Ultimate NCERT Solutions for Unit 5 Glimpses of India

Question Answer

Updated Solution 2024-2025                                                                        Updated Solution 2024-2025

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English, Unit 5 Glimpses of India

 Question Answer, Grammar & Comprehension

Unit 5 Glimpses of India

Reading Comprehension

Text I

The following is an excerpt about the Parsi community in India and their food.

Read the passage and answer the questions.

“Aavoji, aavo, aavo! Welcome to Delhi! Let me show you my beautiful city.” The booming voice of Nowrosji Kapadia could be heard across the length and breadth of the platform. It was Nowrosji’s favourite pastime: a walk to the Old Delhi railway station to greet the Frontier Mail as it chugged into Delhi from Mumbai to Peshawar. With this refrain, an eager Nowrosji would cajole Parsi visitors off the train and take them home for a meal and often persuade some to stay overnight or for a few days.

He would use this opportunity to tell them about the advantages of shifting to Delhi. Though his wife Jer Bai would occasionally object to unknown visitors, she was always overruled. This was the beginning of the community of Parsis in Delhi….

…Writing about Parsis in the Delhi of old is not easy. There are memories of my grandparents and parents—a collective memory of generations past and people long gone, yet here in spirit…. During festive gatherings, the women went to town with the food; outside catering was unheard of. The poorer members of the community never knew who had paid for what. This tradition continued in the northern cities of Lucknow, Kanpur, and Allahabad well into the ‘70s. Sadly, that kind of life has almost gone forever.

Food preparations began two days in advance. Dar ni pori (rich pastry stuffed with sweetened lentils) and malido (halwa) were carried in big vatus (pots) and served with puris. Anyone who has made malido can vouch for the fact that you need strong biceps; it is an exhausting exercise. The first time I made it under my grandmother’s supervision was also the last. I could hardly move my arms for the next two days! Since then, I gained a healthy respect for my dainty grandmother.

The menu was extensive. Breakfast would start with either sev—brown vermicelli cooked in milk and served with fresh cream—or ravo, semolina pudding, Mithu dahi or sweetened curd made with full cream milk was an absolute must. This was followed by bafellaeeda, hard-boiled eggs, and kheemo kaleji, mutton mince with liver. For lunch, there was almost always smori dal chawal and macchi no patio—white boiled rice with yellow dal offset by a tart and tangy fish curry.

Teatime was special at our home. My grandmother made it a point to dress for tea; I was made to do the same. Once we were ready, out came the treats: Parsi biscuits—batasa, nankhatai and flaky khari; patrel, rolled, steamed arbi leaves stuffed with besan masala; kumas, rich Parsi cake; and my favourite, bhakra, sweet deep-fried doughnuts. That tradition has stayed with me. I certainly don’t dress up, but I still need a snack with at least three cups of tea!…

(Source: ‘Down Memory Lane with the Parsis of New Delhi’ by Shernaz Italia, The Wire)

Q.1. Infer the meaning of the following expressions

(A) Nowrosji would cajole Parsi visitors off the train.

___________________________________________

Ans A: Nowrosji would persuade or sweet-talk Parsi travelers to get off the train and visit his home.

(B) Jer Bai would occasionally object to unknown visitors, she was always overruled.

___________________________________________

Ans B:  Though Jer Bai sometimes disapproved of strangers staying, her objections were ignored or dismissed.

(C) …outside catering was unheard of.

___________________________________________

Ans C: No one hired professional caterers; all food was homemade by the Parsi women.

(D) I gained a healthy respect for my dainty grandmother.

___________________________________________

Ans D: The writer developed admiration for her grandmother after realizing how strong and killed she was despite her delicate appearance.

Q.2. Answer the following questions.

(a) “Aavoji, aavo, aavo! Welcome to Delhi! Let me show

you my beautiful city.” Who said this and why?

___________________________________________

Ans a): Nowrosji Kapadia said this to greet Parsi travelers and invite them to experience Delhi, hoping they might settle there.

(b) Why were Jer Bai’s arguments always overruled?

___________________________________________

Ans b): Because Nowrosji insisted on hospitality, and the tradition of welcoming guests was more important than her concerns.

(c) Why do you think outside catering was unheard of?

