5 Coorg 10

 

5  Coorg  10

 

Chapter Summary – Coorg

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a small district in Karnataka, situated between Mysore and Mangalore. It is famous for coffee, spices, lush green rainforests, and brave people. The people of Coorg are of Greek or Arab descent and are known for their martial traditions and warm hospitality. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. Tourists can enjoy activities like rafting, trekking, and bird watching. The Brahmagiri hills offer scenic views, and nearby places like Nisargadhama and Bylakuppe (Tibetan monastery) add to its charm.

 

 Word Meanings:

Word/Phrase	Meaning (Simple English)
Drifted from	Came from
Martial	Related to war or soldiers
Canopies	Roof-like cover formed by tree branches
Mainstream	Usual or widely accepted tradition
Kuppia	Traditional long black coat worn by Coorgis
Valour	Bravery or courage
Laidback	Calm and relaxed
Rafting	Adventure sport on water using a raft
Canoeing	Boating in a narrow boat (canoe)
Rappelling	Climbing down using a rope
Panoramic view	Wide and beautiful scene
Monastery	Place where monks live and worship

 

 Paragraph-wise Explanation:

 “Coorg” by Lokesh Abrol,

 

 Paragraph 1:

“Midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece of heaven…”

Explanation:
Coorg is located between Mysore and Mangalore in Karnataka. It is described as a heavenly place, filled with natural beauty. The land has rolling hills and is home to brave men, beautiful women, and many wild animals.

Word Meanings:

• Midway: in the middle
• Drifted from the kingdom of God: looks like it came from heaven
• Rolling hills: gently rising and falling hills
• Martial men: brave, warlike men

 

 Paragraph 2:

“Coorg or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests…”

Explanation:
Coorg, also called Kodagu, is the smallest district in Karnataka. It has dense, green rainforests, coffee, and spice plantations. These forests cover 30% of the land. Heavy rain during the monsoon season (June to August) keeps many tourists away. The best time to visit is from September to March. The air smells fresh with coffee, and colonial-era houses are hidden among trees.

Word Meanings:

• Evergreen rainforests: forests that stay green all year
• Monsoons: rainy season
• Tucked under: hidden under
• Canopies: roof-like coverings made by trees
• Invigorating: refreshing

 

 Paragraph 3:

“The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent…”

Explanation:
The people of Coorg are very independent and proud. They are believed to be descendants of either Greek soldiers or Arab traders. One story says Alexander’s army stayed back and married locals. Their culture is different from Hindu traditions, shown in their customs and clothes.

Word Meanings:

• Descent: ancestry or origin
• Martial traditions: customs related to war or the army
• Mainstream: common or popular tradition

 

Paragraph 4:

“The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat…”

Explanation:
The Coorgi dress supports the Arab origin theory. Coorgi men wear a long black coat with an embroidered belt, called kuppia, which is similar to the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds.

Word Meanings:

• Embroidered: decorated with threadwork
• Waist-belt: belt worn around the waist
• Kuppia: traditional Coorg dress
• Kuffia: traditional Arab robe

 

 Paragraph 5:

“Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality…”

Explanation:
People in Coorg are known for their hospitality. They proudly share stories of bravery. The Coorg Regiment is one of India’s most awarded army units. General Cariappa, the first Indian Army Chief, was from Coorg. Coorgis are the only people in India allowed to carry guns without a licence.

Word Meanings:

• Hospitality: being friendly and welcoming to guests
• Valour: bravery
• Most decorated: given the highest number of awards
• Licence: official permission

 

 Paragraph 6:

“The river, Kaveri, obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg…”

Explanation:
The Kaveri River originates from Coorg’s hills and forests. It is home to the Mahaseer fish. Animals like kingfishers, squirrels, and langurs are seen near the river. Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed by their caretakers (mahouts).

Word Meanings:

• Abound: exist in large numbers
• Mahouts: elephant keepers

 

 Paragraph 7:

“The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure…”

Explanation:
Even lazy or relaxed people become adventurous in Coorg. Tourists can enjoy river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, and trekking. Coorg has many nature trails and is loved by adventure seekers.

Word Meanings:

• Laidback: relaxed
• Converts: people who change their opinions or habits
• Rappelling: sliding down a rope from a height

 

 Paragraph 8:

“Birds, bees and butterflies are there to give you company…”

Explanation:
Coorg has rich wildlife. Birds, bees, butterflies, monkeys (macaques, langurs), and rare animals like the slender loris live in the trees. The author prefers to avoid wild elephants when he sees them.

Word Meanings:

• Slender loris: a rare, small nocturnal animal
• Macaques: a kind of monkey

 

 Paragraph 9:

“The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings you into a panoramic view…”

Explanation:
Climbing the Brahmagiri hills gives a beautiful view of Coorg’s misty landscape. A rope bridge leads to Nisargadhama, a 64-acre island. The nearby Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe is also worth visiting. The sight of monks in their red and yellow robes adds to the charm. Coorg is a perfect mix of nature, culture, adventure, and spirituality.

Word Meanings:

• Panoramic view: wide, beautiful view
• Misty: full of mist or fog
• Rope bridge: a narrow bridge made of ropes
• Settlement: a community where people live

 

 

Textbook Questions & Answers (NCERT)

 

3. What are some of the things you now know about:
(i) the people of Coorg?
Ans:
The Coorg people are brave, independent, and hospitable. They love telling stories of courage and war. Their traditions and dress are unique. They are the only Indians allowed to carry firearms without a license, and many serve in the army.

 

(ii) the main crop of Coorg?
Ans:
Coffee is the main crop grown in Coorg. The air in Coorg is filled with the fresh smell of coffee. Coffee plantations are spread throughout the region, and many colonial bungalows lie hidden under the shade of trees.

 

(iii) the sports it offers to tourists?
Ans:
Coorg offers many adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking. These exciting activities attract even the most relaxed travelers. The beautiful nature trails and rivers provide the perfect setting for thrilling outdoor adventures.

 

(iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg?
Ans:
In Coorg, one can see wild animals like macaques, langurs, Malabar squirrels, and wild elephants. Birds, bees, butterflies, and the mahseer fish in the Kaveri River also add to the region's rich and diverse wildlife experience.

 

(v) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?
Ans:
Coorg is around 250–260 km from Bangalore. It can be reached by road via Mysore or Neelamangala. The nearest airports are in Mangalore and Bangalore, and the closest railway stations are in Mysore, Mangalore, and Hassan.

 

 

4. Match the following sentences with phrases from the text:

(i) During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg.
→ It pours enough to keep many visitors away.

(ii) Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there.
→ A part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here.

(iii) The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’ valour.
→ They are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour.

(iv) Even people who lead an easy and slow life enjoy the adventure sports of Coorg.
→ The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure.

(v) The theory of the Arab origin is supported by their traditional dress.
→ The theory draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt.

(vi) Macaques, Malabar squirrels and langurs watch visitors from the trees.
→ Keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy.

 

 Extra Short Question Answers (30–40 words)

Q1. What are Coorg’s main attractions for tourists?
Coorg offers coffee plantations, forests, wildlife, scenic hills, and adventure sports like rafting and trekking. Visitors can also explore Nisargadhama and the Tibetan monastery at Bylakuppe.

Q2. What makes Coorgi people special?
They are brave, friendly, and have a unique culture. They are known for their hospitality and martial traditions. They are the only Indians allowed to keep guns without a license.