General Awareness · 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. Sarat Chandra Chatterji

  2. Bankim Chandra

  3. Mahashweta Devi

  4. Rabindra Nath Tagore

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

Devdas is based on the famous Bengali novel 'Devdas' written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (also spelled Chatterji). The novel has been adapted into films multiple times in Indian cinema. Bankim Chandra wrote 'Anandamath', Mahashweta Devi was a renowned feminist writer, and Rabindranath Tagore wrote 'Ghare Baire' and 'Gitanjali'.

Multiple choice
  1. Seleuccus

  2. Kautilya

  3. Chandra Gupta

  4. Megasthenese

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

Megasthenes wrote 'Indica' around 300 BCE as an account of his observations in India during his time as the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Although the original text is lost, fragments quoted by later authors provide valuable insights into ancient Indian society, geography, and politics.

Multiple choice
  1. Edmund Hillary

  2. JP Dalvi

  3. Jim Corbett

  4. Kailash Sankhla

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

Jim Corbett (1875-1955) was a British-Indian hunter and conservationist who authored 'The Man-Eaters of Kumaon' (1944). The book chronicles his experiences hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Corbett later became a prominent wildlife conservationist, and India's oldest national park is named in his honor.

Multiple choice
  1. Lala Lajpat Rai

  2. uma Shankar Joshi

  3. Munshi Prem Chand

  4. M.J. Akbar

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

Munshi Prem Chand, a legendary Hindi and Urdu writer of the early 20th century, authored Rang Bhumi (The Arena). The novel explores themes of land struggles, rural society, and social injustice. Prem Chand is known for his realistic portrayal of Indian village life and social reform themes.

Multiple choice
  1. Kalidasa

  2. M.J. Akbar

  3. Amrita Pritam

  4. K.M.Munshi

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

Amrita Pritam, the renowned Punjabi poet and novelist, wrote Kagaz Te Canvas (Paper and Canvas). This work reflects her literary exploration of creativity, art, and life. She was a prominent figure in Punjabi literature and the first woman to win the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1956.

Multiple choice
  1. Maithili Sharan Gupt

  2. K.M. Munshi

  3. Lala Lajpat Rai

  4. Uma Shankar Joshi

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

Maithili Sharan Gupt, a pioneer of modern Hindi poetry, wrote Bharat Bharti. This patriotic poem celebrating India's glorious past became an inspiration during the independence movement. He was one of the first to write Khari Boli Hindi poetry and was honored with the Padma Bhushan.

Multiple choice
  1. R.K.Narayan

  2. K.M. Munshi

  3. Lala Lajpat Rai

  4. Uma Shankar Joshi

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

R.K. Narayan, one of India's greatest English-language novelists, wrote The Guide (1958). The novel tells the story of Raju, a railway guide who becomes a spiritual guide. It won the Sahitya Akademi Award and was adapted into a film. Narayan is famous for his Malgudi stories.

Multiple choice
  1. Umashankar Joshi

  2. Waris Shah

  3. Sunil Gavaskar

  4. Kalidasa

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

Waris Shah is the correct author of Heer Ranjha, one of the most famous tragic romances in Punjabi literature. This 18th-century epic poem tells the story of Heer and Ranjha, similar to Romeo and Juliet in theme. Umashankar Joshi is a Gujarati writer, Sunil Gavaskar is a cricketer, and Kalidasa is a classical Sanskrit poet from ancient India.

Multiple choice
  1. Lala Lajpat Rai

  2. Jawahar Lal Nehru

  3. Munshi Premchand

  4. Risi Ved Vyas

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

Lala Lajpat Rai is indeed the author of Shivaji, The Great Patriot. Lala Lajpat Rai, known as Punjab Kesari, wrote this historical work celebrating the Maratha king Shivaji as a symbol of Indian resistance against Mughal rule. Jawaharlal Nehru wrote Discovery of India, Munshi Premchand was a Hindi-Urdu fiction writer, and Rishi Ved Vyas is associated with religious scriptures.

Multiple choice
  1. Kuldip Nayar

  2. Amrita Pritam

  3. Manu

  4. Umashankar Joshi

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

Kuldip Nayar is the correct author of Between the Lines, an autobiographical work by this renowned Indian journalist and columnist. The book covers his observations of Indian politics and society. Amrita Pritam was a Punjabi poet-novelist, Manu is a fictional character name, and Umashankar Joshi was a Gujarati writer.

Multiple choice
  1. Lala Lajpat Rai

  2. Umashankar Joshi

  3. Pelu

  4. Firaq Gorakhpuri

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

Firaq Gorakhpuri is the correct author of Gul-e-Naghma. Firaq Gorakhpuri was the pen name of Raghupati Sahay, one of the most celebrated Urdu poets of the 20th century. Gul-e-Naghma means 'flower of melody/song' in Urdu. Lala Lajpat Rai was a political leader, Umashankar Joshi wrote in Gujarati, and 'Pelu' appears to be a fabricated name.

Multiple choice
  1. Umashankar Joshi

  2. Balwant Gargi

  3. Abul Fazal

  4. Lala Lajpat Rai

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

Balwant Gargi is the correct author of Sanjha Chulla. He was a prominent Punjabi playwright and writer who wrote this play. Sanjha Chulla means 'shared hearth' in Punjabi, symbolizing community and shared living. Umashankar Joshi was Gujarati, Abul Fazl was a Mughal-era courtier, and Lala Lajpat Rai was a political leader.

Multiple choice
  1. Agyeya

  2. Pelu

  3. Manu

  4. Rajendra Prasad

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

Rajendra Prasad is indeed the author of India Divided, which discusses the partition of India and its aftermath. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India and wrote this important historical analysis. Agyeya was a Hindi writer, 'Pelu' appears fabricated, and 'Manu' is likely not the author of this political work.