Amarnath from The Master as I Saw Him

Sister Nivedita – Summary

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“Amarnath” রচনা সিস্টার নিবেদিতার (Sister Nivedita) The Master as I Saw Him গ্রন্থের একটি অংশ, যেখানে তিনি স্বামী বিবেকানন্দের অমরনাথ যাত্রার আধ্যাত্মিক অনুভূতি, প্রকৃতির মহিমা এবং দর্শন তুলে ধরেছেন। এটি পশ্চিমবঙ্গের একাদশ শ্রেণির ইংরেজি প্রথম সেমিস্টারের পাঠ্যসূচির অন্তর্ভুক্ত।

“Amarnath” is an excerpt from The Master as I Saw Him, a book written by Sister Nivedita, where she narrates her experiences with Swami Vivekananda during their Amarnath pilgrimage. It beautifully captures the essence of Hindu spirituality, devotion, and the magnificence of nature.

 

Summary of Amarnath by Sister Nivedita

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In Amarnath, Sister Nivedita describes the sacred journey to the Amarnath Cave, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. Accompanying Swami Vivekananda, she experiences the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan landscape and the unwavering devotion of the pilgrims.

Upon entering the Amarnath Cave Temple, Swami Vivekananda undergoes a profound spiritual transformation, experiencing the divine presence of Lord Shiva. Sister Nivedita vividly portrays his deep meditation and realization of Shiva consciousness, making this journey more than just a religious trip but a path to enlightenment.

গল্পের সারসংক্ষেপ (Summary in Bengali)

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“Amarnath” রচনায় সিস্টার নিবেদিতা স্বামী বিবেকানন্দের সঙ্গে কাশ্মীরের অমরনাথ গুহার যাত্রার কথা বর্ণনা করেছেন। এই যাত্রায় তারা হিমালয়ের শোভা, ভক্তদের অগাধ বিশ্বাস ও প্রকৃতির অলৌকিক সৌন্দর্য প্রত্যক্ষ করেন।

অমরনাথ গুহায় প্রবেশ করে স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ এক গভীর আধ্যাত্মিক অনুভূতি লাভ করেন। তিনি মনে করেন, এটি শুধুমাত্র একটি তীর্থস্থান নয়, বরং শিবের চেতনায় একাত্ম হওয়ার একটি মাধ্যম। সিস্টার নিবেদিতা তাঁর লেখায় বিবেকানন্দের গভীর ভক্তি, ভারতীয় সংস্কৃতির প্রতি তাঁর শ্রদ্ধা ও অমরনাথ যাত্রার আধ্যাত্মিক গুরুত্ব সুন্দরভাবে ফুটিয়ে তুলেছেন।

Amarnath -by Sister Nivedita 

MCQ Questions Answer New Pattern

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1. Where did the Swami announce his plan to go to Amarnath?
a) Islamabad
b) Mogul Gardens at Achhabal
c) Amarnath
d) A boat
ANSWER: b) Mogul Gardens at Achhabal

2. How did the party react to the Swami’s announcement?
a) They were indifferent.
b) They were delighted.
c) They were surprised and angry.
d) They were worried.
ANSWER: b) They were delighted.

3. What preparations were made for the journey to Amarnath?
a) The party decided to travel alone.
b) The State officer helped with the arrangements.
c) The Swami made all the arrangements himself.
d) There were no preparations made.
ANSWER: b) The State officer helped with the arrangements.

4. What was the atmosphere like during the pilgrimage?
a) Chaotic and disorganized.
b) Quiet, orderly, and picturesque.
c) Loud and noisy.
d) Lonely and depressing.
ANSWER: b) Quiet, orderly, and picturesque.

5. What did the pilgrims carry with them?
a) Heavy luggage.
b) A bazaar.
c) Only essential items.
d) Nothing.
ANSWER: b) A bazaar.

6. Where was the Swami’s tent usually located?
a) Far away from the other tents.
b) Near the Tehsildar’s tent.
c) In the middle of the camp.
d) There is no information about the location of the Swami’s tent.
ANSWER: b) Near the Tehsildar’s tent.

