamboo. Whenever, someone came to him buy bread, he placed the basket on the bamboo. The author and the others looked into his basket. In those times, it was a fashion to eat bread with hot tea. The author was so fond of bread that he would not even brush his teeth before eating it.

The village baker was specially important for all occasions. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘Bol’. Marriage gifts were meaningless without these sweet breads. Sandwiches, cakes and bolinhas were a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were made with the bread. Thus the presence of a baker’s furnace was very essential in each village. On all occasions the villagers needed one or another type of cake which could be baked in the furnace.

The baker or the bread-seller wore a special, peculiar dress. It was known as the “kabai’. It was a singlepiece long frock. It reached down to his knees. During narrator’s childhood, Bakers wore trousers which were shorter than full-length and longer than half pants. Even today if someone wears a half pant, he is said to be dressed like a pader.

The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. In the household, the baker’s monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was a profitable business in those days. The bakers used to be well off. Their families never starved. Their plump bodies showed that they were happy.

A Baker From Goa Introduction in Hindi

(गोआ के एक परम्परागत गाँव के बेकर, जिसका वहाँ के समाज में अभी भी एक महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान है, का इस पाठ में पैन-चित्रण किया गया है। समय के बीतने के साथ-साथ उस बेकर के जीवन में क्या परिवर्तन आते हैं, इसकी एक झलक इस पाठ में दी गई है।)

A Baker From Goa Summary in Hindi

इस अंश में लेखक गोआ में अपने पुराने दिनों को याद करता है जब गाँव का बेकर (पावरोटी आदि बनाने वाला) जीवन में एक महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान रखता था। यद्यपि, समय के बीतने के साथ लोग अब इतनी अधिक पावरोटी नहीं खाते, मगर गाँव में बेकर अब भी हैं। पुर्तगाली लोग पावरोटी बनाने के लिए प्रसिद्ध थे। वे गोआ को बहुत पहले ही छोड़ गए। मगर गोआ में बेकर के परम्परागत काम को अब भी देखा जा सकता है। वे भट्ठियाँ जिनमें पावरोटी बनाई जाती थी अब भी वहाँ विद्यमान हैं। परम्परागत बेकरों की बाँस की छड़ी की आवाज़ को अभी भी सुना जा सकता है। बेकर के परिवार में से कोई-न-कोई अभी भी उस व्यवसाय और परम्परा को आगे बढ़ाए हुए है। गोआ में इन बेकरों को आज भी पेदर कहा जाता है।

लेखक याद करता है कि एक बेकर गाँव में रोज दो बार आता था। वह लेखक का मित्र एवं पथ-प्रदर्शक होता था। उसने बाँस की एक छड़ी उठाई होती थी। इस छड़ी की आवाज़ से लेखक और अन्य लोग नींद से जाग जाते थे। अलग-अलग घरों के नौकर पावरोटी खरीदते थे। मगर लेखक पावगजरों को खरीदने के लिए बेकर के पास भाग जाया करता था।

बेकर की बाँस की छड़ी विशेष होती थी। उस बाँस को ज़मीन पर पटककर वह ‘बैंग-बैंग’ की आवाज़ पैदा करता था। बेकर एक हाथ से अपने सिर पर पावरोटी की टोकरी को सहारा देता था और दूसरे से वह बाँस को ज़मीन पर पटकता था। जब भी कोई उसके पास पावरोटी खरीदने के लिए आता था तो वह टोकरी को बाँस पर रखता था। लेखक और अन्य लोग उसकी टोकरी में देखते थे। उन दिनों में गरम चाय के साथ पावरोटी खाने का रिवाज़ था। लेखक पावरोटी का इतना शौकीन था कि वह इसे खाने से पहले अपने दाँत भी साफ नहीं करता था।

गाँव का बेकर प्रत्येक अवसर पर विशेष तौर पर महत्त्वपूर्ण होता था। गाँव वाले उस मीठी पावरोटी, जिसे ‘बोल’ कहा जाता था, के विशेष शौकीन थे। इन मीठी पावरोटियों के बिना शादी के उपहारों का कोई अर्थ नहीं था। क्रिसमस एवं अन्य त्योहारों पर सैंडविच, केक और बोलिनाह बहुत जरूरी होते थे। ये पावरोटी से बनाए जाते थे। इस प्रकार बेकर की भट्ठी का प्रत्येक गाँव में होना बहुत आवश्यक था। सभी अवसरों पर गाँव वालों को किसी-न-किसी प्रकार के केक की जरूरत होती थी जिसे भट्ठी में बनाया जाता था।

बेकर या पावरोटी बेचने वाला एक विशेष प्रकार की पोशाक पहनता था। इसे ‘कबाई’ कहा जाता था। यह एक ही टुकड़े की लम्बी फ्रॉक होता था, यह उसके घुटनों तक आता था। लेखक के बचपन के दिनों में बेकर ऐसी पैन्टें पहनते थे जो पूरी लम्बी पैन्ट से छोटी होती थीं और आधी लंबाई की पैन्ट से लम्बी होती थीं। आज भी अगर कोई आधी लंबाई की पैन्ट पहनता है तो कहा जाता है कि उसने पेडर जैसे कपड़े पहने हैं। बेकर अपना बिल आमतौर पर महीने के अन्त में लेता था। घर में बेकर के महीने भर के हिसाब को किसी दीवार पर पेन्सिल से लिखा जाता था। उन दिनों में पावरोटी बनाना फायदे का कारोबार था। बेकर लोग समृद्ध होते थे। उनके परिवार कभी भी भूखे नहीं रहते थे। उनके मोटे शरीर इस बात को दर्शाते थे कि वे प्रसन्न हैं।