___________________________________________

Ans c): Because Parsi women took pride in cooking themselves, and community gatherings were about sharing homemade food.

(d) According to the writer what “kind of life has almost gone forever”?

___________________________________________

Ans d): The traditional Parsi lifestyle of large festive gatherings with homemade food and communal sharing.

(e) What has made the writer more respectful to her grandmother?

___________________________________________

Ans e): After struggling to make malido (halwa), she realized her grandmother’s strength and effort in cooking.

(f) What was special about the tea time in the writer’s home?

___________________________________________

Ans f): They dressed up formally and enjoyed Parsi snacks like batasa, nankhatai, and bhakra with tea.

Q.3. Tick the correct answer.

What is “an exhausting exercise”?

(a) Preparing for the festival.                                       ()

(b) Travelling from Mumbai to Peshawar.               ()

(c) Writing about Parsis in old Delhi.                         ()

(d) Cooking malido, the Parsi style halwa.              ()

Ans 3: (d) Cooking malido, the Parsi style halwa. (The passage describes it as exhausting.)

Q.4. Make a list of Parsi delicacies as mentioned in the passage. A few are given above. You can add more to the list. Find the words for Mithu dahi in your language.

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

Ans 4: List of Parsi Delicacies:

1. Dar ni pori (sweet lentil-stuffed pastry)
2. Malido (halwa)
3. Sev (vermicelli in milk with cream)
4. Ravo (semolina pudding)
5. Mithu dahi (sweetened full-cream curd) (In Hindi: मीठा दही)
6. Bafellaeeda (hard-boiled eggs)
7. Kheemo kaleji (mutton mince with liver)
8. Smori dal chawal (rice with dal)
9. Macchi no patio (tangy fish curry)
10. Batasa (Parsi biscuits)
11. Nankhatai (shortbread cookies)
12. Khari (flaky savory biscuits)
13. Patrel (steamed stuffed Colocasia leaves)
14. Kumas (rich Parsi cake)
15. Bhakra (sweet fried doughnuts)

TEXT II

You have read about Coorg, its rainforests, and coffee and tea from Assam in ‘Glimpses of India’ (First Flight, Class X textbook, NCERT). The following extract is about the cultivation of coffee in Araku valley in Andhra Pradesh. The story of Araku Valley traverses an unusual trajectory through Adivasi empowerment, hot-air balloons and some of the best coffee in the world.

Read the passage given below and answer the questions. Located at about 1,200m above sea level, the valley, tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Andhra Pradesh, shares a border with Odisha. For guests and participants at the Araku Balloon

Festival (ABF), held between 18-20 January every year, this is sightseeing like nothing else.

The drive to far-flung coffee estates takes us through the five northern mandals of Anantha giri, Dumbriguda, Hukumpeta, Munchingi Puttu and Araku valley. The name Araku for the coffee was chosen simply because it sounded poetic. The view from the ground level is as impressive as the one from above — the landscape changes from densely forested hills to sweeping valleys and terrace farms surrounding occasional village clusters.

The journey of Araku Coffee from a livelihood initiative by the Naandi Foundation to a globally appreciated product has been in the making for over a decade. It is also intrinsically tied to the history of how coffee arrived in this valley. It was a British civil servant, N.S. Brodie, who introduced coffee to these hill tracts in 1898.

Today, Araku coffee is a brand that works with 517 villages and 10,986 farmers, all of whom are estate owners and entrepreneurs with a stake in the business. The reason the coffee is of such high quality is that it follows the best practices of bio-dynamic farming by creating an interconnected and symbiotic ecosystem. The soil is enriched through composting and a variety of shade trees are planted, including cash-yielding fruit trees like mango and jackfruit. Terroirs are assessed and careful standard operating procedures are put in place from “sapling to savouring”, which ensures healthier plants and sweeter cherries and eventually a far superior coffee aroma and flavour.

(Source: ‘What’s Brewing in Araku Valley?’ by Diya Kohli, livemint, 23 February, 2019)

Q.1. Infer the meaning of the following:

(a) traverses an unusual trajectory

______________________________

Ans a): Follows a unique or unexpected path (from Adivasi empowerment to global coffee fame).

(b) The drive to far-flung coffee estates

______________________________

Ans b): Traveling to distant/remote coffee farms located in hard-to-reach areas.

