Glimpses of India
I. Baker from Goa
Introduction: In the chapter "A Baker from Goa", the author reminisces about
his childhood days in Goa, where the tradition of baking was an essential part
of village life. This charming narrative provides a glimpse into the culture and
daily life of the Goan people, particularly their fondness for freshly baked
bread, which was an integral part of every household.
Theme: The theme of "A Baker from Goa" revolves around the significance of
tradition, culture, and community. The chapter highlights how traditional
professions, like that of the village baker or pader, played a crucial role in the
social and cultural fabric of Goan life. Through the narrative, the author
emphasizes the importance of preserving customs and local practices, even as
times change.
Word Meaning
reminiscing nostalgically thinking fondly of the past
a quantity of bread that is shaped and baked in one
loaves
piece and usually sliced
vanished gone
mixers persons kneading the flour
moulders persons giving bread a particular shape
furnace very hot enclosed chamber
extinguished put out
thud a dull and heavy sound
jingle a light ringing sound
parapet A low protective wall along the edge of a roof
fragrance scent, smell
feast party
prosperous marked success or economic well-being
plump physique pleasantly fat body
open testimony public statement about a character or quality
staff stick
rebuke disapproval or scolding
heralding announcing
Question and Answer
Question 1: What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Answer: The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days
and their love for the famous bread loaves. The writer also mentions that
although the eaters of loaves have vanished, the bread makers still do exist.
, Question 2: Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Answer:Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. It is evident from the fact
that the bread makers still exist, though the eaters have gone away. The
presence of the mixers, moulders, the ones who bake the loaves and the time-
tested furnaces are a proof of their existence.
Question 3: When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run
to meet him?
Answer: The baker would come twice everyday—once he would set out early
in the morning and the second time when he returned after emptying his huge
basket by selling all his bread.
The children would run to meet him as they loved to eat loaves and longed to
have bread-bangles which they chose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread
of special make.
Question 4: Who invites the comment — “he is dressed like a pader”? Why?
Answer:Any person who wears a half-pant that reaches just below the knees
invites this comment— “he is dressed like a pader”. This is because the bakers,
who are popularly known as paders in Goa, used to dress in a similar fashion.
Question 5:Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded?
Answer:The bakers usually collected their bills at the end of the month and
their monthly accounts were recorded on some wall in the house with a pencil.
Question 6:What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?
Answer:A ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ means a plump physique. A baker used to
have such a physique since it was believed that he and his family never
starved. Baking was a lucrative profession and the baker, his family and his
servants always looked happy and prosperous with their physical appearance.
Question 7:Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
Answer:Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. It is often used for
marriage gifts and feasts. Bread is also used by mothers for preparing
sandwiches during their daughters’ engagement. The author mentions that the
fragrance of fresh loaves is loved by everyone in Goa. The elders are served
loaves and the youngsters long for bread-bangles. Therefore, it is necessary to
have bread for all occasions in every household. Baking is therefore considered
a profitable business in Goa as people have loved tasty bread since the
Portuguese days.
Extra Question
Question 1: Comment on the significance of a bread baker in a traditional
Goan village.
Answer: Bread is a permanent item of a Goan meal and the baker is an
important member of the Goan community. Besides, sweet bread ‘bol’ is a
special delicacy, served at festivals with cakes and bolinhas which area special
chart at Christmas. A baker’s furness is therefore indispensable in a traditional
Goan village.
Question 2:Should we learn from the history that has passed on to us from
generations?
I. Baker from Goa
Introduction: In the chapter "A Baker from Goa", the author reminisces about
his childhood days in Goa, where the tradition of baking was an essential part
of village life. This charming narrative provides a glimpse into the culture and
daily life of the Goan people, particularly their fondness for freshly baked
bread, which was an integral part of every household.
Theme: The theme of "A Baker from Goa" revolves around the significance of
tradition, culture, and community. The chapter highlights how traditional
professions, like that of the village baker or pader, played a crucial role in the
social and cultural fabric of Goan life. Through the narrative, the author
emphasizes the importance of preserving customs and local practices, even as
times change.
Word Meaning
reminiscing nostalgically thinking fondly of the past
a quantity of bread that is shaped and baked in one
loaves
piece and usually sliced
vanished gone
mixers persons kneading the flour
moulders persons giving bread a particular shape
furnace very hot enclosed chamber
extinguished put out
thud a dull and heavy sound
jingle a light ringing sound
parapet A low protective wall along the edge of a roof
fragrance scent, smell
feast party
prosperous marked success or economic well-being
plump physique pleasantly fat body
open testimony public statement about a character or quality
staff stick
rebuke disapproval or scolding
heralding announcing
Question and Answer
Question 1: What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Answer: The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days
and their love for the famous bread loaves. The writer also mentions that
although the eaters of loaves have vanished, the bread makers still do exist.
, Question 2: Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Answer:Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. It is evident from the fact
that the bread makers still exist, though the eaters have gone away. The
presence of the mixers, moulders, the ones who bake the loaves and the time-
tested furnaces are a proof of their existence.
Question 3: When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run
to meet him?
Answer: The baker would come twice everyday—once he would set out early
in the morning and the second time when he returned after emptying his huge
basket by selling all his bread.
The children would run to meet him as they loved to eat loaves and longed to
have bread-bangles which they chose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread
of special make.
Question 4: Who invites the comment — “he is dressed like a pader”? Why?
Answer:Any person who wears a half-pant that reaches just below the knees
invites this comment— “he is dressed like a pader”. This is because the bakers,
who are popularly known as paders in Goa, used to dress in a similar fashion.
Question 5:Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded?
Answer:The bakers usually collected their bills at the end of the month and
their monthly accounts were recorded on some wall in the house with a pencil.
Question 6:What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?
Answer:A ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ means a plump physique. A baker used to
have such a physique since it was believed that he and his family never
starved. Baking was a lucrative profession and the baker, his family and his
servants always looked happy and prosperous with their physical appearance.
Question 7:Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
Answer:Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. It is often used for
marriage gifts and feasts. Bread is also used by mothers for preparing
sandwiches during their daughters’ engagement. The author mentions that the
fragrance of fresh loaves is loved by everyone in Goa. The elders are served
loaves and the youngsters long for bread-bangles. Therefore, it is necessary to
have bread for all occasions in every household. Baking is therefore considered
a profitable business in Goa as people have loved tasty bread since the
Portuguese days.
Extra Question
Question 1: Comment on the significance of a bread baker in a traditional
Goan village.
Answer: Bread is a permanent item of a Goan meal and the baker is an
important member of the Goan community. Besides, sweet bread ‘bol’ is a
special delicacy, served at festivals with cakes and bolinhas which area special
chart at Christmas. A baker’s furness is therefore indispensable in a traditional
Goan village.
Question 2:Should we learn from the history that has passed on to us from
generations?