A Baker From Goa Word-Meanings

[PAGE 85] : Traditional = conventional (परम्परागत); baker = one who bakes bread (पावरोटी आदि बनाने वाला); reminiscing = remembering (याद करना); nostalgically = fondly (स्नेह से); loaves = pieces of bread (पावरोटी); vanished = disappeared (गायब हो गया); moulders = those who mould (फफूंद बनाने वाले); exist = being still there (मौजूद होना); furnaces = ovens (भट्ठियाँ); extinguished = put out (बुझा देना); thud and jingle = falling sound along with musical sound (गिरने की संगीतमय आवाज़ के साथ)।

[PAGE 86] : Heralding = announcing (घोषणा करना); carries on = continues (जारी रखना); profession = occupation (व्यवसाय); pader = a kind of baker (एक प्रकार का बेकर); longed = wished (इच्छा की); staff = a long stick (लम्बी छड़ी); supported = helped (सहारा देना); banged = beat with (ठक-ठक करना); greet= welcome (स्वागत करना); vertical = straight (सीधी); mild = light (हल्का ); rebuke = chide (डाँटना); parapet = wall on the edge of roof (मुंडेर); peep = see (देखना); fragrance = smell (सुगन्ध)।

[PAGE 87] : Feast = grand party (प्रीतिभोज, दावत); absolutely = completely (पूरी तरह); peculiar = strange (विचित्र); starved = die of hunger (भूख से मरना); prosperous = well to do (खुशहाल); plump = having a soft round body (गोल मटोल); testimony = statement (कथन, सबूत); jackfruit = a kind of vegetable (कटहल)। .

A Baker From Goa Translation in Hindi

गोआ से एक बेकर

[PAGES 85-86] : यह गोआ के एक परम्परागत गाँव के बेकर का पैन से किया गया चित्रण है जिसका समाज में अभी भी महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान है।
हमारे पूर्वजों को प्रायः पुर्तगाल शासन के उन पुराने अच्छे दिनों को शौक के साथ याद करते हुए सुना जाता है, पुर्तगालियों और उनकी प्रसिद्ध पावरोटियों को। उन पांवरोटियों को खाने वाले तो लुप्त हो गए हैं, परन्तु बनाने वाले अभी वहीं पर हैं। हमारे बीच में अब भी मिश्रण तैयार करने वाले, साँचों में ढालने वाले और उन्हें पकाने वाले अभी भी विद्यमान हैं। वे युगों पुरानी समय की कसौटी पर खरी उतरने वाली भट्टियाँ अभी भी हैं। उन भट्टियों की आग अभी तक बुझाई नहीं जा सकी है। बेकर की परम्परागत धानी की संगीतमय आवाज़ अभी भी बंद नहीं हुई है, जो प्रातःकाल के आगमन की उद्घोषणा करती है और कुछ स्थानों पर अभी भी सुनाई देती है। इन बेकरों को गोआ में अभी भी पेदरों के नाम से जाना जाता है।

[PAGE 86] : गोआ में हमारे बचपन के दौरान, बेकर हमारा मित्र (साथी और मार्गदर्शक) हुआ करता था। वह दिन में कम-से-कम दो बार आता था। एक बार जब वह सुबह के समय अपनी बिक्री की फेरी पर आता था तब और दूसरी बार तब, जब वह अपनी बहुत बड़ी टोकरी को खाली करके आता था। उसकी धानी (बाँस) की संगीतमय आवाज़ करती झंकार हमें नींद से जगा देती थी और हम उससे मिलने और उसका स्वागत करने के लिए भागते थे। ऐसा क्यों था? क्या यह पावरोटियों के प्रति प्यार के कारण था? बिल्कुल भी नहीं। पावरोटियाँ तो घर की नौकरानी पेस्किन या बेस्टिन के द्वारा लाई जाती थीं। जिस चीज़ की हमें इच्छा होती थी वे पावगजरे थे जिनका हम बड़ी सावधानी के साथ चयन करते थे। कई बार तो वह एक मीठी पावरोटी होती थी।

बेकर उस दृश्य पर अपना संगीतमय प्रवेश विशेष रूप से बनाई गई बाँस की लम्बी छड़ी की ‘झंग-झंग’ जैसी आवाज़ के साथ करता था। उसका एक हाथ सिर पर टोकरी को थामे रखता था और दूसरा ज़मीन पर बाँस को ठक-ठक मारता रहता था। वह ‘प्रातःकाल’ के साथ घर की महिला का अभिवादन किया करता था और तब अपने लम्बवत् बाँस (धानी) के ऊपर टोकरी को रख देता था। बच्चों को एक हल्की-सी डाँट के साथ दूर कर दिया जाता था और पावरोटियाँ नौकरों को सौंप दी जाती थीं। लेकिन हम हार नहीं मानते थे। हम किसी बेंच या मुंडेर पर चढ़ जाते और किसी-न-किसी तरह उसकी टोकरी के अंदर झाँकते। मैं अब भी उन पावरोटियों की विशिष्ट गंध को महसूस कर सकता हूँ। बड़ों के लिए पावरोटियाँ और बच्चों के लिए गजरे। उस समय हम अपने दाँतों को ब्रश से साफ करने या अपना मुँह धोने की भी परवाह नहीं किया करते थे। और करते भी क्यों? दाँतों के ब्रश के लिए आम के पत्तों को तोड़ने का कष्ट कौन करता? और यह किसी भी तरह से जरूरी क्यों था? बाघ कभी भी अपने दाँतों पर ब्रश नहीं करता है। गर्म चाय इन्हें अच्छी तरह से धो देती थी और साफ़ कर देती थी।

