Grade 10, English Unit 9, Reading I, Pratap Malla

 Grade 10, English Unit 9, Reading  I, Pratap Malla

Answers:

a. The man in the statue is the king Pratap Malla.

b. He was a prominent king of the Malla Dynasty in Nepal. He ruled from 1641 A.D. to 1674 A.D. and is remembered for his significant contributions to architecture, administration, religion, literature, and the arts. His reign saw a period of stability, development, and cultural flourishing in the Kathmandu Valley.

 

Pratap Malla

Pratap Malla was one of the most famous kings of Malla Dynasty. He constructed some magnificent and beautiful architectural structure around Kathmandu. The way he came to the throne is very interesting and controversial at the same time. He had the experience of administration even when his father was alive. When his father Laxmi Nara Singh's madness grew worse, he imprisoned his father and he himself ruled as a regent of his father in Kantipur.

 

He was an able administrator. Kantipur was highly developed during his reign. Trade with Lhasa (Tibet) was also going on well. By his tact he was making the kings of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur play against each other. Sometimes he sided with Bhaktapur and posed a threat to Lalitpur. On other occassions, he aligned with Lalitpur and fell upon Bhaktapur.

 

Pratap Malla was a religious-minded person. He built a beautiful temple at Guhyeshwari and fenced it. He renovated the temple of Pashupatinath and raised a pinnacle over it. At Swayambhu he built Pratappur, Kabeendrapur and many other temples and also set up a copper gilt 'Bajra'. He also renovated the temples of Basuki Bhimsen, Taleju, and Degutale. With a view to warding off evils, he erected an image of Hanuman, the monkey god, by the side of his palace gate and called the palace Hanumandhoka. He erected the golden gate of the palace, set up an image of Nri Simha, Kal Bhairab, and Vishwaroop at Layaku Bahi. Inside the palace, he also set up Sundari Chowk and Mohan Chowk. A pond was dug at Bhandarkhal and filled with water brought from Budhanilakantha. He installed an image of Narayan lying in the pond, an exact replica from Budhanilakantha Temple.

 

Pratap Malla was vastly-learned king and a poet. He could compose poems in Sanskrit, Nepal Bhasa, Nepali, Bengali and Hindi. He also knew Arabic, Roman and English scripts. Because of his excellent poems, he conferred on himself the title of 'Kabeendra', a king of poets. Himself learned, Pratap Malla had a galaxy of learned men in his palace as the Mughal Emperor Akbar had. Like Akbar, he also respected and patronised the scholars of his time.

 

Lambakarna Bhatta, who hailed from Maharastra, Nri Simha Thakur, from Bihar and Jamana Gurubhaju of Kantipur were some of the jewels in the galaxy of scholars in his palace. He was also very fond of music. So, musicians were welcomed and respected in his palace.

 

Pratap Malla had five sons Bhupendra, Chakrabartendra, Nripendra, Mahipatendra and Parthibendra. He wanted his sons to have experience in the administration of the country while he was still living. He made each of them rule over the country for one year in turn. But unfortunately, his second son Chakrabartendra Malla died the next day he took over the administration of the country. Both the king and queen were greatly grieved at his death. To console the grieving queen, he made a huge pond in front of the present Tri- Chandra College. The pond is known as Ranipokhari.

 

Pratap Malla had a sudden death while he was watching the religious dance of Harisiddhi.

 

During his reign for thirty-three years (1641 A.D. to 1674 A.D.), Nepal made remarkable progress in each and every field. There was peace and prosperity at home and no threats from outside. Trade with India and China made Nepal prosperous. Art and literature flourished. Kings of Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and other neighbouring kingdoms did not dare to invade Kantipur.

(Source: The History of Ancient and Medieval Nepal in a Nutshell with some Comparative Tracess; by D. B. Shrestha and C. B. Singh)

 

Glossary:

Regent /ˈriːdʒənt/ a person who rules a country because the king or queen is too young, old, ill, etc.

Reign /reɪn/ the period during which a king, queen, emperor, etc. rules

Aligned /əˈlaɪn/ to arrange something in the correct position, or to be in the correct position, in relation to something else, especially in a straight line

Renovated /ˈrenəveɪt/ to repair and paint an old building, a piece of furniture, etc. so that it is in good condition again

Pinnacle /ˈpɪnəkl/ the most important or successful part of something

warding off  to prevent or protect oneself from something

replica /ˈreplɪkə/ a very good or exact copy of something

vastly-learned refers to someone who possesses extensive or profound knowledge and education in a particular field

conferred /kənˈfɜː(r)/ to discuss something with somebody, in order to exchange opinions or get advice

patronised /ˈpætrənaɪz/  to treat somebody in a way that seems friendly, but which shows that you think that they are not very intelligent, experienced, etc.

