Unit 9: History & Culture
Reading I
Pratap Malla
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.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| a. Why did Pratap Malla keep his father in jail? | ii. Pratap Malla wanted to be the king soon. |
| b. What made Kantipur a strong state during Pratap Malla’s reign? | ii. Pratap Malla’s diplomacy. |
| c. Which of the following was not renovated by Pratap Malla? | iv. Temple of Budhanilkantha. |
| d. According to the text, which of the following did not happen during Pratap Malla’s reign? | iii. Invasion of Kantipur. |
C. Answer these questions.
a. Name two countries that had trade with Kantipur.
=> Answer: Tibet and China.
b. How did Pratap Malla keep his kingdom safe from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur?
=> Answer: Pratap Malla used an intelligent political strategy to protect Kantipur from the neighbouring kingdoms. He deliberately maintained rivalry between Lalitpur and Bhaktapur instead of allowing them to unite against him. By supporting one side while keeping the other under pressure, he stopped them from becoming a combined military threat. This diplomatic method helped him maintain the safety and independence of Kantipur.
c. Where did Pratap Malla place the image of Lord Hanuman? Why?
=> Answer: The image of Lord Hanuman was positioned beside the main entrance of Pratap Malla’s palace. The palace consequently came to be called Hanumandhoka. The deity was placed there because Pratap Malla believed that Lord Hanuman would keep evil influences away and offer protection to the palace and the kingdom.
d. Pratap Malla conferred himself with the title 'Kabeendra'. Do you think this title suits him? Give reasons.
=> Answer: Yes, the title 'Kabeendra' appropriately represents Pratap Malla. He was not only a ruler but also a gifted poet who could write in several languages. His interest in literary activities and his encouragement of scholars and poets further demonstrated his dedication to intellectual pursuits. Therefore, his literary talent and support for learning made the title suitable for him.
e. Pratap Malla used to invite intellectuals to his palace. What does this indicate about his personality as a king?
=> Answer: This practice reveals that Pratap Malla was a learned and open-minded monarch. He respected people who possessed knowledge and welcomed their opinions at his palace. His interest in intellectual discussions shows that he valued education, appreciated different ideas, and wanted to benefit from the wisdom of knowledgeable people while governing his kingdom.
D. Pratap Malla contributed a lot to Nepali culture during his reign. Can you name some of them which still exist?
Ans:
Pratap Malla played a major role in strengthening Nepal's cultural heritage, and many of his contributions can still be seen today. During his rule, important religious structures such as the Guhyeshwari temple, Pashupatinath temple, and Swoyombhu stupa were constructed or renovated.
He also promoted religious sculpture by establishing images of Lord Hanuman, Nri Simho, Kal Bhairab, and Vishwaroop. These artistic creations continue to hold religious and cultural importance.
In addition to architecture and sculpture, Pratap Malla encouraged intellectual and artistic activities. He gave importance to scholars, poets, and musicians, helping literature and the arts develop. The Hanumandhoka palace and Ranipokhari pond are also among the important cultural landmarks that remain associated with his reign.
✏️ Grammar I
A. Find the second part of each sentence. Then, change each verb into the correct form.
| Question | Answer |
|---|
B. Complete the sentences. Write in the correct form of the verb.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| a. | When I arrived home, my dog 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.
Ans:
Nepal's path from the Panchayat system to multiparty democracy was a long political journey that extended over nearly three decades. The turning point came in 2017 B.S., when King Mahendra removed the elected government, prohibited political parties, and introduced the Panchayat system. This political arrangement placed substantial authority in the hands of the monarchy and continued for more than twenty years.
Despite the continuation of the Panchayat system, people's desire for democracy and political freedom did not disappear. In 2036 B.S., a referendum was announced to discover public opinion about political reform. The referendum held in 2037 B.S. demonstrated significant support for a multiparty political system.
The demand for democratic change became stronger in the years that followed. A nonviolent civil disobedience movement was launched in 2042 B.S., while the nationwide pro-democracy movement of 2046 B.S. brought the issue to a decisive stage. People from different parts of the country participated in the movement and increased pressure for political reform.
The struggle eventually succeeded on 26th Chaitra 2046 B.S., when King Birendra announced the restoration of the multiparty democratic system. Political parties were legalized, and the Panchayat system was formally brought to an end. This development represented a major transformation in Nepal's political history and opened the way for democratic governance.
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.
Ans:
I do not agree with the idea that studying history is a waste of time. Instead, I consider it an important subject because it helps us understand the relationship between the past and the present. Many political systems, social traditions, conflicts, and major developments that exist today have been influenced by earlier events.
One of the greatest advantages of history is that it allows us to learn from the experiences of previous generations. The past contains examples of both progress and failure. By understanding why certain decisions produced positive or negative results, we can make more sensible decisions in the present and avoid repeating harmful mistakes.
History also helps students develop valuable intellectual abilities. It requires them to examine evidence, compare viewpoints, understand causes and effects, and evaluate information critically. These skills are useful not only in education but also in everyday decision-making.
Furthermore, history introduces us to the lives and cultures of people from different places and periods. Such knowledge helps us appreciate cultural diversity and develop greater understanding and tolerance toward others.
Therefore, history should not be viewed simply as the memorization of old dates and events. It provides knowledge about our roots, helps explain present conditions, and gives useful lessons for the future. For these reasons, I believe studying history is essential for becoming an informed and responsible person.