[PAGE 87] : मीठी पावरोटी जो ‘बोल’ के नाम से जानी जाती है शादी के उपहार निरर्थक हैं, उसी प्रकार के जैसे कोई पार्टी या दावत पावरोटी के बिना। इस बात को व्यक्त करने के लिए कि गाँव के लिए बेकर कितना महत्त्वपूर्ण होता है पर्याप्त नहीं कहा जा सकता है। घर की मालकिन को अपनी बेटी की सगाई पर सैंडविच अवश्य तैयार करने होते हैं। क्रिसमस और अन्य त्योहारों के लिए केक और बोलिनाह जरूरी होते हैं। इस प्रकार से गाँव में बेकर की भट्टी की उपस्थिति अति आवश्यक है।

उन दिनों में बेकर अथवा पावरोटी-विक्रेता की एक विशेष पोशाक हुआ करती थी जिसे कबाई कहा जाता था। यह एक ही कपड़े से बनी लंबी फ्रॉक होती थी जो घुटनों तक आती थी। अपने समय में हमने बेकरों को कमीज और पैंट पहने देखा था जोकि पूरी लंबाई की पैंट से छोटी होती थी और आधी लंबाई की पैंट से लम्बी होती थी। यहाँ तक कि अगर आज भी कोई घुटनों से नीचे तक की निक्कर पहनता है तो उस पर यह टिप्पणी होती है कि उसने पेदर जैसी पोशाक पहन रखी है।

प्रायः महीने के अंत में बेकर अपनी वसूली किया करता था। महीने का हिसाब किसी दीवार पर पेंसिल के साथ लिख दिया जाता था। पुराने दिनों में बेकर का धन्धा सचमुच लाभकारी होता था। बेकर और उसका परिवार कभी भूखे नहीं मरते थे। वह, उसका परिवार और उसके नौकर हमेशा खुश और खुशहाल नज़र आते थे। उनका गोल-मटोल शरीर इस बात का खुला प्रमाण हुआ करता था। यदि आज भी देखने में कोई व्यक्ति कटहल जैसा शरीर रखता है तो उसकी तुलना आसानी से एक बेकर के साथ की जा सकती है।

Coorg Summary

Coorg Introduction in English

Coorg is a coffee producing area in Karnataka State of India. It is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. This land is famous for it rainforests and spices.

Coorg Summary in English

Coorg is a small district of Karnataka. It is known as Kodagu also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place. The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God. It is the smallest district of Karnataka.

Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests and spices. Thirty per cent of its area is covered with the evergreen rainforests. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The weather is perfect. The air is full of coffee flavour. There are beautiful colonial bungalows in prime corners.

The people of Coorg are independent and brave. They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married among the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marriage and religious customs. Another theory says that these people originated from the Arabs. It is evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality. They are brave people. 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. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without licence.

There are a variety of natural scenes which can be enjoyed by the tourists. Kaveri, the only river of the area, gets its water from Coorgi hill. This river is full of Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish. One can see elephants, kingfishers, squirrels and langurs enjoying themselves in the lap of nature. Birds, bees and butterflies give one a good company here. Elephants enjoy being bathed here by their mahouts. The river and mountain offer various adventurous games like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. The trekkers find numerous walking trails in this area. From the Brahmagiri hills one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire landscape of Coorg. There is a sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama near by. It can be reached through a ropebridge. Buddhist monks are settled in Bylakuppe which is very close to this place. Their red, ochre and yellow robes are very attractive to look at.

Coorg Introduction in Hindi

(कुर्ग भारत के कर्नाटक राज्य का कॉफी उत्पादक क्षेत्र है। यह मैसूर और तटीय शहर मंगलौर के मध्य मार्ग में स्थित है। यह क्षेत्र वर्षा वनों और मसालों के उत्पादन के लिए प्रसिद्ध है।)

Coorg Summary in Hindi

कुर्ग कर्नाटक का एक छोटा-सा ज़िला है। इसे कोडागु भी कहा जाता है। यह तटीय शहर मंगलौर और मैसूर के बीच पड़ता है। यह एक बहुत सुन्दर स्थान है। लेखक कहता है कि यह अवश्य ही भगवान् के प्रदेश से आया होगा। यह कर्नाटक का सबसे छोटा ज़िला है।
कुर्ग अपने कॉफी के बागानों, सदाबहार जंगलों और मसालों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस इलाके का तीस प्रतिशत भाग सदाबहार जंगलों से ढका हुआ है। इस इलाके में आने का सबसे अच्छा मौसम सितम्बर और मार्च के बीच में है। मौसम एकदम सही है। हवा कॉफी की सुगन्ध से भरी हुई है। हर सुन्दर कोने में सुन्दर अंग्रेजों के जमाने के बंगले हैं।

कुर्ग के लोग स्वतन्त्र और बहादुर हैं। वे यूनानी या अरब वंश के हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार, सिकन्दर की सेना का एक भाग वापस नहीं लौटा और यहीं पर बस गया। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों के बीच शादियाँ कर लीं। यह संस्कृति बहादुरी के रीति-रिवाज़ों, शादी और धार्मिक कार्यक्रमों में नज़र आती है। एक अन्य सिद्धांत कहता है कि ये लोग अरबों के वंशज हैं। यह बात इन लोगों द्वारा पहने जाने वाले लम्बे कोटों से झलकती है। ये कोट अरबों और कुर्ड लोगों द्वारा पहने जाने वाले कुफिया की तरह होते हैं।

