Chapter 10 Kathmandu

Explanation:

The root that author had in mind but did not opt for Delhi was that:

He would travel from Kathmandu to Bihar (Patna) to U.P. (Banaras to Allahabad via Agra) and then to his destination which was Delhi

Explanation:

Some of the possible ways to travel from Kathmandu to New Delhi/Mumbai/Kolkata/Chennai.

There can be 2 ways to travel by roads:

1. From Kathmandu to Patna via Viratnagar

2. Kathmandu to Gorakhpur via Nepalganj

There can be many options if one travels using railways:

1. Patna to Delhi

2. Gorakhpur to Delhi

3. Patna to Kolkata

4. Gorakhpur to Kolkata via Varanasi

5.  Patna to Mumbai

6. Gorakhpur to Mumbai via Varanasi

7. Patna to Chennai via Khadarpur

8. Gorakhpur to Chennai via Allahabad and Nagpur

Explanation:

There were two shrines that the writer stayed while he was in Kathmandu. They were namely Pashupatinath and Baudhnath shrine.  Firstly, he visited the Pashupatinath shrine and then later he visited the Baudhnath shrine.

Explanation:

"All this" pertains to various items, including a bar of marzipan, a roasted corn on the cob that was prepared using a charcoal brazier on the pavement, which was seasoned with a combination of salt, chilli powder, and lemon. In addition to these, there were several love story comics and a Reader's Digest present.

Explanation:

Vikram Seth saw a bansuri seller who had a pole in his hands which had an attachment at the top from where fifty to sixty bansuris were projected in all directions. He contrast it to the porcupine’s  quills.

Explanation:

Here are five types of flutes:

• Concert Flute (also known as C Flute or Western Concert Flute)

• Piccolo

• Alto Flute

• Bass Flute

• Contrabass Flute

  
  

Explanation:

The writer observes that, dissimilar from other vendors, the flute vendor plays the flute very leisurely and  deprived of making much of a showcase. He does not shout to sell his products. His sales were occasional,But in a strangely trivial way, as if it were a career accident.

Explanation:

On the bank of the Bagmati River, there is a stone platform that houses a small shrine, with half of it protruding out. According to belief, the inner goddess will be liberated, and the evil era of Kaliyug will come to an end on earth when the shrine entirely emerges.

Explanation:

he writer has drawn influential pictures and portraits which are described below:

1. The atmosphere of "frenzy and chaos" outside Pashupatinath Shrine: priests, peddlers, devotees, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons and dogs roam the grounds. We offer some flowers. A group of Westerners, dressed in saffron, struggled to get permission to enter the shrine, as a sign on the gate said only Hindus could enter.

2.  What he saw: Kathmandu was bustling, mercenary, pious, with small flowery shrines to deities in the narrowest and busiest streets; workshops vending western cosmetics, movies and chocolates; or brass        utensils and Nepalese antiques.

3.  The noises he perceives: movie melodies blaring on the radio, car sirens blaring, cycle chimes ringing, wandering cows questioning motorbikes, hawkers shouting their merchandises.

Explanation:

The author described the atmosphere at the Pashupatinath Shrine as one of "frenzied chaos," with a diverse mix of people, animals, and vendors roaming around the site. Priests, worshippers, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons, and dogs were all visible. Due to the enormous number of admirers, people were frequently jostled and pushed around by others attempting to move past them.

At Bodhanath Shrine, a Buddhist monument, there is a intellect of tranquility. There are no crowds. It is a    quiet and safe place in the surrounding crowded roadsides.

Explanation:

The author characterizes Kathmandu's busiest streets as a vibrant mix of commercialism and religious devotion. Narrow, crowded streets are adorned with small shrines decorated with flowers and dedicated to various deities. Among the bustling crowds are fruit sellers, postcard vendors, and flute merchants. A wide variety of shops line the streets, selling everything from Western cosmetics and chocolates to brass utensils and Nepalese antiques. In this lively and cacophonous environment, car horns honk, bicycle bells ring, cows amble by, and vendors loudly advertise their goods, while movie songs blast from radios.

