Page 90

Think as you read

Q1. Briefly describe the scene observed by the author from the veranda of his bungalow on the bank of the Brahmaputra.
Answer: From the veranda of his bungalow on the bank of the Brahmaputra, the author had a “splendid view of the river and its shipping and, beyond, the Himalayas.” In the foreground was Peacock Island with the dome of a Hindu temple just visible through the trees.

Q2. What is the belief about the dividing channel between Peacock Island and the mainland of Guwahati that the author mentions?
Answer: The author mentions the belief that if the channel between Peacock Island and the mainland of Guwahati ever dried up completely, it would mean “the end of the British Raj.”

Q3. What does the author say about the importance of Guwahati? Is the statement true in our time today also?
Answer: The author says that Guwahati was the “port of entry” into Assam in his time. Yes, the statement is true even today, as Guwahati is a major hub and is known as the “Gateway to the North-East.”

Page 91

Think as you read

Q1. What character of the North Bank of the Brahmaputra does the author refer to?
Answer: The author refers to the North Bank’s character as “a vast, remote stretch of flat, ageless land” between the Brahmaputra’s sandbanks and the Himalayan foothills. It was a strange place where rivers would dry up or disappear underground, and it was the home of many wild animals.

Q2. What information does the author give us about Manas Wild Life Sanctuary?
Answer: The author mentions that in the Manas Sanctuary, bordering the Himalayan state of Bhutan, there were a “few rhino.” He also mentions that the rivers were full of “mahseer” and that the banks were a favourite site for the Governor’s Christmas camps.

Q3. Describe the author’s experience of crossing a flooded river on horseback on the North Bank of the Brahmaputra.
Answer: The author’s experience of crossing a flooded river on horseback was difficult and adventurous. He had to persuade his horse to plunge into the water, and he then slipped over its “croup” and hung on to its tail. He used the horse’s tail as a “rudder” to steer himself and the horse, and they eventually made a safe landing on the other side.

Page 92

Think as you read

Q1. Relate the author’s experiences of the road accident during the monsoon on the North Bank.
Answer: During the monsoon, the dirt tracks on the North Bank became “distinctly dicy” due to the heavy rain. The road the author was on became greasy, and after one skid led to another, his car “slithered over the edge into a paddy field” some six feet below the road. He and his family had a “most bumpy ride” before they were able to get back onto the road.

Q2. Relate the author’s reminiscence of the forest bungalow at Kulsi.
Answer: The author’s reminiscence of the forest bungalow at Kulsi is a fond one. He says that it was “delightfully situated on a wooded spur above the river” and was surrounded by teak plantations. He also mentions that “Ficus elastica” (rubber plant) grew nearby, but no tapping had taken place for some years.

Page 93

Understanding the text

Q1. Give an account of the author’s experiences of the floods on the North Bank of the Brahmaputra during the monsoon.
Answer: The author describes the North Bank as a “hot bed of malaria” during the rainy season and says that it was best avoided. The rivers were in flood, and the bamboo bridges were often washed away. He recounts his experience of crossing a flooded river on horseback and of his car skidding into a paddy field due to the greasy road. He also mentions that a whole series of “ghats” or landing places had to be constructed at different levels due to the constant rise and fall of the rivers.

Q2. Relate the author’s observation on the use of mar boats as a mode of river transport in Assam.
Answer: The author observes that the “mar” boat was a “tedious” but “ingenious” mode of river transport. It consisted of a plank platform covering two open boats. These were either paddled across the river or were connected by a running cable to another stretched across the river and were propelled by the force of the current. This device worked very well and was a reliable mode of transport in those days.

Q3. Give the author’s description of a sal forest.
Answer: The author describes the sal forest on the South Bank as a “country of low hills and valleys.” The trees were “interspersed with villages and cultivation,” and the forest itself had more of the character of an “English woodland.”

Q4. Describe the author’s experience with bats in the Rajapara forest bungalow.
Answer: The author’s experience with bats in the Rajapara forest bungalow was unpleasant. He says that the bungalow would have been charming if it were not for the bats that lived in the roof. Their droppings were a “constant reminder” of their presence, and the “fusty smell of bat” was always with them. He also mentions seeing “huge fruit-eating bats” with a “wing span of five feet” gliding through the air at dusk.

TALKING about the text

Q1. The author makes a reference to “Peacock Island” located close to the Forest Officer’s bungalow on the bank of the Brahmaputra. Can you make a guess which island the author is referring to? What is the ‘Hindu temple’ mentioned in the lesson (You may consult any books on the temples/heritage sites/history and archaeology of Guwahati)
Answer: The author is referring to the Umananda Island, which is a river island in the Brahmaputra. It is also known as Peacock Island due to its shape. The ‘Hindu temple’ mentioned in the lesson is the Umananda Temple, a Shiva temple located on the island.

