G10 - GLIMPSES of INDIA - Part III - Tea from Assam - Arup Kumar Datta

 "Tea from Assam" by Arup Kumar Datta

Summary in Points

  • The Story: "Tea from Assam" is a short story by Arup Kumar Datta, part of his collection "Glimpses of India."
  • The Journey: Two friends, Rajvir and Pranjol, travel to Assam. Rajvir enjoys the scenery, especially the tea plantations, while Pranjol reads a book.
  • Tea Talk: They discuss the massive global tea consumption (over 80 crore cups daily) and the mystery surrounding Assam tea's origins.
  • Legends of Tea: Rajvir shares two stories:
    • A Chinese legend with tea leaves falling into boiling water and the Emperor liking the drink.
    • An Indian legend with Bodhidharma, a monk, cutting his eyelids to prevent sleep during meditation, leading to the growth of tea plants.
  • Arrival and Work: They reach Mariani Junction and head to Dhekiabari Tea Estate. Rajvir observes tea-pluckers gathering leaves.
  • Welcome and Knowledge: Pranjol's father greets them. Rajvir surprises him with his knowledge of the "second flush" (peak tea harvest period). Rajvir shows interest in learning more about the tea estate.
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Points

Author

  • Arup Kumar Datta is an Indian writer and journalist.
  • He is based in Guwahati, Assam.

Characters and Setting

  • Pranjol and Rajvir are friends.
  • Pranjol lives in Assam and his father manages a tea garden.
  • The story takes place during their summer vacation.

Tea and its Origin

  • Over 80,000 cups of tea are consumed worldwide daily.
  • Assam has the largest concentration of tea plantations globally.
  • The exact origin of tea is unknown.
  • Chinese legend: Tea was discovered accidentally when tea leaves fell into boiling water.
  • Indian legend: Tea originated from Bodhidharma's eyelids.
  • Tea was first drunk in China around 2700 BC.
  • The words "chai" and "chini" are Chinese in origin.
  • Tea was used as medicine in Europe in the 16th century.

Visit to the Tea Garden

  • Pranjol's family owns a tea garden in Dhekiabari.
  • Rajvir is fascinated by the tea plantation.
  • Rajvir shows knowledge about tea, impressing Pranjol's father.
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1.Look at these words: upkeep, downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in. They are built up from a verb (keep, pour, go, drop, walk) and an adverb or a preposition (up, down, under, out, in).

Use these words appropriately in the sentences below. You may consult a dictionary.

  1. A heavy _____ has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
  2. Rakesh will _____ major surgery tomorrow morning.
  3. My brother is responsible for the ____ of our family property.
  4. The ____ rate for this accountancy course is very high.
  5. She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a _____ interview.
Answer:
  1. downpour
  2. undergo
  3. upkeep
  4. dropout
  5. walk-in

2. Now fill in the blanks in the sentences given below by combining the verb given in brackets with one of the words from the box as appropriate.

‘over’ ‘by’ ‘through’ ‘out’ ‘up’ ‘down’
  1. The Army attempted unsuccessfully to ____ the Government, (throw)
  2. Scientists are on the brink of a major _____ in cancer research, (break)
  3. The State Government plans to build a ____ for Bhubaneswar to speed up traffic on the main highway, (pass)
  4. Gautama’s ____ on life changed when he realised that the world is full of sorrow, (look)
  5. Rakesh seemed unusually _____ after the game, (cast)
Answers:
  1. overthrow
  2. breakthrough
  3. bypass
  4. lookout
  5. downcast

II. The -ing and -ed adjective.

Question: 1

Think of suitable -ing or -ed adjectives to answer the following questions. You may also use words from those given above.

How would you describe

  1. a good detective serial on television? ____
  2. a debate on your favourite topic ‘Homework Should Be Banned’? ____
  3. how you feel when you stay indoors due to incessant rain? ____
  4. how you feel when you open a present? ____
  5. how you feel when you watch your favourite programme on television? ____
  6. the look on your mother’s face as you waited in a queue? ____
  7. how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger reserve forest? _____
  8. the story you have recently read, or a film you have seen? _____

Answers:

(Sample answers are given; you may have a different answer.)

  1. exciting
  2. interesting
  3. bored
  4. excited
  5. interested
  6. disappointed
  7. thrilled
  8. thrilling

Question: 2

Now use the adjectives in the exercise above, as appropriate, to write a paragraph about Coorg.

Answer:  Coorg, a verdant jewel nestled amidst the Western Ghats, is a mesmerizing tapestry of natural splendor. Its rolling, emerald hills, adorned with cascading waterfalls and mist-kissed peaks, create a breathtaking panorama. Lush, coffee plantations blanket the landscape, exuding a rich, intoxicating aroma that fills the air. The region's pristine rivers, teeming with aquatic life, offer exhilarating opportunities for adventure seekers. With its salubrious climate, abundant wildlife, and warm, hospitable people, Coorg stands as an enchanting escapade for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility

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