Dive into Coorg by Lokesh Abrol, a fascinating chapter from Glimpses of India in the Class 10 English First Flight textbook. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to ace your exams: a detailed summary, vocabulary, collocations, subjective questions, MCQs, and much more. Explore Coorg’s natural beauty, unique culture, and adventurous spirit with our curated content! Perfect for Class 10 Board Exam preparation.
Summary of Coorg by Lokesh Abrol
(From Chapter 7: Glimpses of India by Lokesh Abrol)
A Heavenly Escape in Karnataka
Coorg, or Kodagu, is a small district in Karnataka, often called a “piece of heaven.” Located midway between Mysore and Mangalore, it is a land of rolling hills, dense rainforests, coffee plantations, and spices. Its beauty and charm make it a captivating destination, offering an escape into nature.
The Proud Kodavus: A Unique Culture
The region is home to fiercely independent people who take pride in their unique culture and traditions. The Kodavus, the people of Coorg, are thought to be of either Greek or Arabic origin. One theory links them to Alexander the Great’s soldiers who stayed back, while another is based on their traditional attire, the kuppia, which resembles the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds. Kodavus are known for their bravery and hospitality. The Coorg Regiment of the Indian Army is highly respected, and Coorgis are the only Indians allowed to carry firearms without a licence.
Nature’s Paradise: Rainforests and Coffee
Coorg’s natural beauty is unmatched, with its evergreen rainforests covering about 30% of the district. The monsoons bring heavy rains, but the best time to visit is between September and March when the weather is pleasant. The air smells of coffee, and colonial bungalows add to its charm.
The Lifeline of Coorg: Kaveri River
The Kaveri River originates here, surrounded by forests and hills. The river is home to mahaseer fish, while kingfishers, squirrels, and langurs play near its waters. Elephants can be seen enjoying baths under the care of their mahouts. For adventure seekers, Coorg offers activities like trekking, river rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Breathtaking Views and Cultural Gems
A trek to the Brahmagiri hills gives visitors panoramic views of the misty landscape. Nearby, Nisargadhama Island, connected by a rope bridge, is another attraction. Visitors can also encounter Buddhist monks at Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement in India, adding a cultural surprise to the visit.
Coorg: The Soul of India
Coorg, with its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers a glimpse into the heart of India, making it a destination like no other.
Difficult Words Meanings of Coorg (Chapter 7 Glimpses of India)
| Words/Expressions | Meaning |
|---|---|
| drifted from | Been carried along gently by air |
| martial | Having to do with war |
| canopies | Roof-like coverings that form shelters |
| prime | Here, best |
| mainstream | A tradition which most people follow |
| tales of valour | Stories of courage and bravery, usually in war |
| most decorated | Having received the maximum number of awards for bravery in war |
| laidback | Relaxed; not in a hurry |
| rafting | Travelling in a river in a raft (a floating platform made by tying planks together) |
| canoeing | Travelling in a river in a canoe (a large, narrow boat) |
| rappelling | Going down a cliff by sliding down a rope |
| trails | Paths created by walking |
| panoramic view | A view of a wide area of land |
| evergreen rainforests | Forests that stay green all year round |
| invigorating | Refreshing and energising |
| kuppia | A long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by Kodavus |
| kuffia | Traditional Arabic headgear |
| hospitality | Friendly and generous treatment of guests |
| Kodagu | Another name for Coorg, the smallest district in Karnataka |
| mahouts | People who take care of and manage elephants |
| monks | Religious men devoted to a life of prayer and meditation |
| settlement | A place where a community lives |
| Bylakuppe | India’s largest Tibetan settlement |
| misty | Covered with mist; unclear or foggy |
| Brahmagiri | A range of hills in Coorg offering scenic views |
Thinking about the Text
1. Where is Coorg?
Very Short Answer Type:
Coorg is located midway between Mysore and Mangalore in Karnataka.
2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent?
