Chapter 7


C. LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Why is Kathmandu famous? Describe briefly.

Ans: Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is famous for its vibrant religious life, beautiful temples, and lively streets. It has two very sacred temples — Pashupatinath for Hindus and Baudhnath Stupa for Buddhists. The city is full of small shrines, busy marketplaces, fruit and flute sellers, and shops selling everything from antiques to chocolates. The mix of devotion, chaos, music, and color makes Kathmandu a unique and fascinating place.


2. Describe Baudhnath Stupa and its surroundings.

Ans: Baudhnath Stupa is a peaceful and sacred Buddhist shrine in Kathmandu. It has a huge white dome surrounded by a circular road. Around the stupa, there are small shops mainly owned by Tibetan immigrants, selling items like felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewelry. Unlike the busy and noisy atmosphere at Pashupatinath, Baudhnath is quiet, calm, and serene — a true haven of stillness amidst the city's hustle.


3. Describe daily happenings at Pashupatinath.

Ans: Pashupatinath temple is a very busy and sacred Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Only Hindus are allowed to enter. The temple is full of crowds — priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, cows, monkeys, and dogs move around the temple grounds. People push to get the priest's attention, a princess may pass by and be greeted with bows, and fights between monkeys can be seen. Along the holy Bagmati river nearby, people cremate bodies, wash clothes, and bathe. It is a scene of lively, chaotic devotion.


4. What, according to the author, has been the pattern of the flute seller's life?

Ans: According to the author, the flute seller’s life seems peaceful and unhurried. He stands quietly with a pole full of bamboo flutes, playing soulful tunes without shouting to attract customers. He occasionally makes a sale, but selling flutes seems less important than enjoying the music and talking to nearby fruit sellers. It appears that the flute seller has lived this simple, calm, musical life for many years.


5. The author was moved by the music of the flute. Describe a similar experience of your own.

Ans: Once, I visited a temple fair where a small group of musicians was playing traditional Indian instruments. Among them, a boy played the flute. The sweet, flowing sound of the flute filled the air and made me feel very calm and emotional. Even though the place was noisy and crowded, the soft music made me forget everything else for a few moments. Like the author, I realized how powerful and touching simple music can be.


1. Who is the author of the lesson "Kathmandu"?

Ans: Vikram Seth is the author.


2. Name the two sacred places the author visits in Kathmandu.

Ans: Pashupatinath Temple (Hindu temple) and Baudhnath Stupa (Buddhist shrine).


3. What does the sign outside Pashupatinath Temple say?

Ans: "Entrance for the Hindus only."


4. What does the author notice happening at the Bagmati river?

Ans: A corpse is being cremated, washerwomen are washing clothes, and children are bathing.


5. How does the author describe the atmosphere at Pashupatinath Temple?

Ans: The atmosphere is of "febrile confusion" — very crowded and noisy.


6. How is Baudhnath Stupa different from Pashupatinath?

Ans: Baudhnath Stupa is calm, peaceful, and quiet, unlike the busy and chaotic atmosphere at Pashupatinath.


7. What does the author buy while roaming the streets of Kathmandu?

Ans: He buys a bar of marzipan, roasted corn, love story comics, and a Reader’s Digest.


8. Who does the author see near his hotel?

Ans: A flute seller standing at a corner of the square.


9. How does the author feel when he hears the flute music?

Ans: He feels deeply moved, peaceful, and finds it difficult to leave the place.


10. Why does the author decide to book a flight back home?

Ans: Because he feels exhausted, homesick, and wants to move directly towards home.