Model paper

Dean's Office Official Model Question Paper

BHM 352 · Cultural Resources of Tourism in Nepal

Programme
BHM
Academic year
Semester 6
Paper type
Official Model Question
Sitting
Dean's Office Blueprint
Full marks
60
Duration
180 minutes

Tribhuvan University

Faculty of Management

Office of the Dean

Official Model Question Paper / Dean's Office Blueprint

Course: BHM 352 · Cultural Resources of Tourism in Nepal

Level: Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) · Semester 6

Full Marks: 60

Time: 3 hrs.

Candidates are required to give their answers in their own words as far as practicable. Figures in the margin indicate full marks.

Section A

Brief Answer Questions. Attempt ALL questions. (5 × 2 = 10)

[5*2=10]

  1. Define tangible cultural heritage with a Nepalese example.

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    Meaning of Tangible Cultural Heritage

    Tangible cultural heritage includes physical, touchable historic monuments, sacred architectural temples, and ancient artifacts created by past generations.

    • Example in Nepal: The tiered pagoda architecture of Nyatapola Temple in Bhaktapur or the 55-Window Palace.

  2. Name any four UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley.

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    Four UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley

    1. Pashupatinath Temple Complex
    2. Boudhanath Stupa
    3. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
    4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

  3. What is the cultural significance of the Living Goddess (Kumari) tradition?

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    Cultural Significance of the Kumari Tradition

    The Kumari is a prepubescent girl selected from the Newar Shakya clan revered as the living bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju (Durga). The tradition embodies the unique harmonious syncretism of Hindu and Vajrayana Buddhist worship in Kathmandu Valley.

  4. Define intangible cultural heritage.

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    Meaning of Intangible Cultural Heritage

    Intangible cultural heritage refers to non-physical traditions, oral narratives, performing arts, social festive rituals, and indigenous craftsmanship transmitted across generations (e.g., the mask dances of Kartik Nach, Vedic chanting, folk music).

  5. State the historical importance of Lumbini in cultural tourism.

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    Historical Importance of Lumbini

    Lumbini is the sacred birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha), verified by the 3rd century BCE Ashoka Pillar inscription. It is the premier international pilgrimage sanctuary anchor for millions of global Buddhist travelers.

Section B

Short Answer Questions. Attempt any SIX questions. (6 × 5 = 30)

[6*5=30]

  1. Explain the architectural features of the Nepalese Pagoda temple style.

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    Architectural Features of the Nepalese Pagoda Temple Style

    1. Multiple Tiered Roofs: Symmetrically diminishing multi-roof tiers clad in red clay tiles or gilded copper.
    2. Carved Wooden Struts (Tundals): Supporting roof overhangs, masterfully carved with deities, celestial beings, and erotic motifs.
    3. Raised Multi-Stage Plinth: Elevated stone pedestals guarded by guardian statues (lions, elephants, mythical beasts).
    4. Golden Pinnacle (Gajur): Crowned at the apex, symbolizing the sacred spiritual meeting point of heaven and earth.

  2. Describe the major festivals of Nepal and their role in tourist attraction.

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    Major Nepalese Festivals Driving Cultural Tourism

    • Indra Jatra: Procession of the Kumari chariot and demon mask dances in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
    • Bisket Jatra (Bhaktapur): Dramatic chariot-pulling festival celebrating the Nepalese New Year.
    • Holi (Festival of Colors): High-energy celebration of spring, popular among international backpackers.
    • Dashain and Tihar: Family homecoming rituals, illumination of oil lamps, and worship of animals.

  3. Discuss the syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepalese culture.

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    Religious Syncretism in Nepal

    Nepal is globally celebrated for the harmonious co-existence and mutual veneration shared between Hinduism and Buddhism:

    • Sacred pilgrimage sites like Muktinath are revered equally by Hindus (as Lord Vishnu) and Buddhists (as Avalokiteshvara).
    • Buddhist Newars employ Hindu Tantric rituals, while Hindu kings historically worshipped Buddhist Living Goddesses.

  4. Explain the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the Sherpa community in the Solukhumbu region.

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    Cultural Heritage of the Sherpa Community

    • Tibetan Buddhist Traditions: Preservation of ancient Nyingma Buddhist monasteries (e.g., Tengboche Monastery) and celebration of the sacred Mani Rimdu festival.
    • Indigenous Mountain Knowledge: Legendary high-altitude endurance and spiritual respect for Himalayan peaks (Chomolungma / Everest revered as mother goddess).

  5. Describe the traditional crafts of Nepal (Thanka painting, metal casting, and woodcarving).

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    Traditional Handicrafts of Nepal

    • Paubha / Thanka Paintings: Intricate scroll paintings on cotton or silk depicting Buddhist mandalas and deities using ground mineral pigments and pure gold leaf.
    • Lost-Wax Bronze Metal Casting: Master craftsmen of Patan casting sacred statues of Buddha and Tara.
    • Intricate Woodcarving: Hand-carved peacock windows (Pujari Math) and structural temple struts.

  6. Explain the role of community homestays in preserving rural cultural resources in Nepal.

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    Role of Community Homestays in Cultural Preservation

    • Homestays (e.g., Sirubari, Ghalegaun) provide authentic cultural immersion into rural indigenous lifestyles.
    • Direct economic earnings empower local women and incentivize youth to preserve traditional folk dances, organic culinary recipes, and vernacular mud-stone architecture rather than migrating abroad.

Section C

Comprehensive / Analytical Questions. Attempt any TWO questions. (2 × 10 = 20)

[2*10=20]

  1. Evaluate the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in Nepal post-2015 earthquake. How does tourism balance preservation and commercialization?

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    Post-Earthquake Heritage Conservation and Tourism Balance

    1. Reconstruction Dilemmas:
      • Balancing traditional building materials (lime-surkhi mortar, seasoned sal wood, baked bricks) against modern earthquake-resistant concrete and steel reinforcement.
      • Scarcity of master craftsmen skilled in ancient Newar woodcarving and bricklaying.
    2. Preventing Destructive Commercialization:
      • Preventing heritage squares from turning into chaotic souvenir stalls and avoiding the commodification of sacred religious rituals strictly for tourist photography.

  2. Formulate a Strategic Blueprint for Cultural Tourism Development in Nepal under the Nepal Tourism Vision framework.

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    Strategic Blueprint for Cultural Tourism Development in Nepal

    1. Spatial Decentralization Beyond Kathmandu:
      • Developing and promoting cultural heritage corridors: the Greater Lumbini Buddhist Circuit, the Mithila Cultural Circuit (Janakpur), and the Far-Western Doti/Karnali Khas Heritage Trail.
    2. Digitization and Living Heritage Interpretation:
      • Installing multilingual QR-code audio guides and augmented reality (AR) reconstructions of destroyed monuments at UNESCO squares.
    3. Community-Centric Heritage Tourism Policy:
      • Reinvesting 30% of UNESCO site entry ticket fees directly into surrounding traditional Newar resident communities for house restorations.