This comprehensive guide on “Tea from Assam” from the Glimpses of India section of the Class 10 NCERT English textbook offers an in-depth exploration of the chapter by Arup Kumar Dutta. The guide includes a detailed summary, word meanings, question answers, extract-based MCQs, important questions, and exercises to help students thoroughly understand the chapter. With a focus on the history and significance of tea in Assam, the post also provides practical speaking and writing activities. Perfect for exam preparation, this post covers all aspects of the chapter to aid Class 10 students in mastering key concepts for their board exams.
- Summary of Tea from Assam by Arup Kumar Dutta
- Word Meanings of Part 3 Glimpses of India
- Question Answer of Tea from Assam
- Extract-Based MCQs from Tea from Assam by Arup Kumar Dutta
- Important Questions and Answers: Tea from Assam
- MCQs – Class 10 – First Flight – Chapter 7 – Tea from Assam – by Arup Kumar Datta
- Exercises from the Chapter
- Speaking and Writing (Tea from Assam)
Summary of Tea from Assam by Arup Kumar Dutta
The chapter Tea from Assam, a part of Glimpses of India from the NCERT English textbook for Class 10, narrates the fascinating journey of two friends, Rajvir and Pranjol, to the lush tea plantations of Assam. The story blends Rajvir’s enthusiasm and curiosity about tea with Pranjol’s familiarity with the region, offering readers a delightful mix of information and vivid descriptions.
As the story begins, the two friends are on a train, sipping hot tea. Rajvir enthusiastically shares interesting facts about tea, mentioning that over 80 crore cups of tea are consumed daily worldwide. As the train travels through Assam, the scenery transitions to sprawling tea gardens, which mesmerises Rajvir. He marvels at the neat rows of tea bushes, shaded by tall trees, and the sight of workers plucking fresh leaves.
Pranjol, being a native of Assam and the son of a tea garden manager, is less impressed by the scenery, having grown up amidst tea estates. He informs Rajvir that Assam boasts the largest concentration of tea plantations globally.
Rajvir, however, is brimming with knowledge he had recently gathered about tea. He narrates Chinese and Indian legends about its origin, including the story of a Chinese emperor who accidentally discovered tea when leaves fell into his boiling water, and the tale of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk whose eyelids gave rise to tea plants.
The story concludes at the Dhekiabari Tea Estate, managed by Pranjol’s father. The boys witness tea workers engaged in plucking during the second-flush season, renowned for producing high-quality tea. Rajvir’s knowledge and curiosity impress Pranjol’s father, setting the tone for Rajvir’s exploration of the tea industry in Assam.
This chapter not only provides insight into the history, cultivation, and cultural significance of tea but also celebrates the natural beauty and industrious spirit of Assam.
Word Meanings of Part 3 Glimpses of India
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vendor | A person who sells things, especially on the street or in a market. |
| Compartment | A section of a train where passengers sit. |
| Plantation | A large farm where crops like tea or coffee are grown. |
| Magnificent | Very beautiful or impressive. |
| Densely | Closely packed together. |
| Stretch | To spread over a large area. |
| Sturdy | Strong and solid. |
| Legend | An old story, often not proven true, but widely believed. |
| Ascetic | A person who lives a simple life without luxury, often for religious reasons. |
| Medicinal | Something used to heal or treat illness. |
| Junction | A place where train tracks or roads meet. |
| Pruned | Trimmed or cut to keep plants neat and healthy. |
| Sprouting | Growing new shoots or leaves. |
| Veered | Turned suddenly in a different direction. |
| Baskets | Containers made of woven material, often used for carrying things. |
| Yield | To produce or provide something, like crops or results. |
Question Answer of Tea from Assam
Question: How does the chapter Tea from Assam describe the tea gardens of Assam?
Answer: The chapter describes Assam’s tea gardens as vast, lush green expanses stretching endlessly. They are surrounded by wooded hills, dotted with shade trees, and filled with orderly rows of tea bushes where workers are busy plucking fresh tea leaves.
Question: What information does Rajvir share about the history of tea?
Answer: Rajvir shares fascinating legends about tea’s discovery, such as the Chinese emperor who accidentally brewed tea when leaves fell into boiling water. He also mentions the Indian legend of Bodhidharma. Tea was first consumed in China around 2700 B.C. and later reached Europe in the 16th century as a medicinal drink.
Question: What is the significance of the “second-flush” period mentioned in the story?
Answer: The second-flush or sprouting period, lasting from May to July, is vital because it produces the best quality tea. Rajvir’s knowledge of this impresses Pranjol’s father during their visit to the tea estate.
