NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 10 Kathmandu

NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 10 Kathmandu Solutions to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse through different chapters NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 10 Kathmandu and select need one. NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 10 Kathmandu Question Answers Download PDF. NCERT English Class 9 Solutions.

NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 10 Kathmandu

Join Telegram channel

Follow us:

Also, you can read the NCERT book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Book guidelines. CBSE Class 9 English Solutions are part of All Subject Solutions. Here we have given NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 10 Kathmandu and After, NCERT Class 9 English Textbook of Beehive and Supplementary Reader (Moments). for All Chapters, You can practice these here.

Kathmandu

Chapter: 10

BEEHIVE – PROSE

PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION

Passage: 1

At Pashupatinath there is an atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’. Priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons and dogs roam through the grounds. We offer a few flowers. There are so many worshippers that some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside by others pushing their way to the front.

Questions

1. Pashupatinath is situated in:

(a) Nepal.

(b) Kathmandu.

(c) Gangtok.

(d) Ladakh.

Ans: (b) Kathmandu.

2. It is a famous shrine of:

(a) The Nepalis.

(b) All Communities.

(c) The Hindus. 

(d) Gorkhas.

Ans: (c) The Hindus.

3. One can find himself in the midst of febrile confusion and it is mostly that all:

(a) Priests and tourism. 

(b) Hawkers, pigeons.

(c) Monkeys and animals.

(d) All of these.

Ans: (d) All of these

4. The word ‘confusion’ means:

(a) Disorder.

(b) Chaos.

(c) Noise.

(d) Disturbances.

Ans: (a) Disorder.

5. From which lesson these lines has been taken?

(a) The Fun They had.

(b) The Bond of Love.

(c) Kathmandu.

(d) My Childhood. 

Ans: (c) Kathmandu.

Passage: 2

A fight breaks out between two monkeys. One chases the other, who jumps onto a Shivalinga, then runs screaming about the temples and down to the river, then holy Bagmati, that flows below. A corpse is being cremated on its banks; washerwomen are at their work and children bathe. From a balcony a basket of flowers and leaves, old offerings now wilted, is dropped into the river. A small shrine half protrudes from the stone platform on the river bank. When it emerges fully, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of the Kaliyuga will end from the earth.

Questions

1. Besides the holy shrine, there flows:

(a) The river Ganges. 

(b) The Bagmati.

(c) The Yamuna. 

(d) The Shipra.

Ans: (b) The Bagmati.

2. The period of Kaliyuga will end when the Goddess inside the temple will 

(a) Arise.

(b) Escape.

(c) Come out.

(b) Weep.

Ans: (b) Escape.

3. What is dropped from a balcony?

(a) A basket of flowers. 

(b) Waste material.

(c) Withered flowers.

(d) Fresh flowers and fruits. 

Ans: (a) A basket of flowers.

4. Trace the correct synonym of ‘scream’.

(a) Cry.

(b) Weep.

(c) Shrill cry.

(b) Hoot. 

Ans: (d) Hoot.

5. Trace of word similar to ‘holy place’.

(a) Goddess.

(b) Earth.

(c) Shrine.

(d) Shivalinga.

Ans: (c) Shrine.

Passage: 3

At the Boudhanath stupa, the Buddhist shrine of Kathmandu, there is, in contrast, a sense of stillness. Its immense white dome is ringed by a road. Small shops stand on its outer edge: many of these are owned by Tibetan immigrants; felt bags, Tibetan prints and silver jewellery can be bought here. There are no crowds: this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around.

Questions

1. Which is the famous stupa in Kathmandu?

(a) Boudhanath stupa. 

(b) Keerthi stupa.

(c) Power stupa.

(d) Bandh stupa.

Ans: (a) Boudhanath stupa.

2. The atmosphere one can see:

(a) Febrile confusion. 

(b) Shrill noise.

(c) Immense stillness.

(d) A lot of traffic noise.

Ans: (c) Immense stillness. 

3. There are shops which are owned by:

(a) The Hindus.

(b) The Nepali’s.

(c) The Chinese.

(d) The Tibetan.

Ans: (d) The Tibetan.

4. The shops add to the beauty of the place for their items like:

(a) Jewellery and prints. 