कुर्गी-घरों में मेहमान-नवाजी की परम्परा है। वे लोग बहादुर हैं। उनकी बहादुरी के किस्से प्रसिद्ध हैं। कुर्ग रेजिमेन्ट भारतीय सेना में सबसे अधिक सम्मानित रेजिमेन्ट है। भारतीय सेना का पहला चीफ, जनरल करियप्पा एक कुर्गी था। आज भी कोडावु भारत के एकमात्र ऐसे लोग हैं जिन्हें बिना लायसेन्स के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति है।

यहाँ बहुत-से प्राकृतिक नज़ारे हैं, पर्यटक जिनका आनन्द ले सकते हैं। इस इलाके की एकमात्र नदी कावेरी को अपना पानी कुर्ग की पहाड़ियों से मिलता है। यह नदी ताजे पानी की मछली महासीर से भरी है। यहाँ पर हाथी, किंगफिशर, गिलहरियाँ और लंगूर प्रकृति का आनन्द उठाते हुए देखे जा सकते हैं। यहाँ पक्षी, मधुमक्खियाँ और तितलियाँ अच्छी संगत देती हैं। हाथी अपने महावतों द्वारा नहलाए जाने का आनन्द लेते हैं। नदी और पर्वत रोमांचकारी खेलों, जैसेकि रिवर रैफ्टिंग (रेफ्ट किश्ती में सफर), नौका विहार, रैपेलिंग, पर्वतारोहण और पर्वत हाइकिंग का अवसर प्रदान करते हैं। भ्रमणकारियों को इस इलाके में कई अच्छे रास्ते मिलते हैं। ब्रह्मगिरि की पहाड़ियों से व्यक्ति कुर्ग के सारे इलाके का मनोरम दृश्य देख सकता है। पास में ही चौंसठ एकड़ का निसर्गधाम नाम का द्वीप है। इस तक रस्से के एक पुल द्वारा जाया जा सकता है। बाइलाकुपे में बौद्ध भिक्षु बसे हुए हैं जोकि पास में ही है। उनके लाल, गेरुए और पीले पहनावे देखने में बहुत आकर्षक लगते हैं।

Coorg Word-Meanings

[PAGE 90] : Coastal = of the coast (तटीय); drifted = carried along (बह जाना); inhabited = resided by (निवासी); martial= concerning war (युद्ध-सम्बन्धी); wild = untamed, natural (जंगली); spices = condiments (मसाले); plantations = big fields (बड़े खेत, बागान); pours = rains (बरसात); commences = begins (आरम्भ होना); showers = rains (बरसात); invigorating = strength giving (शक्ति देने वाला); tucked = placed (रखा पड़ा); canopies = hanging covers (छतरी); prime = of the best quality (सर्वोत्तम); fiercely = (here) great (बहुत अधिक); descent = ancestry (वंश); apparent = clear (स्पष्ट); religious rites = religious ceremony (धार्मिक रिवाज़); distinct = separate (अलग); origin = lineage (वंश)।

[PAGE 91] : Embroidered = work of needle and thread (कढ़ाई का काम); resembles = being similar (शक्ल का मिलना); hospitality = reception of guests (मेहमान-नवाज़ी); recount = narrate (वर्णन करना); numerous = many (कई); valour = bravery (बहादुरी); most decorated = most rewarded (सबसे अधिक पुरस्कृत); firearms = weapons, etc. (हथियार आदि); abound in = be in plenty (प्रचुरता में); partially = in part (आंशिक); ripple =round waves formed in water (लहरें); scrubbed = rubbed (रगड़ना); mahout = man who controls the elephant (महावत); converts = people who change (लोग जो बदल जाते हैं); adventure = risky work (जोखिम भरा काय); rafting = sailing in a raft (रेफ्ट किश्ती में सफर करना); canoeing = sailing in a canoe (नौका विहार); rappelling = going down a cliff by a rope (रस्सी के सहारे सीधी चट्टान से उतरना)।

[PAGE 92] : Trails = paths for walking (चलने के रास्ते); region = area (इलाका); trekkers = those who undertake walking tours (भ्रमणकारी); macaques = monkeys (बंदर); squirrels = a kind of animal (गिलहरियाँ); langurs = a,kind of monkey (लंगूर); panoramic = beautiful (सुन्दर); misty = full of mist (धुंध भरा); landscape = land scene (धरती का दृश्य); settlement = place of residence (रहने का स्थान); bonus = plus point (अच्छी बात); monks = mendicants (भिक्षु); ochre = a colour (गेरुआ, भगवा रंग); robes = dresses (पोशाक)।

Coorg Translation in Hindi

कुर्ग कॉफी, वर्षा वनों और मसालों के लिए प्रसिद्ध देश है।

[PAGES 90-91] : मैसूर और तटीय नगर मंगलौर के मध्य मार्ग में स्वर्ग का एक भाग रखा है जोकि भगवान के राज्य से कहीं भटककर आ गया है। उतार-चढ़ाव वाली पहाड़ियों का यह क्षेत्र वीर पुरुषों, सुन्दर स्त्रियों तथा वन्य जीवों का निवास स्थान है।

कुर्ग अथवा कोडागु, कर्नाटक का सबसे छोटा ज़िला सदाबहार वनों, मसालों और कॉफी के बागानों का घर है। इस जिले के 30 प्रतिशत क्षेत्र पर सदाबहार वन हैं। मानसून के दौरान यहाँ इतनी ज्यादा वर्षा होती है कि बहुत-से पर्यटक स्वयं को यहाँ से दूर ही रखते हैं। खुशियों का मौसम सितम्बर से शुरु होकर मार्च तक चलता है। मौसम हर तरह से ठीक रहता है, कभी कुछ ज्यादा वर्षा भी हो जाती है। हवा में शक्ति-वर्धक कॉफी की गंध भरी होती है। कॉफी पैदा करने वाले क्षेत्र तथा औपनिवेशिक काल के बंगले अति सुन्दर कोनों में वृक्ष रूपी छतरों के नीचे सुरक्षित खड़े नज़र आते हैं।

