Class 9 English Chapter 8 Extra Question Answers - Kathmandu

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Which two temples did the author visit in Kathmandu?
Ans: The author visited Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu.

Q2. What signboard is there outside the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans: The signboard outside the Pashupatinath Temple reads ‘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 often described as vibrant and spiritual, filled with the sounds of chanting and the scent of incense. 

Q5. How is the atmosphere at the Baudhnath Stupa?
Ans: At the Baudhnath Stupa, there is an atmosphere of stillness and serenity. Visitors often experience a sense of peace as they observe the intricate architecture and the spiritual practices of those who come to pay their respects.

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 centre of Kathmandu. He visited two significant places of worship: the Pashupatinath Temple, which is sacred to Hindus, and the Baudhanath Stupa, a holy shrine for Buddhists. He was accompanied by 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 states: “Entrance for Hindus only”. This proclamation signifies the strict sanctity that this place of worship upholds and reflects the strict religious customs practised to prevent this sacred site from being treated like a mere 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 uses the term ‘febrile confusion’ to depict the hectic and feverish activity surrounding the Pashupatinath temple, which leads to utter chaos. The atmosphere is filled with a large crowd of priests, hawkers, tourists, as well as cows, monkeys, and pigeons. Inside the temple, numerous worshippers elbow their way through to get closer to the priests, further contributing to the overwhelming sense of 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 because the entry of non-Hindus is prohibited in this sacred site. He did not believe 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 a fight between two monkeys, where one monkey chases the other. The monkey being chased jumps onto a Shivalinga and then runs, screaming, around the temples. Eventually, it leaps 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 several polluting activities on the banks of the Bagmati River. 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: At the Pashupatinath temple, there is a small shrine located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Half of this shrine protrudes from a stone platform. It is believed that when the shrine completely emerges from the platform, the goddess within will escape, marking the end of the Kaliyug.

Q8. What are the author’s observations about the streets in Kathmandu?
Ans: The author describes the streets in Kathmandu as vivid, mercenary, and religious. These streets are extremely narrow and busy, dotted with numerous small shrines and adorned with images covered in flowers. Stray cows wander, mooing at the sound of motorcycles. Vendors enthusiastically sell their wares, shouting over the loud music from radios. The cacophony is heightened by the blaring of car horns and the ringing of bicycle bells, contributing to the overall din.

Q9. What picture of the Baudhnath stupa does the author portray?
Ans: The author provides a brief yet vivid depiction of the Baudhanath stupa. He expresses admiration for the serenity and calmness of this shrine. Notably, there are no crowds, even on the roads surrounding the stupa, which features some shops run by Tibetan immigrants. The stupa is characterised by its 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 Baudhanath stupa. Its immense white dome is surrounded by a road lined with small shops selling items such as felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewellery. The quietness of the stupa stands out amidst the busy commercial activities occurring around it. Consequently, the narrator regards this place as a haven of quietness amid the bustling streets.

Q11. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca-Cola”. What does all this refer to?
Ans: ‘All this’ refers to the food items that the writer enjoys on the road surrounding the Baudhanath stupa. These include a bar of marzipan and a roasted corn cob, which he savours along with the fizzy, carbonated drink, Coca-Cola. Additionally, he indulges in some comics featuring love stories and a copy of the Reader’s Digest magazine for mindless entertainment.

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 involves first reaching Patna by bus and train. From Patna, one would travel past Benaras, sail on the Ganges, and arrive in Allahabad. After that, the journey continues by crossing the Yamuna before finally reaching Delhi via Agra.

In contrast, the author chooses the shorter option of flying directly 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 and is feeling both exhausted and homesick. Although his enthusiasm for travelling tempts him to take a longer route back, his fatigue and longing for home motivate him to purchase an air ticket directly for his 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 notes that, unlike other hawkers who shout to attract customers, the flute seller plays his flute slowly and meditatively. He refrains from any excessive display and does not exhibit desperation to sell his flutes. Although the flute player remains quiet, the sound of his flute resonates distinctly above the noise of the traffic and the other 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 that had an attachment at the top. In this attachment, around fifty to sixty flutes were stuck, bulging 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 played by the flute seller, he is reminded of various kinds of flutes. He mentions several types, including:

• Cross-flutes
• Reed flute
• Recorder
• Japanese shakuhachi
• Hindustani bansuri

Other flutes are distinguished by their tonal quality, such as:

• The clear or breathy flutes of South America
• 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 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 is described as the most ‘universal’ because this musical instrument, typically made of hollow bamboo, is found in every culture around the world. At the same time, its sound is considered the most ‘particular’ because each flute, although played in a similar manner, produces a distinct, unique, and individual kind of music.

Q19. What did the saffron-clad Westerners want?
Ans: The saffron-clad Westerners wanted to enter the temple of Pashupatinath. However, the policeman stopped them and did not allow them inside because they were not Hindus. The entrance to the temple was restricted to Hindus only.

Q20. How did the author want to return to Delhi? What made him change his mind?
Ans: From Kathmandu, the author initially planned to travel to Patna by bus or train. After that, he intended to sail the Ganga from Benaras to Allahabad and then navigate the Yamuna from Agra to Delhi. However, feeling very tired, he ultimately 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 to a pole. Rather than shouting out his wares, he plays a flute from time to time, doing so slowly and thoughtfully. Occasionally, he makes a sale, yet his attitude remains carefree.

Q22. To hear any ‘flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.’ Explain.
Ans: The flute is an instrument that appears in numerous cultures around the world, each with its unique interpretation. This widespread presence of the flute suggests that its sound resonates with the essence of humanity.

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 demeanour and the beautiful sound. He notes that the flute is a universal instrument found in many cultures, symbolising 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 is overwhelmed with noise, Baudhnath offers an experience of tranquillity.

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 the Baudhanath shrine, showing a fondness for serenity. Seth also demonstrates an environmental awareness, criticising 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 on 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.