the sense of accountability and responsibility in people towards the
development project, which encourages them for wise and sustainable use
of resources. Moreover, there are many advantages of people's participation
in development activities.
Advantages of Public Participation
There will be optimum utilization of means and resources.
It provides various opportunities to learn various skills.
It creates employment opportunities that reduce the dependency.
Sense of ownership and pride for the work will be cultivated.
Feeling of unity, mutual understanding, teamwork and cooperation
among the people will be developed.
There will be speedy and sustainable work.
It helps to regulate corruption.
Timely completion of the project with low cost and less time is possible.
3. Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is business activity
for profit involving financial risk. It is
the process of designing, launching and
starting a new business with capital
investment. It is the willingness of a
person to develop, organize and manage a
business venture along with risk to make
a profit. The people who create theses
businesses are called entrepreneurs. It is
one of the prerequisites of development.
Despite involvement in different services
like industry, trade, agriculture etc.,no one can develop as expected without
entrepreneurship. The economy of a nation largely depends on the extension
of industry, commerce and business. These all depend on entrepreneurship
of entrepreneurs. The optimum utilization of capital and the available
resources is possible through entrepreneurship. Moreover, it generates the
self-employment and creates employment opportunities in mass level that
makes the individual and national economy prosperous. Many countries in
the world have been sustainable in economy owing to the entrepreneurship
Development and Infrastructures of Development 51
of entrepreneurs. New industries and commercial enterprises are being
expanded rapidly in the world. The invention, discovery of new technology,
use of modern goods and machines have been contributing a lot in making
people's life comfortable and practical. These all things are taking place
due to the presence of entrepreneurship of entrepreneurs. Therefore,
entrepreneurship is one of the important pre- conditions for development.
Let’s read the given excerpt related to entrepreneurship and draw the
conclusion:
Bill Gates, born in 1955 in Washington, USA, is the business
icon in software production. He is the owner of the Microsoft
Company. He was interested in computer
programming from his early childhood age of 13. He
became successful entrepreneur in the world due to
his creative mind, business strategy,
entrepreneurship skill, aggressive and competitive
market tricks. He is a brilliant entrepreneur,
inventor and founder chairman of Microsoft
Company.
He is the number one richest for the fourth year in a row and the richest person
in the world for 18 out of the past 23 years.According to a report in the Forbes
Magazine (an American business magazine 2019), he has a fortune of $103.5
billion.
4. Peace
Peace is a violence-free environment where
there is mutual understanding, cooperation,
social harmony and respect. There is no
misunderstanding, jealousy, conflict,
disagreement, ego etc. among the people. It is a
very essential prerequisite for development. Peace
and development are complementary to each
other. Maintenance of peace creates favorable
environment for development. It is possible
to carry out development activities in peaceful
environment with unity, understanding and
consensus among the people.
52 Social Studies Book - 9
There won't be sustainable development if there is no peace. Violence, feeling
of conflict, anxiety, misunderstanding etc. create hindrances for peace.
Therefore, the reasons of conflict should be timely identified and solved for
maintaining sustainable peace in the country. The development activities
can be accelerated only in the peaceful environment. There are several
things to be considered for maintaining everlasting peace. There should
be political stability, discrimination-free society, rule of law, guarantee of
human fundamental rights, fair and proportionate distribution of means
and resources, good governance etc. A nation, which lacks these things,
can't conduct the development activities smoothly as there won't be public
support. There will be vandalism, war, terror that will destroy everything
including infrastructures of development. So peaceful environment ais a
must for creating such as environment where there is mutual understanding,
cooperation, sense of belongingness, feeling of ownership, service oriented
attitude etc.
Glossaryprerequisites : something essential as prior condition
potentiality : capability, ability
etiquette : courtesy, polite behavior in the society
recreational : activity done for enjoyment
accomplishment : achievement
regulate : control
consensus : general agreement
hindrances : resistance, obstruction
sustainable : able to continue long period of time
accelerated : faster than usual
proportionate : equivalent, equitable
Evaluation Exercises
1. Activities
a. Conduct an oratory program on "Literacy is the main basis of
development of a nation" in the class.
b. Visit some people in your community who became literate through
informal education program. Prepare a list of benefits they obtained
through the program and present in the class.
c. Despite the declaration of Nepal government schools as peace zone,
Development and Infrastructures of Development 53
school going children are still facing many problems frequently due to
strike called by people of different professions. Draft a dialogue between
two people on the topic "School as a peace zone, stop unnecessary
interference" and present in the class.
d. Discuss with your classmates in the class on "Characteristics of
successful entrepreneurship" and prepare a chart.
2. Answer these questions in very short.
a. What is the traditional concept of literacy?
b. What do you mean by prerequisites of development?
c. Make a poster that reflects public participation in development activity.
d. Write any two important things to be considered while maintaining
peace in the country?
3. Answer these questions in short.
a. 'Literacy is one of the most important prerequisites of development'.
Justify this statement.
b. Discuss the interrelationship between peace and development. How
are they complementary to each other?
c. Why do you think entrepreneurship is the prior condition for
development?
d. What should be done to establish sustainable peace? Suggest some
measures to be adopted in context of Nepal.
e. List any eight enterpreneurs of various sectors. Write about any two of
them in brief.
Community Work
Prepare a leaflet about your school, which may be useful for your parents as
well as guests. Include the following information:
The establishment date
Available infrastructures and facilities
Areas of regular expenses
Sources of income to meet the expenses
Environment
Efforts being made to improve the quality
54 Social Studies Book - 9
Lesson Infrastructures of
Development
3
The basic services and facilities essential for the economic and social
development of a nation are known as The basic services and
infrastructures of development. In addition, facilities essential for
appropriate and skilled human powers the economic and social
are needed for the proper utilization of development of a nation are
the available means and resources for the known as infrastructures
development of a nation. A nation requires of development.
conscious, healthy and skilled human resources for its smooth development.
The infrastructures of development like education, health, communication,
electricity, transportation and drinking water play a significant role for a
positive transformation of a society and a nation. However, there are several
challenges to build the infrastructures of development in context of Nepal.
Some of the challenges are as below:
Lack of capital investment
Lack of technology and technically skilled human resources
Unable to use the natural resources properly due to lack of public
awareness and religious and cultural constraints
Frequent damagesof structures due to natural disasters like flood,
landslide and earthquake
Geographical complexity for the construction and development of
infrastructure
Excessive dependency on external sources like donation, grants, loans
etc
Inability to generate capital inside the country
Corruption and misuse of foreign aid
Political instability
Development and Infrastructures of Development 55
1. Education
"Education is the most powerful weapon which
you can use to change the world"
– Nelson Mandela
Education is the process of acquiring knowledge
and skill, and learning the way of life through
teaching and learning. It plays a vital role for the
physical, mental, spiritual, social, cultural, moral
and emotional development of an individual. It Tri-Chandra College
is a continuous process. An individual acquires
education from different ways. Generally, they are categorized into formal, non-
formal and informal. Formal education is the process of acquiring knowledge by
attending school, college or university. The way of receiving skills, knowledge
through adult literacy classes, trainings and seminars is known as non-formal
education. The knowledge obtained by daily experience of life is informal
education. Whatever the source or medium of education, it is very important for
bringing positive changes on humans' attitude and behaviour.
Manpower is the most important resource for the development of any country.
However, they must be trained, educated, aware and motivated to carry out the
development activities. They need education to be trained, educated, qualified
and efficient. Moreover, education makes people conscious, aware, knowledgeable,
disciplined, productive, professional and diligent. Such human resources can
utilize the available resources efficiently and development is materialized in a
nation.
Education makes the people able to Chandra Shumsher established
live a quality of life. It prepares human Tri-Chandra College in 1975 BS
resources that are aware of their
rights and duties, responsible towards Juddha Shumsher started SLC
their family, society and nation. Board in 1990 BS
Education makes the people creative,
constructive and farsighted. Educated Padma Shumsher opened
Padma Kanya School
people will be able to bring changes in
their society; they will be able to take proper decisions on time. They will be self-
motivated, efficient, diligent, honest and disciplined and can contribute for the all
round development of a nation. Thus, education is an important infrastructure of
development.
The history of formal Nepalese education system is not much old. The
56 Social Studies Book - 9
establishment of Durbar School by Jang Bahadur Rana in 1910 BS started the
first formal education system in Nepal, but this school was limited for Ranas
and Royal family members. Later, Rana Prime Ministers like Bir Shumsher, Dev
Shumsher, Chandra Shumsher, Juddha Shumsher opened more schools and
colleges. However, there were 321 schools across the country during their reign.