7. What can you infer about the relationship between the Swami and the other members of the party?
a) They were distant and formal.
b) They were close and supportive.
c) They were competitive.
d) There is no information about their relationship.
ANSWER: b) They were close and supportive.

8. What does the description of the pilgrims’ camps suggest about their lifestyle?
a) They were wealthy and comfortable.
b) They were nomadic and adaptable.
c) They were lazy and dependent.
d) They were isolated and lonely.
ANSWER: b) They were nomadic and adaptable.

9. Why do you think the Swami decided to take his daughter on the pilgrimage?
a) She wanted to go.
b) It was a tradition in their family.
c) He wanted her to have a spiritual experience.
d) There is no information about the reason.
ANSWER: c) He wanted her to have a spiritual experience.

10. What is the meaning of the word “unique” in the text?
a) Common
b) Ordinary
c) Exceptional
d) Typical
ANSWER: c) Exceptional

11. What is the meaning of the word “instinctive” in the text?
a) Learned
b) Taught
c) Natural
d) Accidental
ANSWER: c) Natural

12. Where did the journey to Amarnath begin?
a) Islamabad
b) Achhabal
c) Mogul Gardens
d) Amarnath
ANSWER: b) Achhabal

13. What was left behind by the pilgrims after they left their camp?
a) Tents
b) Food
c) Ashes
d) Nothing
ANSWER: c) Ashes

14. What could be bought in the “broad street” of the camp?
a) Clothes
b) Jewelry
c) Dried fruits, milk, dahls, and rice
d) Luxury items
ANSWER: c) Dried fruits, milk, dahls, and rice

15. Why do you think the author included details about the pilgrims’ camps?
a) To describe the beauty of Kashmir.
b) To show the hardships of the pilgrimage.
c) To highlight the organization and efficiency of the pilgrims.
d) To create a sense of mystery.
ANSWER: c) To highlight the organization and efficiency of the pilgrims.

16. What does the description of the pilgrimage suggest about the importance of religion in people’s lives?
a) Religion is unimportant.
b) Religion is a private matter.
c) Religion is a communal experience.
d) Religion is a source of conflict.
ANSWER: c) Religion is a communal experience.

17. What is the overall tone of the passage?
a) Sad
b) Angry
c) Descriptive
d) Humorous
ANSWER: c) Descriptive

18. What is the purpose of the descriptive language used in the passage?
a) To confuse the reader.
b) To create a vivid picture of the scene.
c) To tell a funny story.
d) To provide information about the author’s life.
ANSWER: b) To create a vivid picture of the scene.

19. Identify the part of speech of the word “suddenly” in the first sentence.
a) Noun
b) Adverb
c) Adjective
d) Verb
ANSWER: b) Adverb

20. What is the main clause in the sentence “Kashmir seemed, in those weeks, to be full of pilgrims”?
a) Kashmir seemed
b) in those weeks
c) to be full of pilgrims
d) none of the above
ANSWER: a) Kashmir seemed

21. What was the appearance of the monks’ tents?
a) Large and luxurious
b) Small and simple
c) Varied in size
d) Made of expensive materials
ANSWER: b) Small and simple

22. How did the monks react to the Swami’s views on the world?
a) They agreed wholeheartedly
b) They were indifferent
c) They strongly disagreed
d) They were confused
ANSWER: c) They strongly disagreed

23. What was the monks’ attitude towards foreigners?
a) Hostile
b) Indifferent
c) Respectful
d) Equal
ANSWER: d) Equal

24. What was the Swami’s stance on Hinduism and Mohammedanism?
a) He believed in their rivalry
b) He advocated for their unity
c) He ignored the differences
d) He promoted Hinduism over Mohammedanism
ANSWER: b) He advocated for their unity

25. How did the monks view the Swami’s views on Hinduism and Mohammedanism?
a) They supported his views
b) They were indifferent
c) They strongly opposed his views
d) They were confused
ANSWER: c) They strongly opposed his views

