Kathmandu — Class 9 English Notes

Topics covered in Kathmandu

1. 1.Kathmandu

   Short Summary

   In the chapter "Kathmandu" by Vikram Seth, the author describes his experiences and observations while visiting two significant temples in Kathmandu: the Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred site for Hindus, and the Baudhnath Stupa, a revered Buddhist shrine. Seth contrasts the chaotic and bustling atmosphere at Pashupatinath with the serene and quiet surroundings of Baudhnath. He also reflects on the vibrant and diverse streets of Kathmandu, filled with various vendors and the sound of flutes played by a street seller.
   
   

   Long Summary

   Vikram Seth's "Kathmandu" is an evocative travelogue detailing his visit to two prominent religious sites in the city. He begins by narrating his stay in a cheap room in Kathmandu's town center. The following morning, he visits the Pashupatinath Temple with Mr. Shah’s son and nephew. The temple is exclusively open to Hindus, and Seth paints a vivid picture of the febrile confusion that defines the temple grounds, filled with priests, devotees, tourists, and animals. He notes the hustle of worshippers trying to gain the priest’s attention and the commotion caused by monkeys. The sight of a corpse being cremated by the holy Bagmati River further enriches his portrayal of the temple.

   Seth’s visit to the Baudhnath Stupa presents a stark contrast. The stupa, with its immense white dome, offers a haven of tranquility amidst Kathmandu’s bustling streets. Tibetan shops surrounding the stupa add to its serene ambiance, making it a peaceful spot compared to the chaotic Pashupatinath.

   The author also explores the lively streets of Kathmandu, brimming with fruit sellers, flute sellers, and hawkers. He indulges in local delicacies and reflects on the vibrant street life. A flute seller particularly captivates him with his meditative and melodious playing, which resonates deeply with Seth, evoking a sense of universal connection through music. This profound experience compels him to ponder the commonality of all mankind through the simple yet powerful music of the flute.
   
   

   Key Events

   1. Arrival in Kathmandu: The author gets a cheap room in the center of town and rests before exploring the city.
   2. Visit to Pashupatinath Temple: Seth describes the chaotic and vibrant atmosphere, including the crowd of worshippers, priests, tourists, and animals.
   3. Visit to Baudhnath Stupa: The serene and peaceful environment contrasts sharply with Pashupatinath, highlighting the diversity of religious experiences in Kathmandu.
   4. Exploration of Kathmandu’s Streets: The author immerses himself in the lively street life, indulging in local foods and observing various street vendors.
   5. Encounter with the Flute Seller: Seth is deeply moved by the flute music, reflecting on its universal appeal and the commonality of human experience.

   
   Lessons to Learn

   1. Cultural Diversity: The contrasting atmospheres of the Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhnath Stupa illustrate the rich cultural and religious diversity of Kathmandu.
   2. Universal Connection through Music: The flute seller’s music symbolizes the universal language of music, capable of connecting people across different cultures.
   3. Appreciation of Local Life: The author’s immersion in the local street life of Kathmandu highlights the importance of experiencing and appreciating the everyday lives of people in different cultures.

   
   Solving "Find Out" Section - Questions and Answers
   
   

   I. Answer these questions in one or two words or in short phrases.

   1. Name the two temples the author visited in Kathmandu.

      • Pashupatinath Temple, Baudhnath Stupa.
        
        

   2. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca Cola.” What does ‘all this’ refer to?

      • Local delicacies.
        
        

   3. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?

      • Flutes.
        
        

   4. Name five kinds of flutes.

      • Reed neh, recorder, shakuhachi, bansuri, Chinese flutes.

   
   II. Answer each question in a short paragraph.
   
   

   1. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers?

      • The flute seller is more meditative and plays his flute calmly, without shouting out his wares or aggressively marketing them. This contrasts with other hawkers who are loud and actively seek customers.
        
        

   2. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?

      • It is believed that when a small shrine on the riverbank fully emerges from the stone platform, the goddess inside will escape, signaling the end of the evil period of Kaliyug.
        
        

   3. The author has drawn powerful images and pictures. Pick out three examples each of:

      i. The atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’ outside the temple of Pashupatinath:

      • Worshippers elbowing each other to get the priest’s attention.
      • A princess arriving and everyone bowing.
      • A fight breaking out between two monkeys.

      ii. The things he sees:

      • Priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, animals.
      • A corpse being cremated by the river.
      • A basket of wilted flowers dropped into the river.

      iii. The sounds he hears:

      • Film songs blaring from radios.
      • Car horns honking.
      • The sound of flute music rising above the noise of the traffic.

