Important Questions For All Chapters – English Class 9
1. Who accompanies Vikram Seth on his visit to the two temples in Kathmandu?
Answer:
Vikram Seth visits the two temples with Mr. Shah’s son and nephew. Together, they explore the religious and cultural sites of Kathmandu.
2. Describe the scene at Pashupatinath temple.
Answer:
Pashupatinath is bustling with priests, devotees, tourists, and animals. There is an atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’ as people crowd around to worship.
3. Why are Westerners denied entry into Pashupatinath temple?
Answer:
The temple only allows Hindus inside. A group of saffron-clad Westerners tries to convince the guard, but he remains unconvinced of their Hindu identity.
4. What contrast does the author describe between Pashupatinath and Baudhnath stupa?
Answer:
While Pashupatinath is chaotic, Baudhnath stupa is calm and peaceful. The quiet surroundings offer a stark contrast to the busy streets nearby.
5. How does Vikram Seth describe the streets of Kathmandu?
Answer:
Kathmandu’s streets are lively, filled with hawkers, sellers, and small shrines. The city is vibrant, with sounds of car horns, bicycle bells, and film songs.
6. What food items does Vikram Seth indulge in while in Kathmandu?
Answer:
He enjoys a corn-on-the-cob roasted on the pavement, a bar of marzipan, and washes it down with Coca-Cola and an orange drink.
7. What dilemma does Vikram Seth face about his return journey?
Answer:
He considers an adventurous route through Patna and the Ganges but feels too exhausted and homesick. Ultimately, he decides to fly back home.
8. What is the significance of the basket of wilted flowers dropped into the Bagmati river?
Answer:
The basket contains old offerings. When the nearby submerged shrine emerges fully, it is believed that the goddess inside will escape and Kaliyug will end.
9. Describe the flute seller that Vikram Seth encounters in Kathmandu.
Answer:
The flute seller carries a pole with flutes protruding in all directions. He plays music slowly and meditatively, rarely making sales, but deeply affects the author with his music.
10. Why does Vikram Seth find it difficult to leave the flute seller’s square?
Answer:
The music from the flute moves him deeply. Flute music, he believes, is universal and evokes a sense of shared humanity.
11. What does Vikram Seth say about the universality of flute music?
Answer:
He reflects that every culture has its own version of the flute. The sound of the flute connects him to the commonality of all humankind.
12. What are some of the goods sold near Baudhnath stupa?
Answer:
Many Tibetan immigrants own shops around the stupa, selling felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewelry.
13. How does Vikram Seth describe the environment around Baudhnath stupa?
Answer:
The stupa is surrounded by a ringed road, and despite being in the busy streets of Kathmandu, it remains a peaceful haven.
14. What thought crosses Vikram Seth’s mind regarding travel enthusiasm?
Answer:
He realizes that his enthusiasm for travel is fading due to exhaustion and homesickness, prompting him to take the quickest route back home.
15. What emotions does Vikram Seth experience towards the end of his journey?
Answer:
Vikram Seth feels a sense of relief and homesickness. He decides to prioritize returning home over further travel adventures.
16. What significance does Vikram Seth attribute to the sounds of Kathmandu?
Answer:
He describes the city as loud and vibrant, with film songs, car horns, and the noise of vendors filling the air, adding to Kathmandu’s lively atmosphere.
17. Why does Vikram Seth refer to Kathmandu as both mercenary and religious?
Answer:
He sees the city as a blend of commerce and spirituality, with shops selling various goods alongside shrines and temples.
18. What does Vikram Seth purchase at the Nepal Airlines office?
Answer:
Vikram Seth buys a ticket for his flight back home. He is eager to return, driven by exhaustion and homesickness.
19. What happens during the monkey fight at Pashupatinath temple?
Answer:
Two monkeys engage in a fight, with one chasing the other. The pursued monkey jumps onto a shivalinga and then runs screaming down to the river.
20. How does the author describe the end of his journey in Kathmandu?
Answer:
He concludes his journey with a decision to fly home, marking the end of his visit to Kathmandu, where he experienced both exhaustion and homesickness.
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