26. What can be inferred about the Swami’s personality?
a) He was timid and submissive
b) He was arrogant and opinionated
c) He was wise and tolerant
d) He was indifferent to others
ANSWER: c) He was wise and tolerant

27. What can be inferred about the relationship between the Swami and the monks?
a) It was based on mutual respect
b) It was characterized by conflict
c) It was superficial
d) It was one-sided
ANSWER: a) It was based on mutual respect

28. What can be inferred about the setting of the story?
a) A modern city
b) A rural village
c) A holy place
d) A battlefield
ANSWER: c) A holy place

29. What can be inferred about the monks’ understanding of the world?
a) It was broad and inclusive
b) It was narrow and limited
c) It was balanced
d) It was constantly evolving
ANSWER: b) It was narrow and limited

30. What can be inferred about the Swami’s impact on the monks?
a) Minimal
b) Significant
c) Negative
d) Uncertain
ANSWER: b) Significant

31. The word “Gerrua” most likely refers to:
a) A type of food
b) A kind of animal
c) A color
d) A musical instrument
ANSWER: c) A color

32. The word “swarmed” implies that the monks:
a) Moved slowly and deliberately
b) Gathered in large numbers
c) Fought amongst themselves
d) Were afraid
ANSWER: b) Gathered in large numbers

33. The word “remonstrated” means:
a) Agreed enthusiastically
b) Protested strongly
c) Laughed heartily
d) Remained silent
ANSWER: b) Protested strongly

34. The word “anachronism” suggests that the Swami was:
a) Out of touch with reality
b) Ahead of his time
c) A follower of tradition
d) A person of low status
ANSWER: b) Ahead of his time

35. The word “incongruous” means;
a) Harmonious
b) Suitable
c) Inconsistent
d) Expected
ANSWER: c) Inconsistent

36. Where did the Swami spend most of his time?
a) In his tent
b) Outside the tents
c) Traveling between places
d) In meditation
ANSWER: a) In his tent

37. What was the main topic of conversation between the Swami and the monks?
a) Politics
b) Philosophy
c) Religion
d) Personal lives
ANSWER: c) Religion

38. What did the monks believe about the soil of the Punjab?
a) It was fertile
b) It was cursed
c) It was sacred
d) It was stained with blood
ANSWER: d) It was stained with blood

39. How did the Tehsildar show his admiration for the Swami?
a) By giving him gifts
b) By requesting to be a disciple
c) By organizing a feast
d) By spreading his teachings
ANSWER: b) By requesting to be a disciple

40. What was the overall reaction of the people to the Swami’s interaction with the Tehsildar and other Muslims?
a) Surprise and disapproval
b) Acceptance and respect
c) Indifference
d) Hostility
ANSWER: b) Acceptance and respect

41. Where did the narrator and the pilgrimage camp for the night?
a) Pahlgam
b) Pawan
c) Islamabad
d) Switzerland
ANSWER: b) Pawan

42. What was the main attraction of Pawan?
a) Its sandy beaches
b) Its holy springs
c) Its tall pine trees
d) Its beautiful moonlit nights
ANSWER: b) Its holy springs

43. How long did the camp stay at Pahlgam?
a) A few hours
b) A day
c) A week
d) Not mentioned
ANSWER: b) A day

44. What was the reason for halting at Pahlgam?
a) To enjoy the beautiful scenery
b) To celebrate ekadasi
c) To meet the local shepherds
d) To rest before the final march
ANSWER: b) To celebrate ekadasi

45. What kind of scenery did Pahlgam offer?
a) Desert-like
b) Mountainous
c) Coastal
d) Urban
ANSWER: b) Mountainous

46. What did the narrator compare the scenery of Pahlgam to?
a) India
b) Switzerland or Norway
c) Pawan
d) Islamabad
ANSWER: b) Switzerland or Norway

47. What was the final destination of the journey?
a) Pawan
b) Pahlgam
c) Islamabad
d) Not mentioned
ANSWER: d) Not mentioned

48. What does the description of the lights reflected in the water suggest about the atmosphere at Pawan?
a) It was a peaceful and serene place.
b) It was a noisy and crowded place.
c) It was a dark and gloomy place.
d) It was a hot and arid place.
ANSWER: a) It was a peaceful and serene place.

