A portion of Bhupen Hazarika's life story is included in The Voyage by Bhupen Hazarika. Chapter 2 of Harmony: An Anthology of Prose and Poetry for AHSEC Class 12 Alternative English. Here You will get a brief summary of the poem as well as a thorough explanation of The Voyage Question Answer along with several additional question answers, important question answers for the upcoming 2024 examination.
The Voyage Summary
'The Voyage' is an extract from Bhupen Hazarika's transcipted life-account where he recalls his experience of embarking on a journey to the United States of America in 1949. The time in which the journey was undertaken was quite different from today, which is why he had the experience of travelling by all three modes: land, air, and sea. In this account, Hazarika talks about his journey from the airport in Guwahati (which was then known as Kanhikuchi Airport) where he overcame a minor hurdle. Even though he had boarded the plane, he realised that the bag containing all the important papers, including his passport, was not with him. The plane had to be stopped and the journey began when things were in order.
Bhupen Hazarika writes that he did not choose a direct route as he wanted to see different locations during his journey. He first travelled to Dumdum airport and then to Visakhapatnam. His next stop was the Sri Lankan capital Colombo. He writes of his memorable experience in Sri Lanka where he witnessed a dance that reminded him of Assam's cultural ethos. He reflects how the threads of culture create a unifying harmonic bond. The demon dance which he witnessed in the Sri Lankan city of Kandy and his memory of Assam's deodhani dance provided him the scope to reminisce about his own cultural traditions, even when he was in a foreign country. From Sri Lanka, Hazarika embarked on a ship-journey that was to take thirteen days.
This was a part of the voyage which he looked forward to with great anticipation. During the stop at the city of Djibouti, which was under Italian occupation then, Hazarika disembarked and visited the place. He was surprised to find that there was hardly any development in the region with stark signs of rampant poverty. From Djibouti the ship went to Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. Although he had hoped to see the famed Pyramids, he could not do so during the course of this voyage. Hazarika also recounts his incredible memory at sea when he was witness to a star above the crescent moon a very rare occurrence. Hazarika took snapshots of the event with his Rolleiflex camera, which was something he cherished immensely. He was witness to another remarkable vision during the course of this voyage: a herd of phosphorous fish lit up the sea with a 'dazzling' array of lights. The journey of Bhupen Hazarika is not only an account of an individual's voyage into a new territory, it is also a chronicle of an artist's vision of life, society and culture which enables us to see things from a fresh, new perspective.
Class 12 Alternative English The Voyage Question Answers
Comprehension
A. State whether these statements are True or False.
1. Bhupen Hazarika had brought his Rolleiflex from home.
Ans- False
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 situated in Guwahati in 1949?
Ans- Kahikuchi Airport.
2. Who was the Governor of Assam during the inauguration of the airport in Guwahati?
Ans- Sir Akbar Hydari.
3. How much 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 avail when he came to the shore?
Ans- Shore leave.
C. Answer in a few words each.
1. Name the two locations that Bhupen Hazarika reminisces about in The Voyage.
Ans- The two locations that Bhupen Hazarika reminisces about in The Voyage are Bharalumukh and Uzan bazaar.
2. What did Hazarika consider to be his only aim?
Ans- Hazarika considered his only aim to be a singer.
3. The ship set sail later than the scheduled time. How late was the ship?
Ans- The ship was one and a half day late than the scheduled time.
4. Name the two places associated with Buddhism mentioned by Bhupen Hazarika in ‘The Voyage”.
Ans- The two places associated with Buddhism mentioned by Bhupen Hazarika in ‘The Voyage” are Sarnath and Bodh Gaya.
5. Which two Indian states associated with dances, other than Assam, are mentioned by Bhupen Hazarika in “The Voyage”?
Ans- Gujarat and Manipur are the other two Indian states besides Assam that Bhupen Hazarika mentions in "The Voyage" as being related with dance.