Question: How did tea become popular worldwide according to Rajvir?
Answer: Rajvir explains that tea spread from China to Europe during the 16th century, initially used as medicine. Over time, it became one of the most popular beverages globally, with over 80 crore cups consumed daily.
Question: Why is Pranjol not as fascinated by the tea gardens as Rajvir?
Answer: Pranjol has grown up in Assam and is accustomed to seeing tea gardens, so they do not excite him as much. In contrast, Rajvir is seeing them for the first time and finds them mesmerising.
Question: What role do tea-pluckers play in the tea-making process?
Answer: Tea-pluckers collect the newly sprouted leaves, an essential step in the tea-making process. They work in groups, wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets to gather the tea leaves efficiently.
Extract-Based MCQs from Tea from Assam by Arup Kumar Dutta
Set 1
Extract:
“CHAI-GARAM… garam-chai,” a vendor called out in a high-pitched voice.
He came up to their window and asked, “Chai, sa’ab?”
“Give us two cups,” Pranjol said.
Questions:
- Who called out “CHAI-GARAM… garam-chai”?
a) A passenger
b) A vendor
c) Rajvir
d) Pranjol - What did Pranjol ask for?
a) A cup of coffee
b) A newspaper
c) Two cups of tea
d) Snacks - What was the vendor selling?
a) Coffee
b) Tea
c) Biscuits
d) Books
Answer Key:
- b) A vendor
- c) Two cups of tea
- b) Tea
Set 2
Extract:
“It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees.”
Questions:
- What formed the backdrop of the tea bushes?
a) A river
b) Wooded hills
c) A building
d) A road - What were the tiny tea plants dwarfed by?
a) Tall shade-trees
b) Bamboo baskets
c) Tea pluckers
d) Chimneys - How does the author describe the view?
a) Ugly
b) Magnificent
c) Ordinary
d) Confusing
Answer Key:
- b) Wooded hills
- a) Tall shade-trees
- b) Magnificent
Set 3
Extract:
“Do you know that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?” Rajvir said.
“Whew!” exclaimed Pranjol. “Tea really is very popular.”
Questions:
- How many cups of tea are drunk daily worldwide, according to Rajvir?
a) Eighty lakh
b) Eighty crore
c) One crore
d) One lakh - What was Pranjol’s reaction to the popularity of tea?
a) He was shocked.
b) He ignored it.
c) He laughed at it.
d) He felt sad. - Who mentioned the worldwide consumption of tea?
a) Pranjol
b) Rajvir
c) Pranjol’s father
d) The tea vendor
Answer Key:
- b) Eighty crore
- a) He was shocked.
- b) Rajvir
Set 4
Extract:
“Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added, “as far back as 2700 B.C.! In fact, words such as tea, ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are from Chinese.”
Questions:
- According to Rajvir, where was tea first drunk?
a) India
b) China
c) Europe
d) Assam - What does the word ‘chai’ originate from?
a) Hindi
b) Latin
c) Chinese
d) English - When was tea first consumed, according to Rajvir?
a) 1500 B.C.
b) 1000 A.D.
c) 2700 B.C.
d) 16th century
Answer Key:
- b) China
- c) Chinese
- c) 2700 B.C.
Important Questions and Answers: Tea from Assam
Questions and Answers
- Question: Where were Rajvir and Pranjol travelling, and why?
Answer: Rajvir and Pranjol were travelling to Assam. Pranjol was returning home during the summer vacation, and Rajvir had been invited to visit the tea estates of Assam. - Question: Describe the tea gardens as observed by Rajvir during the train journey.
Answer: Rajvir observed a magnificent view of a sea of tea bushes spreading as far as the eye could see, with tall shade-trees towering over the tiny tea plants against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. - Question: Why did Rajvir mention the history of tea?
Answer: Rajvir mentioned the history of tea to share his knowledge and excitement about its origin. He explained that tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C. and later became popular worldwide. - Question: What does Rajvir say about the popularity of tea worldwide?
Answer: Rajvir mentioned that over eighty crore cups of tea are consumed daily worldwide, indicating the immense popularity of tea as a beverage. - Question: How does the author describe the role of shade-trees in tea gardens?
Answer: The author describes tall, sturdy shade-trees as an essential part of the tea gardens, providing the necessary shade to the delicate tea plants. - Question: What is the significance of Assam in the tea industry?
Answer: Assam is one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world, known for its vast tea plantations and high-quality tea. It plays a vital role in India’s tea industry. - Question: Why did Pranjol exclaim, “Tea really is very popular”?
