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
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.
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