Class 9 English Notes Chapter 10 (Kathmandu) – Beehive English Text Book Book

Alright class, let's focus on Chapter 10, 'Kathmandu', from your Beehive textbook. This is an interesting piece, an excerpt from Vikram Seth's travelogue 'Heaven Lake'. It offers vivid descriptions and insightful observations, making it important for your exams. Pay close attention to the details.

Chapter 10: Kathmandu - Detailed Notes for Exam Preparation

Author: Vikram Seth (An acclaimed Indian novelist and poet)
Source: Excerpt from 'Heaven Lake' (A travelogue detailing his journey from China to India via Tibet and Nepal)

1. Introduction & Setting:

• The chapter describes the author's experiences during his visit to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
• He visits two significant religious sites: Pashupatinath Temple (Hindu) and Baudhnath Stupa (Buddhist).
• He also observes the bustling streets and markets of the city.

2. Pashupatinath Temple:

• Atmosphere: Described as chaotic, noisy, and filled with "febrile confusion".
• Restrictions: A sign clearly states "Entrance for the Hindus only". This highlights religious exclusivity.
• Activities Observed:
  • Priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists.
  • Animals: Monkeys fighting, cows lowing.
  • Rituals: Worshippers dropping flowers, a corpse being cremated on the banks of the holy Bagmati river, washerwomen nearby, children bathing.
  • A sense of intense activity and religious fervor mixed with everyday life.
• Incident: The author observes a scuffle when some Westerners try to enter, emphasizing the strict rules. He also notes a royal Nepalese princess arriving, causing everyone to bow.
• Significance: Represents the vibrant, sometimes overwhelming, aspect of Hinduism and the cycle of life and death.

3. Baudhnath Stupa:

• Atmosphere: Contrasts sharply with Pashupatinath. It's described as a "haven of quietness" and serene.
• Description: A huge white dome surrounded by a road. Small shops line the outer edge, many owned by Tibetan immigrants selling crafts, felt bags, and silver jewellery.
• Activities Observed: Mostly quiet worship and circumambulation (walking around the stupa). No crowds or chaos.
• Significance: Represents the peace, stillness, and meditative quality associated with Buddhism. It stands as a symbol of serenity amidst the city's business.

4. Kathmandu's Streets:

• Description: Vivid, noisy, crowded, and polluted.
• Sights & Sounds: Fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards, shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, copper utensils, and Nepalese antiques. Car horns, bicycle bells, stray cows, vendors shouting.
• Sensory Experience: The author emphasizes the multitude of sounds and sights, creating a picture of a typical busy Asian city.

5. The Flute Seller:

• Observation: The author is particularly drawn to a flute seller standing quietly in a corner of the square near his hotel.
• Contrast: Unlike other hawkers, this seller doesn't shout. He plays his flutes meditatively, occasionally making a sale in an "offhanded" way.
• Types of Flutes: He has a pole with various flutes attached: the reed neh, the recorder, Japanese shakuhachi, deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, clear/breathy flutes of South America, high-pitched Chinese flutes.
• Impact on the Author: The music affects him deeply. He finds flute music to be "the most universal and most particular" of sounds. It seems common to all cultures ("its motive force living breath"), yet each flute has its distinct fingering and compass.
• Universality & Connection: Hearing the familiar sound reminds him of different cultures and places, yet it draws him into the commonality of all mankind. It evokes a sense of connection and nostalgia.

6. The Author's Decision:

• Overwhelmed by the sensory input and feeling tired and homesick ("homesickness"), the author decides against his original, more adventurous travel plan (bus, train, boat).
• He opts for the quicker, easier route: buying an airline ticket directly back to Delhi. This reflects a moment of exhaustion and a desire for comfort after a long journey.

7. Key Themes:

• Cultural Contrast: Hinduism vs. Buddhism (Pashupatinath vs. Baudhnath).
• Sensory Experience: The chapter is rich in descriptions appealing to sight and sound (chaos, serenity, music, street noise).
• Universality and Particularity: Explored through the flute music – common across cultures, yet unique in each form.
• Modernity vs. Tradition: Busy streets with modern goods alongside ancient temples and traditional crafts.
• The Traveler's Experience: Observation, reflection, fatigue, and the choices made during a journey.

8. Important Vocabulary/Phrases:

• Proclaim: Announce officially or publicly.
• Febrile confusion: Hectic, feverish activity and disorder.
• Haven of quietness: A place of peace and safety.
• Meditatively: In a thoughtful, contemplative way.
• Engrossed: Fully absorbed or occupied.
• Offhanded: Casual, informal, without much thought.
• Compass: Range (especially of musical notes).

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What rule was strictly enforced at the Pashupatinath temple, according to the author?
   a) No photography allowed
   b) Entrance for Hindus only
   c) Silence must be maintained
   d) Offerings must be bought inside

2. How did the atmosphere at Baudhnath stupa contrast with that at Pashupatinath temple?
   a) It was more crowded and noisy.
   b) It was exclusively for tourists.
   c) It was serene and peaceful.
   d) It had more animal activity.

3. Which river flows by the Pashupatinath temple?
   a) Ganges
   b) Yamuna
   c) Bagmati
   d) Brahmaputra

4. What specific activity related to death did the author witness at Pashupatinath?
   a) A funeral procession
   b) A corpse being cremated
   c) Monks chanting prayers for the dead
   d) An elaborate burial ceremony

5. The shops around the Baudhnath stupa were mostly owned by:
   a) Nepalese priests
   b) Indian merchants
   c) Tibetan immigrants
   d) Western tourists

6. Which musical instrument captivated the author's attention in Kathmandu square?
   a) Sitar
   b) Tabla
   c) Flute
   d) Violin

7. How did the flute seller differ from other hawkers?
   a) He shouted louder than others.
   b) He sold his wares aggressively.
   c) He played his instrument meditatively and sold casually.
   d) He only sold one type of flute.

8. The author describes flute music as the most 'universal' and 'particular'. What does 'universal' imply here?
   a) It is very expensive.
   b) It is found in almost all cultures.
   c) It requires complex training.
   d) It is only played on special occasions.

9. What are the bansuri and shakuhachi?
   a) Types of drums
   b) Types of temples
   c) Types of flutes
   d) Types of Nepalese food

10. Why did the author ultimately decide to fly back to Delhi instead of travelling by bus and train?
    a) He ran out of money.
    b) The buses and trains were on strike.
    c) He was offered a free flight.
    d) He felt exhausted and homesick.

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b) Entrance for Hindus only
2. c) It was serene and peaceful.
3. c) Bagmati
4. b) A corpse being cremated
5. c) Tibetan immigrants
6. c) Flute
7. c) He played his instrument meditatively and sold casually.
8. b) It is found in almost all cultures.
9. c) Types of flutes
10. d) He felt exhausted and homesick.

Make sure you understand the descriptions of the two temples, the significance of the flute seller, and the author's final decision. These are key areas often tested. Good luck with your preparation!