Kathmandu (Q&A)
Thinking About the Text
Q1. On the basis of the description, what kind of place is Kathmandu?
Answer:
Kathmandu is a lively, crowded, and religious city. It is full of narrow streets, shops, shrines, hawkers, and pilgrims. The city has two famous temples—Pashupatinath (a Hindu temple) and Baudhnath Stupa (a Buddhist shrine). It is noisy, colorful, and filled with religious devotion.
Q2. What does Vikram Seth compare the atmosphere at Pashupatinath temple with?
Answer:
He compares it to a busy railway station, where there is chaos, noise, and crowding. People push against each other, priests, hawkers, beggars, cows, monkeys, pigeons, and devotees all create a noisy and bustling scene.
Q3. What are the author’s observations about Baudhnath Stupa?
Answer:
Baudhnath Stupa is described as a very calm and peaceful place, unlike the noisy Pashupatinath temple. It has a white dome with eyes painted on it. Surrounding it are small shops owned mostly by Tibetan immigrants, selling items like felt bags, silver jewelry, and rosaries. The atmosphere is serene and meditative.
Q4. What does the author do in Kathmandu after visiting the temples?
Answer:
The author wanders around the bazaar. He observes hawkers selling postcards, chocolates, copper utensils, fruit-juice, and cinema posters. He listens to film songs, car horns, temple bells, and flute music. He buys a bar of marzipan, a corn-on-the-cob roasted in charcoal, and coca-cola. He also purchases a few books and comics.
Q5. How does the flute seller’s music affect the author?
Answer:
The author is deeply touched by the flute seller’s music. He feels that flute music is universal, as every culture in the world has some form of flute. He is enchanted and begins to reflect on the power of music, its connection to life, and its ability to touch the soul.
Extra Questions (for exams)
Short Answer Questions
Q1. Why does the author find the atmosphere at Pashupatinath temple confusing?
Answer:
Because there are too many people, animals, and activities happening together—priests, hawkers, monkeys, cows, beggars, and devotees—creating noise and disorder everywhere.
Q2. What differences does the author notice between Pashupatinath temple and Baudhnath Stupa?
Answer:
Pashupatinath is crowded, noisy, and chaotic, while Baudhnath Stupa is calm, quiet, and peaceful, surrounded by a meditative atmosphere.
Q3. What kinds of things were sold in Kathmandu’s market?
Answer:
Items like postcards, books, chocolates, religious posters, copper utensils, film cassettes, flutes, and handicrafts were sold in the market.
Long Answer Question
Q. Kathmandu is a city of contrasts. Discuss with reference to the text.
Answer:
Kathmandu presents a contrast between chaos and peace. On one hand, Pashupatinath temple shows noise, disorder, and crowded devotion, resembling a railway station. On the other hand, Baudhnath Stupa symbolizes serenity, silence, and meditation. The bustling bazaars of Kathmandu, full of hawkers and vendors, reflect its lively culture. The author’s experience of hearing flute music adds a universal and soulful element to the city. Thus, Kathmandu combines both spiritual chaos and peaceful harmony, making it a city of contrasts.