Indian Literary Figures: Naidu and Ramanujan

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Questions and Answers

What role did Naidu hold in 1925?

Governor of the United Provinces

President of the Indian National Congress (correct)

Poet laureate of India

Suffragist in Britain

Which of the following themes is present in Naidu's poetry?

Patriotism and tragedy (correct)

Nature and exploration

Romantic love and relationships

Urban modernity and technology

What nickname did Gandhi give to Naidu?

The Nightingale of India (correct)

The Lady of Lights

The Poet of the South

The Guardian of Heritage

Where was Naidu born?

Hyderabad Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary setting of the poem 'In the Bazaars of Hyderabad'?

A bustling market Signup and view all the answers

What is the central concern of the girl in the poem who goes to fetch water?

Her fear of the dark and dangers Signup and view all the answers

Which movement influenced Naidu's political career?

The Indian independence movement Signup and view all the answers

What kind of education did Naidu receive?

Higher education in various global locations Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Gentlemen's morals' refer to in the context?

Traditional Indian values Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker perceive marital relationships?

As spiritually holy bonds for procreation Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker's reference to 'hunger on the street' symbolize?

His suppressed sexual desires Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately causes the speaker to yield to his sexual urges?

The seductive approach of a woman Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized by the speaker's struggle with his desires?

The inner turmoil of a conformist Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker's heritage influence his perspective on sexual relationships?

It discourages casual encounters. Signup and view all the answers

What literary technique is A.K. Ramanujan noted for in his writing?

Economy, precision, and simplicity Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme does the speaker's experience with sexual desire convey?

The triumph of personal desires over societal values Signup and view all the answers

What honorific title was awarded to Ramanujan by the government of India in 1976?

Padma Sri Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme of Ramanujan's poetry as described in the outline?

The conflict between modern views and conservative traditions Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the book 'The Striders', which contains 'Still Another View of Grace', published?

1966 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the speaker's feelings towards physical love in the poem?

A strong conflict between desire and social morals Signup and view all the answers

The speaker of the poem is primarily influenced by what aspect of his background?

His Brahminical family background Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'commandments crumbled' signify in the context of the poem?

The collapse of moral values Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker suggest about following a gentleman's morals?

It is unnecessary and overly formal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best captures the speaker's initial approach to desire and relationships?

He experiences hesitation and conflict before acting. Signup and view all the answers

What element does the passage suggest is necessary for writing to be considered genuine poetry?

Natural blending of matter and verse Signup and view all the answers

When did Sri Aurobindo write the works mentioned in the outline of the poem?

1898 to 1901 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the essays included in Early Cultural Writings?

Literature, schooling, and art Signup and view all the answers

How does the passage describe the relationship between sound and emotion in poetry?

There is a preordained identity between sound and emotion Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of the Early Cultural Writings content was published while Sri Aurobindo was alive?

About three-fifths Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what should writing ideally do for the reader?

Engage the reader's emotions and interests Signup and view all the answers

What did Sri Aurobindo include in the footnotes of his manuscript?

Unpublished writings and additional thoughts Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a characteristic that differentiates poetry from prose?

Emotional resonance and expressive language Signup and view all the answers

What does the author compare religious growth to?

A seed turning into a plant Signup and view all the answers

What does the author feel about those who wish to protect their own religion at all costs?

They are detrimental to religious unity. Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, what will soon be written on the flag of every religion?

Help and not Fight Signup and view all the answers

What stance does the author take on individuals converting from one religion to another?

They should remain in their own faith. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Ruskin Bond's notable achievements?

Receiving the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan Signup and view all the answers

What theme is prevalent in the concept of the 'Parliament of Religions' as mentioned by the author?

Unity and respect among various religions Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does the author draw about the evolution of religious beliefs?

They must remain distinct yet respectful. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe the interaction of elements in religious growth?

They combine to support individual growth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sarojini Naidu

First Indian woman to be president of the Indian National Congress and appointed as governor of a state
Born in a Bengali family in Hyderabad, educated in Madras, London & Cambridge
Worked as a suffragist in Britain
Joined the Congress party, a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and his independence movement
Became Congress president in 1925, appointed governor of the United Provinces in 1947
Known as the "Nightingale of India" for her poetry
Wrote children's poetry as well as poems on themes of patriotism and tragedy
"In the Bazaars of Hyderabad" (1912) is one of her most popular poems

A.K. Ramanujan

Instrumental in shaping the South Asian Studies program at the University of Chicago
Worked in the departments of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, Linguistics, and the Committee on Social Thought.
Awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India in 1976
Received a MacArthur Fellowship in 1983

Still Another View of Grace

Illustrates conflict between modern Western views and conservative Indian beliefs
Focuses on the mental struggle of the modern, liberal Indian mind
The speaker grapples with their strong physical desire for sex while holding conservative cultural beliefs and traditions rooted in their Brahminical background
The poem suggests that the speaker’s sexual desires are powerful and difficult
The poem shows the speaker's internal conflict between wanting to satisfy his physical desire and following traditional societal rules and morals

Sri Aurobindo

Author of “Poetry" and "Characteristics of Augustan Poetry", both lectures about poetry and literature written while working as a professor at Baroda College (1898-1901)
Lectures were based on required readings for the English B.A. examination at Bombay University
His works explored poetry and its creation as a blend of ideas, emotion, and diction

Ruskin Bond

Indian author of British descent
Born in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh on May 19, 1934
Famous for stories set in the Indian hills and mountains
Author of over 100 novels, essays, and short story collections
Some of his most famous works include, “The Blue Umbrella,” “A Flight of Pigeons,” “A Handful of Nuts,” and “The Room on the Roof”
Received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan from the government of India

The Eyes Are Not Here

Focuses on Rohana's journey at the railway station
Rohana travels alone and her parents express their worry about her safety

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Description

Explore the lives and contributions of Sarojini Naidu and A.K. Ramanujan, two prominent figures in Indian literature and activism. Learn about Naidu's role in the Indian independence movement and her poetic acclaim, as well as Ramanujan's influence in South Asian studies. This quiz covers significant milestones and works related to their legacies.