NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 8 Kathmandu

Kathmandu is Chapter 8 of the Class 9 English Beehive textbook, written by Vikram Seth. The chapter is a travelogue that presents vivid descriptions of the author’s visit to Kathmandu, highlighting its culture, music, temples, and everyday life. The NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 8 Kathmandu are prepared to help students understand the text, themes, and descriptive style used by the author.

To facilitate learning anytime and anywhere, you can also download the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 8 in PDF format. With well-explained Kathmandu Class 9 Questions And Answers​, students can confidently prepare for exams and improve their writing and comprehension skills.

NCERT Solutions for English Chapter 8 Kathmandu Class 9 PDF

All of the questions from your textbook are answered in detail by class 9 English Kathmandu. To get good scores in your class 9 English test, you must have a solid understanding of class 9 English Kathmandu. The PDF includes complete Class 9 Kathmandu Question Answer in an organized format. 

The PDF is especially useful for last-minute revision and regular practice. Having the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 8 Kathmandu in PDF form allows students to study anytime:

NCERT Solutions for English Chapter 8 Kathmandu Class 9 PDF

Kathmandu Class 9 Questions And Answers​

This section includes detailed Kathmandu Class 9 Questions And Answers​ prepared strictly according to the NCERT textbook. The answers help students understand important descriptions, themes, and comparisons made in the chapter.

The Class 9 English Kathmandu Question Answer section is exam-oriented and covers both short and long answer questions. These answers help students revise effectively and write well-structured responses in exams.

I. Answer these questions in one or two words or in short phrases.

Question 1. Name the two temples the author visited in Kathmandu.

Answer: Pashupatinath temple and Baudhnath temple are the two temples that the author visited in Kathmandu.

Question 2. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca-Cola.” What does ‘all this’ refer to?

Answer: All this refers to a bar of marzipan, a corn on- the-cob roasted in a charcoal brazier on the pavement (rubbed with salt, chilli powder and lemon); a couple of love story comics, and even a Reader’s Digest.

Question 3. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?

Answer: Vikram Seth sees a flute seller with a pole in his hands with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude in all directions. He compares it to the quills of a porcupine.

Question 4. Name five kinds of flutes.

Answer: The five kinds of flutes are:

• the reed neh

• the Japanese shakuhachi

• the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music

• the clear or breathy flutes of South America

• the high-pitched Chinese flutes

Question 1. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers?

Answer: The flute salesperson, according to the author, plays the instrument softly and understatedly in contrast to other hawkers. He doesn't advertise loudly. Now and then he closes a deal, but he does so in an oddly casual manner, as though it were unrelated to his business.

Question 2 . What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?

Answer: On the bank of the Bagmati River, a little shrine partially rises from the stone platform. It is thought that when it fully emerges, the terrible Kaliyug period will come to an end on Earth and the goddess within will escape.

Question 3. The author has drawn powerful images and pictures. Pick out three examples of each of the:

(i) the atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’ outside the temple of Pashupatinath (for example: some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside…)
(ii) the things he sees
(iii) the sounds he hears

Answer:

The author has created striking illustrations and photos. (i) The "febrile confusion" that surrounds the grounds of the Pashupatinath temple, where priests, vendors, pilgrims, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons, and dogs wander. We present a few bouquets. A group of Westerners dressed in saffron fight to get through the barrier, which indicates that only Hindus are permitted into the temple.
(ii) The things he observes shops selling copper utensils and Nepalese antiques, or Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, and little shrines to flower-adorned deities lining the busiest, narrowest streets; fruit sellers, flute sellers, and postcard vendors.
(iii) The sounds he hears are as follows: sellers shouting their wares, car horns honking, bicycle bells ringing, wandering cows looking questioningly at motorcyclists, and film tunes blasting from the radio.

III. Answer the following questions in not more than 100–150 words each.

Question 1: Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with the Pashupatinath temple.

Answer:

According to the author, there was "febrile confusion" in the Pashupatinath shrine. He reports seeing priests, vendors, tourists, cows, monkeys, birds, and dogs wandering around the property. People are pushed aside by others who are trying to get to the front since there are so many worshippers. There was a sense of silence at the Buddhist shrine, Baudhnath temple. There isn't any throng. A haven of peace and safety amidst the bustling streets nearby.

Question 2: How does the author describe Kathmandu’s busiest streets?

