Class-X- Chapter-7(First Flight)-"Glimpses of India - Part-2 "Coorg"-By Lokesh Abrol

Glimpses of India (Part 2) Coorg

By Lokesh Abrol

"Coorg is coffee country, famous for its rainforests and spices"

 

" Coorg" - Introduction

The lesson gives us a beautiful insight of the smallest district of Karnataka and its people. The place has an amazing weather throughout the year with enough rain during the monsoon season. The people of Coorg are known to be one of the bravest. Coffee is the main crop grown in this region. A variety of animals can be found here while the place is surrounded by beautiful Brahmagiri hills, islands and Tibetan settlements.

 "Coorg"- Summary

The writer describes the hill station of Coorg located in the western ghats in the state of Karnataka. It is located midway between Bengalore and Mangalore. The suitable time to visit Coorg is from September to March. The place is famous for coffee plantations and spices. There are abundant rainforests which cover 30 percent of the area. The Coorgi men are brave warriors who are permitted to keep firearms without a licence due to their trustworthiness. The women of Coorg are pretty. Coorg is also known as Kodavu and the Kodavus, though are Hindus by religion but their customs differ from those of mainstream Hindus. They marry within their community. Kodavus are said to be of Greek or Arabic descent. Some soldiers of Alexander’s army settled there. Also, as the ethnic dress of the Kodavus, Kuppia is similar to the Arab garment Kuffia, it is said that maybe their ancestors were Arabs or Kurds. The river Kaveri originates from Coorg. The fish named Mahaseer is found in the river. Many animals and birds like kingfisher, langur, squirrels and elephants can be spotted along the river. Tourists relax in the serene atmosphere and also enjoy adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, mountain biking, rock climbing and trekking. While trekking on the nature trails, animals like Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris can be spotted on the trees. The major tourist attractions are Brahmagiri hills, Nisargdham island and Bylakuppe Tibetan settlements. Coorg gives visitors a feel of India’s diverse cultures.

 Text & Explanation

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 percent 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.

Glimpses of India - Coorg MCQ Questions

 Drifted from- been carried along gently by hair

Martial- having to do with war

 Canopies- roof-like coverings made of trees that form a shelter

Prime- here, best

Invigorating- strong (here)

Coorg, a place so beautiful that it seems like a piece of heaven has drifted away from God’s kingdom and has settled on the Earth. It is somewhere between Mysore and Mangalore. It is an area with low hills of unequal height. The men are brave warrior, the women of Coorg are pretty. The place has a variety of wild animals too. Also known as Kodagu, it is one of the smallest districts of Karnataka. 30% of the area of Coorg is covered with evergreen rainforests and the place receives rain for most part of the year, especially during the monsoon season. The period from September to March is ideal for visiting Coorg. The weather is pleasant and there is some rain which makes it worthwhile.  The air is filled with the strong fragrance of coffee due to the abundant coffee plantations.

 

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.

 Mainstream- a tradition which most people follow

Tales of Valour- stories of courage and bravery, usually in a war

Descent- origin

 The people of Coorg are believed to be of Greek or Arabic background and are generally ferocious. This theory came into being because of their dressing style. They are generally seen wearing long and black coat with embroidered waist belt known as Kuppia. Kuppia is similar to the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds. It is also rumoured that some people of Alexander’s army could not return to their homeland and so, settled here while returning from the south. The people of Coorg marry each other and their cultures as well as rituals are very different from the ones followed by Hindus.

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 the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

 Most decorated- having received the maximum number of awards for bravery in a war

 

The people are very welcoming and warm in nature. They are always ready to entertain with stories of their ancestors. They are known to be independent, ferocious and brave which is evident from the fact that the Coorg regiment in the Indian army has received the maximum number of awards for bravery. The first chief of the Indian Army named General Cariappa belonged to Coorg. Also, these are the only people permitted to carry firearms freely unlike others who need a licence. This shows that the Coorgis are reliable too.

The river, Kaveri, 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.

Mischief- playful behaviour

Ripple effect- a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water, especially as caused by a slight breeze or an object dropping into it

Mahouts- a person who works with, rides, and tends an elephant

The evergreen forests and hills of Coorg provide water to river Kaveri, a major river in South India. A large freshwater fish called Mahaseer is found in these waters and is looked for by the birds. Squirrels and langurs play in these waters by throwing half-eaten fruits whereas elephants enjoy bathing in it.

The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure with river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in this region are a favourite with trekkers.

 Laidback-relaxed, not in a hurry

Rafting- travelling in a river in a raft (a floating platform made by tying planks together)

Canoeing- travelling in a river in a canoe (a large, narrow boat)

Rappelling- going down a cliff by sliding down a rope

Trails- paths created by walking

The tourists who visit Coorg to relax in the natural beauty of the place also get attracted towards the various adventure sports activities available like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain climbing. The hills have various paths formed by footsteps of walkers who trek there.

