Chapter 5: Glimpses of India

Answer: The pader, or traditional village baker in Goa, held a central role in the community, responsible for supplying bread which was essential for social and religious occasions. Traditionally, paders dressed in the kabai and conducted daily morning rounds to deliver bread. With time, the mode of operation has evolved, yet the cultural significance remains largely unchanged.

Answer: Coorg, known for its coffee and spices, boasts a distinct culture rooted in martial traditions with influences possibly traced back to Greek and Arab ancestors. They are known for their hospitality, unique attire resembling the Arabs, and a rich history of valor as evidenced by the Coorg Regiment. Comparatively, regions like Rajasthan also have a martial heritage, but their desert landscapes and Rajput architecture diverge from Coorg's lush, forested terrains.

Answer: Tea plantations significantly influence Assamese social life, creating a unique cultural identity around tea festivals and economic activities. Plantations provide employment and define landscapes, and the cultural practices around tea ceremonies foster community bonds. Assam's identity as a major tea producer affects its interactions both domestically and internationally.

Answer: The chapter portrays Coorg as a place where nature deeply resonates with human life. The natural landscape offers scenic beauty and resources such as the Kaveri river, influencing local activities like agriculture and tourism. The people's interactions with the environment through farming, like coffee cultivation, and recreation, like rafting, reflect a harmonious coexistence.

Answer: Goa's bread-making tradition was shaped by Portuguese colonial influences introduced during their occupation. The art of making leavened, oven-baked bread became integral to local cuisine, continuing even after their departure. This tradition reflects a blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, maintained through generations of Goan bakers, or paders.