Short Answer Type:
The Kodavu people are said to be of Greek or Arabic descent. One theory suggests that a part of Alexander’s army settled here, while another points to similarities in their attire with the Arabs.
3. What are some of the things you now know about:
(i) The people of Coorg?
Short Answer Type:
The Coorgi people are proud, independent, and known for their hospitality. They follow distinct martial traditions, and their bravery is celebrated, as seen in the decorated Coorg Regiment of the Indian Army.
(ii) The main crop of Coorg?
Very Short Answer Type:
Coffee is the main crop of Coorg.
(iii) The sports it offers to tourists?
Short Answer Type:
Tourists can enjoy river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking on scenic trails.
(iv) The animals you are likely to see in Coorg?
Short Answer Type:
You might see elephants, macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris, kingfishers, and the mahaseer fish in Coorg.
(v) Its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?
Long Answer Type:
Coorg is about 260 km from Bangalore. Visitors can reach Coorg by road, which is the most common and convenient option, with scenic drives enhancing the journey.
4. Find phrases from the text that mean the same:
(i) During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg.
Answer: It pours enough to keep many visitors away.
(ii) Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there.
Answer: A part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here.
(iii) The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’ valour.
Answer: They are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers.
(iv) Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy adventure sports of Coorg.
Answer: The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure.
(v) The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear.
Answer: The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt.
(vi) Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy.
Answer: Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy.
Thinking about the Language
Collocations
Certain words ‘go together’. Such ‘word friends’ are called collocations. The collocation of a word is ‘the company it keeps’. For example, look at the paired sentences and phrases below. Which is a common collocation, and which one is odd? Strike out the odd sentence or phrase.
(a) • ‘How old are you?’ (b) • a pleasant person
- ‘How young are you?’ • a pleasant pillow
- Here are some nouns from the text.
culture monks surprise experience weather tradition
Work with a partner and discuss which of the nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives given below. The first one has been done for you.
ANSWER:
| Noun | Collocations |
|---|---|
| culture | unique culture, ancient culture |
| monks | ancient monks, serious monks |
| surprise | sudden surprise, unforgettable surprise |
| experience | unforgettable experience, unique experience, wide experience |
| weather | terrible weather, unique weather |
| tradition | ancient tradition, unique tradition |
- Complete the following phrases from the text. For each phrase, can you find at least one other word that would fit into the blank?
ANSWER:
| Phrase | Other Possible Words |
|---|---|
| (i) tales of | tales of courage, tales of mystery |
| (ii) coastal | coastal towns, coastal regions |
| (iii) a piece of | a piece of heaven, a piece of advice |
| (iv) evergreen | evergreen rainforests, evergreen memories |
| (v) plantations | coffee plantations, tea plantations |
| (vi) bridge | rope bridge, suspension bridge |
| (vii) wild | wild creatures, wild adventures |
Additional Examples:
- tales of fantasy
- coastal beauty
- a piece of art
- evergreen forests
- tea plantations
- railway bridge
- wild animals
Extract-Based MSQs from Coorg
(From Chapter 7: Glimpses of India)
Extract 1
“Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure.”
Q1.1: What is Coorg famously known for?
- Tea plantations
- Spices and coffee plantations
- Snow-covered mountains
- Dry deserts
Key: 2
Q1.2: Why do fewer visitors come to Coorg during the monsoons?
- It is too hot.
- There are no tourist attractions.
- Heavy rains discourage visitors.
- The roads are blocked.
Key: 3
Q1.3: Which time of the year is best to visit Coorg?
- June to August
- September to March
- April to June
- December to February
Key: 2
Extract 2
“The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream.”
Q2.1: What does the word “martial” refer to in the context of Coorgis?
- Cultural traditions
- Traditions related to war and bravery
- Religious practices
- Family customs
Key: 2
Q2.2: What evidence links the Kodavus to the Arabs?
- Their language
- Their geographical location
- Their traditional attire, kuppia
- Their food habits
Key: 3
Q2.3: How are Coorg’s cultural traditions different from the Hindu mainstream?
