5.3. Glimpses of India -Tea from Assam- Part 3- Class 10 - First Flight

BhashaLab
Jun 5
3 min read

📘 Chapter Notes: Tea from Assam

Author: Arup Kumar Datta

Textbook Name: First Flight

Genre: Travelogue / Descriptive Non-Fiction

📝 Summary

This chapter narrates the experience of Rajvir, a schoolboy, who visits Assam—India’s famous tea-growing state—during his summer vacation with his classmate, Pranjol. While on a train journey, Rajvir is amazed by the lush green tea gardens stretching endlessly, contrasting with Pranjol’s familiarity with the place. Rajvir shares interesting facts and legends about tea’s origin, including both Chinese and Indian stories. They eventually arrive at Dhekiabari Tea Estate where Rajvir observes tea-pluckers at work and discusses the second flush, the best harvest season for tea. The story not only highlights the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Assam but also educates the reader about tea’s historical, social, and commercial significance.

👤 Character Sketch:

Rajvir

Rajvir is curious, well-read, and enthusiastic. Unlike Pranjol, who is used to tea plantations, Rajvir keenly observes the environment and shares rich facts and legends about tea. His interest in learning and his appreciation for nature make him a bright and thoughtful student.

📚 Themes

Theme	Description
Curiosity and Learning	Rajvir’s passion for learning shines through his observations and knowledge.
Culture and Geography	The chapter introduces readers to Assam’s landscape and tea heritage.
Value of Everyday Things	Tea, a common beverage, is explored from historical and global angles.
Legends and Folklore	The myths around the origin of tea enrich the cultural tone of the story.

✨ Literary Devices

Device	Example	Purpose
Imagery	“Sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see”	Helps visualise the vast greenery of Assam’s tea estates
Alliteration	“steaming hot liquid”	Adds rhythm and appeal to description
Hyperbole	“Gardens to last you a lifetime”	Emphasises the vastness of tea plantations
Irony	“Tea colonised Britain”	Highlights how a foreign product became part of coloniser culture

📖 Title Justification

The title “Tea from Assam” aptly captures the focus of the chapter. Assam is known globally for its tea production. The story revolves around the journey to and the vivid experience within Assam’s tea gardens, giving the reader insights into its historical roots and everyday significance.

✅ One-Mark Questions

Who invited Rajvir to Assam?
→ Pranjol, his classmate from Assam.
What was Pranjol’s father’s occupation?
→ He was the manager of a tea garden in Upper Assam.
Name the tea estate they visited.
→ Dhekiabari Tea Estate.
What is the second flush?
→ The second harvesting period from May to July that yields the best tea.
Where is tea believed to have been first drunk?
→ In China, around 2700 B.C.

✅ Three-Mark Questions

How does the author describe the scenery outside the train?
→ The author paints a picture of endless greenery, first with paddy fields and then rows of tea bushes with shade trees and doll-like figures plucking leaves, creating a breathtaking visual.
What are the two legends about the origin of tea that Rajvir shares?
→ One is about a Chinese emperor whose boiling water accidentally got tea leaves, creating a flavourful drink. The Indian legend speaks of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, whose cut-off eyelids grew into tea plants.
Why was Rajvir excited about visiting Assam?
→ He had read extensively about tea, its origins, and harvesting. This trip gave him a chance to see the tea plantations firsthand and deepen his understanding.

🧠 Value-Based Question

Q: What does Rajvir’s attitude towards learning teach us about curiosity and awareness?

A: Rajvir’s keen interest in observing his surroundings and reading up about tea before his trip shows that genuine curiosity leads to deeper understanding and appreciation of life. His proactive learning is a reminder that we should always stay eager to explore and connect with the world meaningfully.

End

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