Explanation:

The poet speaks of the universality of the flute, stating that to hear any type of flute is to be connected to the shared human experience. He specifically mentions five different types of flutes, including the reed flute, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the clear or blown flute from South America, and the Chinese tenor flute. The flute, according to the poet, is both a specific and universal sound, present in all cultures and linked to our shared qualities as human beings. Like all living creatures, the driving force behind the flute's sound is the breath of life, requiring the player to pause and take a breath before continuing to play.

Explanation:

Explanation:

1. cremate - cremation: the act of burning a dead body until it turns to ashes. 

2. act - action: something done or performed; a deed or activity. 

3. exhaust - exhaustion: the state of being extremely tired, drained, or depleted; the act of using up all of something. 

4. invent - invention: a new device, process, or method created through original thinking and experimentation. 

5. tempt - temptation: the desire or urge to do something, especially if it is something one knows one should not do. 

6. immigrate - immigration: the act of moving to a new country in order to settle there permanently. 

7. direct - direction: the course or path along which someone or something moves, faces, or is aimed; guidance or instructions.

8. meditate - meditation: the practice of focusing one's mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve mental clarity or relaxation. 

9. imagine - imagination: the ability to create or visualize mental images or concepts that are not present in one's immediate surroundings. 

10. dislocate - dislocation: the displacement or movement of something from its usual or proper place, often resulting in pain or discomfort. 

11. associate - association: a group of people or organizations working together for a common purpose; a connection or relationship between people or things. 

12. dedicate - dedication: the act of giving one's time, energy, or resources to a particular cause, purpose, or person; a strong commitment or devotion.

Explanation:

1. Invention is the right word for this line as after the invention of printing machine mass literacy was only possible.

2. Imagination is the right word for this line as persons imagination and creativity can help him to tackle any obstacles in life.

3. Temptation is the right word for this line as temptation here refers to the feeling of interest and joy of the person.

4. Dedication is right word for this line as with hard work and dedication a person can achieve anything.

5. Exhaustion is right word for this line as the children were exhausted there standing in the sun due to dehydration and global warming.

   
   

Explanation:

An arrogant lion was wandering through the jungle one day. He asked the tiger, "Who is stronger than you?" "You, O lion," replied the tiger. "Who is fiercer than a leopard?" asked the lion. "You, sir," replied the leopard. The lion marched up to an elephant and asked the same question. The elephant picked him up in his trunk, swung him in the air, and threw him down. "Look," said the lion, "there is no need to get mad just because you don’t know the answer."

Explanation:

1. sends (send) , takes place (take place), contracts (contract). forces (force), expand (expand).

Explanation: The sentence is describing the functioning of the heart as a pump, so the present tense form of the verb is used. The verb "sends" is used in the present tense because the heart continuously pumps blood. The verb "take place" is also in the present tense because it refers to a repeated action. The verb "contracts" is in the present tense because it describes an ongoing action. The verb "force" is in the present tense because it describes a continuous action. The verb "expand" is also in the present tense because it refers to a continuous process.

2. digs (dig), encloses (enclose), dries (dry) and hardens (harden), comes (come), dissolves (dissolve) swims (swim).

Explanation: The sentence is describing the behavior of the African lungfish during drought conditions. The present tense form of the verb is used to describe the actions of the lungfish. The verb "digs" is in the present tense because it describes a present action. The verb "encloses" is also in the present tense because it describes an ongoing action. The verb "dries" is in the present tense because it describes a continuous process. The verb "hardens" is also in the present tense because it describes an ongoing process. The verb "comes" is in the present tense because it refers to a future event. The verb "dissolves" is in the present tense because it describes a continuous process. The verb "swims" is also in the present tense because it describes a present action.

3. MAHESH : We have to organize a class party for our teacher.

Does (Do) anyone play an instrument?

