Coorg - Reading Comprehension

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Reading Comprehension 1

MIDWAY between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of god. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.

      Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners.

1. What is Coorg also known as?

   a) Kodagu

   b) Karnataka

   c) Mysore

   d) Mangalore

  

2. Who are the inhabitants of Coorg described as?

   a) Peaceful farmers

   b) Proud martial men, beautiful women, and wild creatures

   c) Traders and merchants

   d) Artists and musicians

 

3. What is the primary season of joy in Coorg?

   a) June to August

   b) September to March

   c) March to June

   d) December to February

 

4. What stands tucked under tree canopies in Coorg?

   a) Modern buildings

   b) Coffee estates and colonial bungalows

   c) Schools and colleges

   d) Markets and shops

  

5. What does the air in Coorg smell of?

   a) Fresh flowers

   b) Invigorating coffee

   c) Sea breeze

    d) Spices

Reading Comprehension 2

     The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus. Known as kuppia, it resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

      Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

1. What descent are the fiercely independent people of Coorg possibly of?

   a) Greek or Arabic

   b) Roman or Persian

   c) British or French

   d) Chinese or Japanese

   

2. What is the name of the traditional long, black coat worn by the Kodavus?

   a) Kurta

   b) Kuppia

   c) Sari

   d) Dhoti

   

3. Which regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army?

   a) Gurkha Regiment

   b) Sikh Regiment

   c) Coorg Regiment

   d) Rajput Regiment

  

4. Who was the first Chief of the Indian Army from Coorg?

   a) General Manekshaw

   b) General Cariappa

   c) General Thimayya

   d) General Arjan Singh

   

5. What unique permission do Kodavus have in India?

   a) To own land without registration

   b) To carry firearms without a licence

   c) To serve in the army without training

   d) To travel abroad without a passport

Reading Comprehension 3

      The river, Kaveri, obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. Mahaseer — a large freshwater fish — abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch, while squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit for the mischief of enjoying the splash and the ripple effect in the clear water. Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts.

      The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure with river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in this region are a favourite with trekkers.

      Birds, bees and butterflies are there to give you company. Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy. I do, however, prefer to step aside for wild elephants.

      The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings you into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama. Running into Buddhist monks from India’s largest Tibetan settlement, at nearby Bylakuppe, is a bonus. The monks, in red, ochre and yellow robes, are amongst the many surprises that wait to be discovered by visitors searching for the heart and soul of India, right here in Coorg.

Certainly! Here are five multiple-choice questions with answers based on the provided passage about Coorg:

1. What is the source of the Kaveri river's water in Coorg?

   a) Hills and forests of Coorg

   b) Rainfall

   c) Lakes

   d) Underground springs

  

2. What type of fish is abundant in the waters of the Kaveri river?

   a) Trout

   b) Mahaseer

   c) Salmon

   d) Catfish

   

3. What adventurous activities can visitors engage in while in Coorg?

   a) Scuba diving and snorkeling

   b) River rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking

   c) Surfing and parasailing

   d) Skiing and snowboarding

  

4. Which animals are mentioned as keeping a watchful eye from the tree canopy in Coorg?

   a) Tigers and leopards

   b) Deer and antelope

   c) Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris

   d) Bears and wolves

  

5. What surprise might visitors encounter at Bylakuppe near Coorg?

   a) A hidden waterfall

   b) A royal palace

   c) A secret cave

   d) Buddhist monks from India’s largest Tibetan settlement