A Baker from Goa by Lucio Rodrigues: Complete Guide

Explore the complete guide to A Baker from Goa by Lucio Rodrigues, including a detailed summary, word meanings, comprehension checks, and essential exam questions. Perfect for Class 10 students studying First Flight Chapter 7.

Summary of A Baker from Goa by Lucio Rodrigues

This chapter reminisces about the Portuguese influence on Goan culture, particularly the tradition of bread-making. The author fondly recalls the days when the village baker, known as the pader, was an integral part of every household. The pader would carry a bamboo staff and sell freshly baked bread door-to-door, with the sound of the staff announcing his arrival. The chapter highlights how bread was indispensable for Goan celebrations, including marriages and feasts, and how even simple family meals were incomplete without it.

The bakers wore unique knee-length attire, called kabai, and the profession was often passed down through generations. Despite modernisation, traditional baking methods have endured in Goa, keeping alive a significant part of its heritage. The chapter beautifully captures the nostalgia of the old Goan way of life, emphasising the enduring legacy of the pader.

Word Meaning of A Baker from Goa

Words/Expressions	Meaning
reminiscing	Thinking fondly of the past
nostalgically	In a way that evokes sentimental longing
heralding	Announcing
rebuke	An expression of disapproval; a scolding
fragrance	Scent
plump physique	Pleasantly fat body
open testimony	Public statement about a character or quality
indispensable	Absolutely necessary
traditional	Related to customs or long-established practices
attire	Clothing or outfit
celebrations	Special occasions of joy and festivity
enduring	Lasting over a long period
profession	A job or career requiring special training
legacy	Something handed down from the past
integral	Essential or necessary for completeness
nostalgia	A sentimental longing for the past
generations	All the people born and living at about the same time
bamboo staff	A stick made of bamboo
moulders	People who shape or form objects, like dough
livelihood	A means of earning a living

Oral Comprehension Check

1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?

Very short answer type
The elders in Goa nostalgically remember the Portuguese days and their famous loaves of bread.

2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?

Short answer type
Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. The mixers, moulders, and bakers continue to make loaves using time-tested furnaces, and the thud of the baker’s bamboo is still heard in some places.

3. What is the baker called?

Very short answer type
The baker is called a pader in Goa.

4. When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to meet him?

Long answer type
The baker would come twice daily—once in the morning to sell bread and later after emptying his basket. The children eagerly ran to meet him, not for the loaves but for the bread-bangles and sweet bread he carried, which they enjoyed immensely.

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Oral Comprehension Check

1. Match the following. What is a must?

(i) As marriage gifts – cakes and bolinhas
(ii) For a party or a feast – sweet bread called bol
(iii) For a daughter’s engagement – bread
(iv) For Christmas – sandwiches

2. What did the bakers wear: (i) in the Portuguese days? (ii) when the author was young?

Short answer type
(i) In the Portuguese days, bakers wore a long, single-piece frock called kabai.
(ii) When the author was young, they wore shirts and trousers that were shorter than full-length pants.

3. Who invites the comment — “he is dressed like a pader”? Why?

Short answer type
Anyone wearing a half-pant that reaches just below the knees invites this comment because such attire resembles the traditional baker’s uniform.

4. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded?

Very short answer type
The monthly accounts of the baker were recorded on the wall with a pencil.

5. What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?

Short answer type
A ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ means being plump and well-fed, symbolising the baker’s prosperity.

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Thinking About the Text

1. Which of these statements are correct?

(i) The pader was an important person in the village in old times. – Correct
(ii) Paders still exist in Goan villages. – Correct
(iii) The paders went away with the Portuguese. – Incorrect
(iv) The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock. – Incorrect
(v) Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days. – Correct
(vi) Traditional bread-baking is still a very profitable business. – Correct
(vii) Paders and their families starve in the present times. – Incorrect

2. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?

Long answer type
Yes, bread remains an important part of Goan life. It is essential for every celebration, including marriages, feasts, and Christmas. Bread-making traditions have persisted, showing its integral role in their culture.

