Bihar Board Class 12 English Book Solutions Chapter 10 | India Through a Traveler’s Eyes | Go my class

Rainbow English Book Class 12 Solutions Chapter 10 India Through a Traveler's Eyes

The Bihar Board Class 12 English Book includes various chapters for students to explore different aspects of language, literature, and culture. One such chapter is titled "India Through a Traveler's Eyes." It is an extract written by the famous travel writer, Nicolai Gorbachev, who describes his observations and experiences in India from a traveler's point of view.

Here is a summary of Chapter 10 "India Through a Traveler’s Eyes" and the solutions to its questions:

Summary: "India Through a Traveler's Eyes"

In this chapter, the author, Nicolai Gorbachev, shares his insights and impressions about India from the perspective of a foreign traveler. Gorbachev's narrative explores the contrast between India's rich cultural heritage and the challenging socio-economic conditions.

The author is struck by the vast diversity that exists in the country, from its varied languages, traditions, and customs to the contrasts between rural and urban life. He observes that India, while rich in history and culture, also faces many issues such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. The traveler also comments on the warmth and hospitality of the people of India, who despite facing hardships, always maintain a positive and welcoming attitude towards visitors.

Through the eyes of the traveler, we see India as a land full of contrasts, where modernity and tradition coexist. The country is described as both enchanting and perplexing, offering a unique and fascinating experience to anyone who visits.

Solutions to the Questions in the Chapter

Below are the solutions to the questions based on the chapter "India Through a Traveler’s Eyes."

1. Read the following statements and answer the questions that follow:

a. India is a country of contrasts.

• Answer: India is described as a land of contrasts because of its diverse culture, traditions, religions, and ways of life. The author compares the luxurious life of the rich with the poverty-stricken life of the poor, highlighting the disparities in society.

b. The author had a mixed experience in India.

• Answer: Yes, the author had a mixed experience in India. While he admired the rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and vibrant life, he was also disturbed by the poverty, political issues, and other social problems.

2. What struck the traveler about India?

• Answer: The traveler was struck by the vast contrasts in India, such as the coexistence of ancient traditions and modern progress, the hospitality of the people, and the glaring social inequalities. He was fascinated by the sheer variety of cultures, languages, and practices, but was also troubled by the challenges faced by the nation.

3. How does the author describe the people of India?

• Answer: The author describes the people of India as warm, friendly, and hospitable. Despite the many difficulties and hardships they face, the people maintain a positive attitude and are always eager to help foreigners. The author is impressed by the strength and resilience of the Indian people.

4. What is the significance of India’s cultural heritage in the traveler’s view?

• Answer: To the traveler, India’s cultural heritage holds immense significance. He views it as one of the greatest aspects of the country. The rich cultural history, with its temples, art, literature, and festivals, deeply fascinates him, reflecting the enduring traditions and values that have shaped Indian society.

5. What are the main contrasts mentioned by the author in India?

• Answer: The author mentions several contrasts in India, including:

  • The stark contrast between the rich and the poor.

  • The coexistence of modern technology with traditional lifestyles.

  • The vast differences between rural and urban areas.

  • The clash between political instability and India’s rich heritage.

6. What is the author's attitude towards India?

• Answer: The author has a mixed but overall positive attitude towards India. While he is critical of certain issues like poverty and political instability, he is greatly impressed by India’s cultural richness, diversity, and the warmth of its people. He acknowledges that India is a land full of contradictions but remains enchanted by its uniqueness.

7. What does the author mean by the term “India’s contrasts”?

• Answer: By "India’s contrasts," the author refers to the stark differences that exist within the country. These include the contrast between its rich cultural traditions and modern advancements, the urban-rural divide, and the social inequalities where some live in luxury while others struggle with poverty. These contrasts give India a unique character, according to the author.

8. How does the author describe the social life in India?

• Answer: The author describes social life in India as vibrant, colorful, and diverse. The social fabric is woven with numerous festivals, rituals, and practices that reflect the rich cultural diversity of the country. However, the author also mentions the inequalities in social life, where the poor face significant challenges, yet there is a strong sense of community and togetherness.