- They follow unique martial and religious practices.
- They only practise agriculture.
- They have no interest in religious rites.
- They are influenced entirely by Western culture.
Key: 1
Extract 3
“The river, Kaveri, obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. Mahaseer — a large freshwater fish — abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch, while squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit for the mischief of enjoying the splash and the ripple effect in the clear water.”
Q3.1: Where does the river Kaveri originate?
- Mysore
- Mangalore
- The hills and forests of Coorg
- The Brahmagiri hills
Key: 3
Q3.2: Which animal is not mentioned as part of the river’s ecosystem?
- Mahaseer fish
- Tigers
- Squirrels
- Langurs
Key: 2
Q3.3: What playful activity is mentioned about squirrels and langurs?
- Building nests in trees
- Dropping partially eaten fruit into the river
- Swimming in the river
- Playing on the riverbanks
Key: 2
Extract 4
“The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings you into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama. Running into Buddhist monks from India’s largest Tibetan settlement, at nearby Bylakuppe, is a bonus.”
Q4.1: What can tourists see from the Brahmagiri hills?
- Coffee plantations
- Panoramic views of Coorg’s misty landscape
- Ancient ruins
- Beaches and islands
Key: 2
Q4.2: What is Nisargadhama?
- A coffee estate
- A forest reserve
- A 64-acre island accessible by a rope bridge
- A monastery
Key: 3
Q4.3: What makes Bylakuppe special?
- It is a famous wildlife sanctuary.
- It is India’s largest Tibetan settlement.
- It is the origin of the Kaveri River.
- It is home to ancient Hindu temples.
Key: 2
Important Questions from Coorg for Board Exams
1. Describe the natural beauty of Coorg as mentioned in the chapter.
The natural beauty of Coorg lies in its evergreen rainforests, rolling hills, and coffee plantations. The district is covered with lush greenery and experiences a pleasant climate from September to March. The river Kaveri originates here, surrounded by forests that are home to diverse wildlife. Visitors enjoy panoramic views from the Brahmagiri hills and the misty landscape adds to the charm.
2. Who are the Kodavus, and what are their origins?
The Kodavus are the people of Coorg, known for their independence and martial traditions. They are believed to be of Greek or Arabic descent. One theory suggests they are descendants of Alexander’s soldiers who settled in the region, while another links their traditional attire, the kuppia, to Arabic culture.
3. What role does coffee play in the life of Coorg?
Coffee is the main crop of Coorg and an integral part of its identity. The air in the region is filled with the invigorating aroma of coffee. Coffee plantations, along with colonial bungalows, enhance the scenic beauty of the district and contribute to its economy.
4. What is the significance of the Coorg Regiment in the Indian Army?
The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army, known for its bravery and service. General Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was a Coorgi. Kodavus are the only community in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence, showcasing their martial tradition.
5. Why is the monsoon season not ideal for visiting Coorg?
The monsoon season in Coorg experiences heavy rainfall, which discourages tourists. The weather is wet and might cause inconvenience in exploring the natural beauty and attractions of the region. The ideal time to visit is between September and March when the weather is pleasant and enjoyable.
6. How does the chapter highlight the adventurous side of Coorg?
Coorg offers numerous adventurous activities like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Its scenic walking trails are perfect for trekkers. The region’s rivers, hills, and forests provide a natural playground for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
7. What makes Nisargadhama and Bylakuppe unique tourist attractions?
Nisargadhama is a 64-acre island accessible by a rope bridge, known for its serene beauty. Bylakuppe is India’s largest Tibetan settlement, offering visitors a chance to experience Buddhist culture and meet monks in their vibrant robes. Both attractions provide a unique cultural and natural experience.
8. How does Coorg reflect India’s cultural diversity?
Coorg reflects India’s diversity through its unique traditions, which are distinct from mainstream Hindu culture. Its Greek and Arabic influences, martial practices, coffee plantations, and the presence of Buddhist monks at Bylakuppe showcase a rich mix of cultures and lifestyles.
