 9. History & Culture
Reading I
A. Complete the following sentences with the correct words from the text.
a. Queen Rajendra Laxmi ruled the country as a regent because her son Rana Bahadur Shah was too young.
b. Many buildings were renovated as they were destroyed by the earthquake.
c. Many temples had their pinnacles made of gold.
d. As the original trophy was stolen, they made the exact replica of it.
e. Madhav Prasad Ghimire has conferred the title 'Rastrakavi' in 2003.
f. The government patronised Jhamak Kumari Ghimire for her contribution to Nepali literature.
g. The British soldiers tried to invade Nepal but the brave Nepali people chased them away.
B. Choose the best alternative.
a. Why did Pratap Malla keep his father in jail?
i. Pratap Malla was insane.
ii. Pratap Malla wanted to be the king soon.
iii. Pratap Malla's father was insane.
iv. Pratap Malla had no experience of administration.
b. What made Kantipur a strong state during Pratap Mallai's reign?
i. Pratap Malla's bravery
ii. Pratap Malla's diplomacy
iii. Pratap Malla's love for poetry
iv. Pratap Malla's love for art and culture
c. Which of the following was not renovated by Pratap Malla?
i. Pashupatinath
ii. Temple of Taleju
iii. Temple of Degutale
iv. Temple of Budhanilkantha
d. According to the text, which of the following did not happen during Pratap Malla's reign?
i. Trade with India and China
ii. Promotion of art and culture
iii. Invasion of Kantipur
iv. Presence of learned men at the palace
C. Answer these questions.
a. Name two countries that had trade with Kantipur.
= Two countries that had trade with Kantipur during Pratap Malla's reign were India and China.
b. How did Pratap Malla keep his kingdom safe from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur?
= Pratap Malla kept his kingdom safe from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur by using a tactic of making the kings of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur play against each other. He sometimes sided with Bhaktapur and posed a threat to Lalitpur, and on other occasions, he aligned with Lalitpur and fell upon Bhaktapur.
c. Where did Pratap Malla place the image of Lord Hanuman? Why?
= Pratap Malla placed the image of Lord Hanuman by the side of his palace gate, and he called the palace Hanumandhoka. He did this to ward off evils.
d. Pratap Malla conferred himself with the title 'Kabeendral. Do you think this title suit him? Give reasons.
= Pratap Malla conferred himself with the title 'Kabeendra, a king of poets. This title suits him as he was a vastly learned king, and a poet. He could compose poems in Sanskrit, Nepal Bhasa, Nepali, Bengali, and Hindi.
e. Pratap Malla used to invite the intellectuals at his palace. What does this indicate about his personality as a king?
= Pratap Malla used to invite intellectuals to his palace. This indicates that he was a personality as a king who respected and patronized the scholars of his time. He was interested in learning and promoting art and literature.
D. Pratap Malla contributed a lot to Nepali culture during his reign. Can you name some of them which still exist?
= Pratap Malla made significant contributions to Nepali culture during his reign. Some of his contributions that still exist today include :-
-The renovation of the Pashupatinath Temple and the erection of a pinnacle over it
- The construction of various temples and structures at Swayambhu, including Pratappur and Kabeendrapur
- The renovation of the temples of Basuki Bhimsen, Taleju, and Degutale
-The erection of an image of Hanuman, the monkey god, by the side of his palace gate, which led to the palace being named Hanuman Dhoka
- The construction of Sundari Chowk and Mohan Chowk inside the palace
- The digging of a pond at Bhandarkhal and the installation of an image of Narayan lying in the pond, which was an exact replica from the Budhanilkantha Temple
Grammar I
A. Find the second part of each sentence. Then, change each verb into the correct form.
a. The alarm (go) - ii. while Trishna (sleep). The alarm went while Trishna was sleeping.
b. As soon as the teacher (ask) the question - i. Brinda (reply) her. As soon as the teacher asked the questions, Brinda replied her.
c. I (do) my homework - iv. when the telephone (ring). I was doing my homework when the telephone rang.
d. When the doors (open) - v. the audience (rush) into the stadium. When the doors opened, the audience rushed into the stadium.
e. When we (wake) - ili. we (see) the sun shining brightly. When we woke, we saw the sun shining brightly.