3. Tick the right answer.

(i) The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some places. – Nostalgic
(ii) Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. – Hopeful
(iii) I still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. – Nostalgic
(iv) The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all. – Funny
(v) Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. – Matter-of-fact
(vi) The baker and his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous. – Matter-of-fact

Writing

I. In this extract, the author talks about traditional bread-baking during his childhood days. Complete the following table with the help of the clues on the left. Then write a paragraph about the author’s childhood days.

Clues	Author’s childhood days
The way bread was baked	Bread was baked in time-tested furnaces, traditional and reliable.
The way the pader sold bread	The pader carried the bread on his head in a basket and announced his arrival by thudding a bamboo.
What the pader wore	He wore a shirt and trousers that were shorter than full-length pants.
When the pader was paid	He was paid at the end of the month, with accounts recorded on walls.
How the pader looked	The pader had a plump, well-fed appearance, described as ‘jackfruit-like’.

Paragraph about the author’s childhood days:

During the author’s childhood, the pader, or baker, was a significant figure in the Goan village. Bread was baked in traditional furnaces that were reliable and time-tested. The pader sold bread by carrying it in a basket on his head and announcing his arrival with the thud of his bamboo staff. He wore a unique uniform of short trousers and a shirt. Payments were made monthly, with accounts noted on the walls of the houses. The pader’s plump appearance symbolised prosperity and added to his cheerful and lively image. Bread was an indispensable part of life, reflecting the culture and traditions of Goa during the author’s childhood.

II. 1. Compare the piece from the text (on the left below) with the other piece on Goan bakers (on the right). What makes the two texts so different? Are the facts the same? Do both writers give you a picture of the baker?

I. Comparison of the Two Texts on Goan Bakers

Both texts focus on the significance of Goan bakers, but they differ in their tone and perspective.

1. Tone and Perspective:
   • The first text is nostalgic, reminiscing about the Portuguese era and highlighting the continuity of the baking tradition, even as the family profession is passed down.
   • The second text is factual and modern, focusing on how bakers adapted to post-liberation Goa by perfecting a door-to-door delivery system.
2. Focus on Bakers:
   • The first text emphasises the cultural and emotional connection with the bakers, their traditional methods, and their role in society.
   • The second text shifts focus to their resilience and adaptation, presenting them as preservers of Portuguese baking heritage.
3. Facts Highlighted:
   • Both agree on the enduring importance of bread-making and the bakers’ survival through changing times. However, the first text conveys this with affection, while the second emphasises practicality and adaptation.

Conclusion: While the facts remain consistent, the nostalgic tone in the first text contrasts with the pragmatic approach of the second, offering two unique perspectives on the bakers’ legacy.

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II. Descriptive Account of a Visited Place

Below is an imaginative description based on a visit to a hill station:

Shimla: A Retreat into Tranquillity
Nestled amidst the misty hills of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a captivating blend of colonial charm and natural beauty. The moment you step onto the Mall Road, the lively chatter of tourists and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greet you warmly. The Ridge offers a panoramic view of snow-clad mountains that seem to touch the azure sky.

During my visit, I marvelled at the architectural beauty of Christ Church, its stained-glass windows narrating tales of a bygone era. The trek to Jakhoo Temple, though tiring, was rewarded with a stunning view of the city wrapped in a blanket of greenery. Shimla’s unique toy train ride was the highlight, winding through pine forests and echoing tunnels.

Unlike a mere factual description, my experience of Shimla was a journey into serenity, where every sight and sound seemed like a poem etched in nature’s diary. From sipping hot tea in the biting cold to watching the golden sunset from Scandal Point, Shimla remains a retreat I will cherish forever.

Group Discussion: Baking Bread and Dying Crafts

1. Discussion on Bread Baking Then and Now

Bread Baking in the Past:

• Bread was baked in wood-fired ovens using traditional techniques.
• Ingredients were simple, and recipes were passed down through generations.
• The process was labour-intensive and often involved manual kneading and shaping.
• Bakers relied on local markets or door-to-door selling.

Modern Bread Baking:

• Automation has replaced many manual processes, making production faster and more uniform.
• Industrial bakeries use electric ovens and advanced machinery for mixing, shaping, and baking.
• Preservatives and additives are used to increase shelf life.
• Bread is now available in supermarkets and online, with a wide variety of options.

