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CBSE Class 9 English Question 10 of 19

Kathmandu — Question 10

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10
Question
Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with the Pashupatinath temple.
Answer

At Pashupatinath there is an atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’. Priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons and dogs roam through the grounds. There are so many worshippers that some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside by others pushing their way to the front. At the Baudhnath stupa, the Buddhist shrine of Kathmandu, there is a sense of stillness. Its immense white dome is ringed by a road. Small shops stand on its outer edge. Most of the shops are owned by Tibetan immigrants. There are no crowds and this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around.

Overview: Kathmandu

Vikram Seth describes visiting Kathmandu, Nepal. He contrasts two temples: Pashupatinath (Hindu — chaotic, bustling with rituals, priests, funeral pyres, and devotees) and Baudhnath/Boudhanath (Buddhist — serene, meditative, with monks and prayer wheels). He wanders through Kathmandu's vibrant streets, buys a flute, and reflects on music as a universal language. He decides to return to Delhi by bus rather than fly, valuing the journey over speed.

Key Points

  • Pashupatinath: Hindu temple — chaotic, bustling with rituals and funeral pyres
  • Baudhnath: Buddhist stupa — serene, calm, meditative atmosphere
  • Striking contrast between the two religious sites
  • Kathmandu streets: vibrant markets, cosmetics, fruit sellers, flute sellers
  • Seth buys a small flute — reflects on music as universal language
  • Decides to travel by bus instead of flying back to Delhi
  • Values the journey over the destination
  • Descriptive, reflective prose style
  • Theme: cultural diversity, music transcends boundaries
  • Theme: the value of experiencing the journey

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Seth contrast Pashupatinath and Baudhnath?
Pashupatinath is chaotic and bustling — priests, devotees, tourists, rituals, funeral pyres, sacred cows, and monkeys. Baudhnath, in contrast, is all serenity — a massive stupa with monks in robes, prayer wheels, and an atmosphere of calm meditation. Together, they represent the diversity of religious experience.
What does the flute symbolise?
The flute symbolises the universal language of music. Seth hears its sound and is calmed by it. Regardless of culture, religion, or nationality, music speaks to everyone — a theme that connects to the poem "No Men Are Foreign."

Common Mistakes

  • Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
  • Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
  • Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
  • Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

  • For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
  • For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
  • For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
  • Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.