(c) densely forested hills

______________________________

Ans c): Hills thickly covered with trees and vegetation.

(d) village clusters

______________________________

Ans d): Small groups of villages situated close together.

Q.2. Find words from the text which mean the following:

(a) in a place that is hidden (paragraph one) ____________

(b) distant or remote (paragraph two) ____________

(c) to improve the quality or flavour of something (paragraph four) ____________

(d) a smell specially a pleasant one (paragraph four) ____________

Ans 2: (a) in a place that is hidden → “tucked away” (Paragraph 1)
(b) distant or remote → “far-flung” (Paragraph 2)
(c) to improve the quality or flavour of something → “enriched” (Paragraph 4)
(d) a smell, especially a pleasant one → “aroma” (Paragraph 4)

Q.3. Answer the following questions.

(a) What is unique about the Araku valley as stated in paragraph one?

______________________________

______________________________

Ans a): It combines Adivasi empowerment, hot-air balloon festivals, and world-class coffee production.

(b) Where is Araku valley?

______________________________

______________________________

Ans b): In the northeastern corner of Andhra Pradesh, 1,200m above sea level, bordering Odisha.

(c) Underline and write below the sentences, words, and expressions which indicate that Araku coffee has moved ahead of being the only means of livelihood.

______________________________

______________________________

Ans c): “Globally appreciated product”, “brand with 10,986 farmer-entrepreneurs”, “stake in the business”.

(d) State a historical fact about the coffee in the valley?

______________________________

______________________________

Ans d): British civil servant N.S. Brodie introduced coffee to Araku in 1898.

(e) There are specific terms being used in the passage for the cultivation of coffee for example, terrace farms, biodynamic farming, etc. Find more such terms and their meanings.

______________________________

______________________________

Ans e): Terms related to coffee cultivation:

• Bio-dynamic farming: Eco-friendly farming creating a symbiotic ecosystem.
• Terroirs: Specific soil/climate conditions affecting coffee flavor.
• Shade trees: Trees (e.g., mango, jackfruit) planted to protect coffee plants.
• Composting: Enriching soil using organic waste.

Q.4. The expression “sapling to savoring” in paragraph four means: (Tick the right answer)

(a) Coffee plants are taken care of from the stage of plantation till its beans are ready for an enjoyable cup of coffee. ()

(b) Coffee saplings are very delicate hence a lot of care is being taken of them. ()

(c) The growth of coffee plants is dependent on shady trees. ()

(d) Coffee plant can give a cup of enjoyable coffee. ()

Ans 4: (a) Coffee plants are taken care of from plantation till beans are ready for brewing.

Vocabulary

Q 1. Match the sounds in Column A with the appropriate words from Column B.

Example: rustling of leaves

The meanings of some words are given below which will help you to find out the words.

A                                                                                  B

(a) shuffling                                                        of chains

(b) striking                                                           of leaves

(c) puffing                                                            of feet

(d) clanking                                                         of a match

(e) sighing                                                           of the door

(f) rustling                                                           of the wind

(g) banging                                                          of an engine

(h) gurgling                                                         of hyenas

(i) howling                                                           of water

 Ans 1:

Grammar

Q 1. You have read about -ing and -ed adjectives in the textbook, the First Flight, page number 97. Read it again to understand how these adjectives are used. These are also the present participles (-ing forms) and past participles (-ed forms) of verbs and are used as adjectives. Read the following sentences to know this.

• Rita gave me a welcoming cup of coffee.
• Her performance in the test was pleasing.
• She appeared delighted with the gift.
• The bored students became restless.

Now fill in the blanks of the sentences with past participle from one of the following words.

(infect, take, quote, use, watch, frighten, propose)

(a) People demonstrated against the changes______________

(b) The loud cheer went up from the students______________

(c) After the editor read the article, she checked all the examples______________.

(d) Rub the antiseptic cream in the ______________area.

(e) My wallet was among the things______________.

(f) Cyclone Fani was a ______________experience.

Ans 1: Here are the sentences filled in with the correct past participles from the given words:

(a) People demonstrated against the changes proposed.
(The changes were suggested (proposed) by someone.)

