EduAir Class 10 English::Lesson “Glimpses of India (Coorg)

Class 10 English::Lesson “Glimpses of India (Coorg)

“Glimpses of India (Coorg)”

Author: Lokesh Abrol

This lesson is part of the “First Flight” English textbook and presents a brief travelogue on Coorg, a beautiful hill station in Karnataka, India. The story describes the scenic beauty, culture, and unique aspects of Coorg.

Summary of the Lesson:

The lesson “Glimpses of India (Coorg)” takes us on a virtual journey to Coorg, located in the southern part of India. It paints a vivid picture of the place, its people, culture, and natural beauty. The author describes Coorg as a popular tourist destination, famous for its lush greenery, coffee plantations, and stunning landscapes. The lesson highlights various aspects that make Coorg unique, such as its history, wildlife, and the hospitality of the Coorgi people.

Key Points:

  1. Coorg – A Brief Introduction:
    • Coorg is a hill station in Karnataka, known for its picturesque landscape, cool climate, and vast coffee plantations.
    • It is situated in the Western Ghats and is a popular tourist destination.
    • The region is home to the Kodava tribe, known for their rich culture and hospitality.
  2. Geographical Location:
    • Coorg is located in the southern part of India and is surrounded by scenic hills, dense forests, and rivers.
    • It is often referred to as the “Scotland of India” due to its similar topography and climate.
  3. Coorgi People and Culture:
    • The people of Coorg, known as Kodavas, have a distinct culture and are known for their hospitality.
    • The Kodavas are famous for their love of sports, especially the game of “Kailpatt,” a type of local wrestling.
    • The Coorgi people have a unique tradition of wearing a traditional outfit called the “Kuppiya” and are also known for their love of coffee.
  4. Famous Tourist Attractions:
    • Abbey Falls: A popular waterfall in Coorg, known for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere.
    • Raja’s Seat: A historical site offering a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
    • Nisargadhama: An island formed by the river Kaveri, famous for its beautiful forest and wildlife.
    • Dubare Elephant Camp: A sanctuary for elephants, where visitors can feed and bathe the elephants.
  5. The Role of Coffee Plantations:
    • Coorg is one of the largest coffee-growing regions in India. The rich soil and favorable climate contribute to the high-quality coffee produced here.
    • The coffee plantations are an integral part of the local economy and culture.
  6. Flora and Fauna of Coorg:
    • Coorg is home to rich biodiversity, with a variety of plants and animals, including wildlife like elephants, tigers, and a variety of birds.
    • The region’s dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries make it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
  7. Coorg’s Historical Significance:
    • Coorg has a rich history, with its rulers having fought several battles to protect their land.
    • It has a significant connection to the British during colonial times, and the British also contributed to the development of its coffee plantations.

Important Quotes:

  1. “Coorg is a land of coffee, of coffee plantations, and of Coorgis” – This quote emphasizes the central role that coffee cultivation plays in Coorg’s economy and culture.
  2. “The Coorgis are famous for their hospitality, and their contribution to India’s history is significant.” – This reflects the warm nature of the people of Coorg and their historical significance in India.

Questions and Answers:

1. Where is Coorg located?

  • Coorg is located in the southern part of India, in the state of Karnataka, in the Western Ghats.

2. What makes Coorg famous?

  • Coorg is famous for its scenic beauty, coffee plantations, dense forests, wildlife, and the rich culture of its people, the Kodavas.

3. Who are the Coorgis?

  • The Coorgis, also known as Kodavas, are the native people of Coorg. They are known for their unique customs, culture, and hospitality.

4. What is the significance of coffee in Coorg?

  • Coffee is an important part of Coorg’s economy and culture. The region has vast coffee plantations and is one of the largest producers of coffee in India.

5. What are some famous tourist attractions in Coorg?

  • Some famous tourist attractions in Coorg include Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Nisargadhama, and the Dubare Elephant Camp.