Schooling for general people started only after the advent of democracy in 2007
BS. Since then the number of schools has increased rapidly. The first university
of Nepal, Tribhuvan University was established in 1959 AD. After the restoration
of multiparty democracy system in 2047 BS, education sector made further
development in Nepal. Many public and private schools and colleges came into
existence. However, the quality has not been improved yet. As per the report of
national census 2068, the literacy rate in Nepal is 65.9% (75.1% male and 57.4%
female). The education system is still traditional and teachers-oriented. There is
lacking of teaching materials and resources. Many Schools are poorly equipped.
There are few institutes for technical education and vocational training.
The Major Universities in Nepal
1 Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur (2016),
2 Nepal Sanskrit University, Dang (2043),
3 Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel (2048),
4 Pokhara University, Pokhara (2055),
5 Purbanchal Univeristy, Biratnagar (2055),
6 Lumbini Bouddha University, Rupandehi (2062),
7 Mid Western University, Birendranagar (2067),
8 Far Western University, Kanchanpur (2067),
9 Nepal Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan (2067),
10 Rajshree Janak University (2074),
11 Nepal Open University, Lalitpur (2076)
Efforts made by the Nepal Government in Education Sector
Nepal government has adopted certain policies in development of education.
Some of the attempts made by Nepal government to improve education in Nepal
are:
Liberal education policy where there is no any restriction for opening
schools, colleges, universities if they fulfill the criteria,
Special education focused groups like literacy campaign to women,
illiterate adults, backward ethnic groups, poor and physically challenged
ones,
Development and Infrastructures of Development 57
curriculum and resource updates,
Change in education structure, new grading schemes etc.
Structure of School education in Nepal
Pre-Primary Basic Education Secondary
1 year Grade 1 – 8 Grade 9-12
New Grading Scheme
90-100 80-90 70-80 60-70 50-60 40-50 30-40 20-30 0-20
A+ A B+ B C+ C D+ D E
Outstanding Excellent Very Good Above Average Below Poor Very
Good Average Average Poor
2. Health
Health is another important infrastructure of
development. As per WHO- "Health is a state
of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of
disease and infirmity". In this regard, health
is not merely the absence of disease and infirmity,
but it is the combination of all four aspects:
physical fitness, mental fitness, social adjustment through positive behavior
including absence of disease or infirmity in body. A country needs healthy human
resources in order to carry out the development activities smoothly. Healthy
manpower can contribute in the development in full extent.
The health status of Nepalese is not satisfactory. It is not achieved as expected due
to poverty, illiteracy and ignorance in people. Life expectancy is below 70 years.
Prevalence of endemics, epidemics, malnutrition etc. is common. There is no pure
drinking water facility, environment is polluted and health service is expensive.
The health service in Nepal is not affordable for majority of people especially
people living in rural areas. The infant, child and maternal mortality rate is high
in comparison to developed countries due to poor health condition in Nepal. The
existing health services and facilities are not in proportion to population growth.
The urban population is increasing day by day in Nepal, but they lack regular
exercise and are becoming victims of diseases while the rural population lacks
health services.
"Health is hearty; health is harmony, health is happiness."– Amit Kalantri
58 Social Studies Book - 9
The government has been trying to open the health posts, health centers and
hospitals, and send the doctors to all parts of the country. However, the effort
made by the government is not enough as expected. There are health posts, health
centers, hospitals in some places but no doctors; there are doctors and hospitals
in some places but no required tools, equipment and medicines.
An individual needs to have nutritious food, regular physical exercise, good
healthcare service, less infection from diseases etc. to be healthy. Healthy people
have longer life expectancy. Longer life expectancy is the indication of good
health status of people. Our life expectancy is low as compared to developed
countries. People of rural areas are suffering from various health problems due to
lack of nutritious food, poverty, illiteracy and ignorance. Nowadays, health post,
health centers and hospitals have been established in different parts of Nepal for
providing the basic health services to its people. Health workers and volunteers
are being mobilized in different parts across the country.
Health is precious wealth. We can do nothing if our health is bad. An individual
having poor health can neither work nor study. Unwell or sick people can't
contribute to the nation for its development. So, health is an important
infrastructure of development.
Efforts made by Nepal Government in Health Sector
The constitution of Nepal 2072 has guaranteed health as a fundamental right of
citizens. The provision of free basic health service is being implemented through
Health Posts and Health Centres in each rural municipality. A number of health
camps, immunization programs and awareness campaigns have been launched
by mobilizing health workers across the country. According to the Report of
Nepal Medical Council 2012, the number of doctors reached to 12571 and as per
the report of Nepal Nursing Council 2012, the number of nurses is 19098 and
ANMs is 19222.
The table given below shows existing Health facilities:
Facility 2013 AD (Including Private)
Hospitals 12571
Primary Health Centres 23022
Health Posts 19098
Sub Health Posts 407
Aayurvedic Clinics 8013
Source: Nepal Medical Council 2016
Development and Infrastructures of Development 59
3. Communication
The system of exchanging information, views, ideas,
feelings etc. can be termed as communication. We
exchange our ideas, information, messages etc.
through the different means of communication.
Few decades ago, postal service was the main
means of communication in our country. Now,
telephone, newspapers, television, radio, internet,
email, fax etc. are common. People are familiar
with such modern means of communication. They
can easily communicate through social networks
like viber, facebook, tweeter, skype, etc.
Dissemination of information on time plays a very important role in our life
and it is possible through the means of communication. We can easily observe
what is happening in any nook and corner of the world sitting in our home.
The development of communication and technology has accelerated the pace of
development in all sectors. It has been indispensable part of different sectors like
trade, commerce, industry, education, travel etc. A country can't run development
activities in the absence of effective communication system. New ideas,
technologies, information, plan and policy get transferred easily and quickly if
we have efficient communication system. It is essential for the smooth and rapid
development of a nation. So communication is an important infrastructure of
development.
4. Transportation
Transportation is an
act of carrying people,
commodities from one place
to another. It is one of the
important infrastructures
of development. In fact,
the development of other
infrastructures depends
on transportation system.
The transportation system reflects the overall development of a country. A
good transportation system is essential to develop other infrastructures of
60 Social Studies Book - 9
development. It helps to develop agriculture, industry, trade, market, technology,
commerce and all other infrastructures of development. It is the backbone of
economic and social development of any country. Supply of essential goods
and services is possible due to transportation. If good transportation system is
available, industries get essential raw materials to manufacture the goods and
the those manufactured, and finished goods can be supplied to the market
easily. Farmers can sell their product in the market and improve their economic
condition, which helps them to live a quality of life. Transport system connects
the people living in different places that contributes for social unification, reduces
the regional disparity, accelerates the economic activities and develops the other
sectors as well. No any development activities can be carried out without proper
transportation system. If there is no proper transportation system, it affects the
socio-economic development of a nation adversely and overall development
activities will be obstructed.
Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan country. The development of transportation is
difficult due to its mountainous terrain. It has negative impact on socio-economic
development of the country and people's daily life. Besides, the pace of development
of infrastructures is also very slow.
There are five modes of
transportation; they are roadways,
railways, airways, waterways
and ropeways. All of them play
significant role for the positive
transformationofthesociety.Being
a landlocked and mountainous
country, roadways are the major
means of transportation in Nepal.
It is comparatively cheaper and suitable means of transportation for common
people. Air service is very expensive. There are no waterways in Nepal as it has
no sea access and fast flowing rivers are not navigable. Fast flowing rivers are
used for rafting, boating and recreational activities only. Airways and ropeways
are good and useful for mountainous country like Nepal, but they are not well
developed in our country. Remote parts of Nepal still depend on air service, but it
is very expensive and full of risk.
Development and Infrastructures of Development 61
"Transportation s an infrustructure of infrastructure"
Due to its topographical structure, the development of railways is very costly in
Nepal. Janakpur- Jayanagar railway service exists only for the namesake in Nepal.
The development of road network is also not easy due to its landscape. However,
some highways have been constructed to link the important places but not as
per requirement. Thus, our government should develop road transportation in all
parts of the nation to link all districts and villages with convenient transportation
service.
Major Highways in Nepal
S.N. Highways Places linked Distance in Km
1028
1 Mahendra Highway Mechi-Mahakali
2 Tribhuvan Highway Birgunj - Kathmandu 192
3 Araniko Highway Kathmandu - Kodari 114
4 Prithvi Highway Naubise - Pokhara 174
5 Madan Ashrit Highway Narayangadh - Mugling 36
6 BP Highway Bhittamod – Sindhuli - Dhulikhel 198
7 Mechi Highway Kechana - Taplejung 268
8 Koshi Highway Rani - Myanglung 111
9 Sagarmatha Highway Kadamaha - Salleri 265
10 Siddhartha Highway Sunauli - Pokhara 182
11 Rapti Highway Ameliya - Musikot 196
12 Ratna Highway Nepalgunj – Surkhet 113
13 Karnali Highway Surkhet – Bangesimal 220
62 Social Studies Book - 9
14 Bhimdatta Highway Mohanapul – Darchula 320
15 Seti Highway Syaule – Samuagad, Saphe 66
1776
16. Madhya-Pahadi Lok Illam–Baitadi
Marga 105
17. Puspalal Highway Lamo Sangu–Jiri
18. Bhupi Sherchan Pokhara–Baglung 73
Highway 117
19. Pasang Lhamu Kathmandu–Dhunche
Plans and Strategies
The roadway transportation is the most suitable system of transport in our
country due to our poor economy, backward in technology and mountainous
and landlocked features. However, the fourteenth plan has adopted certain goals
and strategies for the development of transportation systems in Nepal. A brief
description is given below:
Roadway Development
The goal of the fourteenth plan in respect of roadway development is to expand
and diversify trade and socio-economic development through national road
network and to support for the strengthening of the international relation.