(b) The loud cheer went up from the students quoted.
(The cheer was cited (quoted) from somewhere, e.g., a famous speech.)

(c) After the editor read the article, she checked all the examples used.
(The editor verified the examples that were utilized (used).)

(d) Rub the antiseptic cream in the infected area.
(The area has been affected by infection (infected).)

(e) My wallet was among the things taken.
(The wallet was among the items stolen (taken).)

(f) Cyclone Fani was a frightening experience.
(Note: “Frightening” is a present participle (-ing adjective) describing the experience. If strictly past participle, it would be “frightened,” but that would describe people, not the experience.)

Correction for (f) if only past participles (-ed) are allowed:

(f) Cyclone Fani left people frightened.
(Describes how people felt after the cyclone.)

Q 2. Rewrite in the past tense the following excerpt from the ‘Glimpses of India’ (First Flight, Class X textbook) and check your answers with a partner

Birds, bees, and butterflies are there to give you company. Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy. I do, however, prefer to step aside for wild elephants. 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.

Ans 2: ‘Glimpses of India’ in the past tense:

Editing

Q 1. Some words have been wrongly spelt in the paragraph given below. Correct the words and read the paragraph aloud.

“The Valley of Flowers”

The journey to the Valley of Flowers begins about 16 km away from Joshimath, at Govindghat (1,770 m) on the RishikeshBadrinath heightway. The Valley of Flowers is covered with a rich varity of magnifiscent plants.

Over the past few years, thousand of visitors have ‘discovered’ this idyll amidst the mountain. However, they live like marks only by way of empty cans, waste-paper and cigarete butts. Trakking in the area has resulted in the trampling of these delikate plants by humans and ponies. As a result, the government of India was compeled to ban all mountainering, trekking, expeditions and livestock grasing in the area, with effect from February 20, 1983. This is to privent further damage to one of our nation’s unique repositories of natural beauty.

Ans 1: Here’s a correct version of paragraph, with all spelling and grammar mistakes fixed:

The journey to the Valley of Flowers begins about 16 km away from Joshimath, at Govindghat (1,770 m) on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. The Valley of Flowers is covered with a rich variety of magnificent plants.

Over the past few years, thousands of visitors have ‘discovered’ this idyll amidst the mountains. However, they leave behind marks only in the form of empty cans, waste paper, and cigarette butts. Trekking in the area has resulted in the trampling of these delicate plants by humans and ponies. As a result, the Government of India was compelled to ban all mountaineering, trekking, expeditions, and livestock grazing in the area, with effect from February 20, 1983. This is to prevent further damage to one of our nation’s unique repositories of natural beauty.

Listening

Q 1: Ask your classmate or teacher to read aloud the following passage from the text ‘Glimpses of India’ (First Flight, Glass X textbook). Listen carefully, and note down the keywords, main. ideas and interesting expressions in your notebook while listening.

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 a special kind.

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 a “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! Now summarise the paragraph using your notes

Ans 1: Summary of the Passage:

In Goa during the author’s childhood, the baker was a beloved figure—friend, companion, and guide. He visited twice daily, his arrival announced by the jingling thud of his bamboo stick. While adults bought loaves of bread, children eagerly awaited sweet bread-bangles.

The baker carried his basket on his head, banging his bamboo staff (“jhang, jhang”) to signal his arrival. After greeting the household, he’d deliver loaves to the maid, shooing away curious children. Undeterred, the kids climbed benches to peek into his basket, enchanted by the fragrance of fresh bread.

The passage humorously recalls how children neglected brushing teeth, joking that hot tea sufficed for cleanliness—just like the tiger who never brushed!

Key Notes (for Listening Activity):

1. Keywords: Baker, bamboo, jingling thud, bread-bangles, loaves, fragrance.
2. Main Ideas:

• Baker’s daily visits and his importance.
• Children’s excitement for bread-bangles.
• Nostalgic memories of carefree habits (no toothbrushing).

1. Interesting Expressions:

• “Musical entry with ‘jhang, jhang’ sound.”
• “Tiger never brushed his teeth.”
• “Hot tea could wash everything so nicely.”