(b) Utensils and idols.

(c) Toys and clothes.

 (d) Rudraksh and other garlands. 

Ans: (a) Jewellery and prints.

5. What was the colour of its dome?

(a) White.

(b) Red.

(c) Green.

(d) Pink.

Ans: (a) White.

Passage: 4

A princess of the Nepalese royal house appears; everyone bows and makes way. By the main gate a party of saffron clad Westerners struggle for permission to enter.

Questions

1. All bows on the arrival of the Nepalese Princess out of: 

(a) Honour to the royal family.

(b) Affection.

(c) Welcome.

(d) Their moral etiquettes.

Ans: (a) Honour to the royal family.

2. The Westerners are not allowed to enter because of being:

(a) Foreigners.

(b) Indians.

(c) Muslims.

(d) Christians.

Ans: (a) Foreigners.

3. One word ‘struggle’ means:

(a) To fight.

(b) To try.

(c) To practise.

(d) To make an effort.

Ans: (b) To try.

4. These lines have been taken from the lesson :

(a) Reach for the top. 

(b) Kathmandu.

(c) The happy prince. 

(d) The childhood.

Ans: (b) Kathmandu.

5. Who is the author of this chapter.

(a) Vaikom Muhammad Basheer.

(b) Santosh Yadav.

(c) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

(d) Vikram Seth.

Ans: (d) Vikram Seth.

Passage: 5

I consider what route I should take back home. If I were propelled by enthusiasm for travel per se, I would go by bus and train to Patna, then sail up the Ganges past Benaras to Allahabad, then up the Jamna, past Agra to Delhi. But I am too exhausted and homesick; today is the last day of August. Go home, I tell myself-move directly towards home. I enter a Nepal Airlines office and buy a ticket for tomorrow’s flight.

Questions

1. Where has the speaker been to?

(a) Kathmandu.

(b) Nepal.

(c) Sikkim.

(d) Gangtok.

Ans: (b) Nepal.

2. He is now in a keen mood to move to Delhi because :

(a) He is too exhausted.

(b) He is unwell.

(c) He is home sick.

(d) Of  unfavourable atmosphere.

Ans: (c) He is home sick. 

3. He decided to:

(a) Board the train.

(b) Get into the bus. 

(c) Hire a taxi. 

(d) Get the Air lines ticket. 

Ans: (d) get the Air lines ticket.

4. There is a mention of two holy Indian rivers and these are:

(a) The Ganges.

(b) The Jamna.

(c) The Bagmati. 

(d) Both (a) and (b).

Ans: (d) Both (a) and (b).

5. Find a suitable word from the passage which means ‘great interest’.

(a) Propelled.

(b) Exhausted.

(c) Enthusiasm.

(d) Home sick.

Ans: (c) Enthusiasm.

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS

THINKING ABOUT THE TEXT

1. On the following map mark out the route- which the author thought of, but did not take, to Delhi.

2. Find out the possible routes (by rail, road or air) from Kathmandu to New Delhi/Mumbai/Kolkata/ Chennai.

Ans: For Self Attempt.

I. Answer these questions in one or two words or in short phrases: 

Q.1. Name the two temples the author visited in Kathmandu. 

Ans: The Pashupatinath temple and the Baudhnath Stupa.

Q.2. The writer says, ‘All this I wash down with Coca Cola.’ What does all this refer to?

Ans: ‘All this’ means the corn-on-the-cob, love story comics and a Reader’s Digest.

Q.3. What does Vikram Seth compare the quills of a porcupine? 

Ans: To the bansuri’s protruding in all directions from the of the pole attachment.

Q.4. Name five kinds of flute. 

Ans: The reed neh, the recorder, the Japanese shakuhachi, the bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the breathy flutes of South America and the high pitched Chinese flute.

II. Answer each question in a short paragraph: 

Q.1. What difference does the author note between the flute-seller and the other hawkers? 

Ans: To sell his wares the flute seller does not cry like other hawkers. From time to time he stands the pole to which the bansuris are attached, on the ground. Then he plays music on his flute. He does not appear to be very keen on selling the flutes.

Q.2. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug? 