49. What does the mention of ekadasi suggest about the pilgrims?
a) They were Christians.
b) They were Muslims.
c) They were Hindus or Vaishnavas.
d) They were Buddhists.
ANSWER: c) They were Hindus or Vaishnavas.

50. What does the comparison of Pahlgam to Switzerland or Norway suggest about the narrator’s feelings towards the place?
a) He found it disappointing.
b) He found it ordinary.
c) He found it exceptionally beautiful.
d) He found it overcrowded.
ANSWER: c) He found it exceptionally beautiful.

51. What is the meaning of the word “throngs” as used in the text?
a) Small groups
b) Large crowds
c) Individuals
d) Animals
ANSWER: b) Large crowds

52. What is the meaning of the word “ravine” as used in the text?
a) A high mountain
b) A deep valley
c) A wide plain
d) A small hill
ANSWER: b) A deep valley

53. What is the meaning of the word “saeter-huts” as used in the text?
a) Modern houses
b) Summer mountain pastures
c) Religious shrines
d) Shops
ANSWER: b) Summer mountain pastures

54. What was the color of the water in the tank at Pawan?
a) Clear blue
b) Clear black
c) Muddy brown
d) Green
ANSWER: b) Clear black

55. What kind of trees were on the slopes around Pahlgam?
a) Oak trees
b) Palm trees
c) Pine trees
d) Willow trees
ANSWER: c) Pine trees

56. What was the shape of the land in Pahlgam?
a) Flat
b) Hilly
c) Valley
d) Mountain peak
ANSWER: c) Valley

57. What was the condition of the land in Pahlgam?
a) Rocky
b) Sandy islands in a pebble-worn stream bed
c) Covered in snow
d) Swampy
ANSWER: b) Sandy islands in a pebble-worn stream bed

58. What kind of dwellings were seen near Pahlgam?
a) Modern apartments
b) A bridge, farm house, ploughed fields, and saeter-huts
c) Tents
d) None
ANSWER: b) A bridge, farm house, ploughed fields, and saeter-huts

59. Where did the rest of the party stay when the final march began?
a) Pawan
b) Pahlgam
c) A grassy knoll
d) Islamabad
ANSWER: c) A grassy knoll

60. What time of day was it when the moon was seen over the mountain?
a) Morning
b) Noon
c) Sunset
d) Midnight
ANSWER: c) Sunset

61. What was the primary purpose of the journey described in the passage?
a) A scientific expedition
b) A pilgrimage to a religious site
c) A recreational hiking trip
d) A search for a lost treasure
ANSWER: b) A pilgrimage to a religious site

62. Where did the pilgrims camp on the first night of their journey?
a) Beside a frozen river
b) In a pine-wood
c) In a boulder-strewn gorge
d) In a cave
ANSWER: b) In a pine-wood

63. What was the most challenging aspect of the journey for the pilgrims?
a) Crossing the frozen river
b) Ascending the steep declivities
c) Finding enough food
d) Dealing with the cold weather
ANSWER: b) Ascending the steep declivities

64. What was the significance of the ice-lingam for the pilgrims?
a) It was a natural wonder
b) It was a symbol of wealth
c) It was a religious relic
d) It was a source of water
ANSWER: c) It was a religious relic

65. How did the Swami feel after entering the cave?
a) Overwhelmed by fear
b) Disappointed by the experience
c) Filled with a sense of peace
d) Angry at the crowd
ANSWER: c) Filled with a sense of peace

66. What can be inferred about the physical demands of the journey?
a) It was a relatively easy trek
b) It required significant physical endurance
c) It was primarily a mental challenge
d) The journey was completed by horseback
ANSWER: b) It required significant physical endurance