Unit 5 Glimpses of India Question Answer, Grammar & Comprehension

Updated Solution 2024-2025

Speaking

Q 1. Excursions give opportunities to explore nature, places of historical interest, etc. Tourists are interested in meeting people, understanding their culture, and enjoying the variety in food. The Indian Railways have recently introduced glass Vista dome coach in train to provide a delightful travelling experience to the picturesque valley of Araku in Vishakhapatnam.

In groups of four, discuss and plan a budget trip to Araku valley. You may keep the following in mind while planning. Add more points to the following as per your requirement.

• Find out the location (look up the map) and accessibility to the places to be visited.

• Calculate the cost of the stay.
• Search for an economic and safe accommodation, perhaps a home stay.

• Find out the modes of transport and booking.

Now, prepare an itinerary of your excursion to Araku valley and share with the class.

Ans 1: Planning a budget-friendly trip to Araku Valley involves careful consideration of transportation, accommodation, and activities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you and your group organize an affordable and memorable excursion.

Location and Accessibility:

Araku Valley is a serene hill station located approximately 115 km from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The valley is accessible by both train and road. The journey from Visakhapatnam to Araku is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring tunnels, bridges, and lush landscapes. ​Maps of India+4MakeMyTrip+4Traveller Kaka+4

Transportation:

• Train: The Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger train (Train No. 58501) departs Visakhapatnam at 6:50 AM and reaches Araku around 10:45 AM. This train includes a Vistadome coach, offering panoramic views through glass ceilings and large windows. To book, select the EV coach when reserving tickets. ​India Rail Info+2MakeMyTrip+2BestBus+2India Rail Info+3BestBus+3Tripadvisor+3
• Road: Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or take a bus from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley. The road journey offers picturesque views and takes approximately 3-4 hours. ​Traveller Kaka

Accommodation:

For budget travelers, homestays and budget hotels are ideal options:

• Homestays: Prices start from ₹269 per night, with many offering amenities like Wi-Fi and parking. ​homestays.co.in
• Budget Hotels: Options are available starting from ₹542 per night. ​Agoda+3MakeMyTrip+3homestays.co.in+3

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Morning: Depart from Visakhapatnam to Araku via the Vistadome train.​India Rail Info+3Tripadvisor+3BestBus+3
• Midday: Arrive in Araku and check into your chosen accommodation.​
• Afternoon: Visit Padma Puram Gardens and the Tribal Museum to explore local culture and flora.​Tripadvisor+2Plantrip AI+2Trawell.in+2

Day 2:

• Morning: Explore the Borra Caves, located about 35 km from Araku.​Plan trip
• Afternoon: Visit Chaparai Waterfalls for a relaxing time amidst nature.​Maps of India+4Tripadvisor+4Traveller Kaka+4
• Evening: Return to Visakhapatnam by train or bus.​Trawell.in+7Traveller Kaka+7Instagram+7

Budget Estimation per Person:

• Train Fare (Vistadome Coach): Approximately ₹1,500 round trip.​Plantrip AI+1homestays.co.in+1
• Accommodation: ₹600 for one night.​MakeMyTrip
• Meals: Around ₹500 per day, totaling ₹1,000.​
• Local Transportation and Entry Fees: Approximately ₹1,000.​

Total Estimated Cost: ₹4,100 per person.​

Booking Tips:

• Train Tickets: Book in advance through the IRCTC website or authorized agents to secure seats in the Vistadome coach.​RailYatri+5Tripadvisor+5Instagram+5
• Accommodation: Use platforms like MakeMyTrip or contact homestays directly to compare prices and book rooms.​MakeMyTrip
• Local Transport: Consider hiring local taxis for sightseeing, and always agree on fares beforehand.​

By following this plan, you can enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of Araku Valley without overspending. Remember to check the latest travel advisories and weather conditions before your trip to ensure a smooth experience.