Key Changes Over Time:

• Transition from traditional, small-scale bakeries to industrial, large-scale production.
• Use of technology has reduced labour but altered the flavour and authenticity of bread.

2. Craft-Based Professions and Reviving Them

Chosen Craft: Pottery
Skills Required:

• Clay selection and preparation.
• Shaping techniques like wheel-throwing or hand-moulding.
• Drying, firing in kilns, and glazing to add finishing touches.

Reasons for Decline:

• Mass production of cheap alternatives made of plastic and metal.
• Lack of interest among the younger generation to learn traditional skills.
• High cost of raw materials and competition from industrial products.

Ways to Revive Pottery:

• Organise pottery workshops and training programmes in schools and communities.
• Provide subsidies and financial assistance to artisans.
• Promote pottery as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
• Use digital platforms to sell pottery products globally.
• Highlight cultural and artistic value through exhibitions and fairs.

Presentation Example:

“Good morning, everyone. Today, our group will discuss the beautiful craft of pottery. Pottery involves shaping and firing clay to create functional and decorative items. However, the rise of mass-produced goods has led to its decline. To revive this craft, we suggest educating the youth, supporting artisans financially, and marketing pottery as an eco-friendly option. Let us not allow this ancient tradition to fade away but instead cherish and preserve it for future generations.”

Extract-Based MCQs from A Baker from Goa

Set 1

Extract:
“Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders, and those who bake the loaves.”

Questions:

1. What does the word reminiscing in the passage mean?
   a) Forgetting the past
   b) Thinking fondly of the past
   c) Complaining about the past
   d) Ignoring the past
2. Who are described as “eaters of loaves”?
   a) The younger generation
   b) The elders who enjoyed bread in Portuguese times
   c) The bakers themselves
   d) Modern-day consumers
3. According to the passage, which of the following has not disappeared?
   a) The Portuguese culture
   b) The bread-making tradition
   c) The eaters of bread
   d) The Portuguese rulers

Answer Key:

1. b) Thinking fondly of the past
2. b) The elders who enjoyed bread in Portuguese times
3. b) The bread-making tradition

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Set 2

Extract:
“The baker or bread-seller of those days had a peculiar dress known as the kabai—long frock reaching down to the knees. In our childhood, we saw bakers wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants.”

Questions:

1. What was the kabai?
   a) A long frock worn by Portuguese women
   b) A dress worn by bakers, reaching down to the knees
   c) A modern uniform for bakers
   d) A kind of bread popular in Goa
2. How was the bakers’ dress in the narrator’s childhood different from the kabai?
   a) It was longer and traditional
   b) It was shorter and modern
   c) It had colourful designs
   d) It was not described
3. What does the passage suggest about the bakers’ identity?
   a) Their attire reflected their profession
   b) They were highly respected individuals
   c) They preferred to remain unnoticed
   d) Their attire was irrelevant to their role

Answer Key:

1. b) A dress worn by bakers, reaching down to the knees
2. b) It was shorter and modern
3. a) Their attire reflected their profession

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Set 3

Extract:
“Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol. Just as a party or a feast loses its charm without bread, so is a marriage ceremony incomplete without the bolinhas.”

Questions:

1. What does the word bol refer to in the passage?
   a) A type of sweet bread
   b) A traditional Goan outfit
   c) A type of Portuguese dance
   d) A marriage ritual
2. Why was bread considered an essential part of marriage ceremonies?
   a) It was a mark of wealth
   b) It added charm and tradition to the occasion
   c) It was a custom introduced by the British
   d) It was an offering to the elders
3. What does the passage indicate about Goan culture?
   a) Goan traditions have completely disappeared
   b) Bread-making is unrelated to cultural events
   c) Bread held great significance in traditional celebrations
   d) Portuguese culture did not influence Goan traditions

Answer Key:

1. a) A type of sweet bread
2. b) It added charm and tradition to the occasion
3. c) Bread held great significance in traditional celebrations

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Set 4

Extract:
“The baker made his musical entry on the scene with the jhang, jhang sound of his bamboo staff. He would greet the lady of the house with ‘Good morning’ and then place the basket on the vertical bamboo.”