67. What does the description of the “white veil” covering the snow-peaks suggest?
a) The weather was stormy
b) The snow was deep and fresh
c) The pilgrims were lost
d) The sun was setting
ANSWER: b) The snow was deep and fresh

68. Based on the text, what is the Swami’s likely religious affiliation?
a) Hinduism
b) Buddhism
c) Christianity
d) Islam
ANSWER: a) Hinduism

69. What does the phrase “afraid lest emotion might overcome him” suggest about the Swami?
a) He was a weak person
b) He was afraid of the crowd
c) He had strong spiritual feelings
d) He was unfamiliar with the cave
ANSWER: c) He had strong spiritual feelings

70. What is the significance of the “presentiment” mentioned in the last sentence?
a) It was a random thought
b) It was a prediction of the future
c) It was a fear of heights
d) It was a desire to become a Swami
ANSWER: b) It was a prediction of the future

71. On which day of the journey did the pilgrims cross the river-gravels?
a) First day
b) Second day
c) Third day
d) Fourth day
ANSWER: b) Second day

72. What kind of terrain did the pilgrims encounter on the second day?
a) Dense forest
b) River-gravels and steep slopes
c) Snow-covered plains
d) Sandy deserts
ANSWER: b) River-gravels and steep slopes

73. How did the pilgrims feel while crossing the steep slopes?
a) Excited and joyful
b) Tired but determined
c) Uninterested
d) Disappointed
ANSWER: b) Tired but determined

74. What natural feature made the journey difficult for the pilgrims?
a) Heavy snowfall
b) Rushing streams and steep paths
c) Sandstorms
d) Extreme heat
ANSWER: b) Rushing streams and steep paths

75. What did the Swami do upon reaching the final destination?
a) Took a bath in the holy spring
b) Offered prayers in the cave
c) Sat silently in meditation
d) Spoke to the other pilgrims
ANSWER: b) Offered prayers in the cave

76. What was the emotional state of the Swami as he stood before the ice-lingam?
a) Overwhelmed with devotion
b) Unmoved and indifferent
c) Fearful of the crowd
d) Disappointed by the sight
ANSWER: a) Overwhelmed with devotion

77. What effect did the ice-lingam have on the pilgrims?
a) It inspired awe and devotion
b) It caused fear among them
c) It made them question their beliefs
d) It led to confusion
ANSWER: a) It inspired awe and devotion

78. What was the most physically demanding part of the journey?
a) Crossing the river
b) Climbing the steep paths
c) Walking through the valley
d) Setting up the campsite
ANSWER: b) Climbing the steep paths

79. What did the narrator describe as the most beautiful sight during the journey?
a) The ice-lingam inside the cave
b) The moonlit valley
c) The pine-covered hills
d) The flowing river
ANSWER: a) The ice-lingam inside the cave

80. What does the presence of the ice-lingam suggest about the place?
a) It is a natural wonder with religious significance
b) It is a tourist destination
c) It is a dangerous place to visit
d) It is a place for scientific research
ANSWER: a) It is a natural wonder with religious significance

81. How did the narrator feel when he first saw the entrance to the cave?
a) Curious and excited
b) Nervous and hesitant
c) Indifferent
d) Annoyed by the crowd
ANSWER: a) Curious and excited

82. What does the phrase “a sea of heads” suggest about the number of pilgrims?
a) There were very few people
b) There was a huge crowd
c) The pilgrims were scattered
d) The narrator was alone
ANSWER: b) There was a huge crowd

83. What did the pilgrims do before entering the cave?
a) Lit lamps and offered prayers
b) Rested outside for a while
c) Discussed the journey
d) Took photographs
ANSWER: a) Lit lamps and offered prayers

84. What was the Swami’s reaction upon seeing the ice-lingam?
a) He bowed in reverence
b) He stepped back in shock
c) He questioned its existence
d) He ignored it
ANSWER: a) He bowed in reverence

85. What was the weather like when the pilgrims reached their final destination?
a) Clear and bright
b) Foggy and cold
c) Hot and humid
d) Stormy
ANSWER: b) Foggy and cold

