This lesson is included in the syllabus of Nineth class, both in HBSE & CBSE. This lesson (travelogue) is an excerpt from a famous book - HEAVEN LAKE- by Indian writer Vikram Seth. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, our neighbouring country in the East.
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| Vikram Seth |
Word Meanings-
proclaims घोषणा करना
atmosphere वातावरण
devotee श्रद्धालु
saffron केसरिया
holy पवित्र
corpse शव
shrine धार्मिक स्थल
immense विशाल , विस्तृत
immigrants प्रवासी
haven आसरा , शरण स्थली
adorned सजाया हुआ
deities देवता गण
utensils बर्तन
stray आवारा
indulge लीन होना
marzipan एक प्रकार की मिठाई
brazier अंगीठी
pavement पटरी
nauseating जी मितलाने वाली
propelled प्रेरित
enthusiasm उत्साह
protrude बाहर की और निकली हुई
porcupine साही , झावा
meditatively बड़े ध्यान पूर्वक
excessive अधिक
pattern तरीका
reed सरकंडा
specific विशेष प्रकार का
abroad विदेश
significance महत्व
Imp. VSA--
1. Where is Kathmandu situated?
Ans- Kathmandu is situated in Nepal and this city is also the capital of Nepal.
2. Which two temples did the author visit in Kathmandu?
Ans- The author visited Pashupati Nath temple and Baudhnath Stupa in Kathmandu.
3. What signboard is there outside Pashupati Nath temple?
Ans- The signboard outside Pashupati Nath temple is '' Entrance for Hindus Only''.
4. Which river flows through Kathmandu?
Ans- The Bagmati river flows through Kathmandu.
5. How is the atmosphere at the Pashupati Nath temple?
Ans- The atmosphere at the Pashupati Nath temple is full of confusion.
6. How is the atmosphere at the Baudhnath Stupa?
Ans- The atmosphere at the Baudhnath Stupa is peaceful and still.
7. Who owned most of the shops in Kathmandu?
Ans- The Tibetan immigrants.
8. What items are being sold outside the Buadhnath Stupa?
Ans- Felt bags, Tibetan printings and silver jewellery .
9. How does the author decide to to take return journey to Delhi?
Ans- He decides to come back by plane of Nepal Airlines.
10. Who does the writer see in at the square of Kathmandu?
Ans- He sees a flute seller there.
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| PASHUPATI NATH TEMPLE |
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| BAUDHNATH STUPA |
Imp. Textual Exercise--
Q1. Name five kind of flutes.
Ans- Five different kind of flutes are :- the reed neh, the recorder, the Japanese Shakuhachi, the deep Bansuri and the high pithed Chinese flute.
Q2. What difference does the author find between the flute seller and the other hawkers?
Ans- The author hawkers were selling their wares shouting loudly. But the flute seller does not shout out for his flutes. He was standing in a corner of the square. He often played his flute slowly and meditatively.
Q3. What did the saffron- clad westerners want?
Ans- The saffron- clad westerners wanted to go inside the temple of Pashupati Nath , but the policeman stopped them. He did not let them enter the temple because they were not Hindus. The entrance was only for the Hindus.
Q4. Describe how the flute seller sells his flutes?
Ans- The flute seller had tied fifty or sixty flutes on a pole. He does not shout out for his flutes. From time to time, he selects a flute and plays on it. He plays it slowly and meditatively. Sometimes , he makes a sale.
Q5. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?
Ans- He compares the pole , carried by the flute seller ,with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude in all directions.
Q6. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?
Ans- The author sees a small shrine half protrudes from the stone
platform on the river bank. When it emerges fully,
the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period
of the Kaliyug will end on earth.
Rajender Tanwar
PGT English
GGSSS KAIRU Bhiwani