D. Answer briefly in your own words.
1. Write a brief account of Hazarika’s stopover in Sri Lanka.
Ans- Bhupen Hazarika found that Sri Lanka had transformed into an Anglo Ceylonese maiden when he arrived there. He saw a fusion of cultures and influences, from radios playing English and Hindi music to shops selling American clothing and watches. Hazarika saw the city's global culture and ran across a French sailor on shore leave.
He also visited Kandy, a city known for its Buddhist heritage. The Temple of the Tooth Relic left a deep impact on him, and he felt as if he was in Sarnath or Bodh Gaya, experiencing the same spiritual ambience and echoes of Buddham Sharanam Gachchami. Hazarika’s visit to Sri Lanka highlighted the cultural affinities between the people of Sri Lanka and India, particularly South India, evident in their participation in dances and music together.
2. Briefly present your view about Hazarika’s experience of visiting a Sri Lankan family home.
Ans- Hazarika’s experience of visiting a Sri Lankan family home was a unique one. He describes entering the drawing room of a modern Lankan family, where he found a piano and a Madonna painting by a European artist. The children were singing English songs, and Hazarika was surprised by the similarities between this Lankan home and his own experiences in Shillong. Despite being far away from Assam, Hazarika felt a sense of familiarity and connection, emphasizing the universality of certain cultural aspects.
3. Present your views on the food and flavours mentioned by Hazarika in “The Voyage”.
Ans- In Hazarika’s account, he mentions a dish called “Kalmou” that his grandmother used to cook for him. Although he longs for it during his journey but he is unable to find it in Sri Lanka. He also mentions “tenga” and “bamboo shoot”, which are traditional Assamese ingredients. These references to food and flavours highlight Hazarika’s nostalgia for his native Assam and his longing for the tastes and aromas of home. It reflects how food can evoke powerful memories and emotions, especially when one is far away from familiar surroundings.
4. How does Bhupen Hazarika recount his feeling about being an Indian as he moves forward in his journey? Give a brief description.
Ans- As Hazarika continues his journey he reflects on his evolving sense of identity .He realizes that as he moves beyond India’s boundaries, he begins to see himself more as an Indian student rather than solely identifying with his Assamese or Bengal roots. The experience broadens his perspective and deepens his love for all of India, blurring the distinction between being an Assamese or an Indian Hazarika’s journey helps him embrace a larger national identity and see himself as part of a diverse and United India.
E. Answer in detail.
1. Present an overview of Bhupen Hazarika’s experience during the course of his journey abroad from your reading of ‘The Voyage’.
Ans- Bhupen Hazarika’s journey abroad, as described in ‘The Voyage,’ is a transformative experience that exposes him to various cultures languages, landscapes and people. It serves as a catalyst for his personal growth, broadening his perspective on life, identity, and the interconnectedness of cultures.
Throughout his journey Hazarika encounters diverse cultures and observes their influences in different locations From Sri Lanka to Europe, he the fusion of local traditions with external influences, such as European colonial legacies In Sri Lanka, he notices the coexistence of Lankan and European elements in the architecture, must and lifestyle. The Yakuma Natum dance, reminiscent of the deodhani nnittya of Kamrupa, illustrates the similarities and shared roots of different cultures.
As Hazarika continues his journey to Europe, he encounters a convergence of cultures on a larger scale In London, he experiences the vibrancy of multiculturalism, where people from various backgrounds coexist and interact. He attends gatherings where people from different nations come together, breaking barriers of language and nationality Hazarika also witnesses the blending of cultures in the music of the streets, where British melodies mix with African rhythms and create a unique harmony.
2. ‘Bhupen Hazarika’s representation is not merely an account of a journey; it is also a narrative about the convergence of cultures in different locations’. Comment on the statement based on your reading of ‘The Voyage’.