86. How did the other pilgrims react to the sight of the ice-lingam?
a) They chanted prayers
b) They remained silent
c) They hurried to leave
d) They expressed doubt
ANSWER: a) They chanted prayers

87. What does the journey of the pilgrims symbolize?
a) A test of physical strength
b) A spiritual quest for enlightenment
c) A scientific exploration
d) A social gathering
ANSWER: b) A spiritual quest for enlightenment

88. What was the significance of the holy cave for the Swami?
a) It was a place of divine presence
b) It was a place to rest
c) It was an area of historical interest
d) It was a secret hideout
ANSWER: a) It was a place of divine presence

89. How does the narrator describe the atmosphere inside the cave?
a) Serene and spiritual
b) Dark and terrifying
c) Loud and chaotic
d) Empty and cold
ANSWER: a) Serene and spiritual

90. Why was the journey challenging for the elderly pilgrims?
a) Due to steep paths and cold weather
b) Due to lack of food
c) Due to wild animals
d) Due to a lack of shelter
ANSWER: a) Due to steep paths and cold weather

91. What did the pilgrims carry with them during the journey?
a) Offerings and food supplies
b) Heavy weapons
c) Scientific equipment
d) Maps and compasses
ANSWER: a) Offerings and food supplies

92. How did the pilgrims prepare for the journey?
a) By fasting and praying
b) By gathering weapons
c) By hiring guides
d) By taking shortcuts
ANSWER: a) By fasting and praying

93. What does the word “ascetic” refer to in the context of the passage?
a) A person devoted to spiritual discipline
b) A warrior
c) A merchant
d) A king
ANSWER: a) A person devoted to spiritual discipline

94. What was the most important lesson learned by the narrator?
a) Faith and devotion give strength
b) Hardships are unavoidable
c) Nature is unpredictable
d) Traveling in groups is safer
ANSWER: a) Faith and devotion give strength

95. How did the narrator describe the final leg of the journey?
a) As the most difficult yet most rewarding
b) As an easy walk
c) As unnecessary
d) As a disappointment
ANSWER: a) As the most difficult yet most rewarding

96. What does the narrator compare the glowing ice-lingam to?
a) A shining jewel
b) A bright star
c) A frozen waterfall
d) A piece of glass
ANSWER: a) A shining jewel

97. Why did the narrator feel emotional at the end of the journey?
a) Because of the spiritual significance of the moment
b) Because he was exhausted
c) Because he was lost
d) Because he missed his home
ANSWER: a) Because of the spiritual significance of the moment

98. What was the final act of devotion performed by the pilgrims before leaving?
a) Offering prayers and chanting
b) Taking photographs
c) Eating a feast
d) Discussing their experiences
ANSWER: a) Offering prayers and chanting

99. What does the entire journey reflect about the faith of the pilgrims?
a) Their deep commitment to their beliefs
b) Their lack of preparation
c) Their fear of nature
d) Their reliance on luck
ANSWER: a) Their deep commitment to their beliefs

100. What message does the passage convey about religious pilgrimages?
a) They are journeys of both physical and spiritual endurance
b) They are unnecessary and outdated
c) They are purely for sightseeing
d) They have no significance
ANSWER: a) They are journeys of both physical and spiritual endurance.

 

• West Bengal Board Class 11 English Amarnath

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“Amarnath” গল্পটি শুধুমাত্র একটি তীর্থযাত্রার বর্ণনা নয়, এটি স্বামী বিবেকানন্দের আধ্যাত্মিক অনুভূতি, প্রকৃতির মহিমা ও শিব চেতনার গভীর দর্শন বোঝার জন্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ একটি রচনা। একাদশ শ্রেণির পরীক্ষার জন্য এই অধ্যায় থেকে সংক্ষিপ্ত ও ব্যাখ্যামূলক প্রশ্ন গুরুত্বপূর্ণ।

এই প্রশ্ন-উত্তর নোটস West Bengal Board Class 11 English 1st Semester পরীক্ষার জন্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ এবং শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য সহায়ক হবে। ✅📚