Vocabularies/Word-Notes

  1. Coffee Plantation: A large area of land where coffee plants are grown.
  2. Abode: A place of residence or dwelling.
  3. Tracts: Large areas of land.
  4. Bamboo Groves: Areas covered with bamboo plants.
  5. Adventurous: Willing to take risks or try out new experiences.
  6. Rustic: Related to the countryside; rural.
  7. Mists: A fine spray or fog, often seen in the morning.
  8. Dawning: The first appearance of light, or the beginning of a new event or period.
  9. Familiarity: The state of being familiar with something; knowledge of something through experience.
  10. Majestic: Having grandeur, dignity, or beauty; impressive.

Textual Question-Answers

1. Where is Coorg located?

  • Coorg is a hill station located in the state of Karnataka in southern India. It is situated in the Western Ghats and is known for its scenic beauty, coffee plantations, and rich culture.

2. What is the significance of Coorg?

  • Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, lush green forests, wildlife, and its rich cultural heritage. It is also known for being the homeland of the Kodavas, a unique community with a distinctive culture.

3. Who are the Kodavas?

  • The Kodavas are the native people of Coorg. They are known for their martial traditions, hospitality, and unique customs. They also have a distinct language and celebrate festivals like ‘Poovarthi’ and ‘Kodavya.’

4. What are the natural features of Coorg mentioned in the text?

  • The natural features of Coorg mentioned in the text include coffee plantations, bamboo groves, mist-covered hills, lush green landscapes, and scenic views of the Western Ghats. The region is also home to various wildlife species.

5. Why is Coorg referred to as the “Scotland of India”?

  • Coorg is referred to as the “Scotland of India” because of its cool climate, beautiful hills, and scenic beauty, which resemble that of Scotland. It is also a popular hill station, much like Scotland is in the United Kingdom.

6. How is the landscape of Coorg described in the lesson?

  • The landscape of Coorg is described as lush, green, and scenic, with vast coffee plantations, misty hills, bamboo groves, and beautiful forests. The region is rich in natural beauty and offers a peaceful, serene environment.

7. What activities can tourists enjoy in Coorg?

  • Tourists in Coorg can enjoy activities such as visiting coffee plantations, exploring the lush green forests, trekking, wildlife watching, and experiencing the local culture of the Kodava people. The region’s cool climate and scenic views make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Passage for Comprehension

Paragraph 1:

Coorg is a popular hill station in Karnataka, known for its scenic beauty and cool climate. The place is surrounded by coffee plantations, lush green forests, and mist-covered hills. It is often referred to as the “Scotland of India” because of its striking resemblance to Scotland in terms of landscape. The Kodavas, the native people of Coorg, are known for their distinct customs and traditions, as well as their hospitality.

Paragraph 2:

The region is also famous for its wildlife, including various species of birds and animals that thrive in its dense forests. Coorg’s coffee is considered one of the best in the world, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a significant part of the Coorgi experience. The natural beauty of Coorg, combined with its rich culture, makes it a perfect destination for tourists seeking peace and adventure.

Comprehension Questions and Answers

From Paragraph 1:

1. What is Coorg known for?

  • Coorg is known for its scenic beauty, cool climate, coffee plantations, lush green forests, mist-covered hills, and its distinct culture and hospitality.

2. Why is Coorg referred to as the “Scotland of India”?

  • Coorg is referred to as the “Scotland of India” because its landscape, with its hills and cool climate, closely resembles that of Scotland.

3. Who are the native people of Coorg, and what are they known for?

  • The native people of Coorg are the Kodavas. They are known for their distinct customs and traditions, as well as their hospitality.

From Paragraph 2:

4. What makes Coorg famous besides its landscape?

  • Besides its landscape, Coorg is famous for its wildlife, including various species of birds and animals. It is also known for its world-renowned coffee.

5. What is unique about Coorg’s coffee?

  • Coorg’s coffee is considered one of the best in the world, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is an important part of the Coorgi experience.

