CBSE Class 10 English: Glimpses of India NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English, Chapter 7, "Glimpses of India," specifically focusing on the first part, "A Baker from Goa." It delves into the nostalgic memories of Goan elders about the Portuguese era and their beloved bread. The solutions explain the enduring popularity of bread-making in Goa, the traditional attire of bakers, and the unique customs associated with bread during festivals and special occasions. Students will find clear answers to questions about the baker's daily routine, the significance of bread in Goan culture, and the historical context of baking. These solutions are designed to help students understand the chapter thoroughly and prepare effectively for their examinations by offering clear, concise, and accurate explanations.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter7. Glimpses of India

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English, "Glimpses of India," focuses on the essay "A Baker from Goa." It explores the cultural significance of bread and bakers in Goa during the Portuguese era and their legacy today. The solutions cover the baker's role, traditional practices, and the nostalgic sentiments associated with this heritage, providing clear answers to comprehension questions.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the cultural significance of bread in Goa.
  • Recall the historical context of bakers in Portuguese Goa.
  • Identify the traditional attire and practices of Goan bakers.
  • Explain the nostalgic sentiments of elders regarding the past.
  • Analyze the enduring legacy of bread-making in contemporary Goa.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The role of the baker in Goan society
  • Nostalgia for the Portuguese era
  • Bread-making traditions in Goa
  • Traditional Goan bread and cakes
  • Baker's attire and appearance
  • Monthly accounts of bakers
  • Cultural significance of bread
  • Comparison of past and present baking practices

Important topics

  • The enduring legacy of bakers in Goa
  • Nostalgic reflections on the Portuguese past
  • Cultural importance of bread and its associated customs
  • Traditional baker's attire and daily routine

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1.

What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Solution: The elders in Goa feel a sense of nostalgia when they recall the bygone Portuguese days. They fondly remember their deep connection with bread and loaves, which were an integral part of their culture and daily life during that period. The writer notes that although the people who consumed these loaves have moved on, the tradition of baking them continues.

Question 2.

Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Solution: Yes, bread-making continues to be a popular and relevant practice in Goa. We know this because the narrator explicitly states that the original eaters of the bread have departed, but the makers, the bakers, are still present. The existence of mixers, moulders, and the traditional, time-tested furnaces used for baking further confirms that the craft is very much alive.

Question 3.

What is the baker called?
Solution: In Goa, the traditional baker is referred to by the specific name 'pader'. This term reflects the historical and cultural significance of the baker within the community.

Question 4.

When would the baker come everyday? Why did the children run to meet him?
Solution: The baker used to make his rounds twice daily. He would come early in the morning with the fresh loaves and then again in the afternoon after selling his baked goods. The children eagerly ran to meet him because they were excited to get 'bread-bangles', which were special sweet loaves of bread that they loved to eat.

Question 1.

Match the following:
  1. as marriage gifts? – cakes and bolinhas
  2. for a party or a feast? – sweet bread called bol
  3. for a daughter's engagement? – bread
  4. for Christmas? – sandwiches
Solution: Here is the correct matching of the occasions with the traditional Goan baked goods:
  1. as marriage gifts – sweet bread called bol
  2. for a party or a feast – bread
  3. for a daughter's engagement – sandwiches
  4. for Christmas – cakes and bolinhas

Question 2.

What did the bakers wear:
  1. In the Portuguese days
  2. When the author was young
Solution: The attire of the bakers varied slightly over time:
  1. In the Portuguese days: Bakers typically wore a distinctive, single-piece long frock that reached down to their knees. This garment was known as a 'kabai'.
  2. When the author was young: During the author's childhood, the bakers were seen wearing a shirt and trousers. These trousers were not full length but were longer than typical half pants, falling somewhere in between.

Question 3.

Who invites the comment – "he is dressed like a pader" Why?
Solution: The comment "he is dressed like a pader" is made about any person who is wearing a half pant that extends just below the knees. This comparison is drawn because the traditional baker, the 'pader', used to wear a similar style of clothing during the author's childhood.

Question 4.

Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded?
Solution: The monthly accounts of the baker were not kept in formal ledgers. Instead, they were recorded in a simple and practical manner, often by jotting down the figures with a pencil directly onto a wall within the house.

Question 5.

What does a 'jackfruit-like appearance' mean?
Solution: The phrase 'jackfruit-like appearance' is used metaphorically to describe someone who has a plump, round, and well-fed physique. It suggests a body shape that is broad and full, much like the shape of a jackfruit.

Question 1.

Which of these statements are correct?
  1. The pader was an important person in the village in old times.
  2. Paders still exist in Goan villages.
  3. The paders went away with the Portuguese.
  4. The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock.
Solution: Let's evaluate each statement based on the text:
  1. The pader was an important person in the village in old times. - This statement is correct. The baker held a significant place in the community, as indicated by the nostalgic references and the importance of bread.
  2. Paders still exist in Goan villages. - This statement is correct. The text mentions that the makers (paders) still exist, even though the eaters have gone, implying their continued presence.
  3. The paders went away with the Portuguese. - This statement is incorrect. The text clearly states that the bakers (makers) still exist, indicating they did not leave with the Portuguese.
  4. The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock. - This statement is incorrect. While they wore this in Portuguese days, the text notes that when the author was young, they wore shirts and trousers, and the 'pader' comment refers to a specific style of half pant, not the frock.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the traditional baker's attire with modern clothing.
  • Misinterpreting the reasons for the elders' nostalgia.
  • Underestimating the continued importance of bread in Goan culture.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the cultural and historical aspects of baking in Goa.
  • Pay attention to the descriptions of the baker's daily life and attire.
  • Understand the connection between the past (Portuguese era) and the present.
  • Review the meanings of specific Goan terms related to baking.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What were the elders in Goa nostalgic about?

Q2. What is the traditional Goan term for a baker?

Q3. Why did children eagerly wait for the baker?

Q4. Which of the following was a common gift for a daughter's engagement in old Goa?

Q5. What does the phrase 'jackfruit-like appearance' refer to in the context of the baker?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'A Baker from Goa' in the Class 10 English NCERT Solutions?

The main theme is the cultural significance of bread and bakers in Goa, reflecting on the nostalgic memories of the Portuguese era and the enduring traditions of baking.

Who is a 'pader'?

A 'pader' is the traditional Goan term for a baker, particularly one who upholds the old customs and practices of bread-making.

How did the bakers dress in the Portuguese days compared to when the author was young?

In Portuguese days, bakers wore a single-piece long frock called a 'kabai'. When the author was young, they wore shirts and trousers that were shorter than full length but longer than half pants.

Why are the elders in Goa nostalgic?

The elders are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days and their deep love for bread and loaves, which were a significant part of life during that era.

Are bread-making skills still relevant in Goa?

Yes, bread-making skills remain relevant as the text mentions that while the eaters of bread have left, the makers (bakers) and their traditional furnaces still exist, indicating the continuation of the practice.

How were the baker's monthly accounts managed?

The baker's monthly accounts were recorded simply, often by jotting them down with a pencil on a wall in their house.

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