People believe that when a small shrine emerges fully on Bagwati river, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of the Kalyug will end on earth.
Key Concepts Covered
This question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Kathmandu: Belief, Pashupatinath, End, Kaliyug, Kathmandu, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.
A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This Question
Read the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to Remember
- Use quotations from the text to support your points.
- Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
- Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Practice more questions from Kathmandu — English, Class 9 CBSE
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?
What does the flute symbolise?
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.