Answer: The busiest streets of Kathmandu, according to the author, are colorful, commercial, and religious, with little shrines to flower-adorned deities lining the busiest and narrowest avenues. Fruit vendors, flute vendors, postcard vendors, and stores offering Western cosmetics, film rolls, and chocolate, as well as copper kitchenware and Nepalese antiquities, line the streets.

Radios play movie soundtracks, automobile horns blast, bicycle bells chime, wandering cows cast doubt on motorbikes, and street sellers announce their products.

Question 3: “To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.” Why does the author say this?

Answer: “To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.”

This is said by the poet while he discusses five different kinds of flutes: the high-pitched Chinese flutes, the clear or breathy flutes of South America, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the Japanese shakuhachi, and the reed neh. He claims that the sound of a flute is both the most specific and the most general. It exists in all cultural contexts. According to him, flutes are connected to our shared traits. The motive force is life, much like any human being. It must also take a moment to rest before continuing.

Thinking about Language

I. Read the following sentences carefully to understand the meaning of the italicised phrases. Then match the phrasal verbs in Column A with their meanings in Column B.

1. A communal war broke out when the princess was abducted by the neighbouring prince.

2. The cockpit broke off from the plane during the plane crash.

3. The car broke down on the way and we were left stranded in the jungle.

4. The dacoit broke away from the police as they took him to court.

5. The brothers broke up after the death of the father.

6. The thief broke into our house when we were away.

Answer:

II. Question 1: Use the suffixes -ion or -tion to form nouns from the following verbs. Make the necessary changes in the spelling of the words.

Example: proclaim – proclamation cremate ___________ act ___________ exhaust ___________ invent ___________ tempt ___________ immigrate ___________ direct ___________ meditate ___________ imagine ___________ dislocate ___________ associate ___________ dedicate ___________

Answer:

cremate cremation; act action; exhaust exhaustion invent invention; tempt temptation; immigrate immigration direct direction; meditate meditation; imagine imagination dislocate dislocation; associate association; dedicate dedication

Question 2: Now fill in the blanks with suitable words from the ones that you have formed.

(i) Mass literacy was possible only after the ___________ of the printing machine.
(ii) Ramesh is unable to tackle the situation as he lacks ___________.
(iii) I could not resist the ___________ to open the letter.
(iv) Hardwork and ___________ are the main keys to success.
(v) The children were almost fainting with ____________after being made to stand in the sun.

Answer:

(i) Mass literacy was possible only after the invention of the printing machine.
(ii) Ramesh is unable to tackle the situation as he lacks imagination.
(iii) I could not resist the temptation to open the letter.
(iv) Hardwork and dedication are the main keys to success.
(v) The children were almost fainting with exhaustion after being made to stand in the sun.

III. Punctuation

Use capital letters, full stops, question marks, commas and inverted commas wherever necessary in the following paragraph.

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 more fierce than a leopard asked the lion you sir replied the leopard he marched upto 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

Answer:

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. He 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.”

IV: Simple Present Tense

Study these sentences from the lesson.

• A fight breaks out between two monkeys.

• Film songs blare out from the radios.

• I wash it down with Coca-Cola.

The italicised verbs are in the simple present tense. The writer is here describing what he saw and heard but he uses the present tense instead of the past tense.

A narration or a story can be made more dramatic or immediate by using the present tense in this way.

Now look at the following sentences.

• A small shrine half protrudes from the stone platform on the riverbank.

• Small shops stand on the outer edge of the Stupa.

We use the simple present tense to speak about what is usually or generally true. The sentences above describe facts. We also use the simple present tense in sentences depicting ‘universal truths’. For example:

• The sun rises in the east.

• The earth revolves round the sun.

We can also refer to habitual actions using the simple present tense.

• He usually takes a train instead of a bus to work.

• We often get fine drizzles in winter.

In these sentences words like every day, often, seldom, never, every month, generally, usually, etc. may be used.

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

(i) The heart is a pump that __________ (send) the blood circulating through our body. The pumping action __________ (take place) when the left ventricle of the heart __________ (contract). This __________ (force) the blood out into the arteries, which __________ (expand) to receive the oncoming blood.

(ii) The African lungfish can live without water for up to four years. During a drought it __________ (dig) a pit and __________ (enclose) itself in a capsule of slime and earth, leaving a tiny opening for air. The capsule __________ (dry) and __________ (harden), but when rain __________ (come), the mud __________ (dissolve) and the lungfish __________ (swim) away.

