Unit 9 History & Culture Exercise: Class 10 English Guide

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 played Lalitpur and Bhaktapur against each other, aligning with one and threatening the other. This strategy helped maintain his kingdom's safety from direct invasions.

c. Where did Pratap Malla place the image of Lord Hanuman? Why?

Answer: Pratap Malla placed the image of Lord Hanuman by the side of his palace gate, and the palace was named Hanumandhoka. He did this to ward off evils and protect his kingdom.

d. Pratap Malla conferred himself with the title 'Kabeendra'. Do you think this title suits him? Give reasons.

Answer: Yes, the title 'Kabeendra' suits Pratap Malla because he was a skilled poet who could compose poems in multiple languages. His support for scholars and poetry earned him this title.

e. Pratap Malla used to invite intellectuals to his palace. What does this indicate about his personality as a king?

Answer: This indicates that Pratap Malla was a wise and learned king who valued knowledge and education. He sought the counsel of intellectuals, showing his open-mindedness and commitment to making informed decisions for his kingdom.

D. Pratap Malla contributed a lot to Nepali culture during his reign. Can you name some of them which still exist?

During Pratap Malla's reign, he made significant contributions to Nepali culture that continue to exist today. Some of these contributions include the renovation and construction of various temples, such as the Guhyeshwari temple, Pashupatinath temple, and Swayambhu stupa. He built images of deities, including Lord Hanuman, Nri Simha, Kal Bhairab, and Vishwaroop, which are still revered in their respective places. Pratap Malla's support for scholars, poets, and musicians fostered a rich literary and artistic environment, leaving a lasting impact on Nepali culture. Additionally, his establishment of Hanumandhoka palace and Ranipokhari pond remain significant cultural landmarks in Kathmandu.

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.

Nepal's transition from an autocratic Panchayat system to a multiparty democracy was a lengthy process spanning nearly 30 years. It began with King Mahendra's seizure of power in 2017 B.S. and culminated in 2046 B.S. with the legalization of political parties and restoration of democracy in response to years of public demand and nonviolent protest movements.

King Mahendra dismissed the elected government in 2017 B.S., banned political parties and seized power to establish an autocratic Panchayat system. This one-party system ruled Nepal for over 20 years, concentrating power in the monarchy.

However, demands for democracy and multi-party politics began to grow. In 2036, a referendum was announced to gauge public support for reform. The referendum in 2037 showed strong support for a transition to a multiparty system.

This led to a nonviolent civil disobedience movement in 2042 and a mass pro-democracy movement in 2046 that spread across the country. As protests intensified, pressure mounted on the king to restore democracy.

Finally, on 26th Chaitra 2046 B.S., King Birendra announced the restoration of a multi-party democratic system in Nepal, officially ending the Panchayat era. For the first time in decades, political parties were legalized and elections promised.

In summary, these events marked a turning point in Nepal's history towards a more democratic form of 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.

I believe studying history is far from a waste of time. In fact, it is essential for many reasons.

History provides important context and insight for understanding the present. So many current events, social issues, political structures and conflicts have roots in the past. Studying history helps us see how we arrived at where we are today. Without this perspective, we can't fully comprehend the present.

History teaches valuable lessons that we can apply to our own times. We learn from the successes and failures of those who came before us. History is filled with examples of the consequences of certain ideologies, policies and actions that can inform our own choices today. Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

History cultivates important thinking skills like analysis, interpretation and critical thinking. Studying history requires analyzing evidence, interpreting motives and events from different perspectives, and thinking critically about biases and gaps in historical sources. These skills transfer to many other areas of life.

History helps develop empathy, cultural awareness and global citizenship. Studying how people from different times and cultures lived helps us better understand the diversity of human experience and cultivates empathy, tolerance and broader perspectives. This makes us more global citizens.

In summary, studying history provides context, teaches lessons, develops important skills and cultivates broader perspectives that carry value for our lives today. While history may not seem immediately relevant, its indirect benefits make it essential to a well-rounded education and fully informed citizenship. Simply put, we need to understand the past to navigate the present and future with wisdom.

Unit 9 : Reading - II

Flowers in Russian Cultures

D. Answer these questions.

a. Mention any two reasons for which people gift flowers to others.

Answer: People gift flowers to express love and affection and to wish someone well on special occasions.

b. How do people feel when they are gifted flowers?