Questions:

1. What was the significance of the jhang, jhang sound?
   a) It marked the arrival of the baker
   b) It signified the end of a celebration
   c) It was used to attract children
   d) It scared off stray animals
2. How did the baker greet the household?
   a) By singing a song
   b) By placing the bread on the bamboo
   c) By saying “Good morning”
   d) By knocking on the door
3. What does the mention of the bamboo staff suggest about the baker’s profession?
   a) It was a symbol of his authority
   b) It was a unique identity marker
   c) It was a tool for carrying bread baskets
   d) It was used to make musical sounds

Answer Key:

1. a) It marked the arrival of the baker
2. c) By saying “Good morning”
3. c) It was a tool for carrying bread baskets

Multiple Choice Questions from A Baker from Goa

Objective Questions (MCQs):

1. What does the narrator associate with the elders in Goa?
   a) Their strict rules about bread
   b) Their nostalgic stories about Portuguese days
   c) Their love for modern bakeries
   d) Their dislike for traditional bread-making
2. What is the significance of bread in Goan culture?
   a) It is just a daily food item
   b) It is only associated with festive occasions
   c) It symbolises tradition and celebration
   d) It is not important anymore
3. What is the kabai mentioned in the chapter?
   a) A Portuguese dish
   b) A traditional Goan frock
   c) A dress worn by bakers
   d) A type of sweet bread
4. What sound was associated with the baker’s arrival?
   a) The clanging of pots
   b) The jhang, jhang of his bamboo staff
   c) The chirping of birds
   d) The honking of a horn
5. How does the narrator describe the bakers in his childhood?
   a) As wealthy and influential
   b) As happy and prosperous
   c) As struggling to make ends meet
   d) As lazy and indifferent
6. Which of the following was NOT used by bakers during the narrator’s childhood?
   a) A bamboo staff
   b) A kabai
   c) A traditional Goan hat
   d) A basket for carrying bread
7. Why was bread essential for marriages in Goa?
   a) It symbolised fertility
   b) It was a source of income
   c) It made marriage gifts complete
   d) It was a luxury item
8. What is bol referred to in the chapter?
   a) A Portuguese song
   b) A type of bread used in weddings
   c) A piece of jewellery
   d) A traditional dance
9. What emotion does the narrator feel when recalling his childhood?
   a) Sadness for lost traditions
   b) Happiness and nostalgia
   c) Anger towards the Portuguese
   d) Indifference to the past
10. What was the baker’s payment mode in the old days?
    a) Daily payment in coins
    b) Paid at the end of the month
    c) Barter system with goods
    d) Weekly salary in cash
11. What physical trait was common among bakers?
    a) Tall and slim physique
    b) Short and stout physique
    c) Weak and tired appearance
    d) Athletic and muscular build
12. What does the narrator call the baker?
    a) A friend of the family
    b) A jolly man with a bamboo
    c) An important man of the village
    d) A relic of the past
13. What does the chapter suggest about the bread-making tradition?
    a) It has completely vanished
    b) It has evolved but remains significant
    c) It is no longer part of Goan culture
    d) It is now dominated by machines
14. What time of the day did bakers usually arrive?
    a) Early in the morning
    b) Late at night
    c) During lunch hours
    d) In the evening
15. What was the bamboo staff used for?
    a) Beating dough
    b) Making musical sounds to announce arrival
    c) Carrying bread baskets
    d) Supporting the baker’s weight

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Answer Key:

1. b) Their nostalgic stories about Portuguese days
2. c) It symbolises tradition and celebration
3. c) A dress worn by bakers
4. b) The jhang, jhang of his bamboo staff
5. b) As happy and prosperous
6. c) A traditional Goan hat
7. c) It made marriage gifts complete
8. b) A type of bread used in weddings
9. b) Happiness and nostalgia
10. b) Paid at the end of the month
11. b) Short and stout physique
12. c) An important man of the village
13. b) It has evolved but remains significant
14. a) Early in the morning
15. b) Making musical sounds to announce arrival

Important Questions from A Baker from Goa for Exam Practice

1. What role did bread play in the Goan community during the author’s childhood?

(Short Answer Type)
Bread played an essential role in the Goan community, particularly in daily life and during special occasions. The narrator recalls how bread, especially loaves of bread, was an integral part of celebrations, such as weddings. It symbolised festivity and was part of the rituals. People valued bread for its connection to their traditions, making it a vital part of both ordinary and extraordinary moments in Goan life.