Here are the answers to the Bihar Board Class 12 English "India Through a Traveler’s Eyes" questions:

Objective Type Questions and Answers:

1. Pearl S. Buck visited India to see………….

   (a) the Taj Mahal

   (b) Fatehpur Sikri

   (c) the young intellectuals and the peasants

   (d) glories of empire in New Delhi.

   • Answer: (c) the young intellectuals and the peasants

     
     

2. Kashmir was invaded:

   (a) by the Japanese invaders

   (b) by the Chinese invaders

   (c) by Russian invaders

   (d) by white barbarian invaders

   • Answer: (d) by white barbarian invaders

     
     

3. Colonisation had made the Indian:

   (a) enervated and exhausted

   (b) energetic and happy

   (c) Bold and Frank

   (d) Fearless and independent

   • Answer: (a) enervated and exhausted

     
     

4. The worst effect of colonisation was seen in the form of………..

   (a) happiness

   (b) distress

   (c) unemployment

   (d) freedom

   • Answer: (c) unemployment

     
     

5. According to the writer, the main quality of a leader is……

   (a) Selfishness

   (b) Communalism

   (c) dishonesty

   (d) selflessness

   • Answer: (d) selflessness

     
     

Very Short Type Questions and Answers:

1. What does the word colour remind the writer of?

   • The word "colour" reminds the writer of the vivid and diverse colors of India, representing its rich culture, traditions, and society.

     
     

2. What were the benefits of English rule?

   • The English rule brought some administrative improvements, modern infrastructure like railways, and educational reforms, but these benefits were overshadowed by exploitation.

     
     

3. Why were the intellectuals in India restless and embittered?

   • Indian intellectuals were restless because they felt disillusioned with the British rule, as it had hindered their progress and kept them subjugated.

     
     

4. What was the ‘great lesson’ that India had to teach the West?

   • India’s great lesson to the West was its resilience, spiritual strength, and the ability to overcome colonial oppression through non-violence and peaceful resistance.

     
     

5. Where was the real indictment against the colonisation to be found?

   • The real indictment against colonization was found in the suffering of the Indian masses, the poverty, and the exploitation caused by British rule.

     
     

True or False (B. 1.1):

(i) Pearl S. Buck had an Indian family doctor.

• Answer: T

(ii) The Mongolian from Europe invaded Kashmir.

• Answer: F

(iii) According to the writer, the Indians belonged to the Caucasian race.

• Answer: F

(iv) The first woman President of the General Assembly of the United States was an Indian.

• Answer: F

(v) The writer wanted to listen to four groups of people.

• Answer: T

(vi) The young Indian intellectuals were disappointed with the English rule.

• Answer: T

(vii) Indians were willing to fight in the Second World War at England’s command.

• Answer: F

(viii) Indians believed in the mobility of means to achieve a noble end.

• Answer: T

(ix) The worst effect of colonization was seen in towns, in the form of unemployment.

• Answer: T

(x) Indians under the British rule had a life span of just twenty-seven years.

• Answer: T

  
  

Brief Answer Type Questions (B. 1.2):

1. What does the word colour remind the writer of?

   • The word "colour" evokes images of the bright, diverse, and vibrant life of India, from its people to its landscapes.

     
     

2. What were the benefits of English rule?

   • English rule brought modernization, infrastructure like railways and roads, and education systems, but these were largely designed for exploitation.

     
     

3. Why were the intellectuals in India restless and embittered?

   • The intellectuals were restless due to the lack of opportunities under British rule, which suppressed their ideas and creativity.

     
     

4. What was the great lesson that India had to teach the West?

   • India taught the West the power of spirituality, resilience, and non-violent resistance against oppression.

     
     

5. Where was the real indictment against the colonization to be found?

   • The real indictment was in the poverty, exploitation, and suffering of the Indian masses, not just in the administrative failures.

     
     

6. Why was the writer moved at the sight of the children of the Indian villages?

   • Pearl S. Buck was moved by the children’s resilience, innocence, and the harsh realities they faced due to poverty and exploitation.

     
     

True or False (B. 2.1):

(i) The writer blames the English rule for all the ills of India.

• Answer: T

(ii) Colonization had made the Indian enervated and exhausted.

• Answer: T

(iii) A long period of slavery made people quite dependent.

• Answer: T

(iv) According to the writer, selflessness is the main quality of a leader.

