Class 9 English - TAMILNADU
Prose: Kathmandu
Kathmandu by Vikram Seth is a travelogue from his book 'Heaven Lake', detailing his visits to two distinct temples in the Nepalese capital: Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa. The author contrasts the chaotic, noisy atmosphere of the Hindu Pashupatinath temple with the serene, quiet environment of the Buddhist Boudhanath stupa. Seth also vividly describes the bustling streets of Kathmandu, filled with flute sellers, hawkers, and film songs. For Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi board exams, this chapter tests your comprehension of travel writing, contrast, sensory details, and the author's keen powers of observation through objective and descriptive questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Pashupatinath Temple
A sacred Hindu temple where a frantic atmosphere prevails with priests, worshippers, and wandering monkeys, representing a scene of febrile excitement.
Boudhanath Stupa
A Tibetan Buddhist shrine characterized by a sense of immense calm and quietness, serving as a haven of stillness amidst the bustling city.
Flute Seller
Unlike other hawkers who shout out their wares, the flute seller plays his bansuri slowly and meditatively, highlighting a traditional, unhurried way of life.
Travelogue
A piece of writing about a journey to a foreign place, where the author shares personal observations, cultural insights, and vivid descriptions.
Sensory Details
The use of descriptive language appealing to the senses—sounds of temple bells and flutes, sights of crowds and stupas, and smells of offerings.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Tamil Nadu (Samacheer Kalvi) Class 9 English board exams, this chapter typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Questions include 1-mark objective questions, 2-mark short answers based on the text, and paragraph questions focusing on the contrast between the two temples or the author's experiences in Kathmandu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main contrast between Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa?
Pashupatinath is noisy, chaotic, and crowded with strict rules, whereas Boudhanath Stupa is serene, quiet, and peaceful with an atmosphere of stillness.
How does the flute seller differ from other hawkers in Kathmandu?
Unlike other hawkers who aggressively shout to attract customers, the flute seller plays his flute meditatively and peacefully without urgency.
Why does Vikram Seth decide to return home by air?
He gets exhausted and homesick after a long journey and decides to buy a ticket for a Nepal Airlines flight straight to Delhi.
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