Q 2. Try repeating some of these tongue twisters:

(a) Preshrunk shirts

(b) Six slim slick slender saplings

(c) The sixth sheikh’s sixth sheep’s sick

(d) Tie twine to three twigs

(e) Double bubble gum bubbles double

Ans 2: Tongue Twisters:
(a) Preshrunk shirts
(Tip: Focus on the “shr” and “sh” sounds – say “pre-SHR-unk SH-ir-ts”)

(b) Six slim slick slender saplings
(Tip: Emphasize the “s” and “sl” sounds – “S-ix SL-im SL-ick SL-ender S-aplings”)

(c) The sixth sheikh’s sixth sheep’s sick
(Tip: Break it down – “The SIXTH SHEIKH’S sixth SHEEP’S SICK” – watch the “th” and “sh” sounds)

(d) Tie twine to three twigs
(Tip: Focus on the “t” and “tw” sounds – “T-ie TW-ine to TH-ree TW-igs”)

(e) Double bubble gum bubbles double
(Tip: Play with the “b” and “d” sounds – “D-ouble B-ubble g-um B-ubbles D-ouble”)

Practice Tips:

1. Start slowly, then gradually increase speed
2. Repeat each one 3-5 times in a row
3. Focus on clear articulation rather than speed
4. Try saying them faster each time while maintaining clarity
5. Have fun with the rhythm and sounds!

Writing

Q 1. Infer the meaning of the following expressions in the passage on Parsi community. “Aavoji, aavo, aavo! Welcome to Delhi.”

• length and breadth
• chugged into
• vouch for
• long gone
• out came the treats

Now, write an account of a travel by train using these expressions. Describe the journey by giving details of distance, booking of tickets, facilities available, and suggestions for improvement. You can add pictures of places, people, etc.

Ans 1: Meanings of Expressions from the passage:

1. “Aavoji, aavo, aavo! Welcome to Delhi.”
    A friendly greeting in Gujarati/Hindi meaning “Come, come, come! Welcome!”—a warm welcome call.
2. Length and breadth
    Refer to the whole area—traveling across the entire region or country.
3. Chugged into
    A descriptive phrase for a train slowly entering a station, making the classic chug-chug sound.
4. Vouch for
   To guarantee or confirm the truth or quality of something.
5. Long gone
   Something or someone that no longer exists or has already passed.
6. Out came the treats
   A vivid way of saying food/snacks were taken out, usually with excitement or surprise.

 Q 2. Write an advertisement for your favourite tea or coffee

Ans 2: Advertisement for “Mist Valley Premium Tea

Q 3. You have read about breads and bakers in Goa. (First Flight, Class X).

 Traditional breads are famous in Kashmir as well. It is said that a Kashmiri’s day starts with a cup of piping hot nun chai (salty pink tea) and a crisp, freshly baked bread from the Kandur (the traditional baker). In Kashmir, the Kandur shop isn’t just a place where one goes to buy the morning and evening breads, it is a social hub. It is a place where you get to hear and participate in discussions that range from gossip to political discourses. The Kandur shop or Kandur waan as it is called in Kashmiri has variety of breads for different occasions that are baked in the Kandur’s oven.

 Read about some of the Kashmiri breads:

Tsot-Girda: is a medium sized round everyday bread that is a must on every breakfast table in Kashmir.

Lavasa: is a puffy level bread made from maida.

Tsochwor or Tilvor: is a bagel shaped, slightly hard bread with a sprinkling of sesame seeds on top. The baker prepares ‘tsochwor’ at noon time to be enjoyed with the afternoon tea.

Kulcha: These are crispy palm-sized breads sprinkled with poppy seeds. These are—mith (sweet) and

namkeen (savoury). The bread is taken with some traditional Dodh Kehva (milk Kehva).

Sheermal: is another type of bread from Kashmir. It is mildly sweet.

Roath: The sweet bread with a cake like texture isbaked in traditional tandoor and is topped with dry fruits. However, this one bread is made for grand occasions like weddings, child birth or engagements and served with Kehva.

• Now, collect information about breads, parathas, rotis in different parts of the country.
• You can talk to peers, teachers, parents, grandparents, community members and make use of internet.
• Make an interesting collage using pictures and write a few sentences about each bread based on the information you have gathered.

Ans 3: That sounds like a really fun and flavorful project! Here’s a starting guide to help you build your collage and notes about different types of breads, rotis, and parathas from across India. You can print or draw pictures of each and paste them on a chart with these descriptions around them. 

In Breads of India – A Collage of Flavours In

1. Kashmiri Breads (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Tsot-Girda: Round, fluffy everyday bread.
• Tsochwor/Tilvor: Sesame-topped, crispy, bagel-shaped bread.
• Roath: Cake-like bread with dry fruits, served during weddings and special occasions.