Ans- The statement that Bhupen Hazarika’s representation in ‘The Voyage’ is not merely an account of a journey but also a oaurelive about the convergence of cultures holds true based o the reading of the text Hazarika’s narrative goes beyond describing his personal experiences and observations, it delves into the interconnectedness and fusion of cultures that he encounters during his journey Hazarika’s encounters with different cultures highlight the fluidity and adaptability of human expressions. He acknowledges the influences and overlaps between cultures, emphasizing that they are not isolated entities but intertwined in various ways. The representation of cultures in The Voyage’ showcases the dynamic nature of human interactions and the continual exchange of ideas, traditions, and values.
Through his experiences, Hazarika emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding, respect, and appreciation; He recognizes that despite cultural differences, there are shared elements that unite people across borders. His narrative serves as a reminder of the beauty and richness that emerges when cultures converge, resulting in a more diverse and interconnected world. Overall, Hazarika’s representation in The Voyage captures the essence of cultural convergence, showcasing the transformative power of travel and the potential for meaningful connections between people of different backgrounds. It celebrates the diversity of human experiences while emphasizing the common threads that bind us together as a global community.
The Voyage Additional Question & Answers
1. Who was the Chief Minister of Assam at the time of the narrator’s voyage to America?
Ans- Gopinath Bordoloi.
2. What was the name of the ship the narrator boarded for their sea voyage?
Ans- SM Samponio.
3. Who accompanied the narrator to the airport in Guwahati?
Ans- The narrator’s mother, father, Queen (Sudakshina Sarma), mahi, and younger brother, Jayanta Hazarika.
4. Who did the narrator retrieve their bag from after realizing they had left it behind?
Ans- The bag was brought by the narrator’s friend, Syed Abdul Malik.
5. Which newspaper from Assam did the narrator find among the newspapers and journals offered on the plane?
Ans- The Assam Tribune.
6. What dance did the narrator witness during their visit to Colombo?
Ans- The Yakuma Natum, also known as the demon dance.
7. What did the professor whom the narrator met in Lanka attribute the lack of camaraderie between Lankans and Indians to?
Ans- The professor mentioned concerns about India’s economic exploitation and the Lankan government’s apprehension of progressive Indian laborers.
8. What item did the narrator purchase during the ship’s stop in Aden?
Ans- The narrator bought a Rolleiflex camera.
9. Where did the ship stop after Djibouti?
Ans- The ship made a stop in Cairo.
10. What news did the narrator hear in Cairo?
Ans- The new of Zedong’s successful Long March and China’s freedom.
11. What did the ship’s captain point out to the passengers in the Red Sea?
Ans- The captain pointed out the star above the holy crescent moon a rare sight.
12. What natural phenomenon did the narrator witness in the sea?
Ans- The narrator saw herds of phosphorus fish lighting up the sea with their bioluminescence.
13. Who was the French young man the narrator met on the ship?
Ans- The French young man introduced himself as “one of millions of Andres.
14. What prayer did the narrator make after witnessing the rare sight in the Red Sea?
Ans- The narrator prayed for the blessing of a joyful journey and the endurance to travel from country to country, beyond borders.
15. Who was the pastor in Guwahati who prepared the narrator’s research curriculum for their voyage to America?
Ans- The pastor’s name was Robert Brown.
16. Who received the narrator at the airport in Calcutta?
Ans- The narrator was received at the airport in Calcutta by their classmate at Cotton College, Bhaben Das.
17. What did the narrator feel upon reaching New York City?
Ans- Upon reaching New York City, the narrator felt a strange loneliness, as if they had been uprooted from their surroundings and thrown into an unfamiliar world.
18. Who was the first person the narrator met at the International House?
Ans- The first person the narrator met at the International House was a Sikh student named Gurcharan Singh.
19. Who accompanied the narrator to the airport on the day of their journey?
Ans- The narrator was accompanied by their mother, father Queen (Sudakshina Sarma wife of Dilip Sarma), mahi, and their younger brother Jayanta Hazarika.
20. Why did the captain say they were fortunate to behold that sight?
Ans- The captain mentioned that although they had travelled that route numerous times they had the great fortune of seeing that sight only once or twice it was considered a rare occurrence.