2. What does the term “kabai” refer to in the chapter?

(Very Short Answer Type)
The term “kabai” refers to a traditional Goan dress worn by the baker. It was a type of frock worn by the baker, which symbolised their profession and distinguished them in the community.

3. How does the arrival of the baker in the village get announced?

(Short Answer Type)
The arrival of the baker was announced by the sound of his bamboo staff. As he walked along the street, he would hit the bamboo against the ground, creating a distinct sound, which the villagers could recognise. This sound became a signal that the baker had arrived, and people would eagerly await their bread.

4. Describe the physical appearance of the baker as mentioned in the chapter.

(Long Answer Type)
The baker is described as having a short, stout physique. He was a well-built man, which was quite common among bakers due to the physical demands of their work. The baker’s round shape and plump figure reflected his active lifestyle, and his appearance was one that the narrator associated with comfort and familiarity. His physical presence was also linked to the traditional nature of his profession.

5. What kind of traditional bread was made by the bakers, and what significance did it hold?

(Short Answer Type)
The bakers made a variety of traditional bread, with the most prominent being the pav (loaf). This bread held cultural significance, especially during weddings and other celebratory events. It was a symbol of prosperity and happiness, often distributed during weddings as part of the gifts exchanged. The traditional methods of baking bread, passed down from the Portuguese, became a cherished aspect of Goan life.

6. Why did the narrator feel nostalgic about the old days of bread-making?

(Long Answer Type)
The narrator felt nostalgic about the old days of bread-making because it reminded him of a time when the community was closely connected to its traditions. The presence of the baker, his traditional ways of making bread, and the excitement that came with his arrival brought a sense of warmth and togetherness. The narrator longed for those days when the simple rituals of bread-baking symbolised an important part of Goan culture. His nostalgia also reflected a concern that these traditions were gradually fading as modernity took over.

7. How did the baker’s profession contribute to the community, according to the chapter?

(Short Answer Type)
The baker’s profession contributed greatly to the community by providing a vital food source. His bread was not just food, but also a symbol of tradition and cultural identity. The baker’s role was integral to social events like weddings and other celebrations. He was seen as a figure who upheld the traditions of the community through his craft and presence.

8. What are some of the customs associated with bread in Goan culture?

(Long Answer Type)
In Goan culture, bread was closely tied to celebrations and customs. It was considered an essential part of weddings, where it was given as a gift, symbolising prosperity and good fortune. The narrator recalls how the baker, dressed in his traditional kabai, would deliver fresh bread in the early hours of the morning. These customs highlighted the importance of bread in both everyday life and special occasions, illustrating the deep cultural roots of this tradition. Bread was not just food, but a key part of Goan heritage, exchanged during important life events and seen as a gift from the past.

9. What changes have occurred in the bread-making process since the author’s childhood?

(Short Answer Type)
Since the author’s childhood, the traditional process of bread-making has changed significantly. Modern bakeries have replaced the traditional methods, using machines and more commercial techniques. The once common practice of baking bread in wood-fired furnaces has declined, and with it, the familiar image of the baker with his bamboo staff. The changes are partly due to the evolution of technology and the decline of traditional professions in the face of modernisation.

10. What impact did the Portuguese influence have on the bread-making tradition in Goa?

(Long Answer Type)
The Portuguese had a big influence on bread-making in Goa. They introduced new types of bread, like the pav, and baking methods using stone ovens. Local bakers, called paders, kept these traditions alive. Over time, however, modern changes have affected these practices. Still, the bread-baking tradition shows the mix of Portuguese and Goan culture that shapes Goa’s identity today.