आक्रामक रूप से स्वतंत्र रहने वाले कुर्ग लोग संभवतया यूनानी या अरबी लोगों के वंशज हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार सिकन्दर की सेना तट के साथ-साथ दक्षिण की ओर चली गई और जब वापसी असंभव हो गई तो वे लोग यहीं पर बस गए। इन लोगों ने स्थानीय लोगों में शादियाँ कर ली और इनकी संस्कृति सैनिक परम्पराओं, शादी और धार्मिक रीतियों में साफ दिखाई देती है, जो कि हिन्दू धर्म की मुख्य धारा से अलग है। अरबी वंश से उत्पत्ति के सिद्धांत को उनके लम्बे, काले कोट, जिस पर कढ़ाई वाली कमर-पेटी, जिसे कोडावु लोग पहनते हैं, से पता चलता है, कुपिया के नाम से प्रसिद्ध यह कुफ़िया जैसा लगता है, जिसे अरबी और कुर्द लोग पहनते हैं। .

[PAGE 91] : कुर्गी घरों में अति सत्कार की एक परंपरा है, और वे अपने बेटों तथा पिताओं की वीरता की कहानियों को सुनाने के लिए सदा तत्पर रहते हैं। कुर्ग रेजिमेंट भारतीय सेना की सबसे अधिक सुसज्जित रेजिमेंट है और भारतीय सेना का पहला मुखिया, जनरल करियप्पा एक कुर्गी था। आज भी भारत में कोडावु एकमात्र ऐसे लोग हैं, जिन्हें बिना लाइसेंस के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति है।

कावेरी नदी पहाड़ियों और कुर्ग के जंगलों से इस क्षेत्र का जल हासिल करती है। महासीर जो कि ताजे पानी की एक मछली है इस क्षेत्र में बहुत अधिक संख्या में पाई जाती है। राम चिरैया पक्षी अपना शिकार करने के लिए इसमें गोते लगाते हैं, जबकि गिलहरियाँ और लंगूर आधे खाए हुए फलों को इसमें गिराकर पानी की छपाक और छोटी-छोटी उठने वाली तरंगों का आनन्द लेते हैं। हाथी नदी में अपने महावतों के द्वारा नहलाए जाने और रगड़े जाने का आनन्द लेते हैं।

सबसे अधिक शांत स्वभाव वाले लोग भी बहुत ताकत वाले साहसिक कारनामें अपना लेते हैं जैसेकि नदी में रैफ्टिंग करना, नौका चलाना, रस्सियों के सहारे पहाड़ी पर चढ़ना-उतरना, चट्टानों पर चढ़ना और पर्वतारोहण करना। इन क्षेत्रों में अनेकों पगडंडियाँ पैदल चलने वालों की सबसे अधिक पसन्द वाली चीज़ हैं।

[PAGE 92] : यहाँ पर पक्षी, मधुमक्खियाँ और तितलियाँ आपकी संगति करने के लिए विद्यमान हैं। अफ्रीकी लंगूर, मालबारी गिलहरियाँ, लंगूर और पतले तोते वृक्षों के छत्रों में बैठे हुए आपको बड़े गौर से देखते रहते हैं। लेकिन जंगली हाथियों को देखने के लिए मैं एक तरफ होकर चलना पसन्द करता हूँ।

ब्रह्मगिरी पहाड़ियों की चढ़ाई करने के पश्चात् आप कुर्ग के सम्पूर्ण धुंधले भू-दृश्य का अवलोकन कर सकते हो। रस्सियों से बने एक पुल को पैदल पार करके आप चौंसठ एकड़ क्षेत्र में बने निसर्गधाम द्वीप पर पहुँच जाते हो। वहाँ पर भारत की सबसे बड़ी तिब्बती (बस्ती बाइलाकुप्पे) में भिक्षुकों से अचानक भेंट हो जाने पर आपको अतिरिक्त प्रसन्नता का लाभ प्राप्त हो जाता है। लाल, गेरुए और पीले परिधान पहने हुए भिक्षुक जो बहुत-से अजूबों के मध्य में हैं, जो आगन्तुकों द्वारा भारत की आत्मा और दिल की टोह की प्रतीक्षा करते हैं, यहाँ पर वे कुर्ग में ही हैं।

तथ्य संचिका
कैसे पहुँचा जाए
मादीकेरी, जिला मुख्यालय कुर्ग का केवल मात्र एक प्रवेशद्वार है। रहस्यमयी पहाड़ियों, हरे-भरे जंगलों और कॉफी के बागान आप पर जादू कर देंगे। सचमुच में एक कुर्गी अनुभव के लिए कोई पर्यटक विश्राम गृह, कॉफी बागान या किसी घर में ठहर जाइए।
हवाई जहाज से : निकटतम हवाई अड्डे मंगलौर 135 कि०मी० और बंगलौर 260 कि०मी० हैं। मंगलौर के लिए मुम्बई से उड़ान है, जबकि बंगलौर के लिए अहमदाबाद, चेन्नई, दिल्ली, गोवा, हैदराबाद, कोच्चि, कोलकाता, मुम्बई और पुणे से उड़ान है।
रेल से ; निकटतम रेलवे मुख्यालय मैसूर, मंगलौर और हासन में है। ,
सड़क से : बंगलौर से कुर्ग जाने के दो रास्ते हैं। दोनों की दूरी लगभग एक-समान (250-260 कि०मी०) है। मैसूर से होकर जाने वाला रास्ता अधिक प्रचलित है। दूसरा रास्ता नीलमंगल, कुनिगल, चनरायणापतना से होकर जाता है।

Tea from Assam Summary

Tea from Assam Introduction in English

This is a very short description of Assam, a North-Eastern State of India. This state is famous for its tea plantations. In this extract Pranjol, a youngster from Assam, is Rajvir’s classmate at school in Delhi. Pranjol’s father is the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam and Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation.