Ans; There is a little shrine on the bank of holy Bagmati. It is half sunk in water. Nepalese believe that a goddess is inside the shrine. When the shrine comes out of water fully, the goddess will come out. Then Kaliyug will end.

Q.3. The author has drawn powerful images and pictures. Pick out three examples of each: 

(i) the atmosphere of febrile confusion outside the temple of Pashupatinath (for example some people trying to get the priest’s  attention are allowed aside….) 

(ii) the things he sees. 

(iii) the sounds he hears.

Ans: Unlike the other hawkers, the flute seller does not shout out his wares to attract people. From time-to-time he stands the pole on the ground, selects a flute and plays for a few minutes. He goes through his work leisurely, slowly and meditatively till a customer comes.

(i) The atmosphere of febrile confusion outside the temple of Pashupatinath (for example some people trying to get priest’s attention are elbowed aside…) 

A princess of the Nepalese Royal House appears, everyone bows. A saffron-clad Westerners struggle for permission to enter at the main gate.

(ii) The things he sees:

The fight between two monkeys, a corpse being cremated on the banks of Bagmati, washerwoman at work, children bathe and the offerings being dropped in the river.

(iii) The sound he hears: 

Film songs, car horns sound, bicycle bells ring, shouting of the vendors, and voices of stray cows. 

III. Answer the following questions in not more than 100 to 150 words each: 

Q.1. Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Boudhanath shrine with the Pashupatinath Temple. 

Ans: The atmosphere in and around Boudhanath shrine is full of calm and stillness which is in complete contrast to one at Pashupatinath temple. There are small shops they are mostly owned by Tibetan immigrants. They sell felt bags, Tibetan prints and silver jewellery. There are no crowds. But on the other hand the atmosphere in and around the Pashupatinath temple is full of din, noise and confusion. A large crowd of men, devotees, tourists, animals, birds, hawkers and dogs can be seen there. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple. There is screaming and shouting all around. Fighting and struggling can be seen between men as well as animals. We can say that there is an atmosphere of utter confusion and noise in and around the Pashupatinath temple.

2. How does the author describes Kathmandu bazaar? 

Ans: The author gives a vivid description of Kathmandu streets. It is a labyrinth of narrow and busy streets. There are huge crowds of sellers and buyers. Everyone seems to be concerned with making money or spending money. There are fruit sellers, flute sellers and hawkers of postcards. Then, there are shop selling Western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate. There are also shop selling copper utensils and Nepalese antiques. There is noise and din everywhere. Film songs blare out from the radios. Car horns honk. Bicycle bells ring. Stray cows low. Vendors sell out their wares. It looks like a fish-market. The flute seller is a source of great attraction. He sells different types of flutes but he does not shout his wares. In reality Kathmandu Bazaar is a place of attraction with sale of varied items.

Q.3. “To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonalty of all mankind.” Why does the author say that?

Ans: The flute is a simple and universal instrument. It is made from a reed. There is no culture in the world that does not have its flute. Though each flute, the neh, recorder, bansuri etc. have a specific association of its own. The fingering and the compass are also different. In Spite of all this, there is something common and universal about the flute. It is very close to human voice. Its motive force is also living breath. As man has to pause for breath while speaking phrases and sentences, one has to pause and breathe before one can go on producing flute music. That is the reason that hearing the flute one is drawn into the community of mankind.

THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE

I. Read the following sentences carefully to understand the meaning of the italicised phrases. Then match the phrasal verbs in column A with their meanings in column B.

1. A communal war broke out when the princess was abducted by the neighbouring prince.

2. The cockpit broke off from the plane during the plane crash.

3. The car broke down on the way and we were left stranded in the jungle.

4. The dacoit broke away from the police as they took him to court.

5. The brothers broke up after the death of the father.

6. The thief broke into our house when we were away.

Ans: 

II. Use the suffixes -ion or -tion to form nouns from the following verbs. Make the necessary changes in the spellings of the words.

Example: proclaim – proclamation

Ans: 

Now fill in the blanks with suitable words that you have formed.

(i) Mass literacy was possible only after the ________ of printing machine. 

Ans: Invention.

(ii) Ramesh is unable to tackle the situation as he lacks ________.

Ans: Imagination.

(iii) I could not resist the ________ to open the letter. 

Ans: Temptation.

