KATHMANDU

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Chapter- 9 (Part I)

Short Question Answers

1. Who is the author of the excerpt?

Ans: Vikram Seth.

2. What does Vikram Seth describe in his book Heaven Lake?

Ans: A journey from China to India via Tibet and Nepal.

3. What are the two temples mentioned in the excerpt?

Ans: Pashupatinath and Baudhnath stupa.

4. What is the atmosphere like at Pashupatinath?

Ans: Febrile confusion with priests, hawkers, and devotees.

5. Who is allowed to enter the Pashupatinath temple?

Ans: Only Hindus.

6. What happens at the banks of the holy Bagmati river?

Ans: A corpse is being cremated.

7. What is the atmosphere like at the Baudhnath stupa?

Ans: A sense of stillness and quietness.

8. What kind of shops surround the Baudhnath stupa?

Ans: Shops owned by Tibetan immigrants selling felt bags and silver jewelry.

9. How does Vikram Seth describe the streets of Kathmandu?

Ans: Vivid, mercenary, and religious.

10. What food does Seth indulge in during his visit?

Ans: Marzipan, roasted corn on the cob, and Coca Cola.

11. What is Seth’s feeling as he considers his route back home?

Ans: He feels exhausted and homesick.

12. What musical instrument does the flute seller play?

Ans: The bansuri.

13. How does the flute seller conduct his business?

Ans: He plays meditatively without excessive display.

14. What effect does flute music have on Seth?

Ans: He finds it universally appealing and moving.

15. What cultural aspect does Seth associate with the flute?

Ans: It is a common sound across different cultures.

16. What does Seth decide to do on his last day in Kathmandu?

Ans: He decides to buy a ticket for a flight home.

17. What does the author buy during his time in Kathmandu?

Ans: Love story comics, a Reader's Digest, and roasted corn.

18. How does the author describe the music of the flute?

Ans: As having a motive force of living breath.

19. What is the emotional significance of the flute music for Seth?

Ans: It evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and connection.

20. What does the small shrine by the river symbolize?

Ans: The end of the evil period of the Kaliyug when the goddess escapes.

Thinking about the poem 

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

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

Ans: Pashupatinath and Baudhnath stupa.

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

Ans:  Marzipan, roasted corn-on-the-cob, love story comics, and Reader’s Digest.

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

Ans: Flutes protruding from the flute seller's pole.

4. Name five kinds of flutes.

Ans: Neh, recorder, shakuhachi, bansuri, Chinese flutes.

II. Answer each question in a short paragraph.

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

Ans:  The author observes that unlike other hawkers who shout out their wares loudly to attract customers, the flute seller quietly plays his flutes in a calm and meditative way. He does not actively push for sales, and when he does make a sale, he treats it as incidental to his playing, reflecting a more relaxed, artistic approach.

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

Ans: There is a belief at Pashupatinath that when the small shrine on the stone platform by the riverbank fully emerges from the river, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of Kaliyug will come to an end, symbolizing the end of a dark era.

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

(i) The atmosphere of 'febrile confusion' outside the temple of Pashupatinath: (For Example: People elbowing each other to get the priest's attention. A princess arrives, and everyone bows and makes way for her. )

Ans: A fight between two monkeys, with one running around the temple.

(ii) The things he sees:

Ans: Priests, hawkers, devotees, and animals (cows, monkeys, pigeons, dogs) roaming the grounds.

Washerwomen working by the river, and children bathing.

Small shrines with flower-adorned deities in the streets.

(iii) The sounds he hears:

Ans:  Film songs blaring from radios.

Car horns and bicycle bells.

The flute seller's soft, meditative playing.

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

1. Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with the Pashupatinath temple.