Tea from Assam Summary in English

Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was studying in a school in Delhi. Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam. Pranjol invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Both of them travelled to Assam in a train. When the train stopped on the way at a station, a vendor called, ‘chai-garam … garam-chai’. They took tea and started sipping it. Rajvir told Pranjol that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world.

Pranjol started reading his detective book again. But Rajvir looked out of the window of the moving train. There was beautiful scenery outside. Soon the soft green paddy fields were left behind and there were tea bushes everywhere. Rajvir was fascinated by the magnificent view of tea gardens. There were shade trees also. He was very excited. Pranjol didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement because he had been born and brought up on a plantation. He told Rajvir that Assam has the largest concentration of tea plantation in the world.

Rajvir said that no one really knows who discovered tea. He told Pranjol that there are many legends attached to tea, to discovery of tea. According to one story a Chinese emperor discovered tea by chance. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled water got a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves. According to another Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk, felt sleep during meditations. So he cut off his · eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.

Rajvir told Pranjol that tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. Words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are Chinese. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. At first it was used more as a medicine than as a beverage. Both Rajvir and Pranjol reached Mariani junction. Pranjol’s parents received them on the platform. They took them in a car to Dhekiabari, the tea estate managed by Pranjol’s father. On both sides of the road there were acres and acres of tea bushes. Women with bamboo baskets on their backs were plucking the new tea leaves. They had come there in the sprouting season. Rajvir said that this season lasts from May to July The best tea is produced during this season. Pranjol’s father told Rajvir that he knew many things about tea plantations. He said that he would learn more about tea there..

Tea from Assam Introduction in Hindi

(यह भारत के उत्तर-पूर्वी राज्य आसाम का एक संक्षिप्त विवरण है। यह राज्य अपने चाय बागानों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस अंश में प्रांजल, आसाम का एक छोटा लड़का दिल्ली के एक स्कूल में राजवीर का सहपाठी है। प्रांजल के पिता ऊपरी आसाम में एक चाय बागान के प्रबंधक हैं और प्रांजल राजवीर को ग्रीष्मावकाश में अपने घर पर आमंत्रित करता है।)

Tea from Assam Summary in Hindi

प्रांजल आसाम का रहने वाला था। वह देहली के एक स्कूल में पढ़ता था। राजवीर उसका सहपाठी था। प्रांजल का पिता ऊपरी आसाम में चाय के एक बाग का प्रबंधक था। प्रांजल ने राजवीर को गर्मी की छुट्टियों में अपने घर आने के लिए आमंत्रित किया। दोनों ने एक रेलगाड़ी से आसाम के लिए यात्रा की। रास्ते में जब एक स्टेशन पर गाड़ी रुकी तो एक चाय वाले ने कहा, “चाय गरम, गरम चाय”। उन्होंने चाय ली और उसे पीना आरंभ कर दिया। राजवीर ने प्रांजल को कहा कि सारे संसार में प्रतिदिन अस्सी करोड कप से अधिक चाय पी जाती है।

प्रांजल ने अपनी जासूसी पुस्तक फिर से पढ़नी आरंभ कर दी। मगर राजवीर चलती हुई गाड़ी से बाहर देखने लगा। बाहर का दृश्य सुन्दर था। शीघ्र ही धान के नर्म हरे खेत पीछे रह गए और चारों तरफ चाय की झाड़ियाँ थीं। राजवीर चाय के बागों के शानदार नज़ारे से आकर्षित हो गया। वहाँ पर छायादार वृक्ष भी थे। वह बहुत उत्तेजित हो गया। प्रांजल ने राजवीर की उत्तेजना में कोई भाग नहीं लिया क्योंकि उसका पालन-पोषण चाय के बागानों में ही हुआ था। उसने राजवीर को बताया कि आसाम में संसार के सबसे ज्यादा चाय के बागान हैं।

राजवीर ने कहा कि इस बात का किसी को पूरा ज्ञान नहीं है कि चाय की खोज किसने की। उसने प्रांजल को बताया कि चाय की खोज के साथ बहुत-सी किवदंतियाँ जुड़ी हुई हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार एक चीनी सम्राट् ने संयोग से इसकी खोज कर दी। वह पानी सदा उबालकर पिया करता था। एक दिन बर्तन के नीचे जलती हुई टहनियों के कुछ पत्ते पानी में गिर गए। परिणामस्वरूप, पानी में स्वादिष्ट सुगंध आ गई। यह कहा जाता है कि वे चाय के पत्ते थे। एक अन्य भारतीय कहानी के अनुसार, बोधिधर्म, नाम के एक प्राचीन बौद्ध भिक्षु को, साधना के दौरान नींद आया करती थी। इसलिए उसने अपनी पलकों को काटकर फेंक दिया। उसकी पलकों से चाय के दस पौधे पैदा हुए। इन पौधों के पत्तों को गर्म पानी में डालकर पीने से नींद गायब हो जाती थी।