(iv) Hardwork and _________ are the main keys to success.

Ans: Meditation.

(v) The children were almost fainting with ________ after being made to  stand in the sun.

Ans: Exhaustion.

III. PUNCTUATION

Use capital letters, full stops, question marks, commas and inverted commas wherever necessary in the following  paragraph:

an arrogant lion was wandering through the jungle one day he asked the tiger who is stronger than you you O lion replied the tiger who is more fierce than a leopard asked the lion you sir replied the leopard he marched up to an elephant and asked the same question the elephant picked him up in his trunk swung him in the air and threw him down look said the lion there is no need to get mad just because you don’t know the answer.

Ans: An arrogant lion was wandering through the jungle one day. He asked the tiger, “Who is stronger than you?” “You, O lion,” replied the tiger. “Who is more fierce than a leopard?” asked the lion. “You, sir,” replied the leopard. He marched up to an elephant and asked the same question. The elephant picked him up in his trunk, swung him in the air and threw him down. “Look,” said the lion, “there is no need to get mad just because you don’t know the answer.” 

IV. SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE.

Study these sentences from the lesson. 

• A fight breaks out between two monkeys. 

• Film songs blare out from the radios.

• I wash it down with coca-cola.

The italicised verbs are in the simple present tense. The writer is here describing what he saw and heard but he uses the present tense instead of the past tense. A narration or a story can be made more dramatic or immediate by using the present in this way.

Now look at the following sentences 

• A small shrine half protrudes from the stone platform on the river bank. 

• Small shops stand on the outer edge of the Stupa. 

We use the simple present tense to We speak about what is usually or generally true. The sentences above abo describe facts. We also use the simple present tense in sentences depicting ‘universal truths’. For example:

• The sun rises in the East. 

• Earth revolves round the sun.

We can also refer to habitual actions bir using the simple present tense.

• He usually takes a train instead of a bus to work.

• We often get fine drizzles in winter. In these sentences words like – everyday, often, seldom, never, every month, 90 generally, usually, etc. may be used.

I. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

1. The heart is a pump that ________ (send) the blood circulating through our body. The pumping action ________ (take place) when the left ventricle of the heart ________ (contract). This ________ (force) blood out into the arteries, which ________ (expand) to receive the oncoming blood.

Ans. (i) Sends.

(ii) Takes place.

(iii) Contracts.

(iv) Forces.

(v) Expands.

2. The African lungfish can live without water for up to four years. During a drought it _______ (dig) a pit and ________ (enclose) itself in a capsule of slime and earth, leaving a tiny opening for air. The capsule ________ (dry) and ________ (harden), but when rain _________ (come), the mud ________ (dissolve) and the lungfish ________ (swim) away. 

Ans: (i) digs.

(ii) encloses.

(iii) dries.

(iv) hardens.

(v) comes.

(vi) dissolves.

(vii) swims.

3. Mahesh: We have to organizea class party for our teacher: ________ (Do) anyone play an instrument?

Vipul: Rohit ________ ( play) the flute.

Mahesh: ________ (Do) he also act? 

Vipul: No, He _______ (compose) music.

Mahesh: That’s wonderful!

Ans: (i) Does.

(ii) plays.

(iii) Does.

(iv) composes.

SPEAKING

(1) Discuss in class the shrines you have visited or know about. Speak about one of them.

(2) Imagine you are giving an eyewitness account or a running commentary of one of the following:

(i) a foot-ball, cricket or hockey game, or some sports event. 

(ii) a parade (e.g., Republic Day) or other national events. 

Speak a few sentences narrating what you see and hear. Use the simple present and the present continuous tenses. For example: 

• He passes the ball but Ben gets in the way…

• These brave soldiers guard our frontiers. They display their skills here …

Ans: Maa Gangaji Temple stands on the Pauri of Mahadev in Haridwar. It attracts a large crowd daily in the evening. People of all castes take a dip in the holy water. Then they purchase their offerings and after then they offer them to the Holy Ganges. 

– People enjoy the scene with great enthusiasm when the priests chant the prayer. 

– Saffran clad people request for alms.

– Some offer them money while others give them food. 

