It is a subjective question from The Glimpses of India class 10 English textbook The First Flight. To avoid rote learning, CBSE is trying to inculcate the habit of deep thinking and comprehensive evaluation among students by putting competency-based questions in the exams. Given below is a long question from Glimpses of India’. A sample answer has been added here to facilitate students and develop the habit of writing.
India is not a nation, nor a country. It is a subcontinent of nationalities.” Comment with reference to your understanding of the stories given in ‘Glimpses of India’.
ANS: The statement “India is not a nation, nor a country. It is a subcontinent of nationalities” implies that India is not a homogenous entity with a single culture, language, or identity, but a diverse and complex society with multiple ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups.
This assertion is supported by the stories presented in ‘Glimpses of India,’ which showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India. For instance, the story ‘A Baker from Goa’ highlights the unique culture and traditions of Goa, which differs significantly from other regions of India. Similarly, ‘Tea from Assam’ brings attention to the distinct identity and customs of Assamese people, while ‘The Rajputs’ sheds light on the history and traditions of Rajputana.
Moreover, the story ‘A glimpse of the Himalayas’ demonstrates the vastness and complexity of India’s geography and the diverse ways of living of the people inhabiting the region. Similarly, ‘The Sari’ highlights the diversity of clothing traditions in India, with different regions and communities having their unique styles and designs.
Overall, the stories presented in ‘Glimpses of India’ showcase the diversity and complexity of India’s society and culture, supporting the assertion that India is not a homogenous nation or country, but a subcontinent of nationalities.