Get the best guide for Bihar Board class 9 English Prose chapter 7 here. This guide provides you with the written answers and explanations for chapter 7 – “Kathmandu”.
Chapter 7 of the Bihar Board Class 9 English book, titled “Kathmandu,” is an excerpt from Vikram Seth’s travel book “Heaven Lake.” In this chapter, Seth vividly describes his experiences in the capital city of Nepal. He takes the reader on a journey through Kathmandu’s bustling streets, visiting two significant religious sites: the Hindu Pashupatinath temple and the Buddhist Baudhinath Stupa.
Bihar Board Class 9 English Prose Chapter 7 Solutions
| Subject | English |
| Class | 9th |
| Chapter | 7. Kathmandu |
| Author | Vikram Seth |
| Board | Bihar Board |
A. Answer the following questions orally
Question 1. Have you ever visited a sacred place? Share your experiences with your friends.
Answer: Yes, I visited Deoghar, also known as Baba Dham, in Jharkhand. It’s a sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva, especially popular during the month of Shrawan (July). The atmosphere was peaceful, with devotees worshipping and carrying Ganga water. The city was beautifully decorated in saffron colors, creating a spiritual ambiance.
Question 2. Name some of the holy places of your state.
Answer: Bihar has several important holy places. Some notable ones include Bodh Gaya (Buddhist pilgrimage site), Rajgir (religious site for Buddhists and Jains), Pawapuri (Jain pilgrimage site), and various temples in Darbhanga, Purnea, and Patna.
Question 3. Describe the surroundings of a holy place you have visited.
Answer: I visited Patna Sahib Gurudwara, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. The surroundings were bustling with devotees and shops. Inside, there was a serene atmosphere with continuous recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib. The area had a strong Sikh presence, with many Sikh shopkeepers nearby, adding to the cultural experience.
B.1.1. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false statements
- At Pashupatinath, there is an atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’. T
- By the main gate an Indian struggles for permission to enter. F
- I consider what route should take back home. T
- From a balcony a basket of flowers and leaves, old offerings now wilted, is dropped into the lake. T
- I enter a Nepal Airport office and buy a ticket for the day after tomorrow flight. F
B.1.2. Answer the following questions very briefly:
Question 1. With whom does Mr Vikram Seth visit the two temples in Kathmandu?
Answer: Mr Vikram Seth visited the two temples in Kathmandu with his son and nephew.
Question 2. Why does a party of saffron-clad Westerner struggle?
Answer: A party of saffron-clad Westerners struggles for permission to enter the temple because they are foreigners attempting to access a sacred Hindu site.
Question 3. Briefly describe Baudhnath Stupa?
Answer: The Baudhnath Stupa is a large white dome surrounded by small shops, offering a serene atmosphere amidst the bustling streets of Kathmandu.
Question 4. What does the author buy at Nepal Airlines?
Answer: At Nepal Airlines, the author purchases a ticket for his flight scheduled for the following day.
Question 5. When will the Kaliyug end on earth?
Answer: According to local belief, the Kaliyug will end when the small shrine partially submerged in the stone platform at Pashupatinath fully emerges, allowing the goddess inside to escape.
B.2. Answer the following questions very briefly
Question 1. Where does the anther look at the flute seller?
Answer: The author observes the flute seller standing in a corner of the square near the hotel.
Question 2. Name three kinds of the flute.
Answer: The three types of flutes mentioned are the reed neh, recorders, and the deep bansuri used in Hindustani classical music.
Question 3. What does the flute seller have in his hand?
Answer: The flute seller holds a pole with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude.
Question 4. Why does the author find it difficult to go away from the square?
Answer: The author finds it difficult to leave the square because he is captivated by the enchanting flute music.
C. 1. Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Why is Kathmandu famous? Describe briefly.
Answer: Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is renowned for its rich cultural and religious heritage. It is home to two particularly sacred sites: the Pashupatinath temple, revered by Hindus, and the Baudhnath stupa, important to Buddhists. These temples attract pilgrims and tourists from around the world. Beyond its religious significance, Kathmandu is known for its vibrant streets, traditional architecture, and bustling markets. The city seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern life, making it a unique and fascinating destination.
Question 2. Describe Baudhnath Stupa and its surroundings.
Answer: The Baudhnath Stupa is a serene oasis in the heart of bustling Kathmandu. Its large white dome dominates the skyline, surrounded by prayer flags and smaller shrines. The atmosphere around the stupa is calm and meditative, offering a stark contrast to the busy streets nearby. Small shops run by Tibetan immigrants line the area, selling traditional crafts, felt bags, and silver jewelry. Pilgrims and tourists alike circumambulate the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers, creating a peaceful and spiritually charged environment.
Question 3. Describe daily happenings at Pashupatinath.
Answer: Pashupatinath temple is a hive of activity and devotion. The temple grounds are constantly filled with a diverse crowd of priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, and even animals like cows, monkeys, and pigeons. Worshippers eagerly push through the crowds, vying for a chance to receive darshan (viewing of the deity). The air is filled with the sounds of prayers, bells, and occasional disputes. Monkeys playfully scamper around, sometimes causing mischief, while saffron-clad foreign visitors negotiate for entry into the sacred areas. This vibrant chaos creates a uniquely energetic atmosphere characteristic of this holy site.
Question 4. What, according to the author, has been the pattern of the flute seller’s life?
Answer: The flute seller’s life follows a consistent pattern in the square near the hotel. He stands with a pole adorned with 50-60 bansuris (flutes) protruding in all directions, resembling a porcupine’s quills. Periodically, he places the pole on the ground, selects a flute, and plays soulful melodies for a few minutes. His music rises above the urban cacophony, captivating passersby with its meditative quality. Between playing sessions, he attends to customers or chats with nearby vendors. This routine, repeated day after day, year after year, has become the essence of his livelihood and artistic expression.
Question 5. The author was moved by the music of the flute. Describe a similar experience of your own.
Answer: I had a similar moving musical experience at a cultural program at Ravindra Kala Bhawan in Patna. An unassuming man took the stage with a guitar, initially not drawing much attention. However, as he began to play, the audience was captivated by his extraordinary skill and emotive performance. The melodies transported me to a world of pure musical bliss, making me forget my surroundings. This unexpected encounter with such talented musicianship left a lasting impression, reminding me of the power of music to touch our souls and transcend ordinary experiences.
C. 2. Group Discussion
Discuss the following in groups or pairs
Question 1: Religious tolerance is inbuilt in Indian society.
Answer: India’s religious tolerance is deeply rooted in its diverse cultural heritage. The country embraces various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Jainism, among others. This diversity is protected by India’s secular constitution, which grants equal rights to all citizens regardless of their faith. Historically, India has been a melting pot of different beliefs, fostering a spirit of acceptance and coexistence. While challenges like communal tensions exist, many Indians take pride in their tradition of religious harmony. The true strength of India’s religious tolerance lies in its people’s ability to celebrate diversity while maintaining a unified national identity.
Question 2: Music has overwhelming power.
Answer: Music indeed possesses a remarkable power to influence emotions and connect people. It transcends language barriers, touching hearts and minds across cultures. Music can evoke a wide range of feelings, from joy and excitement to melancholy and nostalgia. Its therapeutic qualities are well-recognized, often used to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. In social contexts, music brings people together, creating shared experiences and memories. From traditional folk songs to modern pop hits, music reflects and shapes society. Its ability to inspire, comfort, and unite makes it a universal language that resonates with people of all backgrounds.
