Q.1 Describe the journey of Rajvir and Pranjol to Assam.
Answer: Rajvir and Pranjol were travelling by train to Assam during the summer vacation. Rajvir was very excited as he had never seen so much greenery before. On the way, he observed vast stretches of paddy fields and later the beautiful tea gardens. A tea vendor came to their compartment shouting “Chai-garam,” and almost everyone was drinking tea. While Pranjol was busy reading his detective book, Rajvir kept looking out of the window and enjoying the scenic beauty.

Q.2 How did Rajvir describe the magnificent view of the tea gardens?
Answer: Rajvir described the tea gardens as a magnificent sight. He saw a vast stretch of tea bushes spreading like a green sea against the backdrop of densely wooded hills. The tea plants were neatly pruned to the same height. Tall and sturdy shade trees stood among them. Small figures of tea pluckers, carrying bamboo baskets on their backs, were busy plucking the tender leaves. The entire scene looked beautiful and well-organised.

Q.3 Why didn’t Pranjol share Rajvir’s excitement on seeing the tea gardens?
Answer: Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement because he had been born and brought up on a tea plantation. For him, tea gardens were a common sight. He was used to seeing them every day. Therefore, what seemed new and fascinating to Rajvir was ordinary and familiar to Pranjol.

Q.4 Write about the legends regarding the discovery of tea.
Answer: There are two famous legends about the discovery of tea. One legend says that a Chinese emperor always boiled water before drinking it. One day, some tea leaves accidentally fell into the boiling water and gave it a pleasant flavour. That is how tea was discovered. Another Indian legend is about Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk. It is said that he cut off his eyelids to avoid sleep during meditation, and tea plants grew from them. The leaves of those plants, when boiled in water, helped to banish sleep.

Q.5 What information did Rajvir give about the history of tea?
Answer: Rajvir told Pranjol that tea was first drunk in China around 2700 B.C. He also mentioned that the words ‘tea’, ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are of Chinese origin. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century and was initially used more as a medicine than as a beverage. Over time, it became a popular drink all over the world.

Q.6 Describe the tea pluckers as seen by Rajvir.
Answer: Rajvir saw groups of tea pluckers working in the gardens. They were wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets on their backs. They were carefully plucking the newly sprouted tender leaves from the tea bushes. From a distance, they looked like small doll-like figures moving among the neatly arranged rows of plants.

Q.7 What do you learn about Assam from the chapter?
Answer: From the chapter, we learn that Assam has the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. It is famous for its vast tea gardens and natural beauty. The state has green paddy fields, wooded hills and well-maintained tea estates. Tea production plays a very important role in the life and economy of Assam.

Q.8 How did Rajvir prepare himself before visiting Assam?
Answer: Rajvir had read as much as he could about tea before visiting Assam. He gathered information about its history, legends and origin. He even knew about the second-flush or sprouting period, which produces the best tea. His knowledge surprised Pranjol’s father, who appreciated his preparation.

Q.9 What is meant by the ‘second-flush’ or ‘sprouting period’? Why is it important?
Answer: The ‘second-flush’ or ‘sprouting period’ refers to the time from May to July when new leaves grow on the tea plants. This period is very important because it yields the best quality tea. The fresh, tender leaves plucked during this time produce tea with a rich flavour and aroma.

Q.10 How does the chapter show that tea is a popular beverage?
Answer: The chapter shows that tea is extremely popular. Rajvir mentions that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. Even in the train compartment, almost everyone was drinking tea. These details highlight how widely consumed and loved tea is across different countries.

Q.11 Who was Mr. Barua? What role does he play in the chapter?
Answer: Mr. Barua was Pranjol’s father and the manager of a tea garden in Upper Assam. He welcomed Rajvir warmly and drove the boys to Dhekiabari Tea Estate. He appreciated Rajvir’s knowledge about tea. Through him, readers get a closer look at the life and functioning of a tea estate.

Q.12 Describe the appearance of the tea estate managed by Pranjol’s father.
Answer: The tea estate was vast and well-maintained. Acres of tea bushes were neatly pruned to the same height on both sides of the gravel road. Tall shade trees stood among the bushes. Tea pluckers moved about with baskets on their backs, carefully picking the tender leaves. The estate looked organised, green and full of life.

Q.13 What kind of person is Rajvir? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Rajvir is curious, observant and eager to learn. He shows deep interest in tea and gathers information about its history and legends. He carefully observes the scenery during the journey. His excitement on seeing the tea gardens and his preparation before visiting Assam show that he is enthusiastic and hardworking.

Q.14 What message do you get from the chapter ‘Tea from Assam’?
Answer: The chapter gives us knowledge about the origin and popularity of tea. It highlights the beauty of Assam and the importance of tea plantations. It also shows the value of curiosity and preparation, as seen in Rajvir’s character. The lesson makes us appreciate the effort of tea workers and the cultural importance of tea.

Q.15 Describe the contrast between Rajvir and Pranjol in the chapter.
Answer: Rajvir is excited, curious and amazed by the tea gardens because everything is new to him. He eagerly observes the scenery and shares interesting facts about tea. On the other hand, Pranjol is calm and indifferent because he is used to the surroundings. While Rajvir sees the tea estate as something extraordinary, Pranjol sees it as a normal part of his daily life. This contrast makes the story lively and realistic.