Exam-oriented note for Chapter 10: Kathmandu from English Beehive – Class IX, with a point-wise summary and detailed Q&A:
Chapter 10: Kathmandu
Author: Vikram Seth
Point-wise Summary
- The narrator, Vikram Seth, describes his visit to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
- He visits two famous temples: the Pashupatinath Temple (a sacred Hindu site) and the Boudhanath Stupa (a Buddhist shrine).
- Pashupatinath is crowded, noisy, and full of rituals, priests, and pilgrims. There is even a fight over temple entry.
- In contrast, the Boudhanath Stupa is calm, peaceful, and quiet with a sense of stillness and devotion.
- The narrator observes people and activities in the streets—vendors, music, chaos, and pollution.
- He buys comics, a flute, and eats a bar of chocolate.
- The sight and sound of a flute player at a square moves him emotionally and spiritually.
- He reflects on the universality of music and ends the account with a sense of deep emotional connection to the place.
Theme
- Cultural and religious diversity
- Contrast between chaos and peace
- Power of music to transcend boundaries
- Beauty of observation and travel
- Spiritual experience through ordinary events
Word Meanings
- Coronation – Ceremony of crowning a king or queen
- Vigil – A period of keeping awake during sleep hours for devotion
- Haphazard – Lacking any clear organization
- Reminiscent – Reminding of something
- Cacophony – Harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
Important Questions and Answers
1. Which two temples does the narrator visit in Kathmandu?
He visits the Pashupatinath Temple (Hindu) and the Boudhanath Stupa (Buddhist).
2. How is the atmosphere at the Pashupatinath Temple described?
It is chaotic, noisy, and crowded. Priests, pilgrims, animals, and tourists all jostle for space, and there’s even a dispute over temple entry.
3. What contrast does the narrator draw between the two shrines?
Pashupatinath is full of commotion and rituals, while Boudhanath is serene, silent, and meditative, offering peace and stillness.
4. What activities does the narrator observe in the streets of Kathmandu?
He sees fruit sellers, flute sellers, magazine vendors, and people playing religious music and games. There’s a mix of tradition and modernity.
5. What personal experiences does the narrator have in Kathmandu?
He enjoys casual pleasures—buys comics and a flute, eats a bar of chocolate, and observes the culture around him deeply.
6. What effect does the flute music have on the narrator?
The flute music stirs his emotions and makes him reflect on the power of music as a universal language that connects all humans.
7. What is the significance of the flute at the end of the chapter?
The flute becomes a symbol of simplicity, peace, and spiritual connection. Its music reminds the narrator of home and inner calm.
8. How does the narrator’s observation style affect the narrative?
His keen observation brings out rich cultural contrasts and highlights the sensory experience of travel—through sights, sounds, and emotions.
9. What does Kathmandu symbolize in the chapter?
Kathmandu represents a vibrant blend of religious traditions, modern chaos, and timeless spirituality.
10. What is the tone of the chapter?
The tone is reflective, descriptive, and appreciative. It blends curiosity with cultural insight and emotional depth.
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