   
   III. Answer the following questions in not more than 100–150 words each.

   1. Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with the Pashupatinath temple.

      • The Pashupatinath Temple is characterized by a chaotic and bustling atmosphere, with a mix of priests, worshippers, tourists, and animals creating a sense of febrile confusion. In contrast, the Baudhnath Stupa is serene and peaceful, with a quiet and calm environment. The stupa is surrounded by shops owned by Tibetan immigrants, adding to its tranquil ambiance. The difference in atmospheres highlights the diverse religious experiences in Kathmandu.
        
        

   2. How does the author describe Kathmandu’s busiest streets?

      • The busiest streets of Kathmandu are vibrant and full of life. They are filled with fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards, shops selling various items, and the sounds of film songs blaring from radios, car horns, and bicycle bells. The streets are a mix of the old and the new, with shrines to deities, vendors selling local and Western goods, and a constant buzz of activity.
        
        

   3. “To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.” Why does the author say this?

      • The author believes that flute music has a universal appeal that transcends cultural boundaries. The simple and soothing sound of the flute evokes a sense of shared humanity, connecting people regardless of their background. The author is deeply moved by the flute seller’s music, which reminds him of the common experiences and emotions that unite all people.

   
   Character Analysis

   • Vikram Seth: The author and narrator of the travelogue. He is observant, reflective, and has a keen eye for detail. Seth’s ability to capture the essence of the places he visits and his sensitivity to the sounds and sights around him make his descriptions vivid and engaging.
     
     
   • Flute Seller: A calm and meditative street vendor who plays the flute with a sense of detachment from the commercial aspect of his trade. His music deeply affects the author, symbolizing the universal appeal of simple, soulful melodies.

   
   Important Quotes

   1. "There is an atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’."

      • This quote captures the chaotic and bustling environment at the Pashupatinath Temple.

   2. "The sound rises clearly above the noise of the traffic and the hawkers’ cries."

      • This describes the flute music that stands out amidst the city’s noise, highlighting its calming and universal appeal.

   3. "To hear any flute is, it seems to me, to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind."

      • This quote reflects the author’s belief in the universal language of music and its ability to connect people across different cultures.

   
   Essay: My Visit to Kathmandu

   Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal, is a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. My journey to this bustling city was a sensory delight, filled with vivid sights, sounds, and experiences that left an indelible mark on my memory.

   The first stop on my itinerary was the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines. As I approached the temple, I was immediately engulfed by an atmosphere of febrile confusion. The grounds were teeming with priests, devotees, tourists, and animals, all moving in a chaotic dance of religious fervor. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the sounds of prayers, punctuated by the occasional clamor of monkeys engaging in territorial disputes. Amidst this lively scene, I offered a few flowers and observed the rituals with a mix of fascination and reverence.

   In stark contrast to the chaotic energy of Pashupatinath, the Baudhnath Stupa exuded a serene and tranquil aura. The immense white dome of the stupa, surrounded by Tibetan shops, stood as a peaceful haven in the midst of Kathmandu’s bustling streets. Here, the air was filled with the subtle sounds of prayer wheels spinning and the gentle murmur of pilgrims circumambulating the stupa. This place of quiet reflection offered a welcome respite from the sensory overload of the city.

   As I wandered through the streets of Kathmandu, I was captivated by the vibrant street life. Fruit sellers, hawkers of postcards, and shops selling everything from Western cosmetics to traditional Nepalese antiques lined the narrow lanes. The sounds of film songs blaring from radios, car horns, and bicycle bells created a lively soundtrack to my explorations. I indulged in local delicacies, savoring the flavors of roasted corn on the cob and refreshing myself with Coca Cola.

   One of the most memorable encounters was with a flute seller, whose music resonated deeply with me. Standing in a corner of the square near my hotel, he played his flute with a calm and meditative demeanor, unaffected by the hustle and bustle around him. The simple, soulful melodies of the flute rose above the noise of the traffic, evoking a sense of universal connection that transcended cultural boundaries. It was a poignant reminder of the common humanity that binds us all.

   My visit to Kathmandu was a journey through a city of contrasts—where ancient traditions and modern life coexist in a vibrant tapestry of experiences. The chaotic energy of the Pashupatinath Temple, the serene peace of the Baudhnath Stupa, and the lively streets filled with diverse sounds and sights all contributed to a rich and memorable travel experience. Through it all, the universal language of music, embodied in the haunting melodies of the flute, left a lasting impression, reminding me of the common threads that connect us all in the tapestry of life.