Important Questions Chapter 30 English Rainbow Part 2 Class 12 Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

Preface to Bombay London New York

Short Questions with Answers

1. Who is the author of “Bombay – London – New York”?

• Amitava Kumar is the author of Bombay – London – New York.

2. Where was Amitava Kumar born?

• Amitava Kumar was born in Ara, Bhojpur.

3. What does the librarian at the Khudabakhsh Library call the manuscripts?

• He calls them “hidden treasures.”

4. How many handwritten books are in the Khudabakhsh Library?

• There are 22,000 handwritten books in the library.

5. What is the name of the ancient medical book found in the library?

• The book is called Kitab-ul-Hashaish.

6. Which Mughal emperor received a book of Hafiz’s poems?

• Humayun received the book.

7. What unusual conditions were described in Patna Medical College Hospital?

• Operations were sometimes done under lantern light, with flying ants settling on open wounds.

8. Who was banished to Allahabad by Akbar?

• Jahangir was banished to Allahabad.

9. What did Jahangir use the book of Hafiz for?

• He used it to read omens about his future.

10. What was the temperature outside the library during the author’s visit?

• The temperature exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

11. What does the librarian know besides English?

• The librarian knows Urdu, Arabic, and Persian.

12. What does the librarian recite?

• He recites poetry written by the last Mughal governor of Bihar.

13. What does the historian Gopal think is essential to civilized life?

• Gopal thinks conversations are essential to civilized life.

14. Where did important political gatherings in Patna take place?

• They took place at Gandhi Maidan.

15. Who recited poetry at Gandhi Maidan in the 1950s?

• Sahir Ludhianvi recited poetry there.

16. What does Gopal lament about modern Patna?

• He laments the lack of cultural institutions and conversations.

17. What does the author say about books and the marketplace?

• He says libraries are haunted by the marketplace but also influence it.

18. What does the author believe about writers and imagination?

• Writers balance building imaginary worlds and staying connected to the real world.

19. What realization made the author stop worshipping paper?

• He realized that books also return readers to the world.

20. What is the literary journey described in the book called?

• The journey is called Bombay – London – New York.

Medium Questions with Answers

1. What is unique about the Kitab-ul-Hashaish in Khudabakhsh Library?

• The Kitab-ul-Hashaish is a 2,000-year-old medical book translated from Greek to Arabic under Haroun-ul-Rashid’s orders. It contains beautiful illustrations painted with herbal and mineral colors that remain vibrant even today.

2. Why did Jahangir write in the margins of Hafiz’s book?

• Jahangir wrote in the margins to note his location and feelings when seeking an omen about his future. The lines he read encouraged him to return home, leading to his coronation after Akbar’s death.

3. What were the living conditions outside the Khudabakhsh Library?

• The streets were cramped and noisy, filled with rickshaws and blaring horns. This contrasted sharply with the peaceful, historical atmosphere of the library.

4. How does the author describe the librarian?

• The librarian is an elderly, courteous man with a love for rare books and poetry. His knowledge of multiple languages and dedication to preserving history make him admirable.

5. What does the historian Gopal say about his youth?

• Gopal nostalgically recalls a time when cultural conversations thrived in India. He laments the decline of such enriching interactions in modern times.

6. What does the author observe about the connection between books and trade?

• He notes that acquiring books was part of trade and conquest. However, books also hold personal histories, emotions, and hopes that transcend material commerce.

7. Why does the author feel a connection with Khudabakhsh Library?

• The author feels a connection because it represents a repository of history, culture, and literary treasures amidst a chaotic modern world.

8. What challenges does the historian mention about cultural preservation in Patna?

• He talks about insufficient funds, theft of public money, and the neglect of colleges and libraries.

9. What does the author mean by “the worldliness of the word”?

• He means that writers deal with both imagination and the practical realities of the world, which shapes their work.

10. How does the author see libraries and the marketplace influencing each other?

• Libraries preserve history and inspire imagination, while the marketplace reflects the commercial value of these treasures. They are intertwined but independent forces.

Long Questions with Answers

1. Describe the significance of the Khudabakhsh Oriental Public Library in Patna.

• The Khudabakhsh Library is home to 22,000 handwritten books, including rare manuscripts like Kitab-ul-Hashaish and a poem collection of Hafiz. It holds historical treasures that reveal India’s rich cultural heritage. This library connects the past with the present, emphasizing the importance of preserving knowledge amidst the chaos of modern life.

2. Explain how Jahangir used the Hafiz manuscript to divine his future.

• While in exile in Allahabad, Jahangir consulted Hafiz’s manuscript for guidance. The lines he read urged him to return home, promising he would be emperor. Encouraged by this omen, Jahangir returned to Fatehpur-Sikri, where he was crowned after Akbar’s death. The event highlights the manuscript’s role in shaping history.

3. What contrast does the author observe between the Khudabakhsh Library and the streets of Patna?

• Inside the library, the environment is calm, scholarly, and rich with historical treasures. In contrast, the streets of Patna are chaotic, noisy, and burdened with poverty. This stark difference reflects the cultural decline in the city compared to the library’s preserved heritage.

4. How does the author portray the librarian at Khudabakhsh Library?

• The librarian is knowledgeable, courteous, and passionate about the library’s treasures. He introduces rare manuscripts and narrates their historical significance. Despite his unsteady hand and old age, he embodies a sense of cultural pride and commitment to preserving knowledge.

5. What issues does the author highlight about Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH)?

• The PMCH is depicted as lacking basic facilities, with surgeries sometimes performed under lanterns. Stray animals disrupted medical processes, and hygiene was poor. These conditions underscore the neglect of healthcare in Patna despite its historical significance.

6. What message does the author convey about libraries and their role in society?

• Libraries serve as a bridge between the past and the present, preserving cultural heritage and knowledge. They provide refuge from worldly chaos while inspiring readers to engage with the world. The author suggests that libraries play a crucial role in intellectual and societal growth.

7. Why does the historian Surendra Gopal feel nostalgic about his youth in Patna?

• Gopal reminisces about a time when intellectual discussions and cultural activities thrived in Patna. He laments the decline of educational institutions and the lack of funding for libraries. His nostalgia reflects a longing for a culturally vibrant and progressive society.

8. What does the author learn about writing through his literary journey?

• The author discovers that writing involves balancing imagination with real-world experiences. Books provide both a retreat and a way to engage with life’s complexities. This realization shapes his approach to writing as a means of bearing witness to the struggles of memory, culture, and identity.