• Mohan the way. passes the ball but Ben gets in Gobind tries his best to get the ball from his clutches. Spectators clap at his skill. When he forces it, Ramesh revokes and returns to his friend. He hits the ball very hard and it cross the line. The goal-keeper fails to control it.

• These brave soldiers guard our frontiers. They display their skills. They protect us from any kind of aggression. They serve us at the risk of their lives. They face all atmospheric troubles. They prove their worth every time.

WRITING

Diary entry for a travelogue

I. The text you read is a travelogue where the author Vikram Seth talks about his visit to two sacred  places in Kathmandu. 

Imagine that you were with Vikram Seth on his visit to Pashupatinath temple, and you were noting down all that you saw and did there, so that you could write a travelogue later.

Record in point form: 

• What you see when you reach the Pashupatinath temple.

• What you see happening inside the temple.

• What you do when inside the temple. 

• What you see outside the temple.

• What your impressions are about the place. 

Ans: Kathmandu: 2nd March, 20…

Today I am much elated to see the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. It is a wonderous piece of art. People elbow one another for entry. Only the Hindus have an access to the Gods and Goddesses. Outside the temple the atmosphere is full of confusion. Priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, monkeys, cows, pigeons and dogs roam through the ground. Inside the temple, there is Shivalinga. People offer their prayers and worship. They pray for their all round prosperity. It is a fine place. It should be opened for all.

II. Here is your diary entry when you visited Agra. Read the points and try to write a travelogue describing your visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. You may add more details.

January 2003-rise before dawn-take the Shatabdi Express at 6.15 am from Delhi- meet a newly married couple on train – talk about Himachal Pradesh – get off the train – enter the once grand city Agra – twisted alleys – traffic dense –  rickshaws, cars, people – vendors selling – religious artefacts, plastic toys, spices and sweets – go to the Taj Mahal – constructed entirely of white limestone – magical quality –  colour changes with varying of light and shadow –  marble with gemstones inside – reflection of the Taj Mahal in the pond- school – children, tourists – tourist guides following people.

Ans: January 2003

I get up before dawn and take the Shatabdi Express at 6.15 a.m. from Delhi. On the train I meet a newly mar- ried couple. They are from Himachal Pradesh. We talk about the beauty of Himachal Pradesh and the weather there. We arrive at Agra. I get off the train and hire a taxi. I enter the grand city of Agra. This is an old city. It has been the capital city of many kings. The roads are narrow and alleys are twisted. There is much confusion and jams. Rick-shaws, cars, pedestrians, scooters, trucks and buses moves on the same road. There are vendors selling eatables, souvenirs, films, and cameras. There are shops that sell artefacts made of marble.

You can buy replicas of Taj Mahal at any shop or emporium. Pethe-ki-Mithai is speciality of this place. I drive to the Taj Mahal. It looks splendid. Guides surrounded me. I take a guide. He takes me round the Taj Mahal. There are beautiful motifs studded with gem- stones. Most of them have vanished over the years. There is large number of foreign and Indian tourists. The visit to the Taj is a memorable experience.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION

Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each:

Q.1. Why there is an atmosphere of febrile confusion at Pashupatinath temple?

Ans: At Pashupatinath temple there is an atmosphere of febrile confusion. There the priests, hawkers, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons and dogs wander here and there in the grounds. Worshippers too throng the place so that they can see the deities.

Q.2. Why do the priests allow the Hindus only?

Or

Why are the Saffron dressed Westerners not permitted to enter the temple?

Ans: The priests allow to enter Pashupatinath temple only the Hindus. Foreigners like the Westerners try to struggle for entrance but they are not Pat allowed. They wear saffron clothes but the shrine is specially for the Hindus. One has to convince the policeman for being the Hindu.

Q.3. What other activities go on near Pashupatinath temple? 

Ans: Pashupatinath temple is a place of great hubbub. There flows the holy river Bagmati. One can see the corpse beings cremated there. The washermen remain busy in their work and the children enjoy bathing. The worshippers drop  flowers and leaves as a mark of respect.

Q.4. Write a small paragraph on the  Baudhnath Stupa.

Ans: It is the Buddhist shrine of Kathmandu. There is a sense of stillness though the shops have a roaring business. The Tibetans sell their felt bags, silver jewellery and Tibetan prints. Its immense dome is surrounded by a road.