Q2. Today Guwahati (note the change in spelling) is highlighted as the “Gateway to the North-East”. What was the status of Guwahati like in the period around 1947. (You may draw references from the lesson.)
Answer: In the period around 1947, Guwahati was the “port of entry” into Assam. Most travellers passed through it on their way to other places, and it was not a major destination in itself. It was a quiet town with a forest officer’s bungalow on the bank of the river. The author mentions that occasionally, they would have “unusual visitors,” such as a tiger that had been washed up by a flood.

Q3. The author mentions a rubber plantation near Kulsi. Why had no rubber-tapping taken place for some years then? Find out the present situation of rubber plantation in the State.
Answer: No rubber-tapping had taken place for some years because Indian rubber was no longer able to compete with para rubber commercially. Today, the situation has changed. Rubber is a major cash crop in Assam, and the state has a significant area under rubber plantations. It is a source of livelihood for thousands of people and contributes significantly to the state’s economy.

THINKING about language

Q1. One of the interesting features of the vocabulary of English is that it is enriched by borrowings from a large number of languages. Likewise, English has enriched the vocabulary of other languages too. There are a large number of borrowings from English in Assamese and vice versa. In this lesson you will find a few words that are borrowings from Assamese. Read these sentences: (a) More usually crossings were made in a mar boat. (b) Close to the bungalow was a large bheel. (c) This was the home of the Assam cheetal. Find out a few more examples of (i) Assamese words that are used in English and (ii) English words used in Assamese.
Answer:
(i) Assamese words used in English:
• Charpoy: A light bedstead, from Assamese charpai.
• Jute: A plant fiber, from Assamese jut.
• Bora: A type of rice, from Assamese bora.
• Gamosa: A traditional Assamese towel, used in English texts about Assamese culture.
(ii) English words used in Assamese:
• Bus: From English bus.
• Ticket: From English ticket.
• Court: From English court.
• Table: From English table.
• Chair: From English chair.

Q2. Notice the underlined words in these sentences and tick the option that best explains their meanings:
(a) The pug marks of the large cat were clearly traceable.
Answer: (iii) footprints
(b) The rivers were full of mahseer.
Answer: (iv) fresh water fish
(c) I once forded one of these rivers on horseback.
Answer: (ii) crossed the river without using a bridge
(d) It was an eerie spot where trees skeletons still rose out of the water.
Answer: (ii) causing a strange fear

WRITING

Q1. Deforestation in Assam and elsewhere has resulted in loss of habitats for wild life besides destroying the ecological balance. Design a poster on the evils of deforestation. (Hints: The sal forests around Kulsi today have nearly disappeared.)
Answer:
POSTER
Stop Deforestation. Save Our Planet.
Headline: Don’t let our forests disappear.
Image: A tree that is half-green and half-brown and withered. The green side shows a vibrant forest with animals, while the brown side shows a barren landscape with the skeletons of trees.
Tagline: When you cut a tree, you cut a life.
Body:
• Loss of habitats for wildlife.
• Increased global warming.
• Soil erosion and floods.
• Loss of ecological balance.
Call to action: Plant more trees. Save our forests.
Signature: A forest officer.

Q2. Write a letter to the editor of a local English daily drawing the attention of the State Government and the Inland Water Transport Corporation for exploring the feasibility of introducing regular water-transport facilities along the Brahmaputra to touch important river side towns.
Answer:
The Editor,
The Assam Tribune,
Guwahati, Assam.

Subject: Need for regular water-transport facilities along the Brahmaputra.

Dear Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the State Government and the Inland Water Transport Corporation to the urgent need for introducing regular water-transport facilities along the Brahmaputra River.

The Brahmaputra is a lifeline of Assam, and it has the potential to be a major mode of transport for both passengers and goods. In the past, river transport was a common sight, but today it is a lost art. The introduction of regular water-transport facilities would not only reduce road traffic but would also be a more eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transport.

I urge the authorities to explore the feasibility of introducing regular water-transport facilities to connect important riverside towns. This would not only boost the economy but would also be a great way to promote tourism.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

Q3. Write a factual description of a flood situation.
Answer:
A flood is a devastating natural disaster that can cause immense damage and loss of life. It is a situation where an area of land that is usually dry is submerged under water. Floods can be caused by heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, and the melting of snow and ice.

During a flood, the water rises rapidly and can enter homes and buildings, damaging property and forcing people to evacuate. The floodwaters can also cause landslides, destroy crops, and contaminate drinking water. The situation can be especially dangerous for children and the elderly. After a flood, people are left homeless and have to deal with the aftermath, including a lack of food, water, and sanitation.