• Answer: T

(v) Very few people in villages had respect for age and experience.

• Answer: F

(vi) The writer did not like the idea of eating with the right hand.

• Answer: F

(vii) Indian is by nature religious.

• Answer: T

(viii) The book ‘Come, My Beloved’ has an Indian background.

• Answer: T

(ix) A Christian missionary believes that ‘God is the one’.

• Answer: T

  
  

Brief Answer Type Questions (B. 2.2):

1. Why was the land between Bombay and Madras famished?

   • The land was famished due to poor rainfall, drought, and poor agricultural conditions, which led to famine.

     
     

2. Why did the Indian always blame the British for their suffering?

   • The British policies exploited Indian resources, caused widespread poverty, and worsened social and economic conditions, leading to blame for India’s suffering.

     
     

3. Who was the real master of the house which Buck visited?

   • The real master of the house was the woman, who managed the household and was the decision-maker.

     
     

4. Why did the writer not mind her host eating in the opposite corner of the room?

   • The writer respected the local customs and accepted the traditional practice of not sharing the same eating space.

     
     

5. What does she mean by saying ‘Religion is ever-present in Indian life’?

   • The writer refers to how religion pervades every aspect of Indian life, from daily rituals to social and cultural practices.

     
     

6. What are her views on the Christian missionaries?

   • The writer acknowledges the efforts of Christian missionaries but suggests that their focus on conversion sometimes overlooked the real needs of the people.

     
     

Long Answer Questions (C. 1):

1. How does Pearl S. Buck describe Kashmir?

Pearl S. Buck describes Kashmir as a land of stunning natural beauty, often referring to it as “paradise on earth.” She praises its lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, clear rivers, and vibrant gardens, highlighting the peaceful, almost magical atmosphere that surrounds the region. However, despite its beauty, she notes the sadness that has befallen Kashmir due to its historical invasions, particularly by Mongolian forces, which left the region in a state of turmoil. Buck contrasts the serenity of Kashmir’s landscapes with the suffering it has endured throughout history.

2. How has India influenced the world in the post-independent era?

In the post-independent era, India has had a profound influence on the world, particularly through its advocacy of non-violence, self-reliance, and spiritual wisdom. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, India’s independence struggle inspired global movements for civil rights and freedom. India has also contributed to world peace by promoting disarmament and peaceful dialogue among nations. The country’s role in the United Nations peacekeeping missions further emphasizes its commitment to global stability. India's democratic model, which includes religious tolerance, pluralism, and a focus on social justice, has served as a source of inspiration for many nations seeking to achieve progress through peaceful means.

3. Why had the Indian intellectuals decided not to support the British in the Second World War?

Indian intellectuals decided not to support the British in the Second World War due to the frustration and disillusionment they felt under British colonial rule. They had been denied freedom, equal rights, and opportunities for progress, and they saw the British as an oppressive power. The intellectuals realized that supporting the British would mean continuing the subjugation of their own people. Instead, they chose to align themselves with the broader national movement for independence and sought to resist British rule, viewing it as a chance to achieve true self-determination for India. They felt betrayed by the British promises of freedom, which had not been fulfilled.

4. What lesson had India taught humanity by gaining independence?

India taught humanity the power of non-violence, perseverance, and moral strength in the face of oppression by gaining independence. The peaceful struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated that a nation could achieve freedom without resorting to violence. India’s independence proved that colonial powers could be challenged successfully through non-violent resistance, inspiring numerous independence movements around the world. The lesson of India’s independence also emphasized the importance of unity among people, the strength of collective action, and the value of spiritual and moral convictions in the fight for justice and freedom.

5. What was the psychological impact of colonisation on Indian people?

Colonisation had a severe psychological impact on Indian people, leading to a deep sense of inferiority and dependence. The British rule systematically undermined India’s cultural, social, and economic systems, leading to feelings of powerlessness. Indians began to doubt their own abilities and worth, internalizing the belief that they were inferior to the colonizers. The long period of subjugation created a psychological barrier that hindered progress and self-confidence. Furthermore, the harsh treatment and exploitation under British rule led to widespread frustration and anger, which intensified the desire for independence.

