Vikram Seth's Journey to Kathmandu

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Questions and Answers

What types of street vendors did Seth encounter in Kathmandu?

Only fruit sellers

Flute sellers and postcard sellers only

Only traditional Nepalese artifact sellers

A variety of vendors including fruit and flute sellers (correct)

The flute sound was described by Seth as loud and disruptive.

False (B)

What type of food did Seth purchase from the street food vendors?

Roasted corn with lemon, salt, and pepper

Seth noted the sounds of Kathmandu included car horns, cycle bells, and _______.

motorbikes Signup and view all the answers

Match the items Seth encountered to their descriptions:

Flute = Calming and high-pitched music Merchants = Loud calls to attract customers Street food = Roasted corn with seasonings Traditional artifacts = Cultural items from Nepal Signup and view all the answers

What did Seth find particularly captivating about the flute seller?

The peaceful melody that drowned out city noises (A) Signup and view all the answers

Seth believed that the music of the flute had a universal appeal across cultures.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did Seth suggest listening to for a traditional musical experience?

Traditional Krishna flute music Signup and view all the answers

What was the first temple Vikram Seth visited in Kathmandu?

Pashupatinath Temple (A) Signup and view all the answers

Entrance to Pashupatinath Temple was allowed for all visitors regardless of their religion.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did Vikram Seth and others give to the priests at Pashupatinath Temple?

Flowers Signup and view all the answers

Boudhanath Stupa is primarily associated with __________ beliefs.

Buddhist Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Pashupatinath Temple = Hindu temple for worship Boudhanath Stupa = Buddhist holy site Bagmati River = River with sacred activities Kali Yuga = Current age in Hindu belief Signup and view all the answers

How did Seth describe the atmosphere at Boudhanath Stupa?

Calm and quiet (A) Signup and view all the answers

Saffron-clad people were allowed entry at the main gate of Pashupatinath Temple.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did Vikram Seth observe about the river near the Pashupatinath Temple?

Dead bodies being burned and washerwomen washing clothes Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vikram Seth's Journey to Kathmandu

Vikram Seth, author of 'Heaven Lake', traveled from China to India via Tibet and Nepal.
He arrived in Kathmandu, checked into a hotel, and rested.
Seth visited the Pashupatinath temple with Mr. Shah's son and nephew.
Pashupatinath temple is a Hindu temple, allowing entry only to Hindus.
The temple was crowded and noisy, with devotees, tourists, and various animals.
Seth and others offered flowers to priests ("Panditji, nika chhada diya").
Monkeys fought for a prominent spot in the temple and even chased each other near the Shivalinga and the Bagmati River.
The riverfront scene contrasted the temple's sanctity. Dead bodies were being cremated, washerwomen washed clothes, and children bathed in the river.
Priests threw old flowers and leaves into the river.
A goddess statue, half-immersed and half-emerged, linked to the Kali Yuga end.
Kali Yuga is one of Hinduism's four Yugas (ages).
Seth witnessed respect for a Nepali princess, with people lowering their heads.
People in saffron clothes weren't allowed entry; they weren't Hindu.
The juxtaposition of religious beliefs and practices was a key observation.

The Buddhist Holy Site of Boudhanath Stupa

Seth visited Boudhanath Stupa, a Buddhist site.
The atmosphere was calm and quiet, differing from the Pashupatinath temple's noise.
The Stupa was surrounded by shops, mostly operated by Tibetan immigrants.
These shops sold Tibetan goods like clothes and silver jewelry.

Experiencing the Culture

Kathmandu's vibrant culture impressed Seth.
Temples dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses adorned with flowers.
The city had vendors selling fruit, flutes, postcards, and other items.
Shops sold old films, chocolates, copper vessels, and traditional Nepalese artifacts.
Seth noted the sounds of Kathmandu: car horns, cycle bells, and motorbikes.
Merchants called out their prices loudly, like "₹1 mein do kurte."
Seth tried local street food (roasted corn).
He purchased love stories and readers' digest publications.
He enjoyed Coca-Cola and Sandee juice with companions.
These experiences captured the sights, sounds, and tastes of the city.

The Flute Seller and the Magic of Music

Seth encountered a flute seller near his hotel.
The seller had a bamboo stand with 50-60 flutes protruding from it like a porcupine.
The flutes were a mix of cross flutes and recorders, designed for specific music.
Seth found the flute's high-pitched melody, drowning out city noises, calming.
The flute seller's approach to sales was integrated with the music.
The seller paused playing for customers and then resumed.

Seth's reflection

Seth reflected on the power of the flute's music.
He highlighted the universal appeal of flutes across cultures.
He suggested listening to traditional Krishna flute music.
He wanted to breathe life into flutes, play them, and connect with their sound.
The flute seller was a significant figure in Seth's Kathmandu journey.
The music embodied human interconnectedness and positive energy.

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Description

Explore Vikram Seth's adventures in Kathmandu as he recounts his experiences after traveling through Tibet and Nepal. From visiting sacred temples to observing the bustling life around the Pashupatinath temple, this quiz delves into his observations and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.