Answer: Pranjol exclaimed this after learning from Rajvir that eighty crore cups of tea are consumed daily worldwide, which surprised him. - Question: Explain the importance of the phrase “a sea of tea bushes” in the story.
Answer: The phrase “a sea of tea bushes” highlights the vastness and beauty of the tea gardens, creating an image of endless green fields, which captivates Rajvir during his journey. - Question: What connection does the story make between the words ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ with Chinese culture?
Answer: The story explains that the words ‘chai’ (tea) and ‘chini’ (sugar) have Chinese origins, reflecting the historical connection between Chinese culture and the origin of tea. - Question: What can we infer about Rajvir’s character from his observations and comments during the journey?
Answer: Rajvir is observant, curious, and enthusiastic. He enjoys learning new things, as seen in his keen interest in the tea gardens and his knowledge of tea’s history and origin.
MCQs – Class 10 – First Flight – Chapter 7 – Tea from Assam – by Arup Kumar Datta
Objective Questions (MCQs):
- Rajvir and Pranjol were travelling to:
a) Kolkata
b) Darjeeling
c) Assam
d) Sikkim - Pranjol invited Rajvir to Assam because:
a) He wanted to show him the tea estates
b) Rajvir was interested in history
c) Rajvir was conducting research on tea
d) They were attending a festival - According to Rajvir, tea was first consumed in:
a) India
b) China
c) Britain
d) Japan - What is the estimated daily consumption of tea worldwide?
a) Forty crore cups
b) Sixty crore cups
c) Eighty crore cups
d) One hundred crore cups - The phrase “a sea of tea bushes” refers to:
a) The vastness of the tea plantations
b) The export of tea to other countries
c) The popularity of tea
d) The tea bushes near water bodies - Tea plants are shaded by:
a) Tall bamboo trees
b) Tall shade-trees
c) Mango trees
d) None of these - Which king is associated with tea leaves in China?
a) King Narakasura
b) King Bruce
c) Emperor Shen Nung
d) Emperor Akihito - What did Pranjol do while Rajvir admired the scenery?
a) He read a detective novel
b) He slept
c) He chatted with Rajvir
d) He listened to music - According to Rajvir, tea was introduced to Europe:
a) Before the 16th century
b) In the 16th century
c) After the 16th century
d) In the 18th century - What kind of tea is famous in Assam?
a) Green tea
b) Black tea
c) White tea
d) Herbal tea - Why do tea bushes appear as a sea?
a) Because they are green
b) Because of their vast spread
c) Because of their height
d) Because of their movement in the wind - What does the word ‘chai’ mean in Hindi?
a) Water
b) Tea
c) Milk
d) Coffee - The tea garden workers wear:
a) Uniforms
b) Traditional dresses
c) Hats and aprons
d) Shirts and trousers - Which book was Pranjol reading during the journey?
a) A history book
b) A detective novel
c) A biography
d) A geography book - Rajvir described the tea-pluckers as:
a) Hardworking and disciplined
b) Relaxed and happy
c) Unorganised
d) Tired and stressed
Answer Key:
- c) Assam
- a) He wanted to show him the tea estates
- b) China
- c) Eighty crore cups
- a) The vastness of the tea plantations
- b) Tall shade-trees
- c) Emperor Shen Nung
- a) He read a detective novel
- b) In the 16th century
- b) Black tea
- b) Because of their vast spread
- b) Tea
- c) Hats and aprons
- b) A detective novel
- a) Hardworking and disciplined
Exercises from the Chapter
Fill in the blanks using the correct word:
- A heavy downpour has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
- Rakesh will undergo major surgery tomorrow morning.
- My brother is responsible for the upkeep of our family property.
- The dropout rate for this accountancy course is very high.
- She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a walk-in interview.
Match the verbs with the appropriate words:
- The Army attempted unsuccessfully to throw over the Government.
- Scientists are on the brink of a major breakthrough in cancer research.
- The State Government plans to build a bypass for Bhubaneswar to speed up traffic on the main highway.
- Gautama’s outlook on life changed when he realised that the world is full of sorrow.
- Rakesh seemed unusually downcast after the game.
-ing and -ed adjectives exercise:
- (i) A detective serial can be engaging and entertaining.
- (ii) A debate on banning homework might be stimulating.
- (iii) Staying indoors due to rain can feel boring.
- (iv) Opening a present feels exciting.
- (v) Watching a favourite programme is always thrilling.
- (vi) Your mother’s face in a queue might look tired or annoyed.
- (vii) Tracking a tiger is an exhilarating experience.
- (viii) A recently read story might feel thought-provoking.
