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Indian Literature and Authors

9,907 Questions

Indian Literature and Authors is a crucial topic for competitive exams, focusing on famous writers, notable books, and literary awards. Questions cover various regional, postcolonial, and historical texts. This collection helps test takers prepare effectively for general awareness sections.

Famous Indian authorsNotable Indian novelsPostcolonial literatureLiterary award winnersRegional Indian literature

Indian Literature and Authors Questions

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosopher argued that the beauty of a literary work lies in its ability to evoke surprise and wonder in the reader?

  1. Anandavardhana

  2. Abhinavagupta

  3. Mammata

  4. Bhartrihari
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Anandavardhana, a prominent Indian philosopher, proposed that the beauty of a literary work lies in its capacity to evoke surprise and wonder in the reader.

Multiple choice

The 'Dastan' is a genre of Indo-Persian literature that typically features:

  1. Short stories with moral lessons

  2. Epic poems recounting historical events

  3. Collections of fables and parables

  4. Philosophical treatises exploring abstract concepts
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Dastan is a genre of narrative poetry that often tells epic tales of historical events, heroism, and romance.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a notable Indo-Persian literary work?

  1. The Diwan of Hafiz

  2. The Masnavi of Rumi

  3. The Baburnama

  4. The Ramayana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic poem, originally written in Sanskrit. While it has been translated into Persian, it is not considered a primary Indo-Persian literary work.

Multiple choice

Who wrote the autobiography titled "Wings of Fire," which narrates the life of former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?

  1. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

  2. Arun Tiwari

  3. Y.S. Rajan

  4. K. Sivadasan Nair
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, authored his autobiography titled "Wings of Fire," co-written with Arun Tiwari. The book provides insights into his life, scientific achievements, and contributions to India's space program.

Multiple choice

Which autobiography by Rabindranath Tagore explores his childhood, family life, and early influences?

  1. My Boyhood Days

  2. My Reminiscences

  3. My Life and My Work

  4. Gitanjali
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Rabindranath Tagore's autobiography, "My Boyhood Days," delves into his early life, family background, and the formative experiences that shaped his literary and artistic journey.

Multiple choice

Who is the author of the autobiography titled "The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian," which offers a unique perspective on Indian society and politics?

  1. Nirad C. Chaudhuri

  2. Jawaharlal Nehru

  3. B.R. Ambedkar

  4. Sarojini Naidu
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Nirad C. Chaudhuri's autobiography, "The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian," provides a thought-provoking analysis of Indian society, politics, and culture from the perspective of an ordinary citizen.

Multiple choice

Which autobiography by B.R. Ambedkar chronicles his life, struggles, and contributions to the Indian independence movement and the fight for social justice?

  1. Waiting for a Visa

  2. Riddles in Hinduism

  3. Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables

  4. The Annihilation of Caste
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

B.R. Ambedkar's autobiography, "Waiting for a Visa," recounts his life, struggles, and contributions to the Indian independence movement and the fight for social justice.

Multiple choice

Who wrote the autobiography titled "Two Leaves and a Bud," which offers a poignant account of the author's childhood in pre-independence India?

  1. R.K. Narayan

  2. Raja Rao

  3. Mulk Raj Anand

  4. Kamala Markandaya
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

R.K. Narayan's autobiography, "Two Leaves and a Bud," provides a vivid portrayal of his childhood in pre-independence India, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Multiple choice

Which autobiography by Sarojini Naidu explores her life as a poet, activist, and one of the prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement?

  1. The Golden Threshold

  2. The Bird of Time

  3. The Broken Wing

  4. The Sceptred Flute
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Sarojini Naidu's autobiography, "The Sceptred Flute," provides a glimpse into her life as a poet, activist, and one of the prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement.

Multiple choice

Which autobiography by Raja Rao explores the life and spiritual journey of a young Brahmin boy growing up in pre-independence India?

  1. Kanthapura

  2. The Serpent and the Rope

  3. The Cat and Shakespeare

  4. Comrade Kirillov
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Raja Rao's autobiography, "The Serpent and the Rope," delves into the life and spiritual journey of a young Brahmin boy growing up in pre-independence India, exploring themes of identity, spirituality, and the search for meaning.

Multiple choice

Which autobiography by Kamala Markandaya explores the life and experiences of a young Indian woman navigating the challenges of a changing society?

  1. Nectar in a Sieve

  2. A Handful of Rice

  3. Some Inner Fury

  4. The Golden Chain
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Kamala Markandaya's autobiography, "Nectar in a Sieve," portrays the life and experiences of a young Indian woman, Rukmani, as she navigates the challenges of a changing society, poverty, and the struggle for survival.

Multiple choice

Who was the founder and first editor of The Calcutta Review?

  1. Raja Rammohun Roy

  2. Henry Louis Vivian Derozio

  3. John Marshman

  4. James Prinsep
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

John Marshman, a Baptist missionary and scholar, founded The Calcutta Review in 1844 and served as its first editor. He aimed to create a platform for intellectual discourse and to introduce Western literature and ideas to Indian readers.

Multiple choice

Which literary journal is known for its association with the Progressive Writers' Movement in India?

  1. Hans

  2. The Pioneer

  3. The Madras Mail

  4. The Bombay Chronicle
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hans, a literary journal founded in 1930, is closely associated with the Progressive Writers' Movement in India. It provided a platform for writers to express their social and political concerns and to challenge traditional literary norms.

Multiple choice

Which literary journal is known for its focus on Dalit literature and the experiences of marginalized communities in India?

  1. Little Magazine

  2. The Calcutta Review

  3. The Madras Mail

  4. The Pioneer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Little Magazine, founded in 1968, is known for its focus on Dalit literature and the experiences of marginalized communities in India. It has provided a platform for Dalit writers to express their unique perspectives and challenge social inequalities.

Multiple choice

Which literary journal is known for its focus on feminist literature and the experiences of women in India?

  1. Manushi

  2. The Calcutta Review

  3. The Madras Mail

  4. The Pioneer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Manushi, founded in 1978, is known for its focus on feminist literature and the experiences of women in India. It has provided a platform for women writers to express their unique perspectives and challenge patriarchal norms.