The Baudhnath stupa exudes a serene and quiet atmosphere, in stark contrast to the chaotic energy of Pashupatinath. While Pashupatinath is crowded with people, animals, and noise, Baudhnath is peaceful, with small shops and fewer crowds. The busy, noisy streets of Kathmandu seem distant from the calm and stillness of Baudhnath, while Pashupatinath reflects a place full of life and commotion, with its febrile confusion of priests, devotees, and hawkers. The sacredness of Baudhnath is conveyed through its tranquility, while Pashupatinath's sacredness is represented through its energetic religious activity.

2. How does the author describe Kathmandu's busiest streets?

Ans:  The author describes Kathmandu's streets as lively, chaotic, and full of sensory overload. They are filled with fruit sellers, flute sellers, and postcard hawkers, alongside shops selling a mix of Western goods and traditional Nepalese items like copper utensils and antiques. The streets are narrow, with flower-adorned shrines scattered along them. Amid the bustling crowds, sounds such as film songs from radios, car horns, bicycle bells, and vendors shouting add to the overwhelming vibrancy of the scene.

3. "To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind." Why does the author say this?

Ans:  The author feels that the sound of the flute is universal, transcending cultures and regions. Different types of flutes exist across the world—whether the Hindustani bansuri, the Japanese shakuhachi, or the reed neh—but they all share something fundamental. The flute's music, like human speech, is powered by breath, and its melodies evoke emotions common to all people. For the author, the flute’s music symbolizes a connection to the essence of humanity, bringing people together through a shared experience of beauty and emotion.

Long Question Answers

1. Describe the atmosphere at Pashupatinath temple. What elements contribute to this environment?

Ans: The atmosphere at Pashupatinath is chaotic and lively, filled with a mix of priests, hawkers, tourists, and animals. The presence of cows, monkeys, pigeons, and dogs adds to the febrile confusion. Worshippers vie for the priest's attention amidst the crowd, creating a sense of urgency and fervor. The arrival of a princess from the Nepalese royal family further heightens the atmosphere, as people bow and make way for her. The scene is set against the backdrop of the holy Bagmati river, where life and death coexist, with a corpse being cremated and washerwomen at work.

2. How does the author contrast the experiences at Pashupatinath and Baudhnath stupa?

Ans: The experiences at Pashupatinath and Baudhnath stupa present two contrasting atmospheres. At Pashupatinath, the environment is vibrant and bustling, characterized by a sense of confusion and urgency among the crowds. In contrast, the Baudhnath stupa offers a peaceful sanctuary, marked by stillness and calmness. The immense white dome of the stupa invites quiet reflection, and the absence of large crowds provides a haven from the chaotic streets of Kathmandu, allowing for a more meditative experience.

3. What observations does Vikram Seth make about the streets of Kathmandu?

Ans: Vikram Seth describes the streets of Kathmandu as vivid and mercenary, filled with religious shrines and bustling vendors. Small shrines adorned with flowers are interspersed among shops selling a variety of goods, from Western cosmetics to Nepalese antiques. The sounds of life—film songs, car horns, and hawkers—create a lively auditory backdrop. The vibrant atmosphere showcases the cultural diversity of Kathmandu, where commerce and spirituality coexist, leading Seth to indulge in various purchases, highlighting the enticing chaos of the city.

4. Reflect on the significance of flute music in Seth's narrative. How does it resonate with his experiences?

Ans: Flute music holds profound significance in Seth's narrative, representing a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. As he listens to the flute seller, he is drawn into the shared humanity expressed through the music. The sound evokes memories and emotions, creating a deep connection with the essence of life itself. The flutes, with their diverse forms across cultures, symbolize a shared cultural heritage, evoking nostalgia and a sense of belonging for Seth. This reflects his realization of the commonality of human experiences and the emotional power of music.

5. How does Seth describe his feelings of homesickness during his travels, and what decision does he ultimately make?

Ans: Throughout his travels, Seth grapples with feelings of exhaustion and homesickness. As he reflects on the places he could visit, his desire for exploration is overshadowed by a longing for home. He acknowledges that today is his last day of August, and this realization prompts him to prioritize his emotional well-being over adventure. Ultimately, he decides to buy a ticket for a flight home, demonstrating the profound impact of his yearning for familiarity and comfort over the excitement of further travel.