Strategies
This plan has following strategies to attain the goal:
To expand the facilities and access of secure transport to contribute for the
provincial access and economic growth,
To expand the transport with a view of increasing access in agriculture,
industry, trade, hydroelectricity, tourism, education and health,
To expand, strengthen and develop road transport connecting intra-
countries transit and transport network.
Development and Infrastructures of Development 63
Airway Development
The goal of this plan regarding the airway
development is to guarantee the standard
service by expanding secure, trustworthy,
commercial and reliable airway service at
national and international level.
Strategies
This plan has the following strategies to
attain the goal:
To prioritize and promote flight security by using new technologies
incorporating the emerging new dimensions in the field of airway service
with institutional reformation.
To expand the access of air service at national and international level by
making regular, trustworthy, secured and easily accessible in public-private
partnership.
To expand air service for provincial and geographical balance.
Railway and other modes of transport development
The goal of this plan with respect to railway and other modes of transport
development is to assist for the sustainable economic development by expanding
the secure, trustworthy, accessible and eco-friendly networks of railway, ropeway
and waterway.
Strategies
This plan has adopted the following strategies to attain the goal:
To facilitate transport of goods and people by expanding secure railway
service.
To develop and expand the alternative network of transport like ropeway,
cable car and waterway.
5. Electricity
Electricity, a form of energy, has become an inseparable part of our life. The
development of communication, industrial progress, science and technology are
almost impossible in the absence of electricity. Industries manufacture goods
with the help of machines and heavy equipments. These machines and equipments
are operated with the help of electricity. It has varied uses ranging from domestic
activities like cooking, washing, lighting, cooling, heating etc. to industrial
64 Social Studies Book - 9
activities like operating machines and heavy equipments as well as heavy
constructions. We can't use modern means of communication like mobile,
computer, internet, email, fax, television etc without electricity. A rapid
development of all sectors of a country is possible due to electricity. Thus,
electricity is regarded as one of the important infrastructures of development.
There are various sources from
where we can generate electricity
such as coal, hydro, wind, sun
light, biogas and thermal plant.
Hydroelectricity is generated
from the sources of water like
rivers, lakes, rivulets etc. It is the
best source of electricity as it is
cheaper, reliable and perpetual.
Our country is the second
richest country in the world in
water resources. Nepal has got
potentiality of producing 83,000 megawatts hydroelectricity out of which 65,000
megawatts of hydroelectricity can be generated from only three big river systems
of Nepal namely Saptagandaki, Saptakoshi and Karnali. Besides, there are many
perennial fast flowing rivers in Nepal. They can be used for running micro hydro
projects. However, we have been able to generate just 851 mega watts hydro
energy till now including the production from private sectors which is only about
1% of its potentiality. Despite greater potentiality of hydroelectricity generation,
our country is facing an acute problem of load shedding. Just 74% of the people of
Nepal got the facility of electricity by the end of the thirteenth plan. According to
the World Bank, 95% householders in Nepal have acces to electricity. This adverse
situation is the serious challenge for the economic growth of the nation. To solve
this problem, Nepal government should develop this sector with topmost priority
by managing fund from various sources. There are several reasons and obstacles
in the development of electricity in our country. Some of the reasons are:
Political instability
Lack of sufficient budget
Poor vision, plan and policy of government
Lack of political commitment
Development and Infrastructures of Development 65
Dependency on foreign aid and assistance
Insecurity for private sectors' investment
Lack of technical and skilled manpower
Lack of public awareness on its importance and utilization
Lack of appropriate technology
Some Hydropower Projects of Nepal
S.N. Hydro power projects Location Production
in MW
1 Bhotekoshi Hydro-power Project Sindhupalchok 42
2 Chilime Hydro-power Project Rasuwa 20
3 Jhimruk Hydro-power Project Pyuthan 12
4 Kali Gandaki 'A' Hydro-power Project Syangja 144
5 Kulekhani Hydro-power Project I Makwanpur 60
6 Marsyangdi Hydro-power Project Tanahun 69
7 Modikhola Hydro-power Project Parbat 14
8 Sunkoshi Hydro-power Project Sindhupalchok 10.5
9 Trishuli Hydro-power Project Nuwakot 21
10 Upper Tamakoshi Hydro-power Project Dolakha 456
(under construction)
11 Middle Marsyangdi Hydro-power Project Lamjung 70
The Objectives and Strategies of the Fourteenth Plan
The fourteenth plan has certain objectives and strategies to attain the objectives
with respect to hydroelectricity in Nepal.
Objectives:
To ensure easy access to all households and regions by expanding hydroelectricity
service
Strategies:
To expand the electricity production by increasing the investment in
hydroelectricity,
To reform and expand the management of electricity transmission,
To make easy access of electricity by making the distribution system effective,
To guarantee the security of energy through various means including the
combination of electricity production
66 Social Studies Book - 9
6. Drinking Water
Drinking water is essential for the survival of living
beings. It is as indispensable as air. Safe and pure
drinking water helps to ensure good health of
people and healthy people are the wealth of a
nation. We can't expect healthy people without
safe, pure and quality drinking water. People's
health largely depends on availability of quality
drinking water. Consumption of contaminated
water causes many diseases. People may suffer
from many waterborne communicable diseases
resulting poor health of people. People with ill health can't actively contribute to
national development. So, drinking water affects adversely in different
development sectors like industries, hotels, business operation etc.
Water is used for various purposes such as for cooking food, washing clothes,
bathing, growing crops, construction works and for generating hydroelectricity
and so on. It plays a vital role in development of a country. Thus, pure drinking
water is considered as one of the most important infrastructures of development.
People in Nepal are
using water from
various sources such as
ponds, rivers, streams,
rivulets, lakes, tube
well, well, taps, hand
pump etc., but most
of them are not safe
for drinking. There
is acute shortage of
drinking water in urban
areas as there is no
regular and sufficient
supply of water. Urban
population is compelled to use contaminated water with pollutants like sewages,
drainage, waste, etc. Majority people of Terai and Hilly regions are deprived of
pure drinking water. People living in Terai use underground water filled with
arsenic, which is poisonous to human health. In most of the remote and rural
areas, people still get drinking water from open sources like wells, rivers, springs
Development and Infrastructures of Development 67
etc. Such open sources of water are not safe for drinking. Besides, people are not
aware about the importance of pure drinking water. Many infants, children and
adults become victims of waterborne diseases due to the use of contaminated
water every year.
Still about one third of population of Nepal is deprived of drinking water facility.
The scarcity is more acute in urban and geographically difficult areas. The demand
of drinking water is increasing due to rapid growth of population, urbanization
and industrialization whereas water sources are drying up due to deforestation
and environmental degradation. There is a huge gap between demand and supply
of drinking water. It is ridiculous to announce that Nepal is the second richest
country in the world in water resources, next to Brazil.
The water supply in
the mountain and hilly
areas is very difficult
since the human
settlements are located
on the slope of hills
and mountains and the
sources of water are
at the bottom of the
hills and mountains.
Besides, the sources
of water are at distant
places from human
settlement. One has to
spend whole day to fetch a jar of water. In fact, all Nepalese citizens are deprived
of pure drinking water facility.
Now the government, donor agencies, NGOs and INGOs, private sectors have
been working to improve the drinking water situation of the country. Initiation
of Melamchi Water Project in 2000 is one of such initiatives to supply drinking
water to the people of Kathmandu valley. But it is still under construction.
"Nearly a billion people a year die from unsafe drinking water" – Bella Thorne
Some of the major problems related to drinking water in Nepal are as bellow:
Rapid growth of population
Unplanned urbanization
Irregular and impure supply of water
Leakage of water
68 Social Studies Book - 9
Lack of proper planning, supervision and effective implementation
Scattered human settlement in remote areas
Ignorance of people about the importance of pure drinking water
Lack of equipment and technology
Mismanagement, etc
Solutions
We must be alert to water leakage and environment pollution.
We should protect, conserve and clean the water sources and watershed
areas.
