Class 10 English Prose 7 Glimpses of India

April 29, 2025

What makes India so unique and diverse? Have you ever wondered how different regions of our country contribute to its rich culture and heritage? What stories lie behind the coffee we drink, the lands we travel, or the people we meet?

Chapter 7 “Glimpses of India” from the Class 10 English textbook takes you on a vibrant journey across three different parts of India – Coorg in Karnataka, the historical bakeries of Goa, and the mesmerising hills of Assam. This chapter is a collection of three short narratives that not only showcase the cultural variety of India but also give readers a taste of its history, traditions, and everyday life.

Whether you're revising for your board exams or simply trying to understand the important points of the chapter, this blog offers clear, easy-to-follow notes to help you grasp the main ideas, character sketches, themes, and questions from each section. Let's explore these beautiful snapshots of India together!

CBSE Class 10 Glimpses of India  Notes

The Glimpses of India class 10 notes will provide a summary and topic-wise details to help students understand what the story is about. Below, we have provided the links to downloadable PDFs of chapter-wise Notes for class 10 English and that too for different categories of marks.

<cta2>Notes<cta2>

S.No. Table Of Content
1 Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Class 10: Important Notes
2 Part II – Coorg (by Lokesh Abrol)
3 Part III – Tea from Assam (by Arup Kumar Datta)
4 Quick Revision Tips:
5 Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Class 10: Character Sketch?
6 Why is Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Class 10 Included?
7 How Can This Chapter-wise Material Help Students?
8 Common Mistakes Students Make in Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Class 10
9 Conclusion

Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Class 10: Important Notes

Chapter 7 “Glimpses of India” from the Class 10 CBSE English textbook is a beautiful collection of three short pieces, each highlighting the charm of a different Indian region. These stories are rich in culture, heritage, and local traditions. Below are the important points and important notes from each part of the chapter to help you understand and remember the chapter easily.

Part I – A Baker from Goa (by Lucio Rodrigues)

Summary

This story reflects on the Portuguese influence in Goa and the tradition of bread-making that continues to this day. The narrator recalls his childhood days when bakers, known locally as pader, were an important part of Goan life.

Important Notes:

  • Goa has a strong Portuguese influence, especially in its food and traditions.
  • Bakers were once essential members of the community.
  • The bread was baked in wood-fired ovens and delivered door-to-door.
  • The sound of the baker’s bamboo stick was a familiar and pleasant one.
  • Traditional Goan weddings and festivals always included bread.

Themes:

Cultural heritage, colonial influence, nostalgia, simplicity of life.

Message:

Preserving traditions is important as they connect us to our roots and identity.

Part II – Coorg (by Lokesh Abrol)

Summary

This piece gives a detailed description of Coorg (also known as Kodagu), a small district in Karnataka. It is famous for its coffee plantations, brave people, and natural beauty.

Important Notes:

  • Coorg is located midway between Mysore and Mangalore.
  • The region is known for its coffee, spices, evergreen forests, and wildlife.
  • The Kodavas, people of Coorg, are known for their hospitality and bravery.
  • Coorg is believed to have Greek or Arab ancestry.
  • Activities like river rafting, trekking, and birdwatching are popular here.
  • The author also mentions the Kaveri river, Buddhist monks, and the peaceful surroundings.

Themes:

Nature’s beauty, adventure, history, pride in one’s culture.

Message:

India's natural beauty and regional diversity make it a land of wonder and tradition.

Part III – Tea from Assam (by Arup Kumar Datta)

Summary

This part is set in Assam and follows a conversation between two friends travelling through the tea gardens of the region. The story introduces the origin and significance of tea in India and the world.

Important Notes:

  • Assam is one of the world’s largest tea-producing regions.
  • The story talks about how tea was discovered – one legend says by a Chinese emperor, another by Bodhidharma.
  • Tea plantations in Assam are scenic and play a big role in the local economy.
  • The narrator explains how tea is grown, processed, and consumed globally.
  • The visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate gives insight into the lives of tea workers.

Themes:

Discovery, travel, agriculture, regional pride.

Message:

Understanding the origins of everyday things, like tea, helps us value them more.

Quick Revision Tips:

  • Remember the setting, main characters, and cultural highlights of each part.
  • Focus on the central theme and message conveyed by the author.
  • Prepare short character sketches and note important terms (like pader, Kodavas, Kaveri).
  • Practice answering short and long-answer questions using keywords from the notes.

Chapter 7 Glimpses of India is more than just a collection of stories — it’s a journey through the soul of India. From the comforting smell of Goan bread to the misty hills of Coorg and the endless tea gardens of Assam, this chapter shows the beauty in everyday lives and local traditions. These notes will help you revise quickly and effectively for your Class 10 English board exam.

Chapter 7 Glimpses of India  Class 10: Character Sketch?

Chapter 7 of Glimpses of India from Class 10 consists of three sub-stories, each highlighting unique aspects of India's culture, people, and traditions. Below is a character sketch for important figures mentioned in the stories:

  1. The Baker from Goa

A friendly and cheerful person, the baker is an essential part of Goan life. He symbolizes tradition, as baking bread is a profession passed down through generations. The baker's daily routine reflects dedication and hard work, as he wakes early to deliver bread. His personality exudes warmth, and he brings joy to the community with his presence and the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods.

  1. The Kodava People:

The Kodavas are known for their bravery, hospitality, and deep connection to nature. They are depicted as proud and independent, with a rich history of martial traditions. Their love for coffee, adventure, and their unique customs make them stand out.

  1. The Land (Personified):

Coorg itself feels like a character, with its lush green hills, coffee plantations, and serene environment, adding to the mystique and charm of the Kodava people.

