In "Glimpses of India" (Tea from Assam), the legend of Bodhidharma cutting off his eyelids symbolically represents what inherent quality of tea?

The correct answer is Option 4 i.e. Its potent properties as a stimulant that banishes sleep. Key Points The question refers to the legend of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk who is said to have cut off his eyelids to prevent himself from falling asleep during meditation. Symbolically, this legend highlights tea's property as a stimulant that helps maintain alertness and banishes sleep. Tea contains caffeine, a natural stimulant, which explains its role in sustaining energy and focus, especially during long periods of meditation or work. In Buddhist culture, tea is often consumed to aid in meditation practices by enhancing concentration and reducing drowsiness. Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4. Additional Information Option 1: Its ability to cure severe optical diseases is incorrect as the legend does not refer to tea’s medicinal properties for curing eye-related ailments. Option 2: Its sacred role in Buddhist meditation rituals is partially correct but does not specifically align with the focus of the legend, which emphasizes tea’s stimulating qualities. Option 3: Its historical value as an item traded for human life is unrelated to the context of the legend and is factually inaccurate in this scenario.