Unplanned urbanization should be controlled or checked.
We should use quality materials in the production and supply of drinking
water.
Public participation should be highlighted for new drinking water projects.
We should educate the consumers about the proper use and preservation of
drinking water.
We should improve purification and distribution system of water by using
good filtering system, water tanks, pipelines, trained workforce and a good
information management system.
We should harvest rainwater during rainy season.
We should preserve and protect local resources through afforestation,
reforestation and sanitation.
accelerate : speed up Glossary
indispensable : necessary
disparity : a great difference
navigable : able to be sailed on by ships or boats
inseparable : unable to be separated
scarcity : shortage
contaminated : impure
arsenic : a poisonous chemical element
Development and Infrastructures of Development 69
Evaluation Exercises
1. Activities
a. Conduct an oratory program on "Education is an important
infrastructure of development" in the class.
b. Ask the secretary of your municipality or village municipality regarding
the present educational status of your community and present in the
class.
c. The infrastructures of development are not developed as expected in
Nepal. Identify the reasons and present your possible solution in the
class.
d. What should be done to improve the condition of health in your
community? Make a list and display in the class.
e. Prepare a list of advantages of proper communication system and
display in the class.
f. Discuss about the major problems of transportation system in Nepal
in group and present your conclusion in the class.
g. Nepal has greater potentiality of generating hydroelectricity. If small
amount of it is generated and exported to other countries, it would
speed up of economic growth. Discuss the ways to materialize it with
your friends and present in the class.
h. What are the uses of electricity? Make a list and present in the class.
i. Write some slogans to raise awareness about safe drinking water.
2. Answer these questions in short.
a. What do you mean by infrastructures of development?
b. Write the importance of education in a paragraph.
c. How does education help to bring change in an individual, society and
nation?
d. "Education should be made practical and useful in life". Justify this
statement with your logic.
e. What are the challenges prevailing in the Nepalese education system?
Discuss.
70 Social Studies Book - 9
f. "Healthy manpower is the foundation of the development of a nation".
Elaborate it with examples.
g. What should be done to improve the health status of people living in
remote areas? Give your suggestions.
h. If you were the Minister of Health in Nepal, what programs would you
launch to solve the existing health problems?
i. Define communication. What are its advantages?
j. "The world has become a global village due to advanced communication
system". Justify this statement.
k. What are the means of communication used in Nepal? Which one do
you like the most? Write with reasons.
l. Make a list of various modes of transportation and explain their
importance.
m. Road transportation is the most suitable mode of transportation in
Nepal. Prove the statement with your logic.
n. Why is transportation considered as an important infrastructure of
development?
o. What are the goals and strategies of the fourteenth plan for the
development of transport system in Nepal?
p. "In the absence of electricity, no country can speed up its development".
Justify the statement.
q. "Electricity is both our friend and enemy". Write your opinion.
r. Write a paragraph on the topic "Energy crisis and its solution in Nepal".
s. Write a letter to the chief of the Nepal Electricity Authority requesting
to solve load-shedding problem in your locality mentioning negative
effects caused by it.
t. What are the various sources of drinking water in Nepal? Are they safe
for drinking?
u. What are the major problems of drinking water in Nepal? What
suggestions do you give to minimize such problems?
v. Why is drinking water considered as an infrastructure of development?
Development and Infrastructures of Development 71
w. Show the following data in a pie chart.
S.N. Hydro-Power Projects Location Production
in MW
1 Bhotekoshi Hydro-power Sindhupalchok 42
Project
2 Chilime Hydro-power Project Rasuwa 20
3 Upper Tamakoshi Hydro-power Dolakha 456
Project
4 Kali Gandaki 'A' Hydro-power Syangja 144
Project
x. Represent the following data in wheel diagram.
S.N. Highways Places linked Distance
Mechi - Mahakali in Km
1 Mahendra Highway
1028
2 Tribhuvan Highway Birgunj - Kathmandu 192
3 Araniko Highway Kathmandu - Kodari 114
4 Prithvi Highway Naubise - Pokhara 174
5 Madan Ashrit Highway Narayangadh - Mugling 36
72 Social Studies Book - 9
Lesson Creative Use of Traditional Skill,
4 Knowledge and Technology
People have been using various types of skills, knowledge and technologies
according to their needs at certain place and time to make their life easier and
comfortable from the time immemorial. Our ancestors have developed many
skills and technologies based on their environment and resources to sustain their
life. Different life skills, knowledge and traditional
technologies have made the life of people simple
and easy. Such skills, knowledge and technology
developed in the past are known as traditional
skill, knowledge and technology. Such
technologies are being transferred from
generation to generation. They are being used in
different sectors even today. Some of these skills,
knowledge technologies differ from place to place. They are typical to specific
location and particular time. For instance, gundruk and
sinki may be
prepared by using
different method in
different places.
They burry
underground for
certain days in
some places while others use bamboo tunnel
(bansko dhungro) and other may prefer using
clay pots for preparing gundruk and sinki. These are the reflection of traditional
skills, technology and life pattern. So, people had their own methods of farming,
harvesting, storing, grinding, and cooking and so on.
Some of our Traditional Skills, Knowledge and Technology:
Madani and Theki – for churning whey
Jaanto – for grinding cereals
Dhiki – for crushing cereals
Kol – for squeezing oil, sugarcane juice
Paani Ghatta – for grinding cereals,
Development and Infrastructures of Development 73
Halo – for plowing field
Aaran – for making sickles and spades
Pottery – for making earthen items
Sandus – for keeping valuable items
Bhakari – for keeping food grains
Tuin – for crossing rivers
Guintha (briquette) out of cow dung – for fuel
Dande made of wood – for making soil plain etc.
These are our precious assets. It's our responsibility to
preserve and promote them with necessary modification
because some of them are too tough, time consuming
and risky for use. For example, Jaanto and manually
operated Ghatta can be replaced with water force ones
like electric turbines, use of Guintha can be replaced
with Sudharieko Chulo (smokeless oven).
Importance of the Use of Traditional Skill, Knowledge and Technology
It helps to preserve and promote our traditional skill, knowledge and
technology.
It is eco-friendly and durable.
It is based on our local means and resources.
It reflects our original lifestyles.
It keeps on the traditional identity.
It makes us proud of our ancestral deeds.
The disappearing traditional technology and art can be revived and
promoted.
It helps to promote our cultural values.
It can attract tourists and be a source of income
Glossary
immemorial : ancient, extending back beyond memory
sustain : to support, hold
churn : stir round
whey : the watery part of milk that remains after the formation
of curd
74 Social Studies Book - 9
Evaluation Exercises
1. Activities
a. What types of local and traditional technologies are being used in your
community? Discuss in the class.
b. Identify the following items and write their uses.
Development and Infrastructures of Development 75
2. Answer these questions in short.
a. What do you mean by traditional technology? Clarify with examples.
b. Describe the importance of traditional skill, knowledge and technology.
c. Mention the types of traditional or local technologies that are being
used in your community. Describe any two of them.
d. Write short notes on Aaran and Dhiki.
e. What should be done to preserve and promote the traditional
knowledge, skill and technology? Write your opinion.
Community Work
Visit your community and find out the traditional technologies that are being
used even today. Ask the seniors if needed and prepare a report based on your
findings.
76 Social Studies Book - 9
Revision Exercise
a. Differentiate between developed and developing countries.
b. What is Gross National Product?
c. What is PCI? How is it calculated?
d. What are the advantages of public participation?
e. What is entrepreneurship?
f. How do you define peace?
g. What do you mean by 7 R’s?
h. What is sustainable peace?
i. What do you mean by infrastructures of development?
j. Mention the importance of education.
k. Write the significance of communication in development activities.
l. Why is electricity important in modern society?
m. Which transportation is the best means of transportation in the context of
Nepal? Why?
n. Why is health considered as one of the important infrastructures of
development?
o. Mention the strategies and major programmes of Fourteenth Plan regarding
the road transportation.
p. What can be done to solve the drinking water problem in Nepal?
q. What do you mean by traditional technology?
r. Name any two indigenous technologies of Nepal and describe them in brief.
s. Why should we preserve traditional knowledge, skill and technology?
t. What are the uses of Madani and Theki?
Development and Infrastructures of Development 77
3Unit
Our Tradition, Social
Norms and Values
Contents of the Unit
Nepali Painting (Chitrakala)
Nepali Sculpture (Murtikala)
Nepali Architecture (Vaastukala)
Religious Tolerance and Secularism in Nepal
National Luminaries and Their Contribution to the Nation
Empathy and Cooperation
Peace Culture
Expected Competency
introduce Nepalese art and craft, painting, sculpture and architecture;
classify Nepalese art
know the importance of religious tolerance and secularism
describe the contributions of national luminaries and get inspiration from their great deeds
know the importance of peace culture
78 Social Studies Book - 9
Lesson Nepali Painting
(Chitrakala)
1
Our Traditional Art
The expression of creative mind is known as art. It is something created for
amusement in one sense. Art is the reflection of overall lifestyle of the contemporary
society as it reflects the creativity of artist and the environment, situation, lifestyle
of the contemporary society where the artist resides. It can be of different forms
like music, dance, painting etc. Most of the Nepali arts are related with religious
and social aspects of the Nepalese people. They are based on religious beliefs,
gods, goddesses, culture etc.
