General Awareness ยท English Language

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
  1. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

  2. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

  3. Sarojini Naidu

  4. Vikram Seth

  5. Amith Choudhury

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

'A Strange and Sublime Address' is a novel written by Amit Chaudhuri (spelled as 'Amith Choudhury' in the options, representing an alternate transliteration). Published in 1991, this was Chaudhuri's debut novel and won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book. The book is known for its subtle, nuanced portrayal of middle-class life in Bombay and is considered a significant work in contemporary Indian English literature.

Multiple choice
  1. Robindranath Tagore

  2. M. T. Vasudevan Nair

  3. Takazhi Sivasankara Pillai

  4. Mahatma Gandhi

  5. E. M. S. Namboodiripad

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Conquest of Self (Self-Conquest) is a key work of Mahatma Gandhi, elaborating his philosophy of self-control and spiritual discipline. It is typically found in anthologies of his writings. Tagore, M. T. Vasudevan Nair, and Pillai are celebrated Indian writers but not associated with this specific work on self-conquest.

Multiple choice
  1. Robindranath Tagore

  2. M. T. Vasudevan Nair

  3. Takazhi Sivasankara Pillai

  4. Mahatma Gandhi

  5. E. M. S. Namboodiripad

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chandalika is a dance drama by Rabindranath Tagore, based on a Buddhist legend about an outcast woman. It explores themes of human dignity, love, and social prejudice. Tagore wrote numerous dance dramas and plays for his experimental theater at Santiniketan.

Multiple choice
  1. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

  2. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

  3. Sarojini Naidu

  4. Vikram Seth

  5. Amith Choudhury

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

An Idealist View of Life is a philosophical work by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, originally his Upton Lectures at Manchester College. It presents a comprehensive philosophical system integrating Eastern and Western thought, emphasizing spiritual idealism over materialism.

Multiple choice
  1. Robindranath Tagore

  2. M. T. Vasudevan Nair

  3. Takazhi Sivasankara Pillai

  4. Mahatma Gandhi

  5. E. M. S. Namboodiripad

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Chemmeen is a celebrated Malayalam novel by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, depicting a tragic love story set among the fishing community of Kerala. It explores themes of passion, social norms, and conflict with nature. The novel was adapted into a landmark film.

Multiple choice
  1. Z. A. Bhutto

  2. Mulkraj Anand

  3. Amitav Ghosh

  4. Swami Sivananda

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Circle of Reason is the debut novel of Amitav Ghosh, published in 1986. It follows the adventures of a young boy from Bengal to the Middle East and North Africa. Ghosh is a major contemporary Indian English writer known for works like The Shadow Lines and The Ibis Trilogy.

Multiple choice
  1. Robindranath Tagore

  2. M. T. Vasudevan Nair

  3. Takazhi Sivasankara Pillai

  4. Mahatma Gandhi

  5. E. M. S. Namboodiripad

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Randamoozham (The Second Turn) is a modern Malayalam classic by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, retelling the Mahabharata from Bhima's perspective. It won multiple awards and is considered a masterpiece of Indian literature, giving voice to the Pandava who is often sidelined in traditional tellings.

Multiple choice
  1. Robindranath Tagore

  2. M. T. Vasudevan Nair

  3. Takazhi Sivasankara Pillai

  4. Mahatma Gandhi

  5. E. M. S. Namboodiripad

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Crisis into Chaos is a political work by E. M. S. Namboodiripad, the first Chief Minister of Kerala and a prominent Communist leader. The book analyzes political and economic crises, arguing how they can degenerate into chaos without proper leadership and ideological clarity. Note: Title likely appears in a political collection.

Multiple choice
  1. Z. A. Bhutto

  2. Mulkraj Anand

  3. Amitav Ghosh

  4. Swami Sivananda

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Divine Life (or The Divine Life) is a work by Swami Sivananda, the founder of the Divine Life Society. It expounds his teachings on yoga, spirituality, and the pursuit of divine life through selfless service, meditation, and spiritual practice. The book serves as a practical guide to spiritual living.

Multiple choice
  1. Z. A. Bhutto

  2. Mulkraj Anand

  3. Amitav Ghosh

  4. Swami Sivananda

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Great Tragedy is a book written by Z.A. Bhutto (Zulfikar Ali Bhutto), the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. It was written during his imprisonment period in 1979. The other options are all renowned Indian writers - Mulkraj Anand, Amitav Ghosh, and Swami Sivananda - who wrote different types of works.

Multiple choice
  1. Z. A. Bhutto

  2. Mulkraj Anand

  3. Amitav Ghosh

  4. Swami Sivananda

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Confession of a Lover is a novel written by Mulkraj Anand, a prominent Indian English writer. Anand is known for his realistic depiction of Indian society and his works often deal with themes of social justice. The other options include Pakistani and Indian writers who authored different types of books.

Multiple choice
  1. Abul Fazal

  2. Jawaharlal Nehru

  3. Rajneesh

  4. Mulkraj Anand

  5. K. A. Abbas

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

An Autobiography is the well-known autobiography of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. It was written during his imprisonment in 1934-1935 and covers his life and thoughts. The other authors wrote different types of works - Abul Fazal was a Mughal court historian, Rajneesh a spiritual teacher, Mulkraj Anand a novelist, and K.A. Abbas a filmmaker and writer.

Multiple choice
  1. Robindranath Tagore

  2. M. T. Vasudevan Nair

  3. Takazhi Sivasankara Pillai

  4. Mahatma Gandhi

  5. E. M. S. Namboodiripad

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Kayar (Coir) is a Malayalam novel written by Takazhi Sivasankara Pillai (Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai), one of the most celebrated Malayalam writers. This epic novel depicts the transformation of Kerala society through the lives of successive generations. The other options include Tagore (Bengali), M.T. Vasudevan Nair (Malayalam but different author), Gandhi (political leader), and E.M.S. Namboodiripad (political leader).

Multiple choice
  1. Developing India

  2. Science in Today's India

  3. Defence Set up in India

  4. Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam wrote 'Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life', which is indeed one of his books. The other options - 'Developing India', 'Science in Today's India', and 'Defence Set up in India' - are not actual books written by Abdul Kalam. His more famous works include 'Wings of Fire', 'India 2020', 'Ignited Minds', and 'Target 3 Billion'. The question tests specific book knowledge.

Multiple choice
  1. Rousseau

  2. Dons Bronifield

  3. Prem chand

  4. Dr, Shivarama Karanth

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Dr. Shivarama Karanth was a prominent Kannada writer known for novels like 'Chomana Dudi' and 'Mookajjiya Kanasugalu'. 'Dreams of a Dumb Woman' is attributed to him in Kannada literature. The question tests knowledge of regional Indian literature beyond Hindi/English authors.