General Awareness ยท English Language

Indian Literature and Authors

9,599 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

In Rohinton Mistry's novel 'A Fine Balance', the protagonist Dina Dalal is a young Parsi woman who faces numerous challenges during the Emergency period in India. What is the significance of the Emergency?

  1. It represents a dark chapter in Indian history.

  2. It highlights the importance of civil liberties.

  3. It explores the resilience of the human spirit.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Emergency in Rohinton Mistry's 'A Fine Balance' represents a dark chapter in Indian history, highlights the importance of civil liberties, and explores the resilience of the human spirit.

Multiple choice

Which Indian author's novel 'The Shadow Lines' explores the themes of identity, memory, and the legacy of colonialism?

  1. Amitav Ghosh

  2. Salman Rushdie

  3. Vikram Seth

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

Amitav Ghosh's 'The Shadow Lines' examines the lives of two families, one in India and one in Bangladesh, as they grapple with the aftermath of colonialism and the partition of India.

Multiple choice

In Salman Rushdie's novel 'Shame', the protagonist Omar Khayyam is a young man who witnesses the political and social turmoil in Pakistan during the 1970s. What is the significance of the title?

  1. It symbolizes the collective shame of a nation.

  2. It represents the personal shame experienced by the protagonist.

  3. It highlights the shamelessness of those in power.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The title 'Shame' in Salman Rushdie's novel symbolizes the collective shame of a nation, the personal shame experienced by the protagonist, and the shamelessness of those in power.

Multiple choice

Which Indian author's novel 'The Great Indian Novel' is a satirical take on Indian history and politics?

  1. Shashi Tharoor

  2. Vikram Chandra

  3. Anita Desai

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

Shashi Tharoor's 'The Great Indian Novel' is a satirical retelling of Indian history from the time of the Mahabharata to the present day.

Multiple choice

In Vikram Chandra's novel 'Sacred Games', the protagonist Sartaj Singh is a police officer who is tasked with investigating the death of a gangster. What is the significance of the title?

  1. It represents the duality of life in Mumbai.

  2. It highlights the sacredness of human life.

  3. It explores the relationship between crime and religion.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The title 'Sacred Games' in Vikram Chandra's novel symbolizes the duality of life in Mumbai, highlights the sacredness of human life, and explores the relationship between crime and religion.

Multiple choice

Which Indian author's novel 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' explores the lives of a diverse group of characters in contemporary India?

  1. Arundhati Roy

  2. Salman Rushdie

  3. Vikram Seth

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

Arundhati Roy's 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' follows the lives of a transgender woman, a Kashmiri separatist, and a group of eunuchs, delving into themes of love, loss, and resilience.

Multiple choice

Who is the author of the book 'The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent'?

  1. James Fergusson

  2. Percy Brown

  3. Stella Kramrisch

  4. George Michell
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Stella Kramrisch's book 'The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent' offers a comprehensive analysis of Indian art and architecture, examining their historical and cultural significance.

Multiple choice

In which classic Hindi novel does the protagonist, a young woman named Chitra, find solace in preparing and savoring the traditional sweet dish 'gulab jamun'?

  1. Godan

  2. Gaban

  3. Nirmala

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

In Premchand's novel 'Nirmala', the protagonist Chitra finds comfort and strength in the simple act of making and eating 'gulab jamun'.

Multiple choice

In which Bengali novel does the protagonist, a young boy named Apu, experience a profound moment of connection with his grandmother through the sharing of 'rasgulla'?

  1. Pather Panchali

  2. Aparajito

  3. Apur Sansar

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

In Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay's novel 'Pather Panchali', Apu's grandmother offers him 'rasgulla' as a symbol of love and care, creating a memorable moment of bonding.

Multiple choice

In which Tamil novel does the protagonist, a young woman named Ponni, receive a box of 'laddu' from her beloved, signifying their enduring love and commitment?

  1. Ponniyin Selvan

  2. Sivagamiyin Sabatham

  3. Kambaramayanam

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

Kalki Krishnamurthy's historical novel 'Ponniyin Selvan' features a scene where Ponni receives a box of 'laddu' from her lover, symbolizing their unwavering love.

Multiple choice

In which Marathi novel does the protagonist, a young boy named Balu, discover the joy of making and sharing 'puran poli' with his family, symbolizing unity and togetherness?

  1. Yayati

  2. Mrityunjay

  3. Shejari

  4. Garambicha Bapu
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In Ranjit Desai's novel 'Garambicha Bapu', Balu learns the art of making 'puran poli' from his grandmother, fostering a sense of family bonding and tradition.

Multiple choice

In which Assamese novel does the protagonist, a young woman named Jonaki, find solace and strength in the preparation of 'pitha', a traditional Assamese sweet, during difficult times?

  1. Miri Jiyori

  2. Sonar Harin

  3. Luit

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

In Indira Goswami's novel 'Miri Jiyori', Jonaki turns to making 'pitha' as a source of comfort and resilience amidst personal struggles.

Multiple choice

In which Malayalam novel does the protagonist, a young boy named Appu, experience a profound moment of joy and connection with his family while sharing 'payasam', a traditional Kerala dessert?

  1. Chemmeen

  2. Randamoozham

  3. Oru Desathinte Katha

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

In S.K. Pottekkatt's novel 'Oru Desathinte Katha', Appu's family gathers to share 'payasam', creating a memorable moment of unity and love.

Multiple choice

In which Kashmiri novel does the protagonist, a young woman named Habba Khatoon, find solace and inspiration in the preparation of 'sheermal', a traditional Kashmiri sweet, during her challenging journey?

  1. Habba Khatoon

  2. Lal Ded

  3. Nund Reshi

  4. Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In the novel 'Habba Khatoon', the protagonist finds strength and resilience through the making of 'sheermal', a symbol of her indomitable spirit.

Multiple choice

In which Rajasthani novel does the protagonist, a young woman named Jodha, use the preparation of 'ghevar', a traditional Rajasthani sweet, to express her love and devotion to her family?

  1. Kesariya Balam

  2. Umrao Jaan Ada

  3. Gora

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

In Vijaydan Detha's novel 'Kesariya Balam', Jodha's skillful preparation of 'ghevar' becomes a symbol of her love and dedication to her family.