The authoritative history of Nepalese art is believed to have started from
Lichchhavi period. However, it can be said that the history of Nepali art was
started much earlier than Lichchhivi period based on available evidences. We
have a long history of our art and culture. Nepalese artisans have been using their
creative and excellent skill for designing the arts of the images of gods, goddesses
on paper, wall, clothes, stone, metal, clay, wood etc. The art on paper, stone,
copper and buildings are very popular in the world. We should be very proud with
our traditional arts as they reflect our customs, traditions and religions.
Nepalese art has been divided into three categories; they are painting, sculpture
and architecture.
Painting (Chitrakala)
Painting is an art of expressing anything in the form of picture. It is said that
a picture speaks thousand words. Many things like our lifestyle, idea, feeling,
imagination, knowledge and patterns of behavior can be expressed through
the art of painting. Nepalese art of paintings are highly based on religion. They
also reflect our culture, lifestyle, norms, values and beliefs. Tantrism has an
important place in traditional Nepali paintings. In this sense, it can be said that
the traditional Nepali paintings were to achieve religious objectives, not for the
open expression of artisans.
Many excellent sculptures made during Lichchhavi period are available at present,
but the paintings made then are not available. However, it is believed that the
paintings were also developed during the same period. It is because of the fact
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 79
that artisans make paintings first and start making idols based on their paintings.
Paintings are generally made on paper, cloths, wall, palm leaf etc. Therefore, they
may get destroyed easily and have less durability as compared to sculptures.
There are three main categories of paintings in Nepal. They are book painting,
scroll painting and wall painting.
a. Book Painting (Grantha Chitra)
The paintings found in
different books are called
book painting. They are
also known as treatise
paintings. Traditionally,
these types of paintings
were made on copper plate,
Bhojpatra, Tadpatra (palm
leaf) etc. Nowadays, due to
development of technology,
they are sketched on paper.
Now, most of the book
paintings are available in paper.
Book painting is the oldest type of Nepalese paintings. Different sources
of history show that there was an act of writing sacred scripts and copying
them at the Bouddha monasteries during ancient period. 'Astasahasrika
Pragyaparamita' and 'Pancharakshya' have been found to be the most
copied scripts. The book paintings older than 11th century are not available
with us. Artists used to use Tamrapatra (copper plate), Tadpatra (palm leaf)
and Bjojpatrai (bark of trees) for writing the scripts in the past. Such books
used to have 12 to 18 inches length and 3 to 4 inches breadth having artistic
designs and paintings either on the middle or at the edge and writings on
the both sides.
The book painting 'Astasahasrika Pragyaparamita' made on 10th century
is considered as the oldest book painting in Nepal. It has a picture of
Pancha Buddha, Chatustara (four stars) on one side and Pragyaparamita,
Brajasatwa and Goddess Durga on the other side on a Tadpatra (palm leaf).
'Niswastantra' of 11th century, 'Vishnu Dharmagrantha' of 12th century,
'Pancharakshya Grantha' of 13th century are remarkable book paintings
among the ancient book paintings of Nepal. 'Pancharakshya Grantha' made
80 Social Studies Book - 9
in Tadpatra is archived in the Bhaktapur painting museum. This book has
the paintings of 'Pancha Buddha' and 'Pancha Tara'. Such books were 12 to
18 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide.
b. Scroll Painting (Pauva Chitra)
The paintings drawn in a roll of canvas
or cloth are called scroll paintings. The
scroll painting is known as Pauva Chitra
or Patta Chitra in Kathmandu valley and
scroll paintings made in northern parts
are known as Thanka. Scroll paintings
are popular and have a distinct place
in Nepalese paintings. Artists prepare
scroll paintings on the basis of important
themes and styles. They use water colour
to draw the images of gods and goddesses.
They use different colours like bright
yellow, deep green and intense blue to
design the background of the paintings.
Scroll painting is classified into Patta (rectangular) and Mandala (circular).
In Patta painting, the main god is placed in the centre, which is surrounded
by other deities. In Mandala painting, there is a symbol of an object like
Swastika in the centre surrounded by different deities.
The size of scroll painting is bigger than book painting. It is full of various
artistic designs of natural things like flowers, vines, rivers, hills, clouds,
trees, animals etc.
Mahayana sect of Buddhism has a trend of making scroll painting while
observing some kind of religious performance. There is a tradition of
observing Bhim Rathaarohan in Newar community of Kathmandu valley
when someone reaches 77 years old. There is a tradition of making scroll
paintings on this occasion containing the figures of family members
performing Bhim Rathaarohan below the figures of deities. In the painting,
a scene of male family members in one queue and female family members in
another pulling the separate chariots of old couple can be seen.
Similarly, when someone dies in Buddhist community, they have a tradition
of organizing a religious function by preparing scroll painting of favored
deities wishing for the peace of departed soul. They also mention the name,
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 81
address, and date of birth and death of deceased in the painting. They have
a tradition of offering such paintings to their priest as well.
There has been a tradition of exhibiting paintings and pictures once in a
year in different Bahaals of Kathmandu valley from the day of Gaijatra to
Krishna janmastami. Various ancient Nepali scroll paintings have been
collected in the museum of Nepal and abroad. There are many expert and
professional painters in Nepal even today.
c. Wall Painting (Bhitte Chitra)
The sketches or pictures drawn on
the walls of temples, monasteries,
houses, shrines, caves etc. are
called wall paintings. People
from different communities in
Nepal practise wall painting. They
normally draw the pictures of
gods, goddesses, animals, birds
etc. on the walls of their house or
to hang such pictures on the wall. It is believed that having such paintings on
the wall could drive away the evil spirits, misfortunes, ghosts and witches.
However, wall paintings, nowadays, have become the means of decoration
rather than avoiding evil spirits and witches.
Wall paintings are based on religious theme. They are common in both
Buddhism and Hinduism. Such paintings are still available in ancient
temples, palaces, inns and public buildings. They are of great importance
because they reflect our history, traditional lifestyles, norms and values. The
tradition of pasting a painting of Naag every year during Naag Panchami in
the main entrance of the house of Hindus is the symbol of continuation of
wall painting in our society.
The Mithila painting of Janakpur is an example of wall painting. It is very
popular in the Terai region of Nepal. It is also called Madhuvani Painting as
it is believed to have started from Madhuvani of India. It is widely practised
in Maithili community of Terai region. Mostly women make the paintings
of Durga, Gauri, Ganesh, Krishna, Parvati, Ram etc. in their traditional way.
Mithila paintings may have the pictures of peacocks, cows, snakes, holy
plants, elephants, chariots etc. having their own symbolic meanings as well.
It is very popular in international market as well, which has become the
source of income. Our art is our identity that reflects our culture and way of
life. We must work for the preservation and promotion of such paintings.
82 Social Studies Book - 9
amusement : entertainment Glossary
archive : to place or store
Evaluation Exercises
1. Activities
a. Organize a book-painting program in your class with the help of your
drawing teacher and display in the class.
b. Draw a model of scroll painting and show to your drawing teacher.
2. Answer these questions in short.
a. What is painting? Mention its types.
b. "Paintings reflect our tradition, culture, lifestyles, norms and values".
Justify this statement with examples.
c. Write short notes on Patta and Mandala paintings.
d. Write the similarities and differences between book painting and scroll
painting.
e. Why do tourists like our traditional paintings?
f. What should be done to expand the popularity of Nepalese paintings
in the world market?
g. Write a short description on Mithila painting.
h. How can you prove that Nepal has a long history of traditional painting?
Explain in brief with some facts and examples.
i. If you were the minister of culture, what programmes would you
launch to promote Nepali Sculpture in the world? Write your plan.
Community Work
Visit some places of your locality like museum, monasteries, temples etc. where
you can find the collection of ancient paintings. Ask the concerned persons and
get information from them about the paintings like painter's name, date of
painting, purpose of painting, ways of preserving them, significance of painting
etc. Prepare a report based on their response and present in the class.
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 83
Lesson Nepali Sculpture
(Murtikala)
2
Sculpture is an art of making different shapes and images carving the solid materials
like glasses, metals, stones, clay, wood and wax. Like paintings, sculptures are
also related to our culture and religion. There is a tradition of making the statues
of gods and goddesses from metals or stones in Nepal. This tradition was initiated
from the ancient time.