B. Complete the sentences. Write in the correct form of the verb.
a. When I arrived home, my dad was preparing snacks for me.
b. That day, when we left home, the sky was overcast and it was drizzling.
c. Last week, we booked a hotel online. The hotel was really wonderful. The staff stood at the gate to welcome us when we reached there.
d. Were the children sleeping when you reached home that night?
e. Something very strange happened on my way home yesterday. I was walking along the way. Suddenly, I saw my grandfather following But he had died a year ago.
f. We were traveling to Chitwan when the police stopped us on the way. According to them, there was a bomb there. So, we had to wait for an hour.
C. Make sentences using the words given in the brackets. Use the correct forms of the verbs: simple past or past continuous.
a. It began to snow while we were returning home.
b. Kamal fell off while he was playing on the verandah.
c. Amit was waiting for me when I reached the station.
d. Simran took my photos while I was not looking at the camera.
e. What were you doing yesterday when I called you?
f. I broke the glass while I was washing it.
g. The teacher entered the class while some students were dancing in the class.
h. I found the lost purse while I was cleaning the room.
i. Dipisha finished her homework while her brother was watching TV.
Writing I
A. Study the events below. These are the major events that happened in the history of Nepal from 2017 B.S. to 2046 B.S. Write a couple of paragraphs about Nepal's journey
from Panchayat to Multiparty Democracy.Â
Ans : Nepal's journey from Panchayat to multiparty democracy was a long and tumultuous one. It all started on the 1st of Poush, 2017, when King Mahendra dismissed the elected government, suspended parliament, imprisoned the Prime Minister and Ministers, banned political parties and activities, and seized all power. The King announced the partyless autocratic Panchayat System on the 22nd of Poush, 2017, which lasted for nearly three decades. During this period, Nepal witnessed a period of relative stability, but
it was marred by corruption, human rights violations, and suppression of dissent.
In 2036, King Birendra announced a referendum to decide whether to continue with the Panchayat System or to establish a multiparty democracy. The election took place on the 20th of Baishak, 2037, and the majority of the people voted for multiparty democracy. However, the King did not implement the result, and Nepal continued to be ruled under the Panchayat System for another five years.
In 2042, a non-violent civil disobedience movement was launched against the Panchayat System, which was led by several political parties, civil society organizations, and student groups. The movement was initially suppressed, but it gained momentum, and the government was forced to make some concessions. Finally, on the 7th of Falgun, 2046, the mass movement formally started, and it continued for several weeks until the King agreed to restore the multiparty system on the 26th of Chaitra, 2046.
The restoration of multiparty democracy marked a significant turning point in Nepal's history. It ushered in a period of political freedom, human rights, and economic growth. Nepal's journey from Panchayat to multiparty democracy was long and challenging, but it was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Nepali people to achieve their aspirations for a better future.
B. Some people think studying history is just a waste of time while others think that it is essential. What do you think of these ideas? Write your opinion in about 200 words.
= Studying history is a subject that can be approached from different perspectives, and opinions about its value vary widely. Some people view history as a useless subject that doesn't contribute to our daily lives or career prospects. On the other hand, some see it as a necessary field of study that provides a better understanding of the past, present, and future.
The importance of studying history cannot be overstated. It helps us understand how societies and cultures evolved over time, how conflicts arose and were resolved, and how
ideas and beliefs influenced people's lives. It also enables us to recognize patterns and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Furthermore, history provides us with a sense of identity and belonging. It connects us to our ancestors and allows us to understand our heritage and cultural values. It can also inspire us by showing how individuals and societies overcame adversity and achieved great things.
While some may argue that history is not essential for certain professions, it can provide valuable insights that may not be apparent at first glance. For example, studying the history of medicine can offer valuable lessons that can be applied in current medical research and practice.
In conclusion, studying history is far from a waste of time. It is an essential subject that helps us understand the world around us and our place in it. It provides us with valuable insights and knowledge that can benefit us in many ways, both in our personal and professional lives.
Flowers in Russian Culture
Reading II
A. Find out the single words for the following meanings.
a. a strong, usually pleasant smell - aroma
b. different colours of paint, especially as used by an artist - palette
c. to a great degree immensely
d. lasting only a short time - fleeting
e. the act or process of producing children or baby animals - procreation
f. enclose (something) in or as if in a capsule - encapsulate
g. a type of treatment which involves massaging the body with special fragrant oils - aromatherapy
h. causing to be kept away - repellent
i. to be a sign of something that will happen in the future - foreshadow
B. Words like gift-giving, heartwarming, cardboard, etc., are compound words. Make a list of such compound words from the text.