hailed /heɪl/ to describe somebody/something as being very good or special, especially in newspapers, etc.

invade /ɪnˈveɪd/  to enter a country, town, etc. using military force in order to take control of it

 

 

A. Complete the following sentences with the correct words from the text.

a. Queen Rajendra Laxmi ruled the country as a.......... because her son Rana Bahadur Shah was too young.

b. Many buildings were ........... as they were destroyed by the earthquake.

c. Many temples had their …………………. made of gold.

d. As the original trophy was stolen, they made the exact ……………….. of it.

e. Madhav Prasad Ghimire was ………………… the title 'Rastrakavi’ in 2003.

f.The government ……………. Jhamak Kumari Ghimire for her contribution to Nepali literature.

g.The British soldiers tried to............. Nepal but the brave Nepali people chased them away.

 

Answers:

a.   regent

b.  renovated

c.   pinnacle

d.  replica

e.   conferred

f.    hailed

g.   invade

 

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 Malla'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.

Ans:- The two countries that had trade with Kantipur were India and China.

 

b. How did Pratap Malla keep his kingdom safe from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur?

Ans:- Pratap Malla kept his kingdom safe from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur by applying his diplomatic strategy like aligned with one city-state the other when needed. He prevented them from uniting to threaten his kingdom.

 

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

Ans:- Pratap Malla placed the image of Lord Hanuman by the side of his palace. He made this image to ward off evils as a symbol of protection because his presence was believed to guard his palance and its occupants.

 

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

Ans:-  Prataf Malla conferred himself with the title of ‘Kabeendra’ because he was a king of poets. Yes, this title suits him because he was a higly learned poet who composed verses in multiple lanuages such as 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?

Ans:- His habit of inviting the intellectuals at his palace reflects his personality as a king who valued knowledge, culture and learning. By patronizing and respecting intellectual he demonstrated his support for art, literature and educaiton.

 

Paraphrase:

Pratap Malla, also known as Pratap Singh Malla, was a prominent king of the Malla Dynasty in Nepal. He ruled from 1641 A.D. to 1674 A.D. and is remembered for his significant contributions to architecture, administration, religion, literature, and the arts. His reign saw a period of stability, development, and cultural flourishing in the Kathmandu Valley.

 

Architectural Contributions:

Pratap Malla was a patron of architecture and is credited with the construction and renovation of several important temples and structures in Kathmandu. Some of his notable architectural contributions include:

 

1.    Guhyeshwari Temple: He built a beautiful temple at Guhyeshwari and enclosed it with a fence.

2.    Pashupatinath Temple: Pratap Malla renovated the Pashupatinath Temple and added a pinnacle to it.

3.    Swayambhunath Stupa: He constructed various temples at Swayambhunath, including Pratappur and Kabeendrapur, and set up a copper gilt 'Bajra' (a symbolic ritual object).

4.    Palace Complex: Pratap Malla erected the golden gate of the palace, established images of deities like Nri Simha, Kal Bhairab, and Vishwaroop at Layaku Bahi, and created Sundari Chowk and Mohan Chowk within the palace.

5.    Hanumandhoka: He placed an image of Hanuman, the monkey god, by the side of his palace gate and named the palace complex Hanumandhoka.

 

Administration and Diplomacy:

Pratap Malla was known for his astute administration and diplomatic strategies. He skillfully played the neighboring kingdoms of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur against each other, sometimes aligning with one and at other times with the other. This dynamic approach helped maintain a balance of power and stability in the region.

 

Cultural and Literary Contributions:

Pratap Malla was a highly learned king with a deep interest in literature, poetry, and the arts. He was a talented poet who composed verses in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Nepal Bhasa, Nepali, Bengali, and Hindi. His literary prowess earned him the title of 'Kabeendra,' signifying a king of poets. He also promoted and patronized scholars, much like the Mughal Emperor Akbar's court.

 

Legacy:

During Pratap Malla's 33-year reign, Nepal experienced notable advancements in various fields, including trade, art, literature, and architecture. The stability and prosperity of his rule contributed to the flourishing of the Kathmandu Valley and its cultural heritage. His sudden death while watching a religious dance of Harisiddhi marked the end of his remarkable reign.

 

Pratap Malla's contributions continue to be remembered and celebrated in Nepal's history, and he is recognized as a key figure who left a lasting impact on the country's culture and development.

 

Pictures:

1. Muktinath Temple

The Muktinath Temple holds great historical and cultural significance, particularly within the context of Nepal and Hinduism. Located in the Mustang district of Nepal, Muktinath is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here are some aspects of its historical and cultural importance:

1. Religious Significance:

Hindu Beliefs: Muktinath is a revered site for Hindus and is considered one of the "Muktikshetras," or places of liberation, where devout pilgrims believe they can attain salvation or moksha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as Mukti Kshetra, which translates to the "Place of Liberation."