(iii) MAHESH : We have to organise a class party for our teacher.

__________ (Do) anyone play an instrument?

VIPUL : Rohit __________ (play) the flute.

MAHESH : __________ (Do) he also act?

VIPUL : No, he __________ (compose) music.

MAHESH : That’s wonderful!

Answer: (i) The heart is a pump that sends (send) the blood circulating through our body. The pumping action takes place (take place) when the left ventricle of the heart contracts (contract). This forces (force) the blood out into the arteries, which expand (expand) to receive the oncoming blood.

(ii) The African lungfish can live without water for up to four years. During a drought it digs (dig) a pit and encloses (enclose) itself in a capsule of slime and earth, leaving a tiny opening for air. The capsule dries (dry) and hardens (harden), but when rain comes (come), the mud dissolves (dissolve) and the lungfish swims (swim) away.

(iii) MAHESH : We have to organise 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!

Speaking

Question 1. Discuss in class the shrines you have visited or know about. Speak about one of them.

Answer: Do it yourself.

Question 2. Imagine you are giving an eyewitness account or a running commentary of one of the following:

(i) a game of football, cricket or hockey, or some sports event

(ii) a parade (e.g. Republic Day) or some other national event

Speak a few sentences narrating what you see and hear. Use the simple present and the present continuous tenses. For example:

• He passes the ball but Ben gets in the way…

• These brave soldiers guard our frontiers. They display their skills here…

Answer: Do it yourself.

Writing

Diary entry for a travelogue

I. The text you read is a travelogue where the author, Vikram Seth, talks about his visit to two sacred places in Kathmandu.

Imagine that you were with Vikram Seth on his visit to Pashupatinath temple, and you were noting down all that you saw and did there, so that you could write a travelogue later.

Record in point form

• what you see when you reach the Pashupatinath temple

• what you see happening inside the temple

• what you do when inside the temple

• what you see outside the temple

• what your impressions are about the place.

Answer:

21-August-20xx

Dear Diary,

Today was a fabulous day. I went to the holy Pashupatinath temple with Vikram Seth. There was a huge crowd at the temple. I saw priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons and dogs roaming in the ground. We both offered flowers and coconuts to God. We saw people getting elbowed by others pushing their way to the front.

At the gate of the temple, we saw saffron-clad westerners who were struggling for permission to enter the temple as only Hindus were allowed.

I felt peace and satisfaction by visiting the Pashupatinath temple.

Reyansh

II. Here is your diary entry when you visited Agra. Read the points and try to write a travelogue describing your visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. You may add more details.

January 2003 — rise before dawn — take the Shatabdi Express at 6.15 a.m. from Delhi — meet a newly-married couple on train — talk about Himachal Pradesh — get off the train — enter the once-grand city, Agra — twisted alleys — traffic dense — rickshaws, cars, people — vendors selling religious artifacts, plastic toys, spices and sweets — go to the Taj Mahal — constructed entirely of white marble — magical quality — colour changes with varying of light and shadow — marble with gemstones inside — reflection of the Taj Mahal in the pond — school-children, tourists — tourist guides following people.

Answer: On January 2003, I woke up before dawn. I took the Shatabdi Express at 6.15 a.m. from Delhi. I met a newly-married couple on the train. We spoke about Himachal Pradesh. I got off the train and entered the once-grand city of Agra. I saw twisted alleys with dense traffic, rickshaws, cars, and people. There were vendors selling religious artefacts, plastic toys, spices and sweets. I went to the Taj Mahal. It is constructed entirely of white marble, which has a magical quality. The colour of the marble changes with varying light and shadow. The Taj Mahal has marble with gemstones engraved inside it. I saw the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the pond. There were many school-children, tourists and tourist guides.

Summary of Kathmandu Class 9 Beehive

The chapter Kathmandu describes the author’s experience in Nepal’s capital city. Vikram Seth talks about two famous temples that are Pashupatinath and Baudhnath Stupa and compares the different atmospheres at both places. He describes the crowded and noisy surroundings of the Pashupatinath temple and the calm, peaceful environment of the Baudhnath Stupa.

The author also writes about the city’s streets, shops, food, and the popular flute music played by street vendors. The chapter ends with his desire to buy a flute but deciding against it. This Summary of Kathmandu Class 9 Beehive highlights cultural diversity, spirituality, and the beauty of everyday life, making the chapter interesting and meaningful for students.

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