6. Who, according to Buck, could be the real leaders of Indian people?

According to Pearl S. Buck, the real leaders of the Indian people would be those who possessed selflessness, humility, and a deep understanding of their country's values and needs. These leaders would have a genuine commitment to serving the people, rather than seeking personal gain or power. They would focus on uplifting the masses, particularly the peasants and the marginalized, and inspire them through their moral character and actions. Buck suggests that true leaders must be deeply connected to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage and must be capable of guiding the nation with wisdom and compassion.

7. What are some of the features of Indian family life, as noticed by Buck?

Pearl S. Buck observed several distinctive features of Indian family life, most notably its close-knit structure and the importance placed on respect for elders. In Indian families, the elderly are revered and their advice is sought in all matters of importance. Family members live together in harmony, often under the same roof, and share responsibilities for both household chores and decision-making. She also noticed that Indian families place a high value on hospitality, with guests treated with great respect and offered the best food and accommodation. Additionally, Indian families are deeply religious, and religion plays an integral role in daily life.

8. Give a portrait of India seen through the writer’s eyes.

Through Pearl S. Buck’s eyes, India is a land of stark contrasts—its rich cultural heritage and spiritual depth stand alongside deep poverty and social challenges. She portrays India as a country with a profound sense of tradition, where respect for elders and religious practices play a central role in daily life. Despite its natural beauty and vibrant traditions, India faces severe struggles, including exploitation and colonization, which have left the country impoverished. However, Buck also sees India’s potential for growth, driven by its resilience, moral strength, and the potential of its intellectuals and leaders. India’s spirit, she believes, remains unbroken despite its difficulties.

9. What did Pearl Buck see in India? Or, what did Pearl Buck hear from the young intellectuals and the peasants in Indian villages?

In India, Pearl Buck saw both the beauty and the suffering of the people. She observed the vast poverty, particularly in rural areas, and the harsh lives led by peasants. She heard from the young intellectuals their frustration with British rule and their desire for independence. These intellectuals were critical of the British for stifling India’s potential, and they were restless, eager to bring about change. The peasants, on the other hand, spoke of their hardship and the exploitation they endured under colonial rule. Buck witnessed the collective yearning for freedom and the desire to break free from centuries of oppression.

10. Who, according to Pearl S. Buck, is to blame for India’s poverty and backwardness?

According to Pearl S. Buck, the British colonial rule is to blame for India’s poverty and backwardness. She argues that the British exploitation drained India's resources and left the country impoverished. The British policies of economic extraction, along with the disregard for Indian social structures, disrupted the country’s natural growth. The British imposed taxes, took away valuable resources, and contributed to the destruction of local industries. As a result, India was left dependent, underdeveloped, and struggling to regain its dignity and self-sufficiency. Buck sees the colonial legacy as a major factor that hindered India’s progress and growth.

These answers should provide a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of Pearl S. Buck's observations and reflections on India in her work India Through a Traveler's Eyes.

Composition:

Question 1: You have a pen friend in America who wants to know about India. Write a letter to your friend describing some of the values that govern Indian family life.

Answer: [Sample Letter]

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. You asked me to share some information about family life in India, so here’s a glimpse into the values that govern our households.

In India, family is at the core of our social structure. Respect for elders is one of the most important values. Younger members of the family seek advice and blessings from the elders before making important decisions. We believe in joint family systems where multiple generations live together, sharing responsibilities and joys.

Hospitality is also deeply ingrained in our culture. Guests are treated with the utmost respect, often with offerings of food and warmth. Additionally, Indian families place great importance on education, hard work, and spirituality, which are taught from a young age.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of our family values. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,[Your Name]

Question 2: Write a paragraph in about 100 words on India’s contribution to world peace.

Answer: India has made significant contributions to world peace, notably through its philosophy of non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi's principles of peaceful resistance inspired global movements for civil rights and freedom. India has also been a strong advocate for disarmament and has played an active role in international peacekeeping missions. As the world's largest democracy, India continues to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation among nations. Its emphasis on tolerance, respect for diverse cultures and religions, and commitment to global stability make India a key player in fostering peace worldwide. India’s approach emphasizes peaceful coexistence and collective progress.

These answers cover a broad range of the questions from the "India Through a Traveler’s Eyes" text, providing insight into both Pearl S. Buck’s observations and general knowledge on the topics.