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.

Panoramic view- a view of a wide area of land

While taking a walk in their region, one may find a variety of animals around them. Birds, bees and butterflies fly around you while squirrels and langurs keep an eye on you from the trees. Wild elephants can also be found in Coorg.

To have an overall look at the beautiful city of Coorg, one must climb up to the Brahmagiri hills. Coorg is surrounded by astounding places of beauty like the island of Nisargadhama and Bylakuppe which is India’s largest Tibetan settlement. Monks wearing red, orange and yellow coloured garments can also be found in the district of Coorg where their lifestyle is a fascinating view for the travellers.  A mix of diverse cultures can be seen here which represent the heart and soul of India.

 TEXT BOOK- Question and Answers

Q1. Where is Coorg?

A. Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka and is located somewhere between Mysore and the coastal city of Mangalore.

 Q2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent?

A. It is said that the Kodavus are of either Greek or Arabic descent. According to one story, a part of Alexander’s army could not return to its homeland and so, settled there. As the traditional dress of the Kodavus, Kuppia is similar to the dress of the Arabs and Kurds, the Kuffia, it is said that probably the Kodavus are descendants of the Arabs.

 Q3. What are some of the things you now know about

1. The people of Coorg?

A. People of Coorg are known to be descendents of the Greeks or the Arabs. This is because of their dressing style. They are independent and ferocious. They are the bravest soldiers in the Indian Army. At the same time, they are welcoming and are known for their hospitality. They have married amongst their locals and their culture is very different from what is seen in mainstream Hindus.

 

2. The main crop of Coorg?

A. Coffee is the main crop of Coorg. During the monsoon season, when the weather is pleasant and the wind is blowing, it carries with it the strong fragrance of coffee. Coffee estates with colonial bungalows are abundant and even provide homestays for visitors to experience the Coorgi way of life.

 

3. The sports it offers to tourists?

A. A variety of high-energy adventure activities are offered to tourists like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Trekking is also one of the famous activities.

 

4. The animals you are likely to see in Coorg?

A. Fishes like Mahaseer are found in the waters of the river Kaveri. Birds like Kingfisher and other animals like squirrels, langurs, butterflies, bees accompany you in this area while wild elephants can be seen enjoying bathing in the rivers. If you are on a trek, Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris can be spotted on the trees.

 

5. Its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?

A. Coorg is at a distance of 260 kms from Bangalore. The nearest airports are Mangalore (135 km) and Bangalore (260 km). There are flights to Mangalore from Mumbai, and to Bangalore from Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. The nearest railheads are at Mysore, Mangalore and Hassan. There are two routes to Coorg from Bangalore. Both are almost the same distance (around 250-260 km). The route via Mysore is the most frequented one. The other route is via Neelamangal, Kunigal, Chanrayanapatna.

 Q4. Here are six sentences with some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (Look in the paragraphs indicated)

1. During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg. (para 2)
2. Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there. (para 3)
3. The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’ valour. (para 4)
4. Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy adventure sports of Coorg. (para 6)
5. The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear. (para 3)
6. Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy. (para 7)

A.

(i) Keep many visitors away

(ii)As one story goes

(iii) Are more than willing to recount

(iv) The most laidback individuals become converts to

(v) Draws support from

(vi) Keep a watchful eye.

  Grammar Exercises

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

1. culture: unique culture, ancient culture
2. monks:
3. surprise:
4. experience:
5. weather:
6. tradition:

Answers-

1. culture: unique culture, ancient culture
2. monks:  ancient monks
3. surprise: Unique surprise, terrible surprise, unforgettable surprise
4. experience: Unique experience, terrible experience, unforgettable experience, sudden experience
5. weather: terrible weather, sudden weather
6. 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?

1. tales of ________
2. coastal ________
3. a piece of ________
4. evergreen ________
5. ________ plantations
6. ________ bridge
7. wild ________

You may add your own examples to this list.

Answers-

1. tales of valour
2. coastal town
3. a piece of heaven
4. evergreen rainforests
5. Coffee plantations
6. Rope bridge
7. wild animals

EXTRA-Question and Answers

Extract Based Questions (4 marks each)

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

Question 1. Midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sites 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 rain forests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rain forests cover thirty percent of this district. 

(a) Where is Coorg situated ?

(b) What type of people inhabit this land of rolling hills ?

(c) What covers thirty percent area of the district of Kodagu ?

(d) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘brave men’ ?

Answer: (a) Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.

(b) These rolling hills are inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.

(c) Thirty percent of the district of Kodagu is covered with evergreen rain forests.

(d) Martial men

Question 2. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty percent 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. 

(a) Why is the monsoon season not the best time to visit Coorg ?

(b) What is the best period for the visitors ?

(c) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘starts’ ?

(d) Which plantation is ‘Popular’ ?

