Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: Which two temples did the author visit in Kathmandu?
Ans: The author visited Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu.
Q2: What signboard is there outside the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans: The signboard outside Pashupatinath temple is ‘Entrance for Hindus only’.
Q3: Which river flows through Kathmandu?
Ans: The Bagmati river flows through Kathmandu.
Q4: How is the atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans: The atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple is full of confusion.
Q5: How is the atmosphere at the Baudhnath Stupa?
Ans: At Baudhnath Stupa there is an atmosphere of stillness.
Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: Where did the writer stay in Kathmandu? Which two different places of worship did he visit and with whom?
Ans: The writer, Vikram Seth, stayed in a cheap room in the center of Kathmandu town. He visited the Pashupatinath temple, sacred to Hindus, and the Baudhnath stupa, the holy shrine of the Buddhists. He went with his acquaintances Mr. Shah’s son and nephew.
Q2: What is written on the signboard outside the Pashupatinath temple? What does the proclamation signify?
Ans: Outside the Pashupatinath temple, the signboard announces: “Entrance for the Hindus only”. It signifies the rigid sanctity that this place of worship associates with and the dogmatic discrimination practiced saving this place from being treated like a tourist destination.
Q3: What does the author imply by ‘febrile confusion’ in the Pashupatinath temple?
Or
What made the atmosphere in and around the Pashupatinath temple full of ‘febrile confusion’?
Ans: The author makes this remark to show the hectic and feverish activity that causes utter chaos. Around the temple, there is a huge crowd of priests, hawkers, tourists, and even cows, monkeys and pigeons. Inside the temple, there are a large number of worshippers who elbow others aside to move closer to the priest. Together, they create utter confusion.
Q4: Why did the policeman stop the Westerners wearing saffron-colored clothes from entering the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans: The policeman stopped the saffron-clad Westerners from entering the Pashupatinath temple as the entry of non- Hindus is banned in this temple and he didn’t believe that they were Hindus, despite their saffron clothes.
Q5: How does the author describe the fight that breaks out between the two monkeys around the temple of Pashupatinath?
Ans: The author describes the fight that breaks out between two monkeys in which one chases the other. The monkey being chased jumps onto a Shivalinga, then runs screaming around the temples, and finally goes down to the holy river, Bagmati.
Q6: What activities are observed by the writer on the banks of the Bagmati River?
Ans: The writer observes some polluting activities on the banks of the river Bagmati.
He notices some washerwomen washing clothes, some children taking a bath, and a dead body being cremated on the banks of this sacred river. He also observes someone throwing a basketful of wilted flowers and leaves into the river.
Q7: What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?
Ans: There is a small shrine on the banks of the holy Bagmati in the Pashupatinath temple. Half of this shrine protrudes from a stone platform. It is believed that when the shrine emerges completely from the platform, the goddess in the shrine will escape and that will mark the end of the Kaliyug.
Q8: What are the author’s observations about the streets in Kathmandu?
Ans: The author finds the streets in Kathmandu ‘vivid, mercenary and religious’.
Extremely narrow and busy, these streets have many small shrines and some images clad in flowers. Stray cows roam about mooing at the sound of the motorcycles. Vendors sell their wares shouting and radios are played at a loud pitch. In addition, the horns of the cars and the ringing of the bicycle bells increase this din.
Q9: What picture of the Baudhnath stupa does the author portray?
Ans: The author gives a brief but vivid picture of the Boudhanath stupa. He admires the serenity and calmness of this shrine. There are no crowds even on the road surrounding the stupa which has some shops run by Tibetan immigrants. The stupa has an immense white dome with silence and stillness as its distinctive features.
Q10: Describing the streets around the Baudhnath stupa, why does the narrator say this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around?
Ans: The narrator observes a sense of stillness at the Buddhist shrine, the Boudhanath stupa. Its immense white dome is ringed by a road with small shops selling items like felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewelry. The quietness of the stupa stands out amidst the busy business activities that go around it. Thus, the narrator regards this place as a haven of quietness in the busy streets around.
Q11: The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca-Cola”. What does all this refer to?