The history of Nepali sculpture is very long. The Lichchhavi
period is considered to be the beginning of sculpture in
Nepal. Image of 'Baman Trivikram' constructed during the
time of Lichchhavi king Mandev is the oldest dated image
available today. History depicts that there was an influence of
Nepalese sculptures even in Tibet and China during Lichchhvi
period. The image of Garudnarayan in Changu, the image of
Vishnuvikranta in Lajimpat and Pashupatinath, idol of Vishnu in Budhanilkantha
are some of the excellent examples of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. It is
said that Lichchhavi king Mandev was the king of artistic taste and did a lot to
promote art and architecture. Some of the sculptures of Kirant period can also be
found in different parts of Kathmandu valley but there are no enough evidences
to prove their certification that they were the sculptures of Kirant period. The
sculptures of Birupkshya, located at Aaaryaghat of Pashupatinanth temple and
Yakshya are also considered as the oldest sculptures of Nepal. They are considered
to have been constructed during Kirant period.
The tradition of making sculptures initiated in Lichchhavi period reached into the
climax in the Malla period. It is also called the golden period of Murtikala. The
Malla period was more popular for making the statutes of metal, stones and wood.
There are images of Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, Laxmi, Saraswati, Buddha etc.
in and around Kathmandu valley that were built in Malla period. The images
of Mahishasur Mardini of Pharping, Vishnu of Bhaktapur, Bhairav of Kirtipur,
Suryanath of Banepa, Garuda of Mahankal, Narsimha of Hanumandhoka etc. are
some of the examples of sculptures of Malla period.
Ranas and Shah Kings did not take much interest in the development of sculptures.
However, construction of some statues of Rana Prime Ministers and Shah Kings,
martyrs and writers in different places of Nepal continued the tradition of making
sculptures to some extent. The tradition of erecting different gods, goddesses and
84 Social Studies Book - 9
martyrs is still practised. For instance, making statue of Durga, Kali, Saraswati
etc. from clay and straw during festival times is popular in the Terai. However,
the work is seasonal. There are several institutions, associations and individuals
involved to promote the art of painting and sculpture even today. There is separate
fine arts campus called Lalitkala Campus in Kathmandu. It provides formal
education on painting and sculpture. Nepal Academy and the associations under
it like Nepal Association of Fine Arts have been actively working to promote fine
arts and sculptures in Nepal.
depicts : shows Glossary
certification : the act of certifying
climax : the highest point in the development
erecting : to raise and set in an upright position
Evaluation Exercises
1. Activities
a. Organize a speech program in your class on the topic "Historical
development of sculptures in Nepal".
b. Prepare some measures to be adopted in order to commercialize
sculptures in Nepal and display in the class.
2. Answer these questions in short.
a. What is meant by sculpture? Name some sculptures of Lichchhavi
period.
b. Malla period is considered as golden period of Sculpture. Why?
c. Write an editorial for a daily newspaper about the roles to be played by
individuals and the government to promote the sculptures in Nepal.
d. Nepali sculptures are based on religions. Explain with examples.
e. Mention some activities carried out at present to promote the
traditional art in Nepal.
f. Draft a dialogue between two people on the topic "Uniqueness of
sculptures of Nepal".
Community Work
Visit any of the sculptors in your locality and collect information about the skill,
material, time needed to prepare a sculpture and the way it is marketed.
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 85
Lesson Nepali Architecture
(Vaastukala)
3
Architecture is the art of planning, designing and constructing buildings houses,
palaces, forts etc. It is called Vaastukala in Nepali language. Vaastu refers to
the place of dwelling and Kala is art. Therefore, the planning, designing and
constructing the place of dwelling is called Vaastukala. The study of architecture
includes both the religious and residential constructions in Nepal. The study
includes the study of temples, monasteries, palaces, inns, forts etc.
Nepal has a long history of architecture. Ancient Nepali architectures are the
best architectures in the world from the scientific and cultural point of view. The
existing temples, palaces and buildings of Nepal demonstrate excellent pieces of
Nepali architectures and superb design, skill, idea and devotion of our ancestors
in this field.
Malla period is considered to be the golden area in the history of Nepal in the
development of architecture. It is said that Nepali architecture had great influence
to other countries as well during that period.
Nepali architectures can be divided into three main categories according to their
styles of construction. They are Pagoda Style, Stupa or Chaitya Style and Shikhar
Style.
Pagoda Style
The Pagoda style of
architecture is the
multi-storied temples
with multiple roofs.
The broader base and
gradually narrowing top
is the unique feature of
Pagoda style architecture.
Pinnacle (Gajur) is placed
at the top. The ground
86 Social Studies Book - 9
floor is used to place the gods and goddesses to be worshipped. The upper stories
are used for storing the properties of the temple. Pagoda style is the ancient
style of Nepali architecture. It is believed to have been introduced in Nepal in
the beginning of the thirteenth century. It is said that Araniko and his friends
were expert in constructing buildings of Pagoda style.They even spread Pagoda
style in Tibet and China by constructing many magnificent buildings. Mangriha
of Mandev, Kailashkut Bhawan of Amshuvarma and Bhadradiwas Bhawan
of Narendradev, Dattatreya and Nyatapola of Bhaktapur, Kasthamandap of
Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple, Taleju, Palanchowk Bhagawati, Nine storey
palace of Basantapur, Nuwakot palace etc. are the examples of the pagoda style.
Stupa or Chaitya Style
Stupa is a mainly Buddhist style of
architecture. It is quite different
from Pagoda style. It has flat
bottom and shrunk top but no
roof like in pagoda style. Stupa
or Chaitya is a monument in
hemispherical dome that keeps
golden pinnacle with Buddha's
eyes painted on the outside.Stupas
have praying wheels around them. They are erected for the memory of important
Buddhists personalities. Some Buddhists even burry some important things
related to their community under the land and build monuments over it. Some
of the magnificent examples of Stupa or Chaitya style of architectures of Nepal
are: Ashok stupa of Patan, Bauddhanath, Swayambhunath, Charumati stupa of
Kathmandu, Mahabouddha, Mayadevi temple of Lumbini etc. Emperor Ashoka of
India is believed to have introduced Stupa style of architecture in Nepal. Ashoka
Stupa of Patan is belived to be the oldest stupa of Nepal.
Suptas or Chaityas or Vihars are the shrines for Buddhists. They visit stupas
for various purposes like worship, meditation, religious education, performing
religious rites and rituals, etc. Monks get their extensive training in Vihars.
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 87
Shikhar Style
The Shikhar style architecture is also our traditional architecture. The temples or
buildings of Shikhar style look like the pyramid. They are roofless with several
towering and tapering tops with golden pinnacles on them. They are constructed
by using stones. The bases of such temples or buildings are broader and the tops
are narrower. This style is believed to have entered Nepal from India. Krishna
Mandir of Patan, built by King Siddhi Narshigh Malla, is the best example of
Shikhar style. Some other temples of Shikhar styles are: Shiva temple of
Indrachowk, Kathmandu, Mahabouddha temple of Patan, Batsalyadevi temple of
Bhaktapur, Pratappur and Anantapur temples of Swayambhu etc.
A part from above mentioned styles, dome, Mughal and
European styles are also used in Nepali architecture.
Nepalese architectures were influenced by European
style during Rana rule. Singha Durbar, Keshar Mahal,
Thapathali Durbar, Shree Mahal, Rani Mahal, Narayanhiti
palace etc. are the examples built in European style.
Janaki temple of Janakpur is an excellent example of the
architecture built in Mughal style.
Our art and culture is our important heritage. It must
be preserved and promoted. The number of people
professionally engaged in traditional painting and sculpture is very less. However,
they are doing well for its promotion along with the increment of tourists. Some
individuals and organizations are working in the field of preservation of Nepali
art and culture. Lalitkala Campus, a college of fine arts, Nepal Academy, Nepal
Association of Fine Arts (NAFA), Nepal Tourism Board etc. are playing vital
role for the promotion of Nepali art and culture. Department of Archaeology, a
government agency, is working in the exploration and preservation of things and
places of archeological importance. Their contribution for the preservation and
promotion of our art and culture is praiseworthy. However, the efficiency of these
organizations and their number needs to be increased in order to preserve and
promote our art and culture more effectively.
88 Social Studies Book - 9
dynamic : constant change or progress Glossary
architecture : the art of designing and constructing buildings
monument : a statue, building, or other structure erected to
commemorate a famous or notable person or event.
magnificent : impressively beautiful
shrine : a holy place
tapering : smaller or thinner toward one end.
archaeology : the scientific study of ancient culture through remains
Evaluation Exercises
1. Activities
a. Draw the pictures of Pagoda style, Shikhar style and Chaitya style with
the help of your drawing teacher.
b. The earthquake of 12th Baishakh 2072 devastated many temples of
archaeological importance. Reconstruction work is not effectively done
yet. What can be done for their effective and complete renovation?
