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
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Jaswant Singh
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Yashwant Sinha
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Khushwant Singh
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A.B.Vajpayee
D
Correct answer
Explanation
A.B. Vajpayee authored 'New Dimensions of India's Foreign Policy' which articulated his vision for India's international relations during his tenure as Prime Minister. The book outlines his approach to nuclear diplomacy, engagement with major powers, and neighborhood policy.
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Jhumpa Lahiri
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Aravind Adiga
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Salman Rushdie
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Arundhati Roy
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Aravind Adiga, an Indian-Australian writer, won the Booker Prize in 2008 for his debut novel 'The White Tiger'. The novel explores themes of class struggle and corruption in modern India through the story of Balram Halwai. Other options - Jhumpa Lahiri won the Pulitzer for 'Interpreter of Maladies', while Arundhati Roy won the Booker for 'The God of Small Things' and Salman Rushdie for 'Midnight's Children'.
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Novelist
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Dramatist
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Prose Writer
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Poet
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Balwant Gargi (1916-2003) was a prominent Punjabi dramatist, theater director, and writer known for his plays that explored social themes and rural Punjab life. He received the Padma Shri in 1972 and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1962. His famous works include 'Kanak Di Balli' and 'Lok Kathera'. While he wrote in various genres, his primary fame and lasting contribution is as a dramatist.
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Amrita Pritam
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Dr. Harbhjan Singh
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Prof. Mohan Singh
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None of the above
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Prof. Mohan Singh (1905-1978) wrote 'Save Pattar' (The Silent Stone), a famous Punjabi poem that expresses the anguish and despair of the partition of India in 1947. He was a pioneering modern Punjabi poet who introduced new themes and forms to Punjabi literature. The poem uses the metaphor of a stone to represent the traumatic, voiceless suffering of people during partition.
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Drama
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Book of short stories
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Novel
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Book of Poetry
C
Correct answer
Explanation
'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) is a novel by Sardar Nanak Singh (1897-1971), one of Punjab's most prolific novelists. The novel deals with social issues and the exploitation of poor farmers. Nanak Singh wrote over 50 novels and is considered the father of the Punjabi novel. 'Chitta Lahu' explores themes of social justice, economic exploitation, and the suffering of agricultural workers.
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Ajit Kaur
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Vanitapal Kaur
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Dalip Kaur Tiwana
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None of the above
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Dalip Kaur Tiwana is a renowned Punjabi novelist and short story writer. 'Aheo Hamara Jeevana' is one of her significant works showcasing her literary contributions to Punjabi literature. She has received numerous awards including the Sahitya Akademi Award.
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Khuswant Singh
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APJ Kalam
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Anita Desai
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Tasneem
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Wings of Fire is the autobiography of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, co-written with Arun Tiwari. It details his journey from a small town in Tamilnadu to becoming India's missile man and eventually the President of India. The book is an inspirational narrative about dreams, determination, and service to the nation.
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Arundhati Roy
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L.K Adwani
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None of these
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Khuswant Singh
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Train to Pakistan is Khushwant Singh's most famous novel, published in 1956. It depicts the traumatic partition of India through the experiences of villagers in Mano Majra, near the newly formed border. The novel is considered a classic of Indian English literature and provides a human perspective on one of history's greatest mass migrations and violence.
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Prof Mohan Singh
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Prof Puran Singh
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Amrita Pritam
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H.S Mehboob
D
Correct answer
Explanation
H.S. Mehboob (Harcharan Singh Mehboob) is a prominent Punjabi novelist and short story writer. 'Jhannan Di Raat' (Night of Hell) is one of his notable works that explores the dark realities of rural Punjab and social injustices. His writing often focuses on the marginalized sections of society and the exploitation faced by ordinary people.
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V.S Naipaul
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Monica Ali
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Vikram Seth
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Prakash Nanda
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Two Lives is a memoir by Vikram Seth, published in 2005. It tells the story of his great-uncle Shanti Behari Seth and German-Jewish aunt Henny Caro, exploring their relationship across continents during World War II. The work is a deeply personal family history that also illuminates broader historical events and the impact of war on ordinary lives.
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V. K. Duggal
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Jairam Ramesh
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Dr. I. G. Patel
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Jagmohan
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Jagmohan, a former bureaucrat and Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, authored 'Soul and Structure of Governance in India'. The book examines India's administrative framework and governance challenges. V.K. Duggal, Jairam Ramesh, and Dr. I.G. Patel are not associated with this specific work.
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Arundhati Roy
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Shobha De
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Salman Rushdie
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Bensari Bhutto
A
Correct answer
Explanation
'The Shape of the Beast' is a collection of essays by Arundhati Roy, written between 2001-2007, covering topics like globalization, democracy, and human rights violations. The book presents her critical views on contemporary political and social issues in India and globally.
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Rayor Singh
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L. C. Parathi
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Gharib Khan
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Salman Rushdie
B
Correct answer
Explanation
L. C. Parathi is the author of the book 'Kullu Desh ki Kahani' (Story of Kullu Region). This work focuses on the history, culture, and geography of the Kullu region in Himachal Pradesh. The book provides insights into the local traditions, customs, and development of this Himalayan area.
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Ram Rahul
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Raja Chander
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Raja Sen
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Munshi Premchand
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ram Rahul is the author of the book 'Himalayan Border Land'. The book deals with the geopolitical, cultural, and strategic aspects of the Himalayan border regions. Ram Rahul was a scholar who wrote extensively on Himalayan studies, border issues, and the political geography of India's northern frontiers.
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Norah Richard
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R. K. Kaushal
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R. Parthi
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Amrita Pritam
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Norah Richard is credited as the author of 'Country Life'. The other options - R. K. Kaushal, R. Parthi, and Amrita Pritam - are notable Indian authors but not associated with this specific book.