Tea From Assam Class 10: Chapter Summary, Legends & Key Notes
ABOUT THE LESSON:
"Tea From Assam," written by Arup Kumar Datta, is an engaging chapter from the Class 10 English textbook (First Flight, Glimpses of India). The story follows two classmates, Rajvir and Pranjol, on a train journey to Pranjol’s home state of Assam, the tea capital of the world. Through Rajvir’s curiosity and fascination, the chapter explores the lush green landscapes of tea gardens and delves into popular legends surrounding the discovery of tea—from an ancient Chinese emperor to the Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma. It provides students with a picturesque view of tea plantation life and highlights the significance of Assam's famous second-flush harvest season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Arup Kumar Datta is an acclaimed Indian writer and journalist from Assam, best known for his captivating children's fiction and educational writings. Born in Jorhat, Assam, in 1946, his deep connection to his homeland strongly influences his vivid descriptions of Assamese culture and scenery. He holds a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Delhi and spent several years teaching before becoming a full-time author. Datta has written over 16 books for children and numerous adult non-fiction works, earning international recognition including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2018. His story "Tea From Assam" beautifully showcases his knack for blending local heritage, history, and engaging storytelling for young readers.
QUESTION ANSWERS --2 marks each)
1. Why was Rajvir excited during the train journey?
Ans: Rajvir was extremely excited because he was visiting Assam for the first time. Having never seen such vast stretches of greenery and beautiful tea gardens before, the picturesque landscape fascinated him deeply.
2. How did Pranjol react to Rajvir’s excitement about the tea gardens?
Ans: Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s level of excitement because he was born and brought up on a tea estate. For Pranjol, seeing tea plantations was a regular, everyday sight.
3. What is the Chinese legend regarding the discovery of tea?
Ans: According to the Chinese legend, an ancient Chinese emperor always boiled water before drinking it. One day, a few leaves from the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water, giving it a delicious flavor. These were said to be tea leaves.
4. What is the Indian legend about the origin of tea?
Ans: According to the Indian legend, an ancient Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids, and when their leaves were put in hot water and drunk, they banished sleep.
5. Where were the words 'tea' and 'chai' originally derived from, according to Rajvir?
Ans: According to Rajvir, tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C. Words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ originated from the Chinese language.
6. When and how was tea introduced to Europe?
Ans: Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. Initially, it was consumed and used more as a medicine rather than a popular daily beverage.
7. Describe Dhekiabari Tea Estate as seen by Rajvir.
Ans: Dhekiabari Tea Estate was managed by Pranjol’s father. On both sides of the gravel road were acre upon acre of neatly pruned tea bushes, all cut to the same height, where groups of tea-pluckers wore plastic aprons and carried bamboo baskets on their backs.
8. What is the second-flush season, and why is it important?
Ans: The second-flush or sprouting period lasts from May to July. It is considered the most important period because it yields the best quality tea of the entire year.
9. How did Rajvir prepare himself before visiting Assam?
Ans: Rajvir had done extensive reading and research about tea, its history, legends, and cultivation before arriving in Assam, which surprised and impressed Pranjol’s father.
10. What sight did Rajvir see as the train neared Mariani Junction?
Ans: As the train neared the station, Rajvir saw soft green paddy fields giving way to vast tea bushes, along with tall, sturdy shade trees and a chimney emitting smoke from a distant tea factory.
1. Who is the author of "Tea From Assam"?
Ans: Arup Kumar Datta
2. Which state is known as the tea country?
Ans: Assam
3. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol studying?
Ans: Delhi
4. What was Pranjol’s father by profession?
Ans: Manager of a tea garden (Dhekiabari Tea Estate)
5. In which country was tea first drunk?
Ans: China
6. Around which year was tea first consumed in China?
Ans: 2700 B.C.
7. Which Indian Buddhist ascetic cut off his eyelids to avoid sleep during meditation?
Ans: Bodhidharma
8. How many tea plants grew out of Bodhidharma’s eyelids?
Ans: Ten (10)
9. In which century did tea come to Europe?
Ans: Sixteenth century )
10. What is the main period for the second-flush or sprouting season of tea?
Ans: May to July
MCQ WITH ANSWER---
1. Who accompanied Rajvir on his trip to Assam?
(a) Mr. Barua
(b) Pranjol
(c) Bodhidharma
(d) Arup Kumar Datta
Ans: (b) Pranjol
2. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol studying?
(a) Assam
(b) Kolkata
(c) Delhi
(d) Mumbai
Ans: (c) Delhi
3. According to Rajvir, over how many cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?
(a) 80 thousand
(b) 80 lakh
(c) 80 crore
(d) 800 crore
Ans: (c) 80 crore
4. What was Pranjol’s father’s role at Dhekiabari?
(a) Tea plucker
(b) Garden Manager
(c) Train driver
(d) Factory owner
Ans: (b) Garden Manager
5. Which country is believed to be the place where tea was first drunk?
(a) India
(b) Japan
(c) China
(d) England
Ans: (c) China
6. When was tea drunk in China for the first time?
(a) 2700 B.C.
(b) 1600 A.D.
(c) 500 B.C.
(d) 1900 A.D.
Ans: (a) 2700 B.C.
7. Who was Bodhidharma in the Indian legend about tea?
(a) A Chinese Emperor
(b) An ancient Buddhist ascetic
(c) A tea estate owner
(d) A British officer
Ans: (b) An ancient Buddhist ascetic
8. In which century was tea introduced to Europe?
(a) Fourteenth century
(b) Fifteenth century
(c) Sixteenth century
(d) Eighteenth century
Ans: (c) Sixteenth century
9. When tea was first brought to Europe, it was drunk more as a _______ than as a beverage.
(a) Tonic
(b) Medicine
(c) Soft drink
(d) Soup
Ans: (b) Medicine
10. Which period yields the best quality tea (second-flush)?
(a) January to March
(b) May to July
(c) August to October
(d) November to December
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