6. Why is Coorg considered an ideal destination for tourists?

  • Coorg is considered an ideal destination for tourists because of its natural beauty, wildlife, rich culture, and the opportunity to experience both peace and adventure.

Extra Questions for Practice:

1. Describe the landscape of Coorg.

2. What are the main attractions of Coorg besides its coffee?

3. In your opinion, why does the author mention the aroma of coffee in the passage?

Very Short Answer Questions (VSAQs)

  1. Where is Coorg located?
    • Coorg is located in the state of Karnataka, India.
  2. What is Coorg known for?
    • Coorg is known for its scenic beauty, coffee plantations, and cool climate.
  3. What is Coorg often called?
    • Coorg is often called the “Scotland of India.”
  4. Who are the native people of Coorg?
    • The native people of Coorg are called the Kodavas.
  5. What is one feature of Coorg’s coffee?
    • Coorg’s coffee is considered one of the best in the world.

Short Answer Questions (SAQs)

  1. Why is Coorg referred to as the “Scotland of India”?
    • Coorg is referred to as the “Scotland of India” because of its cool climate, misty hills, and beautiful landscapes, which resemble those of Scotland.
  2. Describe the landscape of Coorg.
    • Coorg has a beautiful landscape with coffee plantations, lush green forests, bamboo groves, mist-covered hills, and dense wildlife.
  3. What makes the Kodavas unique?
    • The Kodavas are unique for their distinct traditions, customs, martial culture, and hospitality. They are also known for their unique festivals.
  4. What wildlife can be found in Coorg?
    • Coorg is home to various species of wildlife, including birds and animals, due to its dense forests.
  5. Why is Coorg a popular tourist destination?
    • Coorg is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty, cool climate, coffee plantations, wildlife, and the unique culture of the Kodavas.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. Where is Coorg located?
    • A) Kerala
    • B) Tamil Nadu
    • C) Karnataka
    • D) Andhra Pradesh
      Answer: C) Karnataka
  2. What is Coorg often called?
    • A) Switzerland of India
    • B) Scotland of India
    • C) Kashmir of India
    • D) Paradise of India
      Answer: B) Scotland of India
  3. Who are the native people of Coorg?
    • A) Kodavas
    • B) Gujjars
    • C) Kannadigas
    • D) Marathas
      Answer: A) Kodavas
  4. Which of the following is Coorg famous for?
    • A) Coffee
    • B) Tea
    • C) Spices
    • D) Rubber
      Answer: A) Coffee
  5. Coorg is known for its:
    • A) Hot climate
    • B) Cool climate
    • C) Dry climate
    • D) Tropical climate
      Answer: B) Cool climate
  6. What does Coorg’s coffee resemble?
    • A) The best in the world
    • B) Rich aroma
    • C) Strong bitterness
    • D) Pleasant sweetness
      Answer: A) The best in the world
  7. What is one of the major activities in Coorg?
    • A) Trekking
    • B) Scuba diving
    • C) Paragliding
    • D) Skiing
      Answer: A) Trekking
  8. What are the bamboo groves in Coorg known for?
    • A) Their height
    • B) Their fragrance
    • C) Their vastness
    • D) Their medicinal properties
      Answer: C) Their vastness

In the lesson “Glimpses of India (Coorg)”, various grammar topics are covered within the context of the text. Below is a breakdown of the grammar topics with full explanations as per the SEBA syllabus:

1. Nouns

Explanation: A noun is a word that refers to a person, place, thing, or idea.

  • Proper Nouns: These are specific names of people, places, or things. In the passage, Coorg, Kodavas, Karnataka, and Scotland are all proper nouns.
  • Common Nouns: These are general names for people, places, or things. For example, hill station, coffee plantations, forests, and wildlife are common nouns.
  • Collective Nouns: A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals, or things considered as a unit. In the passage, community (referring to the Kodavas) is a collective noun.

2. Pronouns

Explanation: A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun to avoid repetition.

