The Voyage
A. State whether these sentences are True or False
1. Bhupen Hazarika had brought his Rolleiflex from home.
Ans: False
2. The sight of the Egyptian pyramids enthralled Bhupen Hazarika.
Ans: False
3. Bhupen Hazarika’s companion on the flight from Guwahati to Dumdum was Bhaben Das.
Ans: False
4. Bhupen Hazarika had a weakness for Kalmou saak.
Ans: True
B. Answer in one or two words
1. What was the name of the airport in Guwahati in 1949?
Ans: Kahikuchi Airport
2. Who was the Governor of Assam during its inauguration?
Ans: Sir Akbar Hydari
3. What was the air fare from Guwahati to Dumdum in 1949?
Ans: Fifty-five rupees
4. In which country is the ‘Temple of the Tooth Relic’ located?
Ans: Sri Lanka
5. What type of leave did the French sailor take?
Ans: Shore leave
C. Answer in a few words
1. Name two places Hazarika remembers in The Voyage.
Ans: Bharalumukh and Uzan Bazaar
2. What was Hazarika’s only aim?
Ans: To become a singer
3. How late was the ship?
Ans: One and a half days late
4. Name two Buddhist places mentioned.
Ans: Sarnath and Bodh Gaya
5. Which two Indian states (besides Assam) are mentioned for dance?
Ans: Gujarat and Manipur
D. Answer briefly
1. Write a brief account of Hazarika’s stopover in Sri Lanka.
Ans: Hazarika’s stay in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) deeply impressed him. In Colombo, he noticed beautiful natural scenery and a mix of cultures. Western music, modern shops, and traditional life existed together. He later visited Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which gave him a spiritual feeling similar to Sarnath and Bodh Gaya. The visit showed him the cultural closeness between India and Sri Lanka.
2. Describe his visit to a Sri Lankan family home.
Ans: Hazarika visited a modern Sri Lankan family where he saw a piano and European paintings. The children were singing English songs. He felt surprised but also familiar, as the environment reminded him of Shillong. This showed how cultures can be similar across countries.
3. What do the food references suggest?
Ans: Hazarika mentions Assamese foods like kalmou saak, tenga, and bamboo shoot. These show his deep attachment to Assam and his longing for home. Food becomes a symbol of memory and emotional connection.
4. How does he express his feeling of being an Indian?
Ans: During his journey, Hazarika begins to see himself more as an Indian rather than only Assamese. Travelling abroad broadens his thinking and strengthens his sense of national identity. He feels connected to the whole of India.
E. Answer in detail
1. Give an overview of Hazarika’s journey in The Voyage.
Ans: Bhupen Hazarika’s journey abroad is a rich and meaningful experience that exposes him to different cultures, people, and traditions. It helps him grow personally and intellectually.
In Sri Lanka, he observes a blend of Eastern and Western cultures in lifestyle, music, and architecture. He notices similarities between Indian and Sri Lankan traditions, especially in dance and religion.
As he travels further, he sees how cultures mix and influence each other. He meets people from different countries and learns to appreciate diversity. These experiences broaden his outlook and help him understand the unity within diversity.
Overall, the journey is not just physical but also emotional and intellectual, shaping his identity and worldview.
2. Comment on cultural convergence in The Voyage.
Ans: The Voyage is not just a travel account but also a reflection on cultural interaction. Hazarika shows how different cultures meet, mix, and influence one another.
In Sri Lanka, he sees a combination of local traditions and European influence. Music, dance, and daily life reflect this mixture. He also finds similarities between different cultures, showing that people share common values despite differences.
Through his experiences, Hazarika emphasizes respect, understanding, and appreciation of cultures. He highlights that cultural exchange enriches human life and creates unity among people.
Thus, the narrative clearly presents the idea that cultures are interconnected and continuously evolving through interaction.