G limpses of | Class 10 English Notes

READING COMPREHENSION - TEXT I (Parsi Community and Food)

This section presents an excerpt about the Parsi community in India, focusing on their presence in Delhi and their distinctive cuisine and traditions. The passage begins with Nowrosji Kapadia, a Parsi who enthusiastically welcomed Parsi visitors arriving at Old Delhi railway station, inviting them to his home and encouraging them to settle in Delhi. Despite occasional objections from his wife Jer Bai, Nowrosji's hospitality was a hallmark of the community's warmth. The passage reflects on the collective memory of the Parsi community in Delhi, recalling festive gatherings where women prepared elaborate meals without outside catering, a practice that continued into the 1970s but has since declined. Food preparations were extensive and began days in advance, including dishes like dar ni pori (a rich pastry with sweetened lentils) and malido (a halwa requiring strenuous effort to prepare). The writer shares personal anecdotes about learning to make malido under her grandmother's supervision, highlighting the respect for traditional culinary skills.

The Parsi menu was diverse: breakfast included sev (brown vermicelli in milk with cream), ravo (semolina pudding), and mithu dahi (sweetened curd). Lunch typically featured smori dal chawal (yellow dal with white rice) and macchi no patio (tangy fish curry). Tea time was a special occasion with treats like batasa (Parsi biscuits), nan khatai, flaky khari, patrel (steamed arbi leaves stuffed with besan masala), kumas (Parsi cake), and bhakra (sweet fried doughnuts). The passage illustrates the cultural richness and culinary heritage of the Parsis in Delhi, emphasizing hospitality, tradition, and the social significance of food.

📊 Diagram: Images of Parsi delicacies such as Patara ni Machhi (fish curry), Dhansak (a lentil and meat stew), Lagan Nu Custard (a Parsi dessert), Ravo (semolina pudding), Parsi Malido (halwa), and Dar ni pori (sweet pastry) are provided to visually represent the cuisine discussed.

🧪 Activity: Reading comprehension questions to infer meanings, answer questions about the passage, and list Parsi delicacies.

🔗 Connection: Prepares students for similar reading comprehension and cultural exploration in the next text about Araku valley and coffee cultivation.