9. Describe the wildlife of Coorg as portrayed in the chapter.
Coorg’s forests and rivers are home to diverse wildlife. The river Kaveri supports mahaseer fish, kingfishers, and elephants. The forests house macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris, creating a rich ecosystem that adds to Coorg’s natural beauty.
10. What does the chapter tell us about the hospitality of Coorgi people?
Coorgi people are known for their warm hospitality. They love sharing tales of their ancestors’ bravery and are always welcoming to visitors. Their friendly and generous nature makes Coorg an inviting destination for tourists seeking cultural connection and natural beauty.
15 MCQs from Coorg for Board Exam Practice!
1. Where is Coorg located?
- (a) Between Mysore and Mangalore
- (b) Between Bangalore and Mysore
- (c) Near the Western Ghats
- (d) Near Bylakuppe
Answer key: (a) Between Mysore and Mangalore
2. What is Coorg famously known as?
- (a) The land of spices
- (b) Coffee country
- (c) Tea paradise
- (d) The coastal town
Answer key: (b) Coffee country
3. What percentage of Coorg is covered with rainforests?
- (a) 50%
- (b) 30%
- (c) 70%
- (d) 20%
Answer key: (b) 30%
4. Why is the monsoon not an ideal season to visit Coorg?
- (a) The roads get blocked by landslides
- (b) It rains heavily during monsoons
- (c) The weather becomes too cold
- (d) Wildlife activity is minimal
Answer key: (b) It rains heavily during monsoons
5. Which river originates in Coorg?
- (a) Godavari
- (b) Narmada
- (c) Kaveri
- (d) Mahanadi
Answer key: (c) Kaveri
6. What is the traditional attire of Kodavus called?
- (a) Kuffia
- (b) Saree
- (c) Kuppia
- (d) Mundu
Answer key: (c) Kuppia
7. Which theory suggests the Kodavus are of Arabic descent?
- (a) Their physical features resemble Arabs
- (b) Their traditional attire resembles Arabic clothing
- (c) Their cuisine is influenced by Arabic dishes
- (d) They use Arabic language in rituals
Answer key: (b) Their traditional attire resembles Arabic clothing
8. Who was the first Chief of the Indian Army from Coorg?
- (a) General Thimayya
- (b) General Cariappa
- (c) General Manekshaw
- (d) General Rawat
Answer key: (b) General Cariappa
9. Which adventurous activity is NOT mentioned in the chapter?
- (a) Rock climbing
- (b) Paragliding
- (c) River rafting
- (d) Rappelling
Answer key: (b) Paragliding
10. What do Kingfishers do in Coorg’s rivers?
- (a) Hunt for fish
- (b) Build nests
- (c) Clean the rivers
- (d) Sing songs
Answer key: (a) Hunt for fish
11. What is Nisargadhama?
- (a) A mountain range
- (b) A Tibetan monastery
- (c) A 64-acre island
- (d) A wildlife sanctuary
Answer key: (c) A 64-acre island
12. Which of the following animals can be seen in Coorg?
- (a) Tigers and lions
- (b) Slender loris and Malabar squirrels
- (c) Camels and horses
- (d) Snakes and lizards
Answer key: (b) Slender loris and Malabar squirrels
13. Why are Kodavus permitted to carry firearms without a licence?
- (a) They are descendants of Alexander’s army
- (b) It is a tradition of their martial culture
- (c) It is a law made by the government of Karnataka
- (d) They are exempted due to religious reasons
Answer key: (b) It is a tradition of their martial culture
14. Which of the following best describes the climate in Coorg from September to March?
- (a) Dry and cold
- (b) Wet and humid
- (c) Pleasant with occasional showers
- (d) Extremely hot
Answer key: (c) Pleasant with occasional showers
15. Where can one see Buddhist monks near Coorg?
- (a) Brahmagiri hills
- (b) Nisargadhama
- (c) Bylakuppe
- (d) Mangalore
Answer key: (c) Bylakuppe