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CBSE Class 9 English Question 11 of 19

Kathmandu — Question 11

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11
Question
How does the author describe Kathmandu’s busiest streets?
Answer

The author says that Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, religious, with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets. There are fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards, shops selling western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques. Film songs blare out from the radios, car horns sound, bicycle bells ring, stray cows low, vendors shout out their wares. The author buys a com-on- the-cob roasted in a charcoal brazier on the pavement. He also buys coca cola and orange drink.

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.