राजवीर ने प्रांजल को बताया कि सबसे पहले चाय को 2700 ईसा पूर्व चीन में पिया गया। ‘चाय’ और ‘चीनी’ जैसे शब्द चीन के हैं। चाय यूरोप में सोलहवीं शताब्दी में आई। शुरु में इसे पेय पदार्थ से अधिक एक दवाई के रूप में पिया जाता था। राजवीर और प्रांजल दोनों मैरियानी स्टेशन पहुंचे। प्रांजल के माता-पिता ने उनका प्लेटफार्म पर स्वागत किया। वे उन्हें कार में धेकियाबारी ले गए, जोकि चाय का बाग था जहाँ प्रांजल के पिता प्रबंधक थे। सड़क के दोनों ओर कई-कई एकड़ों तक चाय की झाडियाँ थीं। अपनी पीठ पर बाँस की टोकरियाँ रखे हुए औरतें चाय के ताजे पत्तों को तोड़ रही थीं। वे वहाँ पर नई पत्तियाँ उगने के मौसम में आए थे। राजवीर ने कहा कि यह मौसम मई से जुलाई तक चलता है। इस मौसम के दौरान सर्वोत्तम चाय उगती है। प्रांजल के पिता ने राजवीर से कहा कि वह चाय के बागों के बारे में बहुत कुछ जानता है। उसने कहा कि वह वहाँ पर चाय के बारे में और बहुत कुछ सीखेगा।

Tea from Assam Word-Meanings

[PAGE 94] : Vendor = seller (फेरी वाला, विक्रेता); high-pitched = sharp sound (तीखी आवाज़); sipped = drink with lips (चुस्की लेना); steaming = emitting steam (धुआँ छोड़ना); whew = word of exclamation (विस्मय का . शब्द); pulled out = came out (बाहर आना); detective = suspenseful (जासूसी); ardent = strong (तीव्र); keener = very much (बहुत अधिक); magnificent = beautiful (सुन्दर); backdrop = background (पृष्ठभूमि); densely wooded = thick forest (घना जंगल); stretched = spread (फैला हुआ); dwarfing = making others look small (छोटा करते हुए); sturdy = strong (मज़बूत)।

[PAGE 95] : Billowing out = coming out (बाहर आना); excitedly = with excitement (उत्तेजना से); concentration = with a large number (बड़ी संख्या में); legends = myths (किवदंतियाँ); twigs = branches (टहनियाँ); delicious = tasty (स्वादिष्ट); flavour = smell (सुगंध); scoffed = laughed (हँसे); ascetic = monk (भिक्षु); eyelids = the layers covering the eyes (पलकें); meditations = deep thoughts (साधना चिन्तन); banished = removed (दूर करना); beverage=adrink (पेय); clattered = made aclattering sound (खड़खड़ की आवाज़ करना); veered =moved (हिला); pruned = cut (काटना); aprons = outer dress (एप्रन); sprouted = grown (उगना)।

[PAGE 96] : Second-flush = second season (दूसरा मौसम); lasts == remains (रहना); yields = gives out (प्रदान करना)।

Tea from Assam Translation in Hindi

(PAGE 94] : प्रांजल, आसाम का एक छोटा लड़का, दिल्ली के एक स्कूल में राजवीर का सहपाठी है। प्रांजल के पिता ऊपरी आसाम में एक चाय बागान के प्रबंधक हैं और प्रांजल राजवीर को ग्रीष्मावकाश में अपने घर पर आमंत्रित करता है।

“चाय-गर्म, गर्म-चाय…….” एक फेरी वाले ने ऊँचे स्वर में आवाज़ लगाई। वह उनकी खिड़की तक आया और पूछा, “चाय, साहब?” “हमें दो कप दे दो,” प्रांजल ने कहा।
उन्होंने भाप उठाते हुए गर्म पेय पदार्थ के चूंट भरे। उनके विभाग में लगभग हर व्यक्ति चाय पी रहा था।
“क्या आप जानते हो कि हर रोज पूरे विश्व में 80 करोड़ से भी अधिक चाय के कप पिए जाते हैं?” राजवीर ने कहा।

हैरानी के साथ प्रांजल ने कहा, “चाय वास्तव में बहुत लोकप्रिय है।”
गाड़ी स्टेशन से बाहर आ गई। प्रांजल फिर से अपनी जासूसी की पुस्तक पढ़ने लग जाता है। राजवीर भी जासूसी की कहानियों का बहुत बड़ा प्रशंसक था, लेकिन उस समय वह सुंदर दृश्यों को देखने में रुचि ले रहा था।
चारों ओर हरियाली-ही-हरियाली थी। राजवीर ने पहले कभी इतनी अधिक हरियाली नहीं देखी थी। तब धान के हरे खेतों का स्थान चाय की झाड़ियों ने ले लिया।

यह एक शानदार दृश्य था। घने जंगलों वाली पहाड़ियों की पृष्ठभूमि के लिए चाय की पहाड़ियों का सागर वहाँ तक फैला हुआ था जहाँ तक नज़र जाती थी। बड़े और शक्तिशाली छायादार पेड़ों के नीचे चाय के छोटे पौधे थे जो क्रमबद्ध पंक्तियों के बीच में गुड़ियों जैसी छोटी तस्वीरों की भाँति झाड़ियों की तरह हिलते थे। दूर एक भद्दी-सी ईमारत थी जिसकी चिमनी में से धुंआ बाहर आ रहा था।

