Class 9 English - BIHAR
Prose: Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a travelogue written by Vikram Seth, detailing his visit to the capital of Nepal. The chapter describes two famous places of worship in the city: the Pashupatinath temple and the Baudhnath stupa. The author vividly contrasts the chaotic, noisy, and crowded atmosphere at Pashupatinath with the serene, calm, and quiet environment of the Baudhnath stupa. He also describes the bustling streets of Kathmandu, filled with fruit sellers, flute sellers, and film advertisements. For Bihar Board (BSEB) Class 9 students, this chapter is crucial for understanding descriptive writing and scoring well in reading comprehension and literature questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Pashupatinath Temple
A sacred Hindu temple where an atmosphere of feverish confusion and activity prevails, with priests, worshippers, and monkeys creating a chaotic scene.
Baudhnath Stupa
A Buddhist shrine that offers a stark contrast to Pashupatinath, featuring a sense of stillness, peace, and an immense white dome untouched by crowds.
The Flute Seller
Unlike hawkers shouting out their wares, the flute seller plays his flute meditatively and slowly, selling bamboo flutes of various kinds like the reed negapo and cross-flute.
Travelogue Writing
A literary genre where the author records the details, observations, and personal experiences of their travels to different places.
Contrast as a Literary Device
The author uses contrast between the noisy Hindu temple and the peaceful Buddhist stupa to highlight the diverse cultural landscape of Kathmandu.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar (BSEB) Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short-answer questions about the two shrines, descriptive questions about the flute seller, and multiple-choice questions based on the text.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Pashupatinath and Baudhnath stupa?
Pashupatinath is crowded, noisy, and chaotic with Hindu devotees and monkeys, while Baudhnath stupa is peaceful, quiet, and serene.
Why does the author consider the flute seller different from other hawkers?
Unlike other hawkers who shout to attract customers, the flute seller plays his instrument slowly and meditatively without excessive urgency.
Who is the author of the chapter 'Kathmandu'?
The chapter is written by Vikram Seth, an Indian novelist and travel writer.
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