Unit 9
#Reading II
Flowers in Russian Cultures
A. Find out the single words for the following meanings.
| Meaning | Answer |
|---|---|
| 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.
| Compound Words |
|---|
| 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 symbolizes bad omens, so, we should not gift them to performers.
f. Russian people do not gift red poppy 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 a 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.
=> Answer: People commonly give flowers as a way of expressing affection and love. Flowers are also presented to convey good wishes on special occasions or important moments in someone's life.
b. How do people feel when they are gifted flowers?
=> Answer: Receiving flowers generally creates positive feelings. People may feel delighted, appreciated, cared for, and emotionally important when someone presents them with flowers.
c. What determines the selection of flowers for gifting in Russia?
=> Answer: In Russia, people select flowers according to established flower etiquette and the nature of the occasion. The situation in which the flowers are being offered plays an important role in deciding which flower is appropriate.
d. Which event in Russian history is reflected by the red carnation?
=> Answer: The red carnation is associated with the 1917 February Revolution and reflects the resistance against the Russian Provisional Government.
e. Does a Russian like to keep a white carnation under his/her pillow? Why?
=> Answer: Yes, according to Russian belief, a white carnation may be kept under the pillow because it is believed to provide inspiration to the person when they wake up the next morning.
f. What's the reason for connecting the red poppy with fragile love?
=> Answer: The red poppy is associated with fragile love because it represents affection that is weak and short-lived. It suggests that such love may disappear easily instead of lasting permanently.
g. What makes the Russian people eat red poppy seeds in their wedding?
=> Answer: Red poppy seeds are eaten at Russian weddings because they symbolize happiness and procreation and express good wishes for the married couple.
h. Do you prefer to grow chamomile in your garden? Why?
=> Answer: Yes, I would like to grow chamomile in my garden because it is both attractive and useful. It has calming properties and can be used to prepare soothing tea. Its flowers can also attract bees and butterflies, making the garden more lively and pleasant.
i. What color is chamomile?
=> Answer: Chamomile has white petals and a yellow centre.
j. Write the names of two flowers used for fortune-telling.
=> Answer: Two flowers used for fortune-telling are Chamomile and Lily of the Valley.
k. Which flower is mostly used in Russian weddings?
=> Answer: The white calla lily is mostly used in Russian weddings.
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.
Ans:
✏️ Grammar II
A. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in the brackets.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| i. I ...... 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.
Ans:
A young lady entered a shop in Birendranagar, Surkhet and collected a few food products in a bag. She had selected a quiet period when there were not many people on the street. She waited until she believed that nobody would notice her attempt to escape.
After the shopkeeper checked the items, she handed him a thousand-rupee note. As soon as he opened the cash box, she quickly grabbed the money from inside it and fled from the shop. By the time the shopkeeper realized what had happened, the woman had already escaped.
The shopkeeper then checked the remaining cash and discovered that the thief had taken only Rs. 450. The thousand-rupee note she had given him was still in the shop. Consequently, her attempt at theft turned out to be unsuccessful from a financial point of view. Instead of gaining money, she suffered a loss of Rs. 550.
✍️ Writing II
A. Write a story using the outlines given below.
Ans:
🦇 The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts
Once, a bitter disagreement arose between the birds and the beasts. Both sides gathered their armies and prepared for a great battle.
When the beasts saw the bat, they asked him to join their army because he had certain characteristics that made him appear similar to them. The bat rejected their request and claimed that he belonged to the birds.
Later, the birds approached him and invited him to fight on their side. The bat immediately changed his claim and told them that he was a bird. He tried to remain accepted by both groups by changing his identity whenever it was convenient.
Before the two armies could begin fighting, however, peace was established between them. The expected battle was cancelled, and the birds and beasts celebrated the peaceful settlement.
After the conflict had ended, the bat wanted to become a member of one of the groups. Unfortunately for him, neither the birds nor the beasts trusted him anymore. Both groups remembered his earlier behaviour and became furious. They threatened to tear him into pieces.
Frightened by the danger, the bat flew away and hid himself in a cave. He realized that his attempt to satisfy both sides had resulted in rejection from everyone.
Moral: Changing one's loyalty according to personal convenience can cause a person to lose everyone's trust. It is better to remain honest and firm in one's identity and principles.
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."
Ans:
One warm summer afternoon an old owl was dozing when a grasshopper disturbed it with a very raspy song.
The old owl opened his eyes and looked toward the place from which the unpleasant noise was coming. A grasshopper was sitting on a nearby branch, singing loudly and enjoying the warm weather without a care in the world.
The owl asked the grasshopper why he was so happy. The grasshopper replied that he loved the sunshine, the fresh breeze, and the pleasant surroundings. Since summer was beautiful, he wanted to spend his time singing and enjoying every moment.
The owl then gave him a warning. He reminded the grasshopper that the pleasant season would eventually disappear and that winter would bring cold weather and limited food. He advised the insect to use the summer days wisely and make preparations for the coming winter.
The grasshopper laughed at the old owl's concern. He believed that worrying about a future season was unnecessary when the present day was so enjoyable. He decided that he would deal with winter only when it actually arrived.
The owl felt disappointed by the grasshopper's careless attitude. He understood that refusing to prepare for future difficulties could lead to serious trouble. Nevertheless, the grasshopper ignored the advice and continued making his noisy song.
When evening approached, the owl closed his eyes and returned to his rest. The grasshopper continued enjoying the summer, unaware that the season would soon change. The owl hoped that the insect would eventually understand the importance of preparing for tomorrow instead of thinking only about today.
Moral: Enjoying the present is good, but we should never ignore the future. Proper preparation can save us from difficulties when circumstances change.