Class 9 Hindi - BIHAR

Prose: Lhasa ki Aur

Lhasa ki Aur is a famous travelogue (Yatravritt) written by Rahul Sankrityayan. It describes his arduous journey to Tibet undertaken in the 1920s through trade routes from India via Nepal. The chapter highlights the socio-cultural conditions of Tibet, the open-hearted nature of its people, the absence of the Purdah system, and the Buddhist influence. For Bihar Board (BSEB) Class 9 students, this chapter is crucial as it tests reading comprehension, descriptive writing skills, and understanding of travel literature. Board exams frequently feature questions about Tibetan customs, security challenges faced by travelers, and the author's companion, Sumati.

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Key Concepts

Yatravritt (Travelogue)

A literary genre where the author describes their travel experiences, places visited, local culture, and people.

Tibetan Hospitality

Unlike India's strict social barriers at the time, Tibetans welcomed strangers into their homes and readily prepared tea for them.

Bhadralok and Social Freedom

Tibet lacked the caste system and the Purdah system, allowing women to move freely and manage households without hesitation.

Dandari Hills

A dangerous, high-altitude pass on the way to Lhasa known for risks of robbery due to lax firearm laws in Tibet.

Sumati (Mongol Monk)

The author's intelligent and friendly companion who knew many local landlords and helped him easily navigate Tibet.

Important Formulas

Rahul Sankrityayan is known as 'Mahapandit' due to his vast scholarly knowledge and mastery of multiple languages.
The journey to Lhasa was undertaken disguised as Buddhist bhikshus (mendicants) because Indians were not legally allowed to travel to Tibet then.
Chhang is a local intoxicating drink in Tibet made from barley.
Thongri is the highest mountain pass crossed during the journey.

Board Exam Info

In the Bihar Board (BSEB) Class 9 Hindi examination, this chapter typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on the author's journey, character sketches of Sumati, and extract-based questions focusing on Tibetan social life and customs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the author have to travel in the guise of a beggar?

During the 1920s, Indians were not permitted to travel to Tibet, so the author disguised himself as a Buddhist mendicant to avoid legal trouble.

Who was Sumati and how did he help the author?

Sumati was the author's guide and companion who belonged to Mongolia. He knew many local people, which helped the author get shelter and hospitality easily.

What was unusual about the treatment of strangers in Tibetan houses?

Even unknown people could enter Tibetan kitchens and ask the housewife to brew tea for them without any hesitation or suspicion.

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