Unit 9 History & Culture Exercise: Class 10 English Guide

• a: Which two nations had trade links with Kantipur? Answer: Tibet and China.
• b. But then how could Pratap Malla ensure that his kingdom was safe from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur? Explanation: Pratap Malla manipulated Lalitpur and Bhaktapur against one another by siding with one while threatening the other. It worked to keep his kingdom protected from direct assaults.
• c. Zone where Pratap Malla put image of Hanuman table Why? Q. Why did he name his palace as Hanumandhoka?Answer: Pratap Malla had got an image of Lord Hanuman by the side of his gate of palace so, he named it Hanumandhoka. He did this to keep evils away from him and his kingdom.
• d. Kabeendra, title conferred by Pratap Malla on himself Do you think he fits this title? Give reasons. Q: Was he a poet with multiple language mastery that can justify the title 'Kabeendra' to Pratap Malla?Ans: Yes If we take reference from available [different] sources about different era then too it seem quite longtime back, in fact earlier poets who may gain knowledge either by his contemporary [indirectly] or kingdom wide as well. This title stemmed from his backing of academics and poetry.
• e. Pratap Malla used to invite intellectuals to his palace. What does this say about the kind of king he is? Response: It shows that Pratap Malla was an educated and knowledgeable king who appreciated learning. He consulted with intellectuals, which was a sign of his broader-mindedness and commitment to dictate the informed decisions in his kingdom.

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

Many of prtap malla activity are still live, making nepal culture better. For instance renovation and construction works in Guhyeshwari temple, Pashupatinath temple and Swayambhu stupa etc. He carved idles of various deities like Lord Hanuman, Nri Simha, Kal Bhairab and Vishwaroop that are still worshipped in their respective places. His rather extensive patronage of professional scholars and poets, as well as of musicians, has left a lasting legacy on Nepali letters and the arts. He was also the constructor of King Jagat Prakash Malla Hanumandhoka palace and Ranipokhari pond (water body) in Kathmandu.

A.Write a couple of paragraphs about Nepal's journey from Panchayat to Multiparty Democracy.

Transition from the autocratic Panchayat system to a multiparty democracy was not an event but rather a process that took about three decades in Nepal. This process commenced with the coup d'état of King Mahendra in 2017 B.S. and reached its climax in 2046 B.S. when political parties were re-legalized resulting in restoration of democracy after decades long pressure from people-oriented nonviolent struggle movements.

In 2017 B.S., King Mahendra dissolved the elected government and banned political parties to bring about an autocratic Panchayat system. For over two decades, this one-party system controlled Nepal, centralising power in the royal family.

But soon calls for democracy and multi-party politics started to increase. In 2036 a referendum was called to measure patient support for reform. The 2037 referendum witnessed an unprecedented swath of support to move toward a multiparty system.

This sparked a peaceful civil disobedience movement in 2042 and a nationwide pro-democracy campaign in 2046. With protests escalating, calls for the king to reintroduce democracy increased.

The multi-party democratic system in Nepal was restored on 26th Chaitra 2046 B.S. when King Birendra during an address to the nation announced the end of Panchayat era permanently. Political parties were legalised, and elections would emerge for the first time in decades.

In brief, these events were a turning point in the history of Nepal for changing from autocracy to democratic form of government.

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 do not surmise that history is anything but a waste of time. In fact, it is very important in many aspects.

The past is a key to comprehend the present. Many current events, social issues, political systems and conflicts exist due to things that happened in the past. History shows us how we got to where we are today. We don't know the present without this perspective.

We learn lessons from history, particularly as it applies to our times. The history written is the trail of success and failure for us to learn from our past. And that the past has plenty of teaching to offer when it comes [to] certain ideological, policy and action choices. The best protection against stupid behaviour is stupidity itself.

It fosters many of the key skills associated with analysis, interpretation and critical thinking. To study history means to evaluate evidence and assess motivations from multiple viewpoints, while considering biases and incomplete accounts of the past. These skills apply to a lot of other aspects in life.

Teaching history plays a powerful role in teaching empathy, cultural awareness and global citizenship. Learning about how people lived in other times and places allows for greater appreciation for the variety of human experience, fostering empathy, tolerance and wider mindset. It turns us into better world citizens.

So, in short — history provides us context, lessons to learn from, skills … and even mindset that has a real relevance for our lives today. However impractical history might seem, its indirect contributions render it an indispensable part of a liberal arts education and fully prepared citizenship. In another word, we have to learn from the past in order to deal with the present and future wisely.

Unit 9 : Reading - II

Flowers in Russian Cultures Notes 

• a. Write two reasons – why people give flowers to other. People give flowers as a token of love, affection and wish them all the best on days to remember.
• b. How do people feel who are given flowers? Response: Receiving flowers makes people feel important and appreciated in their life; everyone loves surprises.
• c. What will you gift flowers in Russia? In Russia, flower gifting is subject to a certain etiquette in addition to the nature of the setting or occasion. 
• d. What Russian history event is the red carnation a symbol of? Explanation: The red carnation symbolizes the 1917 February Revolution, and have become symbols of opposition to the Russian Provisional Government.
• e. Does a Russian love to put a white carnation in their pillow ? Why? Answer : Yes. Because they will wake up the next day inspired.
• f. Why associate the red poppy with fragile love? Reply: The red poppy in Russian culture is associated with weak love because it represent frailing a fragile flowers and is also indicate that the love is not forever.
• g. Why the Russian people consume red poppy seeds in their wedding? Q: Why do they eat red poppy seeds at Russian weddings? A: Red poppy seeds signify happiness and procreation of the married couple, that is why it is eaten at weddings.
• h. Would you like to grow chamomile in your garden? Why? Chamomile is a cool herb that can be brewed as tea, amazing soothing. Furthermore, since bees and butterflies are attracted to chamomile flowers, the garden will be livelier than ever and naturally pollinated. If I had a garden where I was think the space growing, chamomile would be such a nice, functional choice.
• i. What color is chamomile? Answer : Chamomile consists of a yellow center surrounded by white petals.
• J: 2 flowers used in fortune-telling? Answer: Among flowers for telling fortunes are Chamomile and Lily of the Valley.
• k. Which flower is primarily associated with weddings in Russia? Answer — The most common blooming calla lily that is mostly used in Russian weddings is the white one.