  • Personal Pronouns: These are used to represent people or things. Examples from the passage:
    • “It is often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India'” (The word it replaces the noun “Coorg”).
  • Possessive Pronouns: These show ownership. Example:
    • “The Kodavas, the native people of Coorg, are known for their distinct customs and traditions” (The possessive pronoun their refers to the Kodavas’ customs and traditions).

3. Adjectives

Explanation: An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.

  • Descriptive Adjectives: These describe qualities or features of a noun.
    • Example: “scenic beauty”, “cool climate”, “mist-covered hills”, “lush green forests”, and “distinct customs” are all descriptive adjectives in the passage.
  • Quantitative Adjectives: These describe the quantity of something.
    • Example: “various species of birds and animals” refers to a quantity of species.

4. Verbs

Explanation: A verb is a word that expresses an action, state, or occurrence.

  • Action Verbs: These describe actions performed by the subject.
    • Example: “is known”, “surrounded”, “referred”, “are known”.
  • Linking Verbs: These connect the subject to a complement (e.g., a noun or adjective).
    • Example: “Coorg is a popular hill station.” (The verb is links the subject Coorg with its complement a popular hill station).

5. Tenses

Explanation: Tenses show the time of action or state of being.

  • Present Simple Tense: Describes facts, habits, or general truths.
    • Example: “Coorg is a popular hill station.” (The present simple tense is used to state a fact).
  • Present Continuous Tense: Describes actions that are happening at the moment.
    • Example: “It is surrounded by coffee plantations.” (The present continuous tense describes the ongoing state of Coorg).
  • Past Simple Tense: Describes actions that happened in the past.
    • Example: “The Kodavas were known for their distinct customs.” (The past simple tense is used for something that happened in the past).

6. Adverbs

Explanation: An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, usually to indicate how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.

  • Adverbs of Manner: These describe how an action is performed.
    • Example: “The Kodavas are known for their distinct customs” (The word distinct modifies the noun customs).
  • Adverbs of Frequency: These describe how often something happens.
    • Example: “It is often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India'” (The word often shows frequency).

7. Prepositions

Explanation: A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.

  • Prepositions of Place: These describe the location of something.
    • Example: “Coorg is situated in the state of Karnataka.” (The preposition in shows the location of Coorg).
  • Prepositions of Time: These show when something happens.
    • Example: “Coorg is a popular hill station in the state of Karnataka.” (The preposition in is used with time and location).

8. Conjunctions

Explanation: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.

  • Coordinating Conjunctions: These join similar elements in a sentence.
    • Example: “It is surrounded by coffee plantations and lush green forests.” (The conjunction and connects two nouns, coffee plantations and lush green forests).
  • Subordinating Conjunctions: These connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
    • Example: “Because of its coffee plantations, Coorg is known for its aroma.” (The conjunction because introduces the reason).

9. Articles

Explanation: Articles are used before nouns to define whether the noun is specific or general.

  • Definite Article (‘the’): Used before a specific noun.
    • Example: “The Kodavas, the native people of Coorg, are known for their hospitality.” (Here, the is used to specify the particular people, the Kodavas).
  • Indefinite Article (‘a’ or ‘an’): Used before a singular noun that is non-specific.
    • Example: “Coorg is a popular hill station.” (The article a refers to any popular hill station, not a specific one).

10. Subject-Verb Agreement

Explanation: The subject and the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular/plural) and person (first, second, third).

  • Example: “Coorg is known for its scenic beauty.” (Here, Coorg is singular, so the verb is is used in its singular form).
  • Example: “The Kodavas are known for their distinct customs.” (Since Kodavas is plural, are is used as the verb).

11. Punctuation

Explanation: Punctuation marks are used to clarify meaning and separate ideas.

  • Commas: Used to separate items in a list, clauses, or parts of a sentence.
    • Example: “Coorg is surrounded by coffee plantations, lush green forests, and mist-covered hills.”
  • Quotation Marks: Used for direct speech or quotes.
    • Example: “It is often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India.'”