Flower-gifting
Heartwarming
Cardboard
Aromatherapy
Lesser-known
Fortune-telling
Self-murmured
Newly-wed
C. Complete the sentences below with the correct information from the text.
a. People do not care which flowers they are receiving as long as the flowers are beautiful and they give a pleasant aroma
b. Flowers are gifted worldwide to express love and affection
c. Following the strict flower etiquette while gifting flowers in Russia saves you from offending people.
d. Red carnations symbolise the 1917 February Revolution. produced by the Russian Social Democratic Workers' Party of Bolsheviks.
e. Russian people believe that the white carnation ymbolizes bad omens so, we should not gift them to performers.
f. Russian people do not gift red puppy flowers to their beloved ones because they think if they do so their love becomes weak.
g. When Russians want break-up from their beloved ones they gift bunch of yellow flowers.
h. Chamomiles have medicinal values so they can be used for the treatment of fatal diseases.
i. We should not gift a white lily bouquet in a Russian wedding as it symbolises death
D. Answer these questions.
a. Mention any two reasons for which people gift flowers to others.
= People gift flowers to others for many reasons, including to express love, appreciation, sympathy, gratitude, congratulations, or to simply brighten someone's day.
b. How do people feel when they are gifted flowers?
= People generally feel happy and appreciated when they are gifted flowers. Flowers have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
c. What determines the selection of flowers for gifting in Russia?
= The selection of flowers for gifting in Russia is often determined by their symbolic meanings. For example, red roses are often given as a symbol of love, while yellow flowers are associated with jealousy or betrayal.
d. Which event in Russian history is reflected by the red carnation?
= The red carnation is associated with the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia, which marked the beginning of the Soviet era.
e. Does a Russian like to keep a white carnation under his/her pillow? Why?
= Yes, it is believed in Russia that keeping a white carnation under the pillow can bring good dreams and peaceful sleep.
f. What's the reason for connecting the red puppy with fragile love?
= The red poppy is often associated with fragile love because of its delicate petals and short lifespan.
g. What makes the Russian people eat red puppy seeds in their wedding?
= Eating red poppy seeds at a Russian wedding is believed to bring good luck and fertility to the newlyweds.
h. Do you prefer to grow chamomile in your garden? Why?
Chamomile is a popular choice for many gardeners because it is easy to grow and has many health benefits.
i. What colour is chamomile?
Chamomile flowers are typically white with a yellow center.
j. Write the names of two flowers used for fortune telling.
= Two flowers commonly used for fortune-telling are dandelions and marigolds.
k. Which flower is mostly used in Russian weddings?
= The most commonly used flower in Russian weddings is the white lily.
E. Do you know other flowers that are commonly used for gifting? Write the names of those flowers and the occasions on which they are gifted.
Yes, there are many flowers that are commonly used for gifting. Here are a few examples along with the occasions on which they are often gifted:
Roses - Roses are one of the most popular flowers for gifting. They are often associated with love and romance, and are commonly given on Valentine's Day or anniversaries. However, they can also be given on other occasions such as birthdays, Mother's Day, or as a way to express sympathy.
Lilies - Lilies are another popular flower for gifting. They come in a variety of colors and are often associated with purity and innocence. They are commonly given on Easter, as well as on occasions such as weddings, graduations, or as a way to express sympathy.
Tulips - Tulips are often associated with spring and new beginnings. They come in a variety of colors and are commonly given as a way to say thank you, or as a birthday or anniversary gift.
Daisies - Daisies are often associated with happiness and innocence. They are commonly given as a way to say thank you, or as a birthday or get well soon gift.
Sunflowers - Sunflowers are often associated with warmth and happiness. They are commonly given as a way to express gratitude or as a way to brighten someone's day.
Orchids - Orchids are often associated with luxury and beauty. They are commonly given as a way to express admiration or appreciation and are often given as gifts for Mother's Day, birthdays, or as a way to say thank you.