Ans: All this’ refers to the eatables that the writer enjoys on the road surrounding the Boudhanath stupa. It includes a bar of marzipan and a roasted corn cob that he enjoys along with the fizzy, carbonated drink, Coca-Cola. Besides, he also gets some comics with love stories and a copy of the Reader’s Digest magazine to indulge himself mindlessly.
Q12: Which is the longer route from Kathmandu to Delhi? Which route does the author opt for?
Ans: The longer route from Kathmandu to Delhi is to first reach Patna by bus and train. Then go past Benaras, sail on the Ganges, and reach Allahabad. Then cross the Yamuna and finally reach Delhi via Agra. The shorter option taken by the author is to fly via air, straight from Kathmandu to Delhi.
Q13: Why does Vikram Seth decide to buy a ticket directly for the homeward journey?
Ans: Vikram Seth has been away from home for quite some time. He is feeling very exhausted and homesick. Though his enthusiasm for traveling tempts him to take a longer route to reach back home, his exhaustion and homesickness impel him to buy an air ticket directly for the homeward journey to Delhi.
Q14: What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers?
Or
How is the flute player’s way of selling flutes different from that of the other hawkers around?
Ans: The author points out that while other hawkers shout to attract customers for their wares, the flute seller plays upon his flute slowly and meditatively. He does not indulge in excessive display nor does he show any desperation to sell his flutes.
Although the flute player does not shout, the sound of the flute is distinctly heard above the noise of the traffic and of the hawkers.
Q15: What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?
Or
Where did Vikram Seth find the flute seller? What did he compare his flutes to?
Ans: Vikram Seth found a flute seller in Kathmandu standing in a corner of the square near his hotel. He held a pole in his hand which had an attachment at the top. In this attachment, around fifty to sixty flutes were stuck and bulged out in all directions. The author compares these protruding flutes to the sharp, stiff and standing quills of a porcupine.
Q16: Name five kinds of flutes.
Or
Listening to the music of the flute in the square, the author is reminded of various kinds of flutes. Which kinds does he describe?
Ans: As the author listens to the music of the flute being played by the flute seller, he is reminded of different kinds of flutes. He mentions certain kinds of them like the ‘cross-flutes’, the ‘reed new’, the recorder, the Japanese ‘shakuhachi’, and the Hindustani ‘bansuri’. Other flutes are distinguished by their tonal quality like ‘the clear or breathy flutes’ of South America and the ‘high-pitched’ flutes of China.
Q17: What is the impact of the music of the flute on Vikram Seth?
Ans: The music of the flute has a hypnotic effect on Vikram Seth. He finds it difficult to ‘tear’ himself away from the square where this music is being played by the flute seller.
It has the power to draw him into the commonality of all mankind and he is moved by its closeness to the human voice.
Q18: Why does the author describe the music of the flute as “the most universal and most particular of sounds”?
Ans: The music of the flute, according to the author, is the most ‘universal’ because this musical instrument, made of hollow bamboo is found in every culture in the world.
But at the same time, its sound is the most ‘particular’ because each flute, though played in an almost similar manner, emits a distinct, unique, and individual kind of music.
Q19: What did the saffron-clad Westerners want?
Ans: The saffron-clad Westerners wanted to go inside the temple of Pashupatinath. But the policeman stopped them. He did not let them go inside the temple because they were not Hindus. The entrance was only for Hindus in the temple.
Q20: How did the author want to return to Delhi? What made him change his mind?
Ans: From Kathmandu, the author wanted to go to Patna by bus or train. Then he would sail the Ganga through Benaras to Allahabad. Then he would sail the Yamuna through Agra to Delhi. But the author was already very tired. So he decided to return to Delhi by air.
Q21: Describe how the flute seller sells his wares.
Ans: The flute seller has tied fifty or sixty flutes on a pole. He does not shout out his wares. From time to time, he selects a flute and plays on it. He plays slowly and thoughtfully. Sometimes, he makes a sale. But his attitude is carefree.
Q22: To hear any ‘flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.’ Explain.
Ans: The flute is found in each culture in one form or the other. Thus the sound of the flute draws a person into the commonality of mankind.
