Edu’s Indian Adventure: A Journey Through Culture and History
What surprise did Edu’s father have for his son? He invited Edu to visit India with him.
What did Edu learn about the population of India from the internet? How does India compare in size to his country?
– There are more than a billion people in India.
– India is almost seven times as big as his country.
Why is India not an easy country to visit?
– Because of the noise and the crowds.
According to the doctor’s list, what clothes should Edu take to India?
– Long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat.
What kind of city is Bangalore, according to Edu’s guidebook?
– A science city, a high-tech center of India.
Why do Mr. and Mrs. Shenoy speak perfect English? What other languages do they speak?
– Because the British governed the country for many years.
– They speak Kannada and Hindi too.
What were the four main classes in the caste system? Who were the untouchables?
– Religious leaders, soldiers, merchants, and farmers.
– People who did the lowest jobs.
What was unusual about driving in India?
– Driving on the left side of the road.
Why is the bull a holy animal for Indians?
– Because one of their great gods, Shiva, rides on a bull.
What does Edu think of Indians?
– He loved it. He was told: “Eat some yogurt!”
What did Chandra teach Edu about cricket?
– It’s the most popular sport in India. They learned the game from the British and they love it.
What bad news does Edu’s father tell him when he comes back to the hotel? What solution does he suggest?
– His father can’t travel with him around India.
– Edu and Chandra would travel alone.
What two things did Shah Jahan do when he moved his capital city to Delhi?
– He built an enormous fort on a hill and a market for his daughter.
What did the merchants sell in the covered street in the past? What do they sell now?
– Jewelry, carpets, silk. Now they sell souvenirs.
Where did Edu, Chandra, and Jaya have lunch? What was special about the place?
– At the Imperial Hotel. British ministers stayed in this hotel; they could act British.
Where does the Al-Rashid family come from? Where were they going?
– They came from the state of Rajasthan. They were going to a wedding in Agra.
What did many Muslims do in 1947? Why?
– Muslims left India.
– They started their own country in Pakistan.
What might Mr. Al-Rashid’s son do, and what does Mr. Al-Rashid think about that?
– He is studying to be an engineer. Al-Rashid is very proud of him.
What do Muslims and Hindus do to show respect to each other?
– They don’t eat cows or pigs.
When did Shah Jahan decide to marry Mumtaz Mahal?
– When he saw her face, uncovered.
What did Shah Jahan promise his wife when she was dying?
– He wouldn’t have any more children and to build a tomb for her.
How many people worked on the Taj Mahal? What animals did they use?
– Twenty thousand workers and master craftsmen.
– Elephants and bulls.
What did Shah Jahan plan to do? Why didn’t he succeed?
– To build another tomb for himself.
– Because his son led a rebellion against him and imprisoned him in his palace.
What does the guide tell them about the color of the Taj Mahal?
– Its color changes at different times of the day.
Describe the Sikhs in the restaurant.
– A tall man with a big red turban on his head, a mustache, and a very long beard.
Why do many Sikhs work for the police or serve in the army?
– They are honest, brave, and never give in to cruel tyrants.
How are the Sikhs different from the Hindus?
– Because they don’t believe in the caste system.
What does Edu want to discuss with Chandra, and why?
– About teenagers their age dating in India.
– Because she is interested in Jaya.
Why has the Indian government changed the names of India’s cities?
– To get rid of the British influence in the country.
What good things did the British do for India?
– They built many beautiful buildings, a lot of railway lines, and they taught them English.
Why did Jamsetji Tata build the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel?
– Because he wasn’t allowed to enter one of the British hotels because he was Indian.
Why is Gandhi a big hero for Indians?
– Because he fought for the rights of the untouchables.
How did Gandhi fight the British?
– Many people joined his fasts.
What is Bollywood, and how did it get its name?
– It’s the home of the Indian film industry. Bollywood is named after Hollywood.
What is special about Bollywood films?
– The films are written according to the “Masala Formula.”
Does Edu think Chandra could be a good playback singer? How does he know?
– No, he doesn’t.
– Because Edu heard him sing in the shower.
What was unusual about seeing a film in India?
– People walked around during the film, with the singers, and shouted when the villain was killed.
What did the map seller want from Edu? What was Edu’s reaction?
– A large wall map of the world.
– He asked for a local map instead.
Why didn’t Jaya give the poor boy money?
– If she gave him money, many more like him would come.
Why did Edu feel fortunate?
– Because he doesn’t have to beg for food.
Why did Edu, Chandra, and Jaya separate in the market? Where did they agree to meet, and what happened?
– Everyone wanted to buy different things. They agreed to meet in the music shop.
– Jaya wasn’t there.
What happened to Jaya? Why didn’t she go to the music shop?
– Somebody stole her bag.
– She couldn’t get back to the hotel; all her things were in the bag.
How did she find the hotel?
– An Australian couple helped her find the hotel.
How did Jaya and Edu plan to continue their friendship?
– Using email and phone.
What was above the central dome of Victoria Station?
– There was a huge statue of a goddess called Progress.
What did Jaya give Edu, and why?
– She gave him a small wooden statue of an elephant with many arms. It’s the god of fortune and it will protect him.
How did Edu’s father make him feel better?
– He tried to start a conversation; he said, “We gain extra time.”
What did Edu ask his father on the plane, and what was the answer?
– Edu asked: “When did you fall in love with Mom?”
– His father answered: “We met at school when we were 16.”
What did Edu do with Jaya’s pictures?
– He showed them at school.
How is Edu preparing for his next trip to India?
– He is reading books about Gandhi and British people who lived there.
What has Edu bought for Jaya, and why?
– A shoulder bag made of Spanish leather.
– To replace her stolen bag.