Discuss in your class.
c. Conduct a speech program on the topic "Role of community for the
preservation of old architectures available in Nepal".
2. Answer these questions in short.
a. What is architecture? Describe Pagoda style with example.
b. What is Shikhar style architecture? Mention its features.
c. What are the differences between ancient and modern architecture?
Mention any four of them.
d. Describe about Mughal style architecture.
e. Differentiate between Pagoda and Stupa style architecture.
f. "Temples, monasteries, mosques are our important heritages." Write
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 89
any four effective ways to preserve and promote them.
g. Make a list of earthquake-damaged cultural heritages of Kathmandu
valley.
h. In which style is each of the following cultural heritages built?
Rani Mahal Nyatapola Temple (Bhaktapur)
Kasthamandap Hiranyavarna Mahavihar
Pashupatinath Temple Halesi Temple (Khotang)
Manakamana Dattatreya Temple (Bhaktapur)
Boudanath Muktinath Temple (Mustang)
Kankre Vihar Mayadevi Temple
Swargadwari Singh Durbar
Swayambhunath Janaki Temple (Janakpur)
Krishna Temple of Patan Bajrabarahi
Community Work
Visit some places of archaeological importance in your locality. Find out the
styles in which the temples, buildings, palaces and other structures are built.
Prepare a report based on your findings.
90 Social Studies Book - 9
Lesson Religious Tolerance and
4 Secularism
Religious tolerance means the ability
to respect all religions. It is the Religious tolerance is the ability to
acceptance of different religious view accept other's regions, acceptance
and practices of others. It is the of different religious views and
practices, practice where people
practice where people of different of different people are treated
religions are treated equally without equally.
any prejudice. If people have religious
tolerance, there won't be any conflict
among them on the basis of religious views and beliefs. They live together in a
particular place with peace and harmony. Nepal is multi-religious country where
people of different religions have been living together maintaining good social
relationship with each other. The most important fact is that religious conflict has
not taken place in our country up to now. Respecting each other's religion,
participating in other's festivals and cultural activities are the unique features of
Nepalese people. There has been a strong religious tolerance in Nepal since
ancient time.
The Kings of Gopal and Kirat
dynasties used to follow Shaivism
whereas Lichchhavi King Mandev's
family used to follow both Shaivism
and Vaishnavism. Mandev himself
had constructed Manvihar as a
tribute to Buddhism. Pratap Malla
had permitted Christian pastors to
live in Kathmandu. Both the
Hindus and Buddhists worship in the Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath.
Hindus worship a daughter of Shakya,
a Buddhist follower as Kurmari (Living Secularism is the belief that
Goddess). We have many such religion should not be involved
evidences that prove that there is in the organization of society,
strong religious tolerance in our education, political affairs, etc.
country. We can find the deities of
different religions together in the religious sites in Nepal. As per the census of
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 91
2068, more than ten religious groups live in Nepal with the feeling of fraternity
and brotherhood.
Secularism is an ideology of excluding religion or
religious beliefs from certain human activities and
decisions, especially those concerning to public
and political affairs. A secular state doesn't have
its own official religion and there is no religious
influence in the politics, governance, education,
social relationship and any other ideals. A state
treats all religions and its citizens equally. State
remains officially neutral in matters of religion. Nepal was a Hindu Kingdom
until the beginning of 2063 BS. There was strong domination of Hindu ideology
in the governance system. The people's movement II reinstated the dissolved
parliament on 11th Baishakh, 2063. The reinstated parliament made a historic
declaration on 4th Jesth 2063 BS proclaiming Nepal a secular state for the first
time in the history of Nepal. The Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2063, formally
institutionalized it. As stated in the constitution- "Nepal shall be an independent,
indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive and fully democratic country".
The Constitution of Nepal 2072 states- "Nepal is an independent, indivisible,
sovereign, secular, inclusive democratic, socialism oriented federal democratic
republican state" [Part 1, Article 4]. Similarly, it has guaranteed right to religion
as a fundamental right and kept provision of secularism in the nation [Part 3,
Article 26]. It has stated the following religious rights in sub-articles 1, 2, 3 under
Article 26:
Every person shall have the right to profess, practice and protect his or her
own religion.
Every religious group shall have the right to maintain its independent
existence, operate and preserve its religious sites and religious trusts.
Any act which may infringe upon the religions of others or forceful conversion
to religion is not allowed, such act shall be punishable by law.
Thus, it is our duty to perform religious activities only according to the law. We
should learn to respect each other's religions.
Practice of secularism is highly beneficial for the citizens in a nation. Some of the
benefits would be as below:
A sense of fraternity and brotherhood develops among the citizens.
All religious groups in the country will get equal facilities and services from
the nation.
92 Social Studies Book - 9
Culture and traditions of various religious groups will be well preserved.
There won't be pressure of any religious group and state can work freely.
Religious tolerance and social harmony can be promoted.
The principles and ideology of democracy can be truly practiced.
prejudice : bias, favoritism Glossary
tolerance : the ability to tolerate something
tribute : an act intended to show gratitude
fraternity : group of people associated by ties of brotherhood
reinstated : restored to their formal position
proclaiming : the act of announcing officially
sovereign : possessing supreme power
profess : claim openly
infringe : violate
Evaluation Exercises
1. Activities
a. Organize an oratory program in your class on the topic "Advantages of
Secularism".
b. Make a list of important pilgrimage sites available in your locality and
display in your class.
c. Prepare a chart showing some examples of religious tolerance practiced
in your locality.
2. Answer these questions in short.
a. What is secularism? What are its advantages?
b. When was Nepal declared as a secular state? What is the constitutional
provision regarding religious freedom at present in Nepal?
c. What is religious tolerance? Explain with suitable examples.
d. "There has been religious tolerance in Nepal since ancient time".
Justify this statement.
e. Write a letter to your friend mentioning the advantages of secularism
in the country.
f. Differentiate between secularism and religious tolerance.
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 93
Lesson National Luminaries and Their
5 Contribution to the Nation
The personalities who have contributed for the existence, development and
prosperity of the nation significantly are known as national figures. Our
motherland has given birth to many people with outstanding charisma who have
made exemplary contribution in different sectors. The government of Nepal has
declared them as National Luminaries for their great deeds. The contributions of
our eminent national figures are briefly described below:
1. King Janak
King Janak was an ascetic king of Mithila. He was
a learned man, a sage and a great philosopher of
spiritualism. He devoted his life for the promotion of
spiritual philosophy and other religious activities. He
was a follower of Brahma. He used to show a greater
respect to the scholars. He used to organize religious
gatherings of the great scholars like Maitreyi, Gargi,
Yagyavalkya etc. to discuss about the importance
of scriptures and religion in his King Janak was an ascetic and
palace. For these reasons, he learned king of Mithila.
was called Videha and Rajarshi.
He developed Mithila as the centre of intellectual discourses. Mithila was
the central attraction from the cultural and religious point of view. He
popularized the religious and cultural value of Mithila in the world. He
made significant contribution to make Nepal a land of religious people and
Hindu civilization.
2. Sita
Sita was a daughter of King Janak. She is a symbol
of the ideal character of women. She was virtuous,
idealistic, wise and spiritually learned woman. She
was married to Lord Ram chandra, the eldest son
of King Dasharath of Ayodhya. She is also known
as Janaki. Hindus worship her as an incarnation
of goddesh Laxmi. Her life story, full of dedication,
94 Social Studies Book - 9
self-sacrifice, courage and purity, is Sita was a virtuous, idealistic, wise
an inspiring example for Nepalese and spiritually learned lady.
women to lead a life towards
progress.
3. Gautam Buddha
Gautam Buddha (Siddhartha Gautam) was born in
Lumbini, Nepal. He renounced the royal luxuries,
wife and young son in the quest of freedom from
the world's sorrows and sufferings. After long and
difficult meditation, he attained enlightenment and
became Buddha. He taught peace, justice and non-
violence to the people and became the first to spread
peace in the world. He preached Four Noble Truths
and Eightfold Paths (Right View, Right Thought,
Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood,
Right Effort, Right Mindfulness Founder of Buddhism,Gautam
and Right Concentration) to the Buddha became the pioneer of
people all over the world and spread peace in the world.
became a pioneer of global peace.
His teachings later took the form of Buddhism, one of the major religions in
the world. He preached the world with the message of Panchasheel- "Don't
steal, don't lie, don't hurt by arms, don't consume intoxicants and don't
practice sexual misconduct". He is also known as the 'Light of Asia'.