2. Kulcha (Punjab)

• Made with refined flour (maida), soft and stuffed or plain.
• Often served with Chole (chickpea curry).
• Baked in tandoor, brushed with butter.

3. Paratha (North India – Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana)

• Stuffed parathas (aloo, gobi, paneer) popular for breakfast.
• Cooked with ghee or oil on a tawa.
• Served with pickle, curd, or butter.

4. Thepla (Gujarat)

• Thin, spiced flatbread made with whole wheat, fenugreek leaves (methi).
• Stays fresh for days—great for travel!

5. Bhakri (Maharashtra/Gujarat)

• Thick flatbread made of jowar, bajra, or rice flour.
• Rustic and earthy, usually eaten with chutney or curry.

6. Appam (Kerala)

• Soft center with crisp edges, made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk.
• Usually served with stew or sweetened coconut milk.

7. Ragi Roti (Karnataka)

• Made with finger millet flour, healthy and gluten-free.
• Eaten with chutney or sambar.

8. Phulka/Chapati (Pan India)

• Everyday whole wheat flatbread, light and soft.
• Cooked directly on flame to puff up.

9. Puran Poli (Maharashtra)

• Sweet paratha with chana dal and jaggery filling.
• Eaten during festivals like Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi.

10. Bakarkhani (Bengal/Hyderabad)

• Rich, flaky, slightly sweet bread.
• Usually served with nihari or kebabs.

Project

Q 1. The Frontier mail, the train mentioned in the passage on the Parsi community was the prestigious and luxurious train which was flagged off in 1928 from Bombay to Peshawar. It was the fastest train known for its punctuality. It covered the distance of 2,335 kms in record time of seventy-two hours.

The train used to depart from Ballard Pier Mall Station at Bombay harbour for passengers arriving from England by ship and for the collection of mail brought in from steamers from Europe. It was fashionable to travel by Frontier Mail in those days!

• Our railways have undergone magical transformation since independence from electrification to high speed etc. Find more about Indian Railways and prepare a write up. You can add experiences of rail travel of the people.
• Collect the pictures and information about vintage, royal and luxury trains in India.

Ans 1: Indian Railways: A Journey Through Time

Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks in the world, has seen a magical transformation since its inception in 1853, when the first passenger train ran between Bombay and Thane. From steam locomotives to high-speed trains, the journey of Indian Railways reflects the growth and modernization of the nation itself.

Transformation Since Independence

• Electrification: Starting in the 1950s, railway lines have gradually been electrified, reducing the need for diesel and steam engines and making travel more eco-friendly.
• Speed and Comfort: Introduction of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat Express and Tejas Express has made journeys faster and more luxurious.
• Digitalization: Online booking systems, real-time train tracking, and smart ticketing have made travel easier.
• Modern Coaches: LHB coaches (Linke Hofmann Busch) provide better safety and ride comfort.

Vintage, Royal & Luxury Trains of India

1. Frontier Mail (Now called Golden Temple Mail):

• Started in 1928 from Bombay to Peshawar.
• Famous for speed and punctuality.
• Had special facilities for British passengers and dignitaries.

2. Palace on Wheels:

• A royal train offering luxurious travel across Rajasthan.
• Modeled after the personal coaches of former Indian maharajas.
• Includes lavish interiors, fine dining, and personalized service.

3. Deccan Odyssey:

• A luxury train covering major destinations in Maharashtra and beyond.
• Offers onboard spa, bar, and deluxe cabins.

4. Maharajas’ Express:

• Known as one of the most luxurious trains in the world.
• Covers destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra, and Varanasi.
• Offers presidential suites, gourmet dining, and curated tours.

5. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:

• A UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Operates with vintage steam locomotives and offers scenic views of the Eastern Himalayas.

Personal Travel Experiences

“My grandmother recalls traveling by steam engine trains, where meals were packed from home and people shared stories across compartments. Now, I enjoy fast and comfy rides in Vande Bharat, where you get Wi-Fi and snacks delivered to your seat.”

Unit 5 Glimpses of India Question Answer, Grammar & Comprehension

Updated Solution 2024-2025

This complete solution is prepared as per the latest syllabus of 2024-25. If you have any further queries, feel free to ask!