Paragraph on Coorg using adjectives:
Coorg is an enchanting place nestled amidst lush greenery. Its soothing landscapes and the invigorating aroma of coffee plantations captivate visitors. The locals’ hospitality makes the experience even more heartwarming, leaving tourists feeling fulfilled and eager to return.
Speaking and Writing (Tea from Assam)
Organising a discussion on tea and its various aspects provides a great opportunity to explore the topic deeply while practising speaking and writing skills. Here’s a guide to help you:
Instructions for the Group Activity
- Form Groups of Five: Assign roles to group members—Tea Planter, Sales Agent, Tea Lover (Consumer), Physician, and Tea-Shop Owner.
- Research on Tea: Collect information on the evolution of tea, its benefits, and its economic and cultural significance.
- Plan Your Argument: Prepare your perspective based on your assigned role.
- Use Relevant Phrases: Incorporate the suggested phrases during the discussion to make it interactive and coherent.
- Conduct the Meeting: Each member presents their viewpoint while engaging with others through dialogue.
- Record Observations: Summarise the discussion as a group and prepare a written report.
Role-wise Perspective
- Tea Planter:
- Focus: Economic and agricultural aspects of tea production.
- Possible Statements:
- “I feel that tea plantations are vital for the economy, especially in regions like Assam.”
- “It is important to know that cultivating tea is labour-intensive but highly rewarding.”
- Sales Agent:
- Focus: Marketing and distribution of tea.
- Possible Statements:
- “I suggest focusing on branding and packaging to appeal to international markets.”
- “I think that tea’s popularity stems from its versatility as a beverage.”
- Tea Lover (Consumer):
- Focus: Personal enjoyment and cultural importance.
- Possible Statements:
- “I would like you to know that tea is an integral part of my daily routine.”
- “I agree with the idea that tea brings people together socially.”
- Physician:
- Focus: Health benefits and risks of tea.
- Possible Statements:
- “It is my feeling that tea has numerous health benefits, such as antioxidants that reduce stress.”
- “May I know why you overlook its potential to disrupt sleep if consumed excessively?”
- Tea-Shop Owner:
- Focus: Running a successful tea business.
- Possible Statements:
- “I think that tea is an affordable luxury that appeals to people of all classes.”
- “I am afraid many underestimate the importance of maintaining a clean and inviting tea shop.”
Example Dialogue Excerpt
Tea Lover: “I feel tea is not just a drink; it’s an experience. Every sip tells a story, whether it’s green tea, black tea, or masala chai.”
Physician: “I agree with you, but I would like you to know that excessive consumption can lead to health issues like acidity.”
Tea Planter: “It is important to know that without tea plantations, this beverage wouldn’t exist. Our labourers ensure we have the finest quality.”
Sales Agent: “I suggest promoting specialty teas with unique flavours to capture niche markets.”
Tea-Shop Owner: “I think that tea shops play a big role in popularising local teas and creating a sense of community.”
Written Summary Example
Tea has evolved from a medicinal drink in ancient China to a global beverage enjoyed in countless forms. Each stakeholder in the tea industry has a unique perspective. The planter emphasises the economic importance of tea cultivation, while the sales agent focuses on marketing strategies. The tea lover values its cultural significance, the physician highlights its health benefits and risks, and the tea-shop owner underscores its social appeal. Together, these viewpoints demonstrate tea’s multifaceted role in society.
- You are the sales executive of a famous tea company and you have been asked to draft an advertisement for the product. Draft the advertisement using the information you collected for the role play. You can draw pictures or add photographs and make your advertisement colourful.
Advertisement Draft
[Heading] Discover the Perfect Cup of Tea – Crafted for Every Moment!
“Sip into serenity, savour the flavour, and feel rejuvenated with every drop!”
Why Choose [Your Tea Brand Name]?
🌿 Pure & Fresh: Made from handpicked tea leaves from the finest plantations.
💖 Health Benefits: Loaded with antioxidants, reduces stress, and improves focus.
🍵 Variety of Flavours: From classic black tea to exotic herbal blends – there’s a tea for every mood.
🌍 Sustainably Sourced: Supporting farmers and protecting the environment.
Special Offer!
Buy one pack, get a FREE trial of our exclusive Masala Chai blend.
📞 Call Now: 1800-TEA-LOVE
🛒 Order Online: www.bestteabrew.com
[Visual Elements to Add]
- A steaming cup of tea surrounded by lush green tea gardens.
- A happy family enjoying tea in a cosy setting.
- Icons representing health benefits like a heart (for wellness) and a leaf (for natural ingredients).
Tagline: “Because every great day starts with the perfect brew!”