Q.5. Why did the narrator change his mind later on and which mode of transport did he choose to return home?

Ans: Being too exhausted and homesick, the author changed his mind later. He went to a Nepal Airlines office and bought a ticket for the next day’s flight.

Q.6. How does the flute seller run his business? 

Ans. The flute seller attracts a good attention. He stands in a corner of the square near the hotel. There is a pole in his hand with fifty or sixty bansuris protruded in different directions. They are made of bamboo. He does not shout out his wares but he makes a sale. 

Q.7. Describe the scene at the Kathmandu bazaar.

Ans: In the bazaar of Kathmandu, there are small shrines with flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets. There are fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers, shops selling western cosmetics, la film rolls, chocolates, copper utensils and silver jewellery. There is a total noise of film songs, car horns and bicycle bells. 

Q. 8. What were the activities one can notice at the Bagmati river?

Ans. Bagmati is the only holy river in Kathmandu. People cremate corpse on its bank. Washer women wash their clothes in the river. Children and animals take bath in it. Devotees throw flowers and used garlands in it. All these activities pollute the river. 

Q.9. What did the author buy from Kathmandu? 

Ans: The author enjoyed his stay in Kathmandu bazaar. He was very happy. He bought for himself a bar of marzipan, a roasted corn-on the cab which was rubbed with salt, chilly powder and lemon. He bought some books also.

Q. 10. What did the narrator buy to satisfy his hunger? (Kathmandu) 

Ans: The narrator bought a bar of marzipan, hand corn-on-the-cob roasted in a charcoal brazier on the pavement. He drank a Coca Cola and orange drink.

Q. 11. Briefly describe the kinds of flutes as mentioned in the lesson “Kathmandu”.

Ans: In the lesson “Kathmandu”, the author says that there is no culture that does not have its flute the reed neh, the recorder, the Japanese Shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the clear or breathy flutes of South America, and the high-pitched Chinese flutes. Each has its specific fingering and compass.

THOUGHT PROVOKING MODULE

Q. 1. By the main gate a party of saffron clad western struggle for permission to enter. This is an example of religious discrimination. As a student what message you would give to stop discrimination in the name of religion and to spread universal brotherhood?

Ans: At Pashupatinath there is atmosphere of febrile confusion. All kinds of group struggle to get in. A princess of Nepalese is given permission at once while westerners have to struggle to get in. Such an act gives view of religious discrimination. As a student we would not appreciate such an act. We would say no on the basis of religion. We must make all understand that all humans are equal and should behave equally with all devotees and visitors.

Q. 2. The scene of the temple was of febrile confusion’ such is a common sight in most of the temples of our country. It is important for all of us to behave properly to avoid this confusion. What are the qualities that should be taught to the people to behave properly in the public place?

Ans: Whenever we visit any religious place there should not be any confusion. All visitors should visit the temple in an organized manner. The people should be taught to maintain decorum and respect for each other. People should also be taught to maintain cleanliness, kindness and have good intention for other. They should also learn to cooperate with each other.

Q. 3. The holy river ‘Bagmati’ is used for different social customs and badly polluted. How can the sacredness of the holy river be maintained?

Ans: The river Banati flows around the temples. On its bank a corpse is being cremated, washer women are at their work and the children bathe. In the river basket of flowers and leaves are being offered. By such acts sacredness of the river is destroyed. It is necessary to maintain decorum and inculcate social as well as national values in people. It should always be kept in mind that sanctity of the river must be maintained. The water resources must be used wisely. 

Q. 4. God is one but there is a variation in the style of worship.’ Contrast the atmosphere of Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa. What are the qualities that Baudhnath Stupa a better place?

Ans: “There is a marked difference between the atmosphere in and around Boudhanath shrine and that of the Pashupatinath Temple. In and around the Pashupatinath Ini Temple, there is an atmosphere of utter confusion. In and around Boudhanath shrine there is place and tranquillity. There is sense of stillness. There are no crowds. Boudhanath stupa is a better place because of the following features such as peace, serenity etc. At Boudhanath one does not find any kind of confusion noise. Thus qualities such as stillness make the place adorable and loving to worship at.

