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Kathmandu Class 9 is a travelogue from english syllabus class 9 by Vikram Seth. These notes provide a quick summary, explanation, character sketches, and key themes for CBSE exam revision. No fluff, no extra details, only the most important points you actually need to remember.
From the chaotic and crowded scenes at Pashupatinath Temple to the peaceful vibes of Boudhanath Stupa, we’ve covered everything in simple words. You’ll also get key takeaways like the contrast between different faiths, the cultural richness of Kathmandu, and the author’s emotional reflection on the flute music.
If you're short on time and want to revise the CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Kathmandu chapter quickly and effectively, you're in the right place! Our summary is specially designed for quick revision, giving you only the most important points in clear and simple language.
For Quick Revision
Kathmandu is a beautifully written travel piece by Vikram Seth that captures the essence of the vibrant city of Kathmandu. It gives us a glimpse into the cultural richness, religious diversity, and everyday life of the people there.
The chapter Kathmandu is a travelogue written by Vikram Seth. It describes the author’s visit to the city of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. He shares his personal experiences, observations, and feelings about the places he visited and the people he met.
Seth visits two important temples–Pashupatinath Temple (a Hindu shrine) and Boudhanath Stupa (a Buddhist monument)
At Pashupatinath, he sees a large crowd of people and a policeman at the gate who does not allow non-Hindus to enter. In contrast, Boudhanath is peaceful and calm. Monks walk quietly and spin prayer wheels. This difference in atmosphere is clearly highlighted by the author.
The author also describes the busy and lively streets of Kathmandu. He sees small postcards, Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolates, copper utensils, and Nepalese antiques. There are barbers, flute sellers, and hawkers. The environment is noisy, colourful, and full of energy.
One scene deeply affects the author – a flute seller sitting in a corner, playing the flute. While others shout to attract customers, the flute seller simply plays music and waits. The sound of the flute calms the author. He reflects on how flutes are found in every culture and how music can connect people.
After spending time exploring, the author plans to return to India. He considers two options–taking a direct flight home, or a long journey by bus, train, and even boat along the Ganges and Yamuna rivers through Patna, Varanasi, Allahabad, and Agra. As he listens to the flute, he feels peaceful and thoughtful, showing how deeply the experience has touched him.
Though Kathmandu is a travelogue and not a story with fictional characters, there are still three main figures that stand out:
Role: Main observer and narrator
Personality Traits:
Role: A calm street vendor playing the flute
Personality Traits:
Role: General crowd including priests, pilgrims, shopkeepers, and tourists
Personality Traits:
Let us understand the story Kathmandu by Vikram Seth line by line.
The narrator describes his visit to the Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu site. He sees a large crowd of priests, worshippers, tourists, and animals. There is chaos, with people elbowing for space and pushing each other. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, and a policeman tries to control the crowd.
Main Point: The scene at Pashupatinath Temple is noisy, crowded, and full of activity. The author highlights the chaos and devotion present there.
At the temple gate, the author sees a group of saffron-clad Westerners arguing with the policeman who isn’t allowing them inside. He also sees monkeys fighting near a holy river. One monkey chases the other and both fall into the water. Nearby, there is a small shrine where people throw flowers, coins, and make wishes.
Main Point: The narrator notices the lively and sometimes dramatic scenes near the temple, including arguments, monkey fights, and local customs.
Next, the narrator visits Boudhanath Stupa, a peaceful Buddhist site. Unlike Pashupatinath, this place is calm and orderly. The stupa has a huge white dome with prayer flags and the eyes of Buddha painted on top. There are no crowds or noise, and the surroundings feel very spiritual.
Main Point: Boudhanath Stupa offers a sharp contrast—quiet and peaceful—reflecting the calm nature of Buddhist worship.
The narrator gives a general description of Kathmandu city. It is full of colour, energy, and noise. The streets are crowded with shops, cycle rickshaws, fruit sellers, and tourists. He sees shops selling things like postcards, curd, chocolates, copper utensils, and even fake licenses. There are also many small shrines and temples.
Main Point: Kathmandu is shown as a vibrant, noisy, and colourful place where modern life and religion exist side by side.
The narrator shares details about his stay. He stays in a cheap room and eats simple food. He buys comics, chocolates, and some items for his journey home. This part shows the day-to-day, relatable experiences of a traveler in a foreign land.
Main Point: The narrator explores local markets, enjoys simple pleasures, and prepares for his return home.
He sees a flute seller sitting peacefully at a street corner. He has flutes stuck in a pole and sometimes plays them. Unlike other vendors, he doesn’t shout to attract customers. His calmness and music deeply move the narrator.
Main Point: The flute seller represents simplicity and peace in the middle of a busy city.
The sound of the flute makes the narrator thoughtful. He reflects on how flutes are found in many cultures and how their sound touches the human heart. He is drawn to the music and feels it connects all humans in a universal way.
Main Point: The story ends with a deep, reflective thought on how music, like the flute’s sound, brings peace and unites people emotionally.
Knowing these themes can help you write better answers in exams, especially for long answers and value-based questions.
The story shows two major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, through the author’s visit to Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. It highlights how different people follow different faiths, yet all believe in peace, devotion, and spirituality in their own way.
The author describes the chaotic atmosphere at the Hindu temple and the calmness at the Buddhist stupa. This contrast shows how different places and people express their faith differently. It also reflects the noise of the outer world versus the peace we can find within.
The flute seller becomes a symbol of simplicity and peace. He quietly plays music without shouting or showing off, unlike other street vendors. His calm nature and the soothing sound of the flute teach us to value the simple, quiet moments in life.
The chapter highlights the rich culture and traditions of Nepal, from crowded temples, street markets, and rituals to food and local customs. It teaches us to observe and respect different cultures while travelling.
The author is deeply moved by the sound of the flute. He reflects on how music connects people across the world, beyond language and religion. The flute becomes a symbol of emotional connection, peace, and universality.
The chapter Kathmandu by Vikram Seth is a travelogue that describes the author's visit to two famous religious places in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.
And that’s a wrap on your Kathmandu revision! With these easy-to-follow Class 9 English notes, you’ve got everything you need, key events, major themes, character insights, and the core message, all in one place. No need to stress over long chapters or confusing explanations anymore.
These notes are made to save your time and boost your confidence before exams. So the next time this chapter comes up in your test or revision plan, you know exactly where to turn.
Trust these notes to help you revise smart and score high, quick, simple, and exam-ready!
Q1. What is the summary of Kathmandu Class 9?
Ans. The chapter describes Vikram Seth’s visit to Kathmandu, exploring its busy streets, vibrant culture, religious temples, bustling markets and the unique blend of modern life with traditional practices.
Q2. What is the theme of the story Kathmandu by Vikram Seth?
Ans. The theme highlights cultural diversity, spirituality and the harmony of tradition with modernity. It emphasizes the richness of Kathmandu’s lifestyle through its culture and everyday human interactions.
Q3. What is the short summary of The Fun They Had Class 9?
Ans. Isaac Asimov’s story imagines future education with mechanical teachers and virtual classrooms. It is the opposite of modern schooling with today’s system.
Q4. What is a brief description of Kathmandu bazaar Class 9?
Ans. Kathmandu bazaar is lively and chaotic, filled with noise, vendors, shops, and music. It offers diverse goods like postcards, Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolates, copper utensils, and Nepalese antiques.
Q5. What is the character sketch of the flute seller in Kathmandu?
Ans. He is depicted as a vibrant character who engages with his surroundings and customers in a lively manner. He sells by showcasing the beauty & melodious sound of the flutes, often playing them to attract attention.
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