ENGLISH

CHAPTER-7 GLIMPSES OF INDIA

PART-2 COORG
—Lokesh Abrol
Reference to Context
1. “This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and
wild creatures.”
Q(a) Identify ‘this land’ mentioned in the extract.
(iv) This land is Coorg, situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
Q(b) What does the author say about the people of Coorg?
(i) Coorg is inhabited by a proud race of martial men and beautiful women.
Q(c) Which all crops grow in Coorg in plenty?
(ii) Spice and coffee
Q(d) What is the best time of the year to visit Coorg?
(iii) September to March
(e) Identify the word synonymous with ‘Martial’.
(iv) All of the above
2. “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.”
Q(a) What are Coorgi homes known for?
(iii) Hospitality and tales of valour related to their members
Q(b) Which is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army?
(ii) The Coorg Regiment
Q(c) Who was General Cariappa?
(i) The first Chief of the Indian Army
Q(d) How are Kodavus a distinct people in the country?
(iv) Only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license
Read and Answer
Q(a) Why are the people of Coorg known as descendants of the Arabs?
A(a) The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic origin. 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.
Q(b) Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills?
A(b) Coorg is called as the land of rolling hills as it has a lot of hills and also it is a hill station.
It is a beautiful place and seems to have drifted from the kingdom of God. The entire area is
situated among gently sloping hills that seem to roll down in a panoramic view.
Q(c) Describe the largest Buddhist settlement in Coorg.
A(c) India’s largest Tibetan Buddhist settlement is Bylakuppe. 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 live there.