Grammar II
A. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in the brackets.
a. The children five minutes ago. (arrive) arrived
b. Ramchandra the ticket before he went to the cinema. (buy) had bought
c. Alexander one-fourth of the world before he was thirty. (conquer) conquered
d. When she came out of the airport, nobody.... for her. (wait) was waiting
f. I found a thousand rupee note in my pants pocket while I ...... it. (wash) was washing
g. Somebody ..... at my door while I was taking a rest. (knock) knocked
h. Every year, he some money which he spent to buy a new house. (save) saved
my breakfast before I went to work. (have) was having
j. The train ........ before we reached the station. (leave) had left
B. Complete the story below with the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets.
A young lady entered a shop in Birendranagar, Surkhet. She put a few items of food in a bag. She chose a time when not many people were there in the street. She waited for the moment when no one else would see her running away. When the shopkeeper checked the goods, she gave him a thousand-rupee note. As soon as the shopkeeper opened the box, she snatched all the money from it. Meanwhile, she had run out of the shop before the shopkeeper realised what had happened When the shopkeeper checked the amount in the box, he found (find) that the thief had taken (take) only Rs. 450. As the thief had left (leave) a thousand-rupee note behind, the operation cost her Rs. 550.
Writing II
A. Write a story using the outlines given below.
a great conflict between the birds and the beasts....... two armies collected together...... the bat refuses to join ....... says he is a beast ........... beasts request...... says he is a bird..... peace made, no battle rejoicing ........ bat wishes to join ........ both turn against him..... threaten to tear into pieces. bat flies away ............ moral
The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts
Once upon a time, there was a great conflict between the birds and the beasts. The two armies were collected together, ready to engage in a fierce battle. The bat, with its leathery wings and sharp fangs, was caught in the middle. The birds pleaded with the bat to join their side, saying that he was one of them. The beasts also requested the bat's loyalty, claiming that he was a beast like them. The bat was torn. He didn't want to fight either side, but he also didn't want to be rejected by both.
Finally, the bat spoke. "I am not a bird, nor a beast," he said. "I am different,
and I choose to be neutral."
The birds and the beasts were both angry. The birds said that the bat was a coward, and the beasts said that he was a traitor. They threatened to tear him into pieces if he didn't join their side. The bat was scared, but he knew that he had to stay true to himself. He spread his wings and flew away, seeking refuge in a dark and secluded cave.
The birds and the beasts continued to fight, but they were eventually defeated by a wise old owl. The owl told them that they should learn to live in peace, and they agreed. The
bat never forgot the lesson he learned that day. He knew that it was better to be true to himself, even if it meant being rejected by others. He also knew that it was possible to find peace and harmony, even in the midst of conflict. Eng Nepal
Moral of the story: Be true to yourself, even if it means facing rejection. It is better to be alone than to be surrounded by people who don't accept you for who you are.
B. Write a story that begins with the sentence 'One warm summer afternoon an old owl was dozing when a grasshopper disturbed it with a very raspy song.
One warm summer afternoon, an old owl was dozing on a branch of a large oak tree when a grasshopper disturbed it with a very raspy song. The owl, annoyed at being disturbed from its peaceful slumber, opened one eye to see what was going on.
To its surprise, the owl saw that the grasshopper was perched on a nearby branch, playing a tiny guitar. The owl, curious about the strange sight, decided to strike up a conversation with the grasshopper.
"What brings you here today, young one?" the old owl asked.
The grasshopper replied, "I'm on a journey to find the most beautiful melody in the world. I've traveled far and wide, but so far, nothing has caught my ear. I thought I'd try my luck here in these woods."
The owl was intrigued by the grasshopper's story and suggested that they embark on the journey together. The grasshopper eagerly agreed, and the pair set off into the woods,
hopping from branch to branch. As they journeyed deeper into the forest, they encountered all sorts of creatures - from the tiniest insects to the largest beasts. Each creature
had its own unique sound, and the grasshopper made sure to take note of each one. After many days of traveling, they finally came across a babbling brook. The sound of the
water rushing over the rocks was soothing, and the grasshopper began to play a tune on his guitar that perfectly complemented the sound of the stream. The owl was amazed.
"That's it!" he exclaimed. "That's the most beautiful melody in the world!"
The grasshopper was overjoyed at having found what he had been searching for all along. From that day on, he continued to travel the world, playing his guitar and composing
new melodies inspired by the sounds of nature. As for the owl, it had found a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the world around it, and it continued to doze peacefully on its branch, content in the knowledge that it had helped a fellow creature on its journey.
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