PAGE 95] : “अरे, चाय का बाग!” राजवीर ने जोश सहित कहा। प्रांजल जिसका जन्म और पालन-पोषण बागान में ही हुआ था, ने राजवीर की उत्सुकता में भागीदारी नहीं की। __“अरे, अब यह चाय का प्रदेश है” उसने कहा! आसाम संसार में चाय का सबसे बड़ा उत्पादन केंद्र है। तुम्हें यहाँ इतने बागान दिखाई देंगे कि इसमें तुम्हारा पूरा जीवन निकल जाएगा!
“मैं चाय के बारे में जितना पढ़ सकता था पढ़ता रहा हूँ,” राजवीर ने कहा। “कोई भी नहीं जानता कि चाय की खोज किसने की लेकिन बहुत-सी दंत कथाएँ प्रचलित हैं।”
“कौन-सी दंत कथाएँ?”
“अच्छा, इनमें से एक दंत कथा एक चीनी सम्राट् के बारे में है जो पीने से पहले अपने पानी को उबालता था। एक दिन बर्तन के नीचे जल रही टहनियों के कुछ पत्ते पानी में गिर गए जिससे इसमें एक स्वादिष्ट गंध आ गई। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि वे चाय के पत्ते थे।”

“मुझे कोई दूसरी कहानी बताओ!” प्रांजल ने मजाक उड़ाते हुए कहा।
“हमारे यहाँ एक भारतीय दंत कथा भी है। बोधिधर्म नाम का एक प्राचीन बौद्ध तपस्वी था। उसने अपनी पलकें इसलिए काट दी थीं क्योंकि उसको समाधि के दौरान नींद आ जाती थी। इन पलकों में चाय के दस पौधे उग आए। इन पौधों के पत्तों को जब गर्म पानी में डाला गया और पिया गया तो उससे नींद गायब हो गई।”
“चाय पहली बार चीन में पी गई,” राजवीर ने बात को आगे बढ़ाते हुए कहा, “2700 ई० पू० की बात है! ‘वास्तव में ‘चाय’ और ‘चीनी’ जैसे शब्द चीन से आए हैं। यूरोप में चाय का आगमन सोलहवीं सदी में हुआ था और इसे एक पेय की अपेक्षा दवाई के रूप में अधिक पिया जाता था।”
रेलगाड़ी मैरियानी जंक्शन पर प्रवेश कर गई। लड़कों ने अपना सामान उठाया और भीड़ भरे प्लेटफार्म से अपने रास्ते पर आगे बढ़ गए।

प्रांजल के माता-पिता उनकी प्रतीक्षा कर रहे थे।
शीघ्र ही वे धेकियाबारी की ओर यात्रा कर रहे थे, वह चाय बागान जिसका प्रबंधक प्रांजल का पिता था।
एक घंटे के पश्चात् कार ने मुख्य सड़क पर अचानक एक मोड़ लिया। उन्होंने एक पुल को पार किया और धेकियाबारी चाय बागान में प्रवेश किया।

पथरीली सड़क के दोनों ओर चाय की झाड़ियों के अनेक एकड़ खेत थे, सभी एक-जैसी ऊँचाई पर सफाई के साथ छांटकर काटी गई थीं, अपनी पीठों पर, बांस की टोकरियाँ लगाए चाय तोड़ने वालों की टोलियाँ जिन्होंने प्लास्टिक के एपरन पहने हुए थे, हाल ही में उगी हुई पत्तियों को तोड़ रहे थे।

(PAGE 96] : प्रांजल के पिता ने चाय की पत्तियों से भरे एक ट्रेलर को खींच रहे ट्रैक्टर के गुजर जाने के लिए, कार की गति कम कर ली।
“यह पौधों का दूसरी बार फूटना (अंकुरित होना) है, क्या ऐसा नहीं है, मि० बरुआ?” राजवीर ने पूछा। “यह मई से जुलाई तक चलता है और इसमें सर्वोत्तम चाय का उत्पादन होता है।”
“ऐसा लगता है कि आपने यहाँ आने से पहले पूरी तैयारी की है,” प्रांजल के पिता ने हैरानीपूर्वक पूछा।
“हाँ, मि० बरुआ,” राजवीर ने स्वीकार किया, “लेकिन मैं यहाँ रहते हुए और बहुत कुछ सीखना चाहता हूँ।”

HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Read More »

Author name: Prasanna

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon

HBSE 10th Class English The Tale of Custard the Dragon Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English The Tale of Custard the Dragon Important Questions and Answers

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 7 Animals

HBSE 10th Class English Animals Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English Animals Important Questions and Answers

Animals Summary

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 6 Amanda

HBSE 10th Class English Amanda Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English Amanda Important Questions and Answers

Amanda Summary

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 5 The Ball Poem

HBSE 10th Class English The Ball Poem Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English The Ball Poem Important Questions and Answers

The Ball Poem Summary

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 3 A Tiger in the Zoo

HBSE 10th Class English A Tiger in the Zoo Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English A Tiger in the Zoo Important Questions and Answers

A Tiger in the Zoo Summary

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 2 Fire and Ice

HBSE 10th Class English Fire and Ice Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English Fire and Ice Important Questions and Answers

Fire and Ice Summary

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow

HBSE 10th Class English Dust of Snow Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English Dust of Snow Important Questions and Answers

Dust of Snow Summary

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal

HBSE 10th Class English The Proposal Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English The Proposal Important Questions and Answers

The Proposal Summary

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus

HBSE 10th Class English Madam Rides the Bus Textbook Questions and Answers

HBSE 10th Class English Madam Rides the Bus Important Questions and Answers

Madam Rides the Bus Summary in English

A Letter to God Summary in Hindi

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 7 Glimpses of India

HBSE 10th Class English Glimpses of India Textbook Questions and Answers

BSE 10th Class English A Baker From Goa Important Questions and Answers

A Baker From cha pater name Goa Summary

Coorg Summary

Tea from Assam Summary