6. Analyze the interaction between the flute seller and his surroundings. What does this reveal about his character?

Ans: The flute seller's interaction with his surroundings reveals a calm and contemplative character. He plays the bansuri slowly and meditatively, demonstrating a deep connection to his craft without seeking to draw excessive attention to himself. His casual conversations with the fruit seller and the offhanded manner in which he makes sales suggest that he finds joy in the music itself rather than in commercial success. This reflects a lifestyle of simplicity and dedication, emphasizing the importance of the artistic experience over the hustle of the marketplace.

7. Discuss the emotional impact of the scene with the corpse being cremated along the Bagmati river.

Ans: The scene with the corpse being cremated along the Bagmati river embodies the cycle of life and death, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the river in Hindu culture. This stark juxtaposition of the sacred and the mundane profoundly impacts Seth, highlighting the realities of existence in Kathmandu. The presence of washerwomen and children bathing nearby reinforces the idea that life continues amidst death. This powerful image evokes a sense of reverence for the rituals surrounding death and the cultural practices that intertwine life and spirituality in this sacred space.

8. What reflections does Seth have on his previous travels upon hearing the flute music?

Ans: Upon hearing the flute music, Seth reflects on his past travels and acknowledges a shift in his perspective. He is surprised by how deeply the familiar phrases of the bansuri resonate with him, as he has not typically noticed such details in previous trips home. This experience highlights his growing appreciation for the emotional significance of music and its ability to evoke memories. The flute music serves as a poignant reminder of his connection to home and the profound impact of seemingly simple experiences during his journeys.

9. What role does the holy Bagmati river play in the cultural context described by Seth?9

Ans: The holy Bagmati river serves as a significant cultural and spiritual landmark in Seth's narrative. It is a site of cremation, reflecting the Hindu belief in the river's purifying qualities and its role in the cycle of life and death. The river's banks are alive with activity, symbolizing the intertwining of daily life and sacred rituals. As a place where old offerings are discarded and new life is celebrated, the Bagmati river embodies the essence of Kathmandu's spirituality, serving as a vital artery connecting the physical and metaphysical worlds.

10. How does the presence of tourists and local vendors contribute to the overall atmosphere in Kathmandu?

Ans: The presence of tourists and local vendors contributes significantly to the vibrant and bustling atmosphere in Kathmandu. Tourists bring curiosity and a sense of exploration, while local vendors add to the lively commerce that characterizes the streets. This interaction creates a dynamic environment where cultural exchange occurs, as tourists engage with local traditions and practices. The mix of sounds, sights, and smells from the various vendors enhances the sensory experience of the city, showcasing the colorful tapestry of life in Kathmandu and the harmonious coexistence of visitors and locals.

11. What significance does the mention of the Kaliyug hold in the narrative?

Ans: The mention of the Kaliyug in the narrative signifies a period of darkness and moral decline in Hindu cosmology. Seth's reference to the small shrine and the goddess escaping from it suggests hope for renewal and the restoration of balance. This connection to the larger spiritual framework adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing the interplay between the physical and spiritual realms. It highlights the beliefs that underpin the practices observed in Kathmandu and the reverence held for deities and rituals that seek to alleviate the burdens of the Kaliyug.

12. How does the author depict the contrast between local and Western cultural elements in Kathmandu?

Ans: The author portrays a fascinating blend of local and Western cultural elements in Kathmandu. He observes local vendors selling traditional items alongside Western goods like cosmetics and chocolates, reflecting the city's mercenary spirit. The juxtaposition of saffron-clad Westerners seeking entry to Pashupatinath against the backdrop




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Question Type By- Maiur Rani Kashyap 




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