Chapter 5 – Part I: A Baker from Goa
by Lucio Rodrigues
Textual Questions (Page No. 86)
Q1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Ans. The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old days of the Portuguese rule, when there was great importance given to bakers and their bread. They fondly recall the traditional loaves, cakes, and the role bakers played in village life.
Q2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?
Ans. Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. The narrator notes that the tradition continues even after the Portuguese have gone, and the bakers are still recognised and respected in Goan villages.
Q3. What is the baker called?
Ans. The baker is called a pader in Goa.
Q4. When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to meet him?
Ans. The baker would come twice a day—once in the morning with his jingling bamboo and again later. Children ran to meet him in the morning because they expected bread bangles, sweet bread, or special treats.
Q5. Match the following: (The first one is done for you.)
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| (i) Pader | (a) Baker |
| (ii) Bolinhas | (b) Sweet bread |
| (iii) Staff | (c) The baker’s bamboo |
| (iv) Bread-bangles | (d) Children longed to eat those |
| (v) Marriage gifts | (e) Bol, sweet bread for special occasions |
Answer:
-
(i) Pader → (a) Baker
-
(ii) Bolinhas → (e) Bol, sweet bread for special occasions
-
(iii) Staff → (c) The baker’s bamboo
-
(iv) Bread-bangles → (d) Children longed to eat those
-
(v) Marriage gifts → (b) Sweet bread
Extra Questions & Answers
Short Answer Type
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What is the role of the baker in Goan culture?
The baker is central to daily life and celebrations. Bread, cakes, and bol are indispensable at marriages, festivals, and family gatherings. -
What did children look forward to from the baker?
They eagerly awaited bread-bangles and sweet treats. -
What is the baker’s staff described as?
A bamboo staff that jingled, announcing the baker’s arrival. -
What is the baker’s traditional dress called?
It was called the kabai, a single-piece frock reaching the knees. -
How can one recognise a baker even today?
By his plump physique and round belly, a sign of prosperity.
Long Answer Type
Q1. Describe the significance of the baker in Goan life as presented in the essay.
Ans. The baker in Goan life is not just a tradesman but a cultural icon. He plays a vital role in everyday life as well as in special occasions. Bread is a staple at every household meal, but during weddings, the sweet bread bol is indispensable. Cakes, sandwiches, and biscuits prepared from his loaves mark festivals like Christmas. Children, on the other hand, eagerly await his morning visit to receive bread-bangles and sweets. His arrival is heralded by the jingling bamboo staff, a sound that brings excitement to households. The baker also has a distinct appearance, wearing the traditional kabai and maintaining a prosperous physique. The essay shows that bakers were financially well-off and socially respected. Thus, the baker symbolises both livelihood and festivity in Goa.
Q2. “A Baker from Goa is a nostalgic sketch.” Discuss.
Ans. Lucio Rodrigues writes the essay with fondness and nostalgia. He recalls the Portuguese days when bread was introduced to Goa, and how the baker became a beloved part of village life. The essay paints a vivid picture of mornings filled with excitement at the baker’s arrival, children running for bread-bangles, and families preparing for celebrations. Rodrigues notes that even after the Portuguese left, the tradition of bread-making and the presence of bakers continues. His humorous description of the bakers’ appearance and attire adds to the charm. The essay is not merely informative but a heartfelt remembrance of the joy, simplicity, and cultural richness of Goan society. It is this nostalgic tone that makes the essay delightful and memorable.
Summary of the Story
A Baker from Goa by Lucio Rodrigues is a nostalgic account of the tradition of bread-making in Goa, a practice introduced by the Portuguese and still cherished by Goans today. The story highlights the cultural significance of bakers, the joyous memories of childhood, and the continuing presence of this unique tradition in Goan society.
The narrator begins by recalling the days of Portuguese rule in Goa when the baker, or pader, was an essential figure in every village. Even though the Portuguese have left, their legacy continues in the form of bread-making, which remains an integral part of Goan culture.
The baker was not just a tradesman but a vital part of social and family life. His arrival every morning was a much-anticipated event. The jingling bamboo staff he carried announced his presence, and children rushed eagerly to meet him. For them, the most delightful treats were bread-bangles, sweet loaves, and special goodies. These were far more exciting than any fancy food because they represented joy and indulgence in their simple lives.
Bread was also central to important occasions. During marriages, the sweet bread called bol was indispensable. Cakes and sandwiches made from bread were prepared during Christmas and other festive occasions. In fact, no celebration was considered complete without the baker’s products.
The baker’s visits were not only memorable for the children but also for the entire household. The maidservants purchased loaves, while the children cherished the small pieces given to them. This created a sense of community, where the baker’s arrival was more than a commercial exchange—it was a cultural event.
The narrator fondly remembers the bakers’ distinctive attire: a special frock-like garment called the kabai. It was a single-piece, knee-length dress, giving the bakers a unique identity. In modern times, the bakers wear simple trousers and shirts, but the tradition of their service continues.
Bakers were not just respected but also financially stable. Their families were often well-fed and content. The narrator humorously remarks that one could always recognise a baker by his physical appearance—he had a plump physique with a prominent “jackfruit-like belly,” a sign of prosperity.
Through these recollections, the author brings out the cultural bond between the people of Goa and the bakers. The baker was not merely a provider of food but a symbol of festivity, comfort, and community. His presence was woven into the daily routines and special occasions of Goan life.
Thematically, the story highlights nostalgia, tradition, and cultural continuity. It shows how colonial influences left lasting impressions on local traditions. The baker symbolises both heritage and joy, reminding us of the importance of simple pleasures and community ties.
In conclusion, A Baker from Goa is more than a story about bread. It is about memories, traditions, and the cultural identity of Goa. It teaches us that some traditions, though simple, hold deep significance and remain timeless.
✒️ Biography of Lucio Rodrigues
Lucio Rodrigues (1916–1973) was a noted Goan essayist, teacher, and folklorist who made significant contributions to Indian English literature. Born in South Goa, Rodrigues grew up in a culturally rich environment influenced by both Portuguese colonial heritage and traditional Goan life. This duality shaped much of his writing, which often focused on Goan culture, folklore, and traditions.
Rodrigues worked as a teacher of English Literature in colleges across Goa and later in Mumbai. He was admired not only for his teaching but also for his engaging essays that captured the essence of Goan life. He wrote extensively about the customs, traditions, and everyday experiences of the Goan people, giving readers insights into a unique cultural landscape.
His essays were published in reputed journals and periodicals such as The Illustrated Weekly of India, The Times of India, and The Hindu. Through these writings, Rodrigues became an important voice in portraying the socio-cultural life of Goa during and after Portuguese rule.
A Baker from Goa, included in NCERT’s First Flight, is one of his most popular essays. It highlights the lasting legacy of the Portuguese—the tradition of bread-making—and reflects on its role in Goan society. With a mix of humour, nostalgia, and vivid description, Rodrigues brings alive the image of the baker, the village community, and the joy associated with bread.
As a folklorist, Rodrigues was dedicated to preserving Goan cultural traditions, which were at risk of fading under modernisation. His writings serve as valuable records of Goan social life, celebrations, and practices.
Although he did not produce a large volume of work, the quality and authenticity of his essays earned him recognition in the field of Indian English literature. He is often remembered for his ability to turn everyday details into memorable cultural narratives.
Lucio Rodrigues passed away in 1973, but his legacy endures through his essays, which continue to be studied in schools and colleges. His works not only preserve Goan heritage but also remind readers of the importance of valuing local culture and traditions.