Class 9 Hindi - CBSE

Prose: Lhasa ki Aur

Lhasa ki Aur is a travelogue written by Rahul Sankrityayan, detailing his difficult and adventurous journey to Tibet undertaken in the 1930s. The chapter highlights the socio-cultural, geographical, and historical conditions of Tibet during that era. It describes the traditional hospitality of Tibetans, the lack of rigid caste and purdah systems, and the constant security threats faced by travelers due to the presence of armed bands. For CBSE Class 9 students, this chapter is crucial as it tests reading comprehension, descriptive writing skills, and understanding of author's perspective, frequently appearing in board-aligned assessments.

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Key Concepts

Travelogue (Yatra Vrittant)

A literary genre where the author records the places, people, and experiences encountered during a journey.

Tibetan Hospitality

In Tibet, people were very open-hearted and welcoming to strangers, often inviting them into their homes to make tea, regardless of social status.

Purdah and Caste System

Unlike contemporary India of the 1930s, Tibetan society was free from the strict purdah system and rigid caste barriers.

Dandhar (Dangerous Pass)

A high, perilous mountain pass mentioned in the chapter where travelers had to be extremely cautious of robbers due to the absence of police.

Sumti (Monastery)

Buddhist monasteries in Tibet that held significant religious, economic, and political importance during the author's visit.

Important Formulas

Definition: Travelogue - A firsthand account of a journey highlighting geography, culture, and personal experiences.
Definition: Bhikku - A Buddhist monk or mendicant.
Historical Context: Early 20th-century Tibet (1929-1930) travel conditions under restrictions for British-Indian travelers.

Board Exam Info

In CBSE Class 9 Hindi (Course A/B), this chapter usually carries 4-6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on the author's journey, character traits of Sumati (the author's companion), the social conditions of Tibet, and value-based or extract-based questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Sumati and how did he help the author?

Sumati was the author's Tibetan companion and friend who knew many people locally, which made entry into Tibetan homes and travel much easier.

Why were travelers afraid of Dandhar?

Dandhar was a high and isolated mountain pass where carrying weapons was not restricted, making it a safe haven for robbers who often attacked travelers.

How was Tibetan society different from Indian society in the 1930s?

Tibetan society did not practice the purdah system or untouchability, and even lower-caste individuals had access to upper-class kitchens.

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