4. Amshuverma
Anshuverma was the king of Lichchhavi period. He was
a learned man and a famous king. He was very popular
during his rule for his achievements and reforms. He
was a lover of art, architecture and literature. According
the travel diary of Huen Tsang, a Chinese traveler,
Anshuverma wrote a book 'Sabdavidya'. He built
Kailashkut Bhawan, a masterpiece of contemporary
art and architecture. He developed cordial relationship
with India, China and Tibet to protect the country from foreign invasion.
He made all-round development in Amshuverma was learned,
Nepal including the development diplomat and good administrator.
of art, architecture, language and
literature. There was a system of
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 95
good governance during his rule, because of which Lichchhavi period is
called the golden age in the history of Nepal.
5. King Ram Shah
Ram Shah was a famous king of Gorkha. He was famous
for his economic, social, judicial and administrative
reforms. He introduced standard system of weight, scale
and measurement in his state. He introduced Mana, Pathi,
Dhak, Taraju, etc. He fixed the King Ram Shah was the promoter
rate of interest, systematized the of justice.
irrigation system and made rule
for punishing the criminals. He initiated a good system of justice and rule
of law in is state. The proverb, "If you are deprived of justice, go to Gorkha"
was popular during his time.
6. King Prithvi Narayan Shah
Prithvin Narayan Shah was the king of Gorkha.
He was a great politician, and a successful and
farsighted leader. During his regime, Nepal was
fragmented into several small kingdoms called
Baise and Chaubise Rajyas. British India
Company was ruling over India at that time and
wanted to capture Nepal. He was anxious for the
security of those scattered small King Prithivi Narayan Shah was
kingdoms of Nepal. He initiated the founder of modern Nepal.
unification campaign and unified
several kingdoms. After conquering Kathmandu valley, he made it the
capital of the country. He unified several small principalities, expanded the
border of Nepal up to Tista River in the east and made Nepal a strong,
independent and sovereign country. Therefore, he is also
called the 'Founder of Modern Nepal".
7. Araniko
Araniko, a great architect, was born in Patan of Kathmandu
valley. His real name was Bahbahu. The White Pagoda constructed
A team of architects under the by Araniko, a great architect, in
leadership of Araniko was sent to Beijing is a masterpiece in China.
96 Social Studies Book - 9
China during the period of Avay Malla as per the demand of Kublai Khan,
the then emperor of China to work for the construction of new buildings.
The team built beautiful Pagoda style monasteries in Lhasa. The Chinese
emperor was highly impressed by the skill of Araniko and his team. The
white Pagoda constructed by Araniko in Beijing is considered a masterpiece
in China. His contribution for making Nepali art and architecture famous
in the world is significant. He popularized Nepalese art all over the world
and proved that Nepali architects have a greater degree of creativity. He was
an artist, sculptor, architect and scientist. He was honored with the title of
"Minghoi" (great talent) after his death by the Chinese government for his
immense talent.
8. Amar Singh Thapa
Amar Singh Thapa, born in 1761 in Gorkha, was a
great warrior who fought bravely against the British
East India Company during 1814-16 AD war. He
was a true patriot and bold commander of Nepali
force who fought with great determination during
the Anglo-Nepal war. Despite a great allurement
of British General Ochtorlony, he never fell into
temptation and fought selflessly to Amar Singh Thapa, a great warrior,
save the prestige and sovereignty is known as living lion for his
of Nepal. He had extended the bravery.
boundary of western Nepal up to
Kangada and the Ravi River through Kumaun Gadhwal. He spent his active
life for extending the territory of Nepal. He never fought for having wealth
or for any type of luxury. He is also known as the living lion for his bravery.
Nepali force under his commandership was defeated during Anglo-Nepal
war in 1814 and Nepal had to sign Sugauli treaty with East India Company,
as the result, Nepal had to bear a heavy loss. He couldn't tolerate the trauma
and proceeded to Gosainkunda. He died at Gosainkunda in 1816.
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 97
9. Bhimsen Thapa
Bhimsen Thapa was the first prime minister of Nepal.
He was a brave warrior and good administrator of
the country. He was a true patriot with good vison.
He was against the British imperialism. He brought
about many reforms in social, economic, religious
and military fields in the country. Under his
effective leadership, Nepali soldiers fought bravely
against British Indian power during Anglo-Nepal
war. He had continued the unification campaign
initiated by Prithvi Narayan Shah Bhimsen Thapa, the first prime
and extended the western border minister of Nepal, was a true
to Sutlaj. Despite the efforts patriot and good administrator.
made by his opponents to harm him, he earned a good name for his love of
nationalism.
10. Balabhadra Kunwar
Balabhadra Kunwar was a brave warrior of Nepal. He
was the in-charge of Nalapani fort during the Anglo-
Nepal war and took the entire defence of Nalapani
fort. He with less weapons and soldiers including
women and children, fought a heroic battle against the
well-equipped British forces and could successfully
defend the fort for long. The British commander was
highly impressed by his courageous Balabhadra Kunwar was the in-
defense and the bravery that he charge of Nalapani fort during
showed during war. They erected Anglo-Nepal war.
a memorial stone, carved words of
honor on it. This is inscribed as a tribute of respect to our gallant adversary
Bul Budder, and HIS BRAVE GORKHAS. The patriotism, bravery and
commitment of Balabhadra as a warrior are the sources of inspiration for
all Nepali citizens.
98 Social Studies Book - 9
11. Bhanubhakta Acharya
Bhanubhakta Acharya was born in 1814 in Chundi,
Ramgha in Tanahu of Nepal. He was a Nepalese poet and
writer who translated Ramayan of Sanskrit into simple
Nepali language. It helped to develop Nepali language
across the country. His contribution in the field of Nepali
literature is remarkable. He wrote Bhanubhakta Acharya, the pioneer
several books in Nepali language poet of Nepal, translated Ramayan
like Bhaktamala, Badhu Shikshya, of Sanskrit into Nepali language.
Prashnottari etc. and made Nepali literature rich and prosperous. He
contributed a lot to bring unity and solidarity among the Nepalese through
the means of common Nepali language. He was the first poet to write and
promote the poems in Nepali language. Thus, he became the pioneer poet of
Nepal and is known as Aadikabi.
12. Motiram Bhatta
Motiram Bhatta was a youth poet. He is known as Yuba
Kabi. He introduced Bhanubhakta Acharya to Nepalese
society by collecting and publishing the poems written by
Bhanubhakta and making them available to the common
people.He made a great contribution to the prosperity of
Nepali literature by writing many Motiram Bhatta, the Yuba Kabi,
poems and gazal in Nepali language. introduced Bhanubhakta Acharya.
Bhanubhakta's contribution in the
field of Nepali language wouldn't be exposed and realized without the help
of Motiram Bhatta. He died at the young age of thirty.
13. King Tribhuwan
King Tribhuwan played a vital role in the democratic
movement of Nepal in 2007 BS. He joined people's
revolt and took part actively in the democratic
movement against tyrannical rule of Ranas. He went
to India leaving his palace along with his family
members to pressure on Ranas for democracy. Owing
to his great support, democracy was introduced on
7th Falgun 2007 BS in Nepal. He is King Tribhuwan is known as the
father of the nation.
Our Tradition, Social Norms and Values 99
known as Father of the Nation. He is considered as a national luminary due
to his great contribution to the people's movement.
14. Shankhadhar Sakhwa
Shankhadhar Sakhwa was a trader, a social worker and a
philanthropist. It is said that he collected the gold from
the sands of Bishnumati River and cleared all the debts of
people of Nepal and started a new era called Nepal Sambat
in order to commemorate the incident.He was declared as
national hero on 2nd Mangsir 2056 BS. Shankhadhar Sakhwa was
a philanthropist.
15. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, a woman of courage
and determination, was the first Nepali woman to climb
the summit of Mt. Everest. She successfully climbed
Mt. Everest on 10th Baishakh 2050 BS. Unfortunately,
while she was returning from the summit, she became
a victim of avalanche and lost her life. She is the source
of inspiration for all Nepalese women for their courage
and determination to perform the adventurous activities
to glorify the nation. Her victory Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first
over the Mt. Everest has proved Nepali woman to climb the Mt.
that courage and high degree of Everest is a source of inspiration
confidence makes people achieve for all Nepalese women.
their goal successfully no matter
whether they are male or female. Her name was included in the list of
national heroes on 9th Baishakh 2059 BS.
16. Mahaguru Falgunanda
Mahaguru Falgunanda Lingden was born on 25th
Kartik 1942 BS in a Limbu family in Illam. He was
a great spiritual leader as well as a social worker. He
is known as Mahaguru (the great teacher) especially
among the Kirant Limbus. He is remembered for his
phenomenal socio-cultural and
religious messages in the Limbu Mahaguru Falgunanda was a great
ethnicity.Non-violence and spiritual leader and social worker.
100 Social Studies Book - 9
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