Indian Literature: Vikram Seth and Anita Desai

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Questions and Answers

What gift did Swami give to Rajam as a farewell?

A copy of Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales (correct)

A model train

A photograph of themselves

A letter of friendship

Which of the following awards has Vikram Seth NOT received?

Booker Prize (correct)

Padma Shri

WH Smith Literary Award

Crossword Book Award

What is the primary theme of Anita Desai's novel 'Clear Light of Day'?

Family relationships (correct)

Romantic love

Political strife

War and peace

In which year did Vikram Seth publish his first book of poetry?

1980 Signup and view all the answers

How many pages long is Vikram Seth's novel 'A Suitable Boy'?

1,349 pages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following books has Anita Desai written?

Fire on the Mountain Signup and view all the answers

What type of stories does Vikram Seth's children's book 'Beastly Tales' consist of?

Stories about animals Signup and view all the answers

Which notable event in Vikram Seth's career helped him gain public recognition?

Publication of 'A Suitable Boy' Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurs in Gora's life?

His religion rejects him. Signup and view all the answers

What notable recognition was Sarojini Naidu known for?

First Indian woman to serve as a governor. Signup and view all the answers

What title is often associated with Sarojini Naidu due to her poetic contributions?

The Nightingale of India Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about Sarojini Naidu's poetry style?

She combined British Romanticism with Indian nationalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which book includes the poem 'In the Bazaars of Hyderabad'?

The Bird of Time Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of the poem 'The Gift of India' in Sarojini Naidu's collection?

Critique of British imperialism. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Edmund Gosse play in Naidu's literary career?

He introduced her first book. Signup and view all the answers

What was the last book of new poems published during Sarojini Naidu's lifetime?

The Broken Wing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme of the novel?

The importance of family Signup and view all the answers

In which order is the narrative presented in the novel?

Adulthood, adolescence, childhood, final adult perspective Signup and view all the answers

Who is taking care of the autistic brother Baba?

Bimla Signup and view all the answers

What event prompts the conversation between Tara and Bim?

Raja's daughter's wedding Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tara marry Bakul?

To escape her family dynamics Signup and view all the answers

What is Raja's fascination that attracts the landlord's attention?

Urdu poetry Signup and view all the answers

What tragic fate befalls Aunt Mira?

She dies of alcoholism Signup and view all the answers

Which character wishes to be a mother but faces ridicule?

Tara Signup and view all the answers

Which playwright's work primarily focuses on contemporary themes in Marathi literature?

Vijay Tendulkar Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme addressed in Mahesh Dattani's plays?

Religious tensions and identity Signup and view all the answers

What significant award did Mahesh Dattani receive for his contributions to English literature?

Sahitya Akademi Award Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the contributions of Indian writers in English?

Reflected a diverse range of Indian society and culture Signup and view all the answers

Who is the historical figure depicted in Girish Karnad's play 'Tughlaq'?

Muḥammad ibn Tughluq Signup and view all the answers

What led to the wrongful accusation of Velutha?

Baby Kochamma's desire to protect herself. Signup and view all the answers

How does Velutha ultimately die?

Due to injuries sustained from a severe beating. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Estha and Rahel at the end of the novel?

They engage in a romantic relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What action does Ammu take after Sophie's funeral?

She goes to the police to tell the truth. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Baby Kochamma's manipulation have on Estha and Rahel?

They are convinced they are responsible for Sophie's death. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant theme highlighted in the ending of the novel?

The inevitability of death and loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which character is ultimately responsible for Ammu being kicked out of the house?

Baby Kochamma. Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement that Estha and Rahel's shared night was filled with 'hideous grief' suggest?

Their connection is marked by a deep emotional trauma. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vikram Seth

Born June 20, 1952
Indian novelist and poet
Notable poetry collections include "Mappings" and "Beastly Tales"
Published eight books of poetry and three novels
"A Suitable Boy" propelled him into the limelight.
"An Equal Music" deals with a violinist's troubled love life.
"Two Lives" is a memoir about his great-uncle and aunt's marriage.

Anita Desai

Born June 24, 1937
Indian novelist and Emerita John E.Burchard Professor of Humanities at MIT
Shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times
Won the Sahitya Akademi Award for "Fire on the Mountain" in 1978
Won the British Guardian Prize for "The Village by the Sea" in 1983
Known for works like "The Peacock," "Voices in the City," "Fire on the Mountain," and "Games at Twilight."
On the advisory board of the Lalit Kala Akademi and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
"Clear Light of Day" explores the life of the Das family in Old Delhi.

Sarojini Naidu

Born February 13, 1879, died March 2, 1949
Indian political activist and poet
Former Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
Played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement.
First Indian woman to be president of the Indian National Congress and a state governor.
Recognized as the "Nightingale of India" for her poetry.
"The Golden Threshold" is her first collection of poems.
"The Bird of Time" is her second and most nationalist book of poems.
"The Broken Wing" includes "The Gift of India" and "Awake!" poems.

"Clear Light of Day"

Set primarily in Old Delhi, the novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, childhood, and women's roles.
Covers four sections of the Das family's lives: adulthood, adolescence and early adulthood, childhood, and a return to adulthood.
The novel tells the story of the Das family who have grown apart with adulthood
The story begins with Tara, whose husband Bakul is India's ambassador to the US. She meets her sister Bimla who lives in their Old Delhi home, teaching history and caring for their autistic brother Baba.
Raja, their brother who lives in Hyderabad, is mentioned in their conversation.
The first section ends with the sisters visiting their neighbors, the Misras.

"The God of Small Things"

Set in Ayemenem, Kerala, it explores the stories of the twins, Estha and Rahel, and Ammu, their mother.
The story unravels as the twins, now adults, reunite after years apart.
The novel touches upon themes of caste, class, identity, and the influence of colonialism.
The twins are haunted by their past and the death of Sophie, their cousin.

Girish Karnad

Known for his plays that use mythology and history.
"Yayati" established his usage of these themes.
"Tughlaq" tells the story of the 14th-century sultan Muḥammad ibn Tughluq.

Vijay Tendulkar

Leading Indian playwright, movie and television writer, literary essayist, political journalist, and social commentator.
Known for his plays in Marathi.
Famous for "Shantata!Court Chalu Aahe" (1967), "Ghāshirām Kotwāl" (1972), and "Sakhārām Binder" (1972)

Mahesh Dattani

Indian director, actor, playwright, and writer.
Known for plays like "Final Solutions," "Dance Like a Man," "Bravely Fought the Queen," "On a Muggy Night in Mumbai," "Tara," "Thirty Days in September," and "The Big Fat City."
First playwright in English to be awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award.
His plays addressed themes of religious tensions, gender roles, and identity.

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Description

Explore the works and contributions of two prominent Indian authors, Vikram Seth and Anita Desai. This quiz covers their major literary achievements, themes, and noteworthy publications, providing insights into their impact on Indian literature.