 

Buddhist Importance: The temple is also significant for Buddhists, as it is considered an important place of meditation associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The site's sacredness is associated with Padmasambhava's meditation and spiritual activities.

2. Architectural and Cultural Heritage:

Unique Temple Design: The temple itself is a stunning example of pagoda-style architecture, with a blend of both Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements. The temple's design showcases the cultural synthesis between these two major religions.

Sculptures and Artwork: The temple complex features various sculptures, inscriptions, and artistic representations that depict both Hindu and Buddhist deities, further reflecting the cultural richness and religious harmony of the region.

3. Pilgrimage Destination:

Hindu Pilgrimage: Devotees from Nepal, India, and other parts of the world undertake arduous journeys to Muktinath as a significant pilgrimage. The belief in attaining moksha through a visit to this holy site drives many to endure the challenging trek to reach the temple.

Buddhist Pilgrimage: Muktinath is also a destination for Tibetan Buddhists, who consider the region sacred due to Guru Rinpoche's connections. They often visit the temple as part of their spiritual practices.

4. Cultural Interaction and Harmony:

Religious Coexistence: The presence of both Hindu and Buddhist elements at Muktinath exemplifies the harmonious coexistence and interaction between different religious traditions in the region. This cultural syncretism contributes to Nepal's diverse and inclusive heritage.

Local Traditions: The local Thakali community, which resides in the Mustang region, plays an important role in maintaining the temple and supporting pilgrims. Their customs and traditions add to the cultural fabric of Muktinath.

5. Natural Significance:

Scenic Beauty: The temple is located in a breathtaking landscape, surrounded by majestic mountains and stunning natural beauty. This serene environment adds to the overall spiritual experience for pilgrims.

In conclusion, the Muktinath Temple is more than just a religious site; it's a symbol of cultural fusion, spiritual aspiration, and historical significance. Its ability to draw people from different walks of life and religious backgrounds highlights its enduring importance in the hearts and minds of people seeking spiritual solace and cultural understanding.

 

2. Gorkha Durbar

The Gorkha Durbar, also known as Gorkha Palace or Gorkha Fort, holds significant historical and cultural importance in the context of Nepal. It served as the seat of power for the Shah dynasty, which played a pivotal role in shaping Nepal's history. Here are some aspects of its significance:

1. Birthplace of the Shah Dynasty:

Gorkha Durbar is the ancestral palace of the Shah dynasty, the ruling family of Nepal. It was from Gorkha that King Prithvi Narayan Shah launched the campaign to unify the fragmented kingdoms and principalities into modern Nepal. His success in these endeavors laid the foundation for the Shah dynasty's rule over the unified nation.

2. Unification of Nepal: The Gorkha Durbar holds immense historical significance as the strategic center from which King Prithvi Narayan Shah orchestrated his campaign of unification. His vision and military prowess led to the eventual consolidation of various kingdoms and the creation of a united Nepal.

3. Architectural Heritage: The Gorkha Durbar complex showcases traditional Nepali architecture and palace design. The palace structures, gates, courtyards, and intricate woodwork reflect the architectural styles of the time, offering insights into the artistic and craftsmanship skills of that era.

4. Cultural Symbolism: Gorkha Durbar represents the cultural heritage of Nepal and the origins of the Shah dynasty, which played a central role in shaping the country's identity. The palace and its surroundings have witnessed significant historical events, making it a symbol of Nepal's history and cultural evolution.

5. Tourism and Heritage: Gorkha Durbar has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors interested in Nepal's history and culture. The palace and the surrounding town offer insights into the historical legacy of the Shah dynasty and provide an opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in Nepal's rich heritage.

6. Preservation Efforts: The preservation of Gorkha Durbar is crucial for maintaining Nepal's historical legacy. Conservation efforts, restoration projects, and the promotion of responsible tourism contribute to the protection and sustainability of this cultural treasure.

7. Cultural Practices and Traditions: The Gorkha region has its own unique cultural practices and traditions. The Durbar and the town itself have been witnesses to local festivals, rituals, and customs that are significant to the community living in the area.

8. Educational Value: Gorkha Durbar serves as an educational resource for understanding Nepal's history, the process of unification, and the roles played by key historical figures. It helps visitors and locals alike to appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of those who shaped the nation.

In summary, the Gorkha Durbar is more than just a historic palace; it is a living testament to Nepal's unification and cultural heritage. It stands as a reminder of the determination and vision of King Prithvi Narayan Shah and the Shah dynasty's enduring impact on the nation's history and identity.