VIPUL : Rohit plays (play) the flute.

MAHESH : Does (Do) he also act?

VIPUL : No, he composes (compose) music.

MAHESH : That’s wonderful!

Explanation: The sentences are describing the abilities of a person named Rohit. The present tense form of the verb is used to describe the current situation. The verb "Does" is in the present tense and it is used to form a question. The verb "play" is in the present tense because it describes an ongoing ability. The verb "Does" is in the present tense because it refers to the current situation. The verb "compose" is also in the present tense because it describes an ongoing ability.

Explanation:

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Vaishno Devi Mata shrine. I went there with my parents. We arrived in Katra by bus. From Katra to the holy place of Mata Vaishno Devi, we walked. The road to the shrine was tiring, but devotees were enthusiastic and shouted the slogan "Jai Mata Di".

When we arrived at the shrine, I found an atmosphere of divine beauty and serenity. Everything is in order. They are around the sanctuary. The shrine is crowded with people, but all of them have already left this materialistic world. We entered the holy shrine, performed prayers and found ourselves blessed by Mata Vaishno Devi.

We are very lucky and consider ourselves lucky to have this opportunity in our lives.

Explanation:

Commentary on cricket matches.

(a) Sehwag prepares to face the first ball of the game.

(b) Sohaib Akhtar prepares to throw.

(c) He starts at Pavilion End and throws a full throw.

(d) Sehwag hits the ball hard and the ball goes over the line.

(e) Rich Billy Bowden celebrated in a very special way. This made the whole audience laugh.
An ongoing review of the Republic Day Parade.

(a) India today celebrates the 59th anniversary of its independence.

(b) This day fills all Indians with pride.

(c) Our soldiers stand on the parade ground and salute the flag.

(d) These soldiers guard our borders.
(e) They are here to show their skills, how they perform their duties in the snow and the desert.

(f) These soldiers salute the flag and the country salutes them

Explanation:

13-March-2023

Dear Diary,

I had a delightful day today when I visited Pashupatinath Holy Shrine accompanied by Vikram Seth. The sanctuary was full of people including priests, vendors, devotees, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons, and dogs wandering around. All of us offered flowers and coconuts to the deity. Unfortunately, I also witnessed some people getting pushed around and jostled in the crowds. 

At the shrine's entrance, we observed some Westerners dressed in saffron clothing struggling to gain permission to enter as only Hindus are allowed inside. 

The visit to Pashupatinath shrine left me feeling serene and satisfied.

Sachin

Explanation:

My visit to Agra was a memorable experience that left a lasting impression on me. It was January 2003, I woke up early in the morning and took the Shatabdi Express at 6.15 a.m. from Delhi. As I settled into my seat, I met a newly-married couple on the train who were also headed to Agra. We struck up a conversation and talked about the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh.

As the train chugged along, I watched the lush green fields and picturesque villages fly by. Finally, we reached Agra, a city that was once grand and majestic but now had twisted alleys and dense traffic. The streets were crowded with rickshaws, cars, and people, and vendors were selling all sorts of things, from religious artifacts to plastic toys, spices, and sweets.

But the main reason for my visit to Agra was the magnificent Taj Mahal. As I made my way towards the entrance, I could see the dome of the Taj Mahal towering over the city. The Taj Mahal is constructed entirely of white marble and has a magical quality that is hard to describe. The color of the marble changes with the varying light and shadow, giving it a unique appearance throughout the day.

The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings were breathtaking, and I was amazed to learn that there were gemstones embedded in the marble. As I walked around the monument, I saw the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the pond, which was a stunning sight. School-children and tourists were everywhere, and I could hear the voices of tourist guides following people around and explaining the history of the monument.

After spending several hours admiring, the Taj Mahal, I walked around the city and visited other historical sites like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. As I boarded the train back to Delhi, I felt grateful for having had the opportunity to witness the splendor of the Taj Mahal and experience the vibrant culture of Agra.