Kathmandu - NCERT Class 9, Chapter 8 - Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions

Summary of Kathmandu (Part 1)

In this chapter, Vikram Seth describes his visit to the bustling city of Kathmandu. He gives a vivid portrayal of the two famous temples, Pashupatinath and Baudhnath, highlighting the chaos at the Hindu temple and the calm at the Buddhist stupa. His journey through the crowded streets of Kathmandu is full of sensory details, from the sounds of flutes to the bright marzipan and the exotic markets. The chapter brings out the contrast between the spiritual and commercial life of the city, showing its vibrant culture and the unique experiences of travel.

Kathmandu (Part 1) in Hindi

इस अध्याय में, विक्रम सेठ ने काठमांडू शहर की अपनी यात्रा का वर्णन किया है। वे प्रसिद्ध मंदिरों, पशुपतिनाथ और बौधनाथ की यात्रा का विस्तार से वर्णन करते हैं, जहाँ हिंदू मंदिर में अव्यवस्था और बौद्ध स्तूप में शांति का दृश्य देखने को मिलता है। काठमांडू की भीड़भाड़ वाली गलियों का उनका अनुभव ध्वनियों, रंगों और विविध बाज़ारों से भरपूर है। यह अध्याय शहर के आध्यात्मिक और व्यावसायिक जीवन के बीच के विरोधाभास को उजागर करता है, जो काठमांडू की समृद्ध संस्कृति और यात्रा के अनूठे अनुभवों को दर्शाता है।

Thinking about the Text

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

1. Name the two temples the author visited in Kathmandu.
Answer: Pashupatinath and Baudhnath Stupa.

2. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca Cola.” What does ‘all this’ refer to?
Answer: A bar of marzipan, corn-on-the-cob, love story comics, and Reader’s Digest.

3. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?
Answer: The flute seller's pole with many flutes.

4. Name five kinds of flutes.
Answer: Reed 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?
Answer: The author notes that the flute seller is different from other hawkers because he doesn't shout to attract customers. He plays his flute meditatively, and selling flutes seems incidental to him.

2. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?
Answer: The belief is that when a small shrine on the riverbank emerges fully from the river, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of Kaliyug will end.

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: People elbowing each other to get the priest's attention, a fight between monkeys, a princess being given way by the crowd.

(ii) the things he sees: A basket of flowers and leaves being dropped into the river, children bathing in the river, washerwomen working on the riverbank.

(iii) the sounds he hears: Car horns, bicycle bells, vendors shouting their wares, film songs blaring from radios.

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.
Answer: The atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple is chaotic and noisy, filled with people, animals, and confusion. In contrast, the Baudhnath shrine is calm and peaceful, with fewer people, and it offers a quiet sanctuary. While Pashupatinath is crowded and filled with religious fervor, Baudhnath is serene, surrounded by small shops and Tibetan immigrants selling their goods. The two places represent two different forms of spirituality—one loud and bustling, the other tranquil and meditative.

2. How does the author describe Kathmandu’s busiest streets?
Answer: The author describes Kathmandu’s busiest streets as vibrant, colorful, and noisy. There are small shrines, hawkers selling various items, fruit and flute sellers, and shops selling Western goods like chocolates and cosmetics. The streets are filled with the sounds of film songs, car horns, and bicycle bells, creating a sense of constant activity and energy.

3. “To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.” Why does the author say this?
Answer: The author says this because the flute, as a musical instrument, exists in almost every culture around the world. Its sound evokes emotions that are universal, making it a symbol of human commonality. The flute's music, created by breath, is close to the human voice and expresses feelings that are shared by all people, regardless of their cultural background. This universality of music connects everyone, transcending cultural differences.

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.
Answer: (d) of start suddenly, (usually a fight, a war or a disease).

2. The cockpit broke off from the plane during the plane crash.
Answer: (a) to come apart due to force.

3. The car broke down on the way and we were left stranded in the jungle.
Answer: (f) stop working.

4. The dacoit broke away from the police as they took him to court.
Answer: (e) to escape from someone’s grip.

5. The brothers broke up after the death of the father.
Answer: (b) end a relationship.

6. The thief broke into our house when we were away.
Answer: (c) break and enter illegally; unlawful trespassing.

II. 1. Use the suffixes -ion or -tion to form nouns from the following verbs. Make the necessary changes in the spellings of the words.

• cremate – cremation
• act – action
• exhaust – exhaustion
• invent – invention
• tempt – temptation
• immigrate – immigration
• direct – direction
• meditate – meditation
• imagine – imagination
• dislocate – dislocation
• associate – association
• dedicate – dedication

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

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

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

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

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

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

III. Punctuation

Original: 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 upto 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.

Corrected: 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

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

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

(ii) The African lungfish can live without water for up to four years. During a drought, it digs (dig) a pit and encloses (enclose) itself in a capsule of slime and earth, leaving a tiny opening for air. The capsule dries (dry) and hardens (harden), but when rain comes (come), the mud dissolves (dissolve) and the lungfish swims (swim) away.

(iii) MAHESH: We have to organise a class party for our teacher. Does anyone play an instrument?
VIPUL: Rohit plays the flute.
MAHESH: Does he also act?
VIPUL: No, he composes music.
MAHESH: That’s wonderful!

Speaking

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

Discuss and share about a shrine that you have visited. Mention its location, the atmosphere, the rituals, and any personal experiences you had there.

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

• A game of football, cricket or hockey, or some sports event
• A parade (e.g., Republic Day) or some other national event

Use the simple present and present continuous tenses to describe the event.

For example:

• Football match: He passes the ball to the striker. The defender gets in the way, but the striker dodges and moves forward...
• Republic Day Parade: These brave soldiers guard our frontiers. They display their skills here, marching in perfect synchronization...

Writing

Diary entry for a travelogue

I. Imagine that you were with Vikram Seth on his visit to Pashupatinath temple. Record in point form:

• What you see when you reach the Pashupatinath temple: Crowds of pilgrims, colorful flags fluttering in the wind, the bustling atmosphere around the temple complex.
• What you see happening inside the temple: Priests performing rituals, devotees offering flowers and prayers, smoke from incense sticks filling the air.
• What you do when inside the temple: Light a diya (lamp), offer prayers, take part in the ritual ceremony.
• What you see outside the temple: Vendors selling religious artifacts, beggars sitting near the entrance, monkeys playing on the temple stairs, the river flowing beside the temple.
• Your impressions about the place: The temple is a spiritual hub, full of energy and devotion. The atmosphere is chaotic yet deeply peaceful at the same time.

II. Travelogue describing your visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal:

January 2003

Rise before dawn and take the Shatabdi Express at 6:15 a.m. from Delhi. The journey is exciting as I meet a newly-married couple on the train and we discuss our shared love for Himachal Pradesh. After arriving in Agra, I’m struck by the city’s twisted alleys and dense traffic—rickshaws, cars, and people crowd the streets. Vendors sell everything from religious artifacts to plastic toys, spices, and sweets. The atmosphere is vibrant yet chaotic.

Finally, I reach the Taj Mahal. Its white marble structure is breathtaking, possessing a magical quality that changes with the shifting light and shadows. The intricate marble inlay with gemstones inside enhances its beauty. As I stand by the pond, I am captivated by the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the still water, surrounded by schoolchildren, tourists, and persistent guides.

About the Author

Vikram Seth, the author of 'Kathmandu,' is an acclaimed Indian writer known for his travel writing and novels. He has captured the essence of cultural diversity through his work. In 'Kathmandu,' Seth highlights the sensory experiences of travel, bringing out the contrasts between spiritualism and commercialism.