Answer: (a) About thirty percent of the land area in Coorg district is covered with evergreen rain forests. There are heavy downpours during the monsoon season which prevents visitors from visiting Coorg during this time.

(b) The best season for visiting Coorg begins at the end of the monsoons in September and continues till March.

(c) The word ‘commences’ means ‘starts’.

(d) Coffee plantation.

Question 3. 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. 

(a) Write one special quality of the people of Coorg.

(b) Indicate their possible descent.

(c) Find a word from the passage that means the same as ‘relating to war’.

(d) From where do the the people of Coorg descent?

Answer: (a) They are fiercely independent people.

(b) Their possible descent might be Greek or Arabic.

(c) ‘martial’.

(d) Greek or Arabic.

Question 4. 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 the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

(a) What kind of stories are the Coorg people always ready to tell ?

(b) Who was the first Chief of the Indian Army ?

(c) What is the special favour granted only to them even now ?

(d) Who are permitted to carry fire arms without a license ?

Answer: (a) Coorgi people are always ready to tell tales of valour, bravery and courage related to their sons and fathers.

(b) General Cariappa was the first Chief of the Indian Army.

(c) The special favour granted to them is they can carry firearms without License.

(d) Kodavus.

Short Answer Type Questions (30-40 words)

Question 1. Throw some light on the vast bio-diversity of Coorg.

Answer: The evergreen forests of Coorg enclose vast treasures of flora and fauna. It is a home to squirrels, langurs, kingfishers, elephants, slender loris bees and butterflies. Its river Kaveri abounds in Mahaseer—a large fresh water fish. The spice and coffee plantations, further add to its vast biodiversity.

Question 2. What do the people of Coorg teach us ?

Answer: Coorg people are famous for their hospitality, love, respect and fellow feeling which is the need of the present hour. The adventurous sports like river-rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking are great motivators. The Coorg Regiment is famous for receiving maximum number of awards for its bravery. The first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa was a Coorgi.

Question 3. From whom have the inhabitants of Coorg descended, as per the legend?

Answer: As per the legend, a part of Alexander’s army,

when retreating from India, went South and settled in Coorg when they found that they could not return home. Then they married among the locals and their descendants are the Kodavus. (the people of Coorg).

Question 4. How has the Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery recognised in modern India?

Answer: The Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery has been recognised by awarding the Coorg Regiment with the most number of gallantry awards. Besides, the Coorgis are the only Indians allowed to carry firearms without a licence.

Question 5. Describe the wildlife of Coorg.

Answer: The wildlife of Coorg consists of animals like macaques, langurs, squirrels, loris and elephants. The birds spotted in Coorg are kingfishers.

Question 6. Describe any two tourist places of Coorg.

Answer: The climb of Brahmagiri hills brings into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the 64 acre island of Nisargadhama.

Question 7. Describe Coorg’s weather. When is it most pleasant for the tourists to visit Coorg? CBSE2012

Answer: The weather of Coorg is pleasant during the months from September to March. During that time, the weather is perfect with some showers thrown in for good measure. During the monsoon, it receives heavy rainfall.

 

 

Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words )

Question 1. ‘Coorg’ seems to share a lot of historical perspectives. Is knowing such kind of historical knowledge important for us ?

Answer: In the lesson ‘Coorg’, the author tells us that the Coorgi people are descendants of either the Greeks or the Arabs. He says that they could have Greek origin because there was a legend that a part of Alexander’s army had moved to south and settled here. According to another legend, they had Arab origin because of the dresses they wore. The author also tells us that the first General of the Indian Army, General Cariappa was a Coorg.

It is important for us to know about the deep rooted cultural background of our country and heritage so that we become aware of the fact that our culture has always welcomed people from other cultures and absorbed them into its own. This spreads the message of being tolerant which is very important in today’s world when the world is torn with war because of these ethnic reasons.

Question 2. The Coorgis are the descendants of the Greeks or the Arabs and are still are able to maintain their traditional practices. Do you agree that following these practices today is important? Why or why not?

Answer: After reading the text, I feel that it is important to follow the traditional practices, as it has kept the tradition of Coorgis known to the people even today. If the people of Coorg had not followed it their tradition would have perished and nobody would have remembered themloday because of their culture and traditional practices. According to the text, their traditions can be seen in the martial traditions, religious rites and marriages. The Kodavus even wear the dress which resembles Arabs. Traditional practices also play a very important role in maintaining values amongst people and have an impact on shaping the behaviour of people.

Question 3. How do Coorg’s location, people and natural features add to the diversity of India? CBSE 2016

Answer: Coorg is beautifully located and described as a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. It has rolling hillsides with a pollution free river and forests teeming with wildlife. Here nature exists in its pristine glory, which adds to the diversity of India. Further, it has coffee and spice plantations, quite different from the rest of India. The local people, the Kodavus, are a martial race. Of course, they are well known for their hospitality, just like all Indians. All these features of Coorg add to the diversity of our country.