Answer: People feel happy, appreciated, and special when they are gifted flowers.

c. What determines the selection of flowers for gifting in Russia?

Answer: Flower etiquette and the setting or occasion determine the selection of flowers for gifting in Russia.

d. Which event in Russian history is reflected by the red carnation?

Answer: The red carnation reflects the 1917 February Revolution and became a symbol of resistance against the Russian Provisional Government.

e. Does a Russian like to keep a white carnation under his/her pillow? Why?

Answer: Yes, a Russian likes to keep a white carnation under their pillow because it is believed to leave them inspired upon waking the next morning.

f. What's the reason for connecting the red poppy with fragile love?

Answer: The red poppy is connected with fragile love in Russian culture as it symbolizes weakness and fleeting love, indicating that it is not long-lasting.

g. What makes the Russian people eat red poppy seeds in their wedding?

Answer: Red poppy seeds are eaten at Russian weddings as a symbol of happiness and procreation for the married couple.

h. Do you prefer to grow chamomile in your garden? Why?

Answer: Chamomile is known for its calming properties and can be used to make tea, which is soothing and helps with relaxation. Additionally, chamomile flowers attract bees and butterflies, making the garden more vibrant and eco-friendly. So, if I had the opportunity and space, growing chamomile in my garden would be a lovely and useful addition.

i. What color is chamomile?

Answer: Chamomile has white petals with a bright yellow center.

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.

Here are some common flowers that are often gifted and the typical occasions for gifting them:

Roses - Roses are a classic gift for romantic occasions like Valentine's Day, anniversaries and proposals. Their deep red color symbolizes love.

Carnations - Carnations come in a variety of colors and are popular for special occasions like Mother's Day, graduations and get well gifts.

Tulips - Brightly colored tulips are popular for springtime gifts like Easter and the beginning of a relationship.

Daisies - Daisies symbolize innocence and purity. They make good get well gifts or gifts for children.

Lilies - Lilies, especially white lilies, are often given for funerals or as sympathy gifts. Their pleasant fragrance makes them an uplifting gift in sad times.

Orchids - Orchids come in various exotic colors and shapes and are seen as a luxury gift. They are popular for birthday gifts and wedding bouquets.

Irys - Irys or irises symbolize wisdom, hope and valor. They are appropriate for accomplishment gifts and congratulating new beginnings.

Sunflowers - Sunflowers signify adoration and loyalty. They make cheerful, uplifting gifts for brightening someone's day.

Writing Il

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

Title : The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts

Once upon a time, a great conflict arose between the birds and the beasts of the forest. Two huge armies gathered on either side, ready for battle.

The bat heard of the conflict and was requested to join the army of the beasts as he had features of both birds and beasts. However, the bat refused and said he was a bird.

The birds then requested the bat to join their army, and the bat agreed that he was a bird. Peace was then made between the birds and beasts and no battle ensued, to the rejoicing of all.

The bat then wished to join either army after the conflict was over. However, both the birds and beasts turned against him and threatened to tear him into pieces for his indecision.

The bat quickly flew away to hide in a cave, realizing that by trying to be both a bird and a beast, he had pleased neither side and was rejected by all.

The moral of the story is that those who try to remain neutral in conflicts or seek to please all sides often end up pleasing none and being mistrusted by all. It is better to take a clear stand based on one's true nature and principles. The bat's indecision and attempts to be both a bird and a beast only brought him trouble in the end.

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 when a grasshopper disturbed it with a very raspy song. The owl slowly opened one eye and saw the grasshopper happily chirping away on a branch nearby.

"What joyful singing!" the owl said. "Tell me young grasshopper, what are you so happy about on this fine day?"

"I sing for the sheer pleasure of it." replied the grasshopper. "The hot sun warms my back and the breeze rustles the leaves, making the sweetest music for me to dance to."

The owl chuckled. "Dear grasshopper, you have plenty of time now for singing and dancing in the sun. But do you also think of preparing for winter when the cold winds will whistle and your food will become scarce?"

The grasshopper laughed. "Why think of winter when we have this glorious summer day? I will enjoy it to the full and let the future take care of itself!"

The owl shook his head sadly. "Alas, short-sighted creature. Your song now may turn to sorrow later if you fail to prepare." But the grasshopper paid the owl no heed and soon resumed his chirping.

As the warm afternoon turned to evening, the owl closed his eyes once more, hoping the silly grasshopper's carefree song would teach him a lesson when winter finally came.