Prose : Chapter 10 Kathmandu English (Language & Literature) - Prose : Chapter 10 Kathmandu

I look at the flute seller standing in a corner of the square near the hotel. In his hand is a pole with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude in all directions, like the quills of a porcupine. They are of bamboo: there are cross flutes and recorders. From time to time he stands the pole on the ground, selects a flute and plays for a few minutes. The sound rises clearly above the noise of the traffic and the hawkers’ cries. He plays slowly, meditatively, without excessive display. He does not shout out his wares. Occasionally he makes a sale, but in a curiously offhanded way as if this were incidental to pattern of his life for years.

(i) What was looking like the quills of a porcupine?
(A) Flute seller’s stock of flutes
(B) Flute seller’s hair
(C) the group of hawkers
(D) None of these

(ii) According to the author what was incidental for the flute seller?

(iii) Read the following descriptions (a) - (c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract:
(a) The narrator observes a flute seller in a busy square, who plays the bansuri flute from time to time to attract customers, selling his wares without much enthusiasm.
(b) The narrator encounters a street vendor selling flutes made of bamboo, each attached to a pole resembling the quills of a porcupine, playing them softly amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
(c) The narrator describes a flute seller who showcases his merchandise with great enthusiasm, shouting out his wares to attract customers in the crowded city square.

(iv) What does the flute seller do from time to time?

I find it difficult to tear myself away from the square. Flute music always does this to me: it is at once the most universal and most particular of sounds.

(i) What effect does flute music have on the narrator?
(a) It makes them feel sleepy
(b) It makes them want to dance
(c) It captivates them and makes it difficult to leave the square
(d) It irritates them

(ii) What makes it difficult for the speaker to tear away from the square?

(iii) Read the following descriptions (a) - (c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract:
(a) The narrator expresses his struggle to leave the square, enchanted by the captivating sound of the flute, which evokes a sense of universality and individuality.
(b) The narrator describes his fascination with the square, where he often finds it challenging to leave due to the diverse range of activities and people.
(c) The narrator reflects on his love for music, particularly the flute, which he finds to be both universal and unique in its ability to evoke emotions.
 
(iv)  Which word in the passage is similar in meaning to most common?

A small shrine half protrudes from the stone platform on the river bank. When it emerges fully, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of the Kaliyug will end on earth.

(i) What is the significance of the small shrine protruding from the stone platform on the river bank?
(a) It marks the beginning of a festival
(b) It symbolizes the start of a new era
(c) It indicates the end of a religious ritual
(d) It signifies the emergence of a goddess

(ii) What does the passage say about the period of Kaliyug?

(iii) Read the following descriptions (a) - (c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract:
(a) The shrine by the river bank houses a goddess believed to bring an end to the evil period of Kaliyug when she fully emerges from it.
(b) The shrine by the river bank is partially submerged in the stone platform, and it is believed that once it fully emerges, it will signal the beginning of a new era.
(c) The shrine on the river bank holds a goddess inside, and when it is fully revealed, it signifies the beginning of an auspicious time according to Hindu beliefs.

(iv) Which word in the passage stands for go away?

A corpse is being cremated on its banks; washerwomen are at their work and children bathe. From a balcony, a basket of flowers and leaves, old offerings now wilted, is dropped into the river.

(i) What activities are taking place near the river described in the scene?
(a) Fishing and boating
(b) Swimming and diving
(c) Cremation of a corpse and laundry work
(d) Picnicking and sunbathing

(ii) What does throwing of old offerings into the river symbolise?

(iii) Read the following descriptions (a) - (c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract:
(a) On the banks of the river, a corpse is being cremated while washerwomen carry out their tasks and children play in the water. A basket of wilted flowers and leaves is dropped into the river from a nearby balcony.
(b) On the riverbanks, a ceremony is being performed to honor the deceased, with washerwomen and children going about their daily activities. From a balcony, offerings of flowers and leaves are gently placed into the water.
(c) At the river's edge, a cremation ritual is taking place alongside washerwomen working and children enjoying a swim. A basket of old offerings, now withered, is thrown into the river from a nearby balcony.
 
(iv) Pick out the word from the passage that is similar in meaning to withered?

In his hand is a pole with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude in all directions, like the quills of a porcupine. They are of bamboo: there are cross-flutes and recorders. From time to time, he stands the pole on the ground, selects a flute and plays for a few minutes.

(i) What does the man carry in his hand in the described scene?
(a) A basket of fruits
(b) A pole with an attachment at the top
(c) A large umbrella
(d) A bundle of newspapers

(ii) What unique instrument does the man carry?

(iii) Read the following descriptions (a) - (c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract:
(a) A street musician holds a pole with an array of bamboo flutes attached at the top, resembling the quills of a porcupine. These flutes, including cross-flutes and recorders, are played intermittently as he selects one and performs for a brief duration.
(b) A musician stands with a pole adorned with numerous bamboo flutes arranged like the spines of a porcupine. These flutes, ranging from cross-flutes to recorders, are occasionally played by the musician as he rotates the pole.
(c) A flute seller stands with a pole containing dozens of bamboo flutes sticking out in all directions, reminiscent of a porcupine's quills. He plays various flutes, including cross-flutes and recorders, by selecting them from the pole and performing short melodies.

(iv) What attracts the author in the market?

What did the author buy from Kathmandu?

How was the atmosphere at the Baudhnath shrine ?

What were the activities which one can notice at the Bagmati river?

Why did the policeman stop the party of Westerners in the temple?

How was the atmosphere at Pashupatinath?

Bagmati is the holy river in Kathmandu where some religious and non-religious activities are undertaken. Rivers are considered pious in our country and are worshipped. According to you, what is the best way to show our reverence to the holy rivers?

The author finds a lot of confusion outside the temple in Kathmandu. What were the confusions about? Is this type of confusion common in our temples?

Describe the flute-sellers’ pattern of life. Do you feel that such talents are generally ignored and never get opportunity to excel in their life? What should be done for such talents?

Describe the Kathmandu bazaar in your own words. Do you think these bazaars are helpful for the locals for developing a social bond?