Question

Give the character sketch of the Shahid Ali in the chapter the ghat of the only world

Answer 1

                                         Shaid's Character

Shahid is the central character of the story, ‘The Ghat of the Only World, written by Amitav Ghosh. The author has dedicated this chapter to commemorate Shaid’s greatness as a human being. The author was very much impressed with Shahid’s works: The Country Without a Post Office, had made a powerful impression on him. His writing was lyrical, disciplined, engaged and yet deeply inward. Shahid was immensely fond of life’s all beautiful things, food included. As visitors would approach his door, aroma of rogan josh and haak would greet them. He loved cooking Kashmiri dishes and made them tasty by adding all the spices. He would often give directions to the cook in the kitchen to make the food tastier. Until the end of life, he enjoyed food and its fragrance. Shahid had a sorcerer’s ability to transmute the mundane into magical. Shahid was a very strong man. He had found a way out to keep himself alive in spite of the physical and mental pain of his illness. There was never an evening when there was not a party in his living room. He loved to be surrounded by people and friends. He loved that spirit of festivity as it meant he did not have any time to be depressed. Contrary to general belief of people about the Muslim fanaticism, Shahid and his parents had quite secular ecumenical outlook on life. In his childhood Shahid’s parents not only allowed him to set up a small Hindu temple in his home, but his mother also bought him idols and other needed things to do the Pooja. After Shahid’s passing away, the author felt a void in his life, which could not be filled.

Answer 2

"The Ghat of the only world" is a story written by Amitav Ghosh and the story revolves around friendship between two people and consists of a special character Shahid Ali.

• Shahid Ali was a very fun-loving, nature lover.
• His love for Kashmir was really unbeatable.
• He had a brain tumor in his brain and he had just 14 months left with him.
• He was too young when he died.
• Though he knew about his condition, he enjoyed his life to the fullest.
• He always used to try to make people laugh and had a great passion for food, culture, clothes, etc.
• He always had shown in the political background of Kashmir and never allowed mixing of religion and politics.
• Even during his last days, he had the same spirit and enthusiasm towards life.