Important Long Answer Type Questions
Q1: How does the author describe the flute seller? What does he say about the flute music?
Ans: The author describes the flute seller as a calm, unhurried figure in a corner of the square near his hotel. He holds a pole with fifty to sixty bamboo flutes attached, which the author compares to the quills of a porcupine. Instead of calling out to attract buyers, the flute seller quietly plays the flute, creating music that rises above the street noise. He plays thoughtfully, without urgency, and occasionally someone buys a flute. The author is captivated by his relaxed demeanor and the beautiful sound. He notes that the flute is a universal instrument found in many cultures, symbolizing a common bond among all humanity. The music fascinates him and connects him to a shared human experience.
Q2: Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with that in the Pashupatinath Temple.
Ans: The Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhnath Shrine offer contrasting atmospheres. Pashupatinath is chaotic and noisy, with crowds of worshippers pushing for a glimpse of the deity, creating confusion. Priests, animals like cows and monkeys, and tourists add to the commotion. The place is loud, busy, and disorderly. On the other hand, the Baudhnath shrine is serene and peaceful. There are few people inside, and though there are shops run by Tibetan immigrants nearby, the area is quiet and calm. The author finds Baudhnath a "haven of stillness," standing in sharp contrast to the bustling streets outside. While Pashupatinath overwhelms with noise, Baudhnath offers an experience of tranquility.
Q3: How does the author describe Kathmandu’s busiest streets?
Ans: The author describes Kathmandu’s busiest streets as a vibrant mix of religious and commercial activity. The streets are filled with sellers of fruit, postcards, and flutes, as well as tourists and pilgrims visiting shrines and temples. Shops offer a wide range of goods, from Western cosmetics to Nepalese antiques and copper pots. The atmosphere is noisy and crowded, with radios playing film songs, car horns, and bicycles creating a "bedlam of sounds." Cows bellowing and motorcycles add to the chaos. Despite the noise and clutter, the streets are lively and full of life, reflecting Kathmandu’s rich cultural and religious tapestry. The author portrays the streets as both chaotic and fascinating.
Q4: ” To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.” Why does the author say this?
Ans: The author reflects on the universality of the flute, an instrument found in almost every culture. Although different types of flutes—such as the Japanese shakuhachi or Indian bansuri—produce varied sounds, all share similarities with the human voice in their need for pauses and breaths. The author notes that despite cultural differences, the music of flutes connects people across the world. The pauses and breaths in flute music mimic speech patterns, creating a sense of familiarity. This shared aspect of music leads the author to feel a bond with humanity, drawing him into a universal experience that transcends cultural boundaries. The flute’s simple, soothing music evokes a sense of harmony and unity among people.
Q5: What ideas do you get about the author from the extract “Kathmandu”?
Ans: The extract from Vikram Seth’s "Kathmandu" reveals him as a keen observer with a love for travel, culture, and music. His attention to detail brings to life the vibrant streets, temples, and atmosphere of the city. He appreciates both the bustling energy of Kathmandu and the peacefulness of Badrinath shrine, showing a fondness for serenity. Seth also demonstrates an environmental awareness, criticizing pollution along the Bagmati River. His deep love for music is evident in his captivation with the flute seller’s performance, highlighting his sensitivity to sound. Seth's contemplation of taking a longer route back to Delhi shows his adventurous spirit, while his enjoyment of local food and markets reflects his appreciation of new experiences and cultures.
Q6: Where does the author find the flute seller and what are his observations about him? What draws the author to the music of the flute?
Ans: The author encounters the flute seller in a busy square near his hotel in Kathmandu. Unlike other hawkers, the flute seller does not shout or try to actively attract customers. Instead, he calmly plays his flute, letting the music speak for itself. He carries around fifty to sixty flutes on a pole, which the author compares to a porcupine’s quills. The seller’s focus is more on playing the flute meditatively than selling them. The music, clear and distinct despite the surrounding noise, captivates the author. He is deeply moved by the hypnotic sound of the flute, which lingers in his mind even after he leaves the square. The music’s soothing and universal quality leaves a lasting impression on him.