  1. Rajvir:

Rajvir is an inquisitive and observant young boy who is excited about his visit to Assam’s tea estates. His enthusiasm and curiosity drive the narrative as he marvels at the beauty of the tea gardens and learns about the history and significance of tea.

  1. Pranjol:

Pranjol, Rajvir’s friend, is a calm and knowledgeable character who acts as a guide. Being from Assam, he is familiar with the tea estates and shares insights about them, contrasting Rajvir's excitement with his composed demeanour.

Why is Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Class 10 Included?

Chapter 7, Glimpses of India, is included in the Class 10 CBSE English syllabus to give students a deeper appreciation of India's diversity, culture, and heritage. Here are a few reasons why this chapter is important:

Celebrates India’s Diversity

The chapter showcases different aspects of India’s cultural and natural diversity, such as the Portuguese influence in Goa, the lush greenery of Coorg, and the sprawling tea estates of Assam. This helps students understand the unique identities of different regions.

Enhances Cultural Awareness

By reading about the traditions, lifestyles, and history of these places, students become more aware of the richness of Indian culture and develop a sense of pride and belonging.

Develop imagination and Curiosity.

The vivid descriptions of landscapes, customs, and daily life inspire students to visualize and imagine the beauty of these places, fostering curiosity about other cultures and regions.

Improves Language Skills

Through engaging narratives and descriptive writing, students learn new vocabulary, expressions, and ways to craft compelling stories.

Encourages Travel and Exploration

The chapter motivates students to explore the world beyond their environment, nurturing a spirit of adventure and exploration.

How Can This Chapter-wise Material Help Students?

Chapter-wise material, like the content for Glimpses of India, can significantly benefit students in multiple ways:

Enhances Understanding

  • Simplifies Complex Ideas: Breaking down the chapter into summaries, character sketches, and themes makes the material easier to grasp.
  • Focuses on important Points: Students can concentrate on the important aspects, avoiding unnecessary confusion.

Saves Time

  • Quick Revision: Well-structured chapter material allows students to revise efficiently before exams.
  • Targeted Study: They can revisit specific sections, such as themes or character sketches, without rereading the entire chapter.

Improves Exam Preparation

  • Focus on Frequently Asked Questions: Includes common questions on themes, character analysis, and summary, which are likely to appear in exams.
  • Boosts Writing Skills: By learning structured answers, students can frame their responses better in exams.

Builds Cultural Awareness

  • Deepens Appreciation of Diversity: The chapter material highlights cultural, geographical, and historical aspects, helping students appreciate India's richness.
  • Encourages Broader Learning: By understanding real-world examples, students can connect literature to history, geography, and social studies.

Develops Analytical Thinking

  • Themes and Characters: Exploring themes and character sketches helps students think critically and interpret the text better.
  • Improves Comprehension Skills: The material encourages students to analyze the meaning behind the narratives.

Reduces Stress

  • Structured Content: With clear, concise material, students feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
  • Increases Retention: Summaries and important points improve memory retention, making studying more effective.

Common Mistakes Students Make in Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Class 10

Studying Chapter 7: Glimpses of India can be enjoyable and informative, but many students make small yet important mistakes that can affect their exam performance. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here’s a simple and clear list of the most common errors students tend to make — and how you can steer clear of them.

Mixing Up the Three Parts

Common Mistake:

Students often confuse details from the three different sections — A Baker from Goa, Coorg, and Tea from Assam.

Tip to Avoid:

Read each section separately and clearly note the place, key themes, and important cultural details. Create a short summary for each to keep them distinct in your memory.

Forgetting the Author's Names

Common Mistake:

Many students skip remembering who wrote each section, which can cost marks in exams.

Tip to Avoid:

Write down the author’s name with each title during revision. Use flashcards or quick recall games to memorise them:

  • Lucio Rodrigues – A Baker from Goa
  • Lokesh Abrol – Coorg
  • Arup Kumar Datta – Tea from Assam

Ignoring Cultural and Historical References

Common Mistake:

Overlooking important cultural or historical references, such as Portuguese traditions in Goa or the Arab-Greek ancestry of the Kodavas.

Tip to Avoid:

Pay attention to cultural facts as they often come up in value-based questions. Make note of unique traditions or historical background from each story.

Writing Vague Answers

Common Mistake:

In exams, students sometimes give general answers without specific details from the text.

Tip to Avoid:

Use keywords and examples directly from the chapter, such as “pader” for the baker in Goa or “Kaveri River” in Coorg. These make your answers stronger and more accurate.

Missing Out on the Message or Theme

Common Mistake:

Focusing only on the summary and forgetting to understand the deeper message or theme of each piece.

Tip to Avoid:

After reading each part, ask yourself: What is the writer trying to show about India or its culture? Understanding this helps you answer long questions better.

Skipping Practice Questions

Common Mistake:

Not solving enough previous year questions or sample questions based on this chapter.

Tip to Avoid:

Practise at least 3–4 short and long answer questions for each section. This will build your confidence and help you write clear, exam-ready responses.

Not Revising Regularly

Common Mistake:

Reading the chapter once and not revisiting it during revision time.

Tip to Avoid:

Review your notes regularly and revise important points weekly. This will help you retain facts without last-minute stress.

Avoiding these common mistakes in Chapter 7: Glimpses of India can make a big difference in your exam scores. Focus on understanding each section clearly, keep your answers well-structured, and don’t forget the small but important details. With regular revision and smart preparation, scoring high in this chapter becomes much easier!

In essence, chapter-wise material acts as a guide that streamlines learning, makes preparation more manageable, and fosters a deeper understanding of the subject. At Educart we have provided these questions and other support materials, so teachers can help the students practice these types of questions thoroughly. These PDFs can be downloaded just with a click and user authentication.

move to top arrow
book image

Buy Latest Books

teacher illustration

Teacher's Specimen