Q. 5. Water is the nature’s best gift.’ But the rivers like Bhagmati are ruined in the name of customs. How can one contribute to save our natural resources?

Ans: We read in the lesson that all kind of human activities are being carried along the river Bhagmati. A corpse is being cremated, washerman is washing clothes, children are bathing etc. Flowers, leaves etc., are being dropped into the river. Thus we pollute our natural resources. If we respect to our nature, we should give That value to the nature and thus remember to use the resources judiciously. By using the resources wisely, we can learn to maintain a balance. Once a balance is maintained, our precious natural resources will be preserved.

LONG ANSWERS TYPE QUESTIONS

Answer these questions in about 100-150 words each:

Q. 1. Express your views with reference to the chapter ‘Kathmandu’ that flute is a symbol of universal culture.

Ans: The chapter “Kathmandu” describes flute music as at once the, most universal and most particular of sounds. There is no culture that does not have its flute the reed neh, the all recorder, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the clear or breathy flutes of South America and the high-pitched Chinese flutes. Each has its specific fingering and compass. It weaves its own associations. According to the author, to hear any flute, is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind. Thus, flute is treated as a symbol of universal culture in the chapter.

Q. 2. ‘East or West, home is the best’, for Vikram Seth who was far away from home. How far do you agree? Discuss the values that make us feel so?

Ans: I completely agree with the statement “East or West, home is the best”. The author had been roaming around in Kathmandu, visiting the famous temples, Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhnath Stupa. He was too exhausted and homesick. For the enthusiasm of travelling, first he felt he would go by bus and train to Patna, then sail up the Ganges past Benares to Allahabad, then up the Yamuna past Agra to Delhi; but, missing his home, he booked a direct flight to Delhi from a Nepal Airlines office.

We all miss home, especially when away from it. We miss our place, bed, belongings, and above all our family and near and dear ones.

Q. 3. Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Boudhanath shrine with that at the Pashupatinath temple.

Ans: The atmosphere in and around Boudhanath shrine is full of cal.n and stillness which is in complete contrast to that at the Pashupatinath temple. There are small shops mostly owned by Tibetan immigrants. They sell felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewellery. There are no crowds. On the other hand, the atmosphere in and around The Pashupatinath temple is full of din, noise and confusion. A large crowd of men, devotees, tourists, animals, birds, hawkers and dogs can be seen there. 

Q. 4. Describe Baudhnath Shrine.

Ans: The writer visited two temples. One of which was known as Boudhanath stupa. Stupa is the temple of Buddhism. It is the most sacred place for Buddhists. There is a white dome. It is very large. Its dome is enringed by the road. Outside it, there is a Tibetan market.

There stand the small shops on its outer edge. Most of the shops are owned by the Tibetan immigrants. They sell felt bags, Tibetan prints, silver jewellery and so on. There are busy streets around. But in contrast to it, inside the shrine there is quietness. The quietness and the stillness inside it make it more pious and sacred. It is easier to get an access to the Baudhnath Stupa in comparison to the Pashupatinath temple which is crowded.

Q. 5. We derive pleasure from the set pattern of life. Discuss with reference to the chapter ‘Kathmandu’, highlighting the values we get from the way we lead our lives.

Ans: Man lives in a comfort zone in his house. He derives pleasure from the set pattern of life and we follow a certain set of rules and values, the way we lead our lives. We always want to live in the same environment, and atmosphere in which we feel comfortable. To attain our goals, we must step outside and achieve higher from our day-to-day life. If we will continue to live in the same pattern of life, we will be like stagnant water. River flows and the water keeps flowing so as to keep itself fresh. Similarly, man has to continuously keep moving in order to improve upon.

Q. 6. For many of us, religion means following certain rituals. Is it true? Comment bringing out the values imparted in the lesson Kathmandu’.

Ans: It is true that for many of us, religion merely means following certain rituals. Such people do not know even the importance or utility of those rituals. For them, if they perform the rituals in a proper manner’, God would happier with them. The author saw many worshippers were elbowing aside the others. There was complete chaos and disorder at the temple which did not go well with the sanctity of the temple. People should visit a temple or any shrine in order to get peace and calmness and not to show that performing rituals makes God happy. God never asks for these rituals, he Jane wants his children to be good.