Indian Literature, Right from the Start Quiz

Answer: Bharatendu Harishchandra

Bharatendu Harishchandra (1850-1885) is celebrated as the father of modern Hindi literature for his pioneering contributions to Hindi prose, poetry, and drama. Living during a time of cultural and political awakening in colonial India, he used literature as a tool for social reform and national consciousness. His writings addressed pressing issues like poverty, women's education, and colonial exploitation, blending traditional themes with modern sensibilities.

He was instrumental in transitioning Hindi from a primarily poetic language to one capable of expressing complex ideas in prose. His plays and essays laid the foundation for modern Hindi journalism and theatrical expression. Bharatendu also promoted the use of Khari Boli Hindi, helping standardize it as the literary language of North India. Through his editorial work and literary output, he inspired a generation of writers and thinkers, making him a central figure in the evolution of Hindi as a vibrant, modern literary medium.

Answer: False

The line "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" is from John Keats's poem Endymion, written in 1818. Keats, a central figure of the English Romantic movement, emphasized beauty, nature, and emotion in his work. This particular line has become iconic for its celebration of enduring aesthetic pleasure.

In Indian literary circles, the line is sometimes misattributed due to its thematic resonance with Indian poetic traditions. Poets like Toru Dutt and Sarojini Naidu, though Indian, were deeply influenced by Romantic ideals - Dutt through her translations and mythological themes, and Naidu through her lyrical style and nature imagery. Their works reflect the Romantic spirit, but the quoted line remains distinctly Keatsian.

Answer: Rabindranath Tagore

"Gora" is a Bengali novel by Rabindranath Tagore, published in 1910, that delves into themes of identity, nationalism, and religious orthodoxy in colonial India. The narrative centers on Gora, a devout Hindu whose deeply held beliefs are upended by startling revelations about his origins.

As Gora grapples with questions of faith, caste, and belonging, Tagore uses his journey to critique the rigid social hierarchies of the time and advocate for a more inclusive, humanistic worldview. Rich in philosophical depth and cultural insight, Gora remains one of Tagore's most influential prose works, reflecting his vision of unity beyond religious and societal divisions.

Answer: Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 marked a historic moment as he was the first non-European laureate, recognized for his profound and lyrical work "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings). This collection, originally written in Bengali and translated into English by Tagore himself, captivated Western audiences with its spiritual depth, philosophical introspection, and poetic grace. The poems reflect themes of divine love, human connection, and the eternal search for truth, drawing heavily from Indian devotional traditions like Bhakti and Upanishadic thought. Tagore's writing bridged cultural divides, offering a glimpse into India's rich literary and spiritual heritage at a time when Eastern voices were rarely heard on global platforms.

His Nobel win not only elevated Indian literature on the world stage but also inspired generations of writers and thinkers to embrace cross-cultural dialogue and artistic expression rooted in their own traditions.

Answer: Jaishankar Prasad

"Kamayani" is a landmark Hindi epic poem by Jaishankar Prasad, published in 1936, and widely regarded as a cornerstone of modern Hindi literature. Prasad, one of the pioneers of the Chhayavaad (romanticism) era, crafted this philosophical work in verse using the mythological story of Manu and Shraddha to explore the evolution of human consciousness and emotion. Each chapter is named after a human emotion or mental state - such as Shraddha (faith), Icha (desire), or Krodh (anger)-and reflects on how these forces shape human destiny. Through rich symbolism and lyrical language, Prasad delves into the tension between reason and emotion, action and contemplation. "Kamayani" remains celebrated for its poetic beauty and introspective depth, bridging mythology with modern existential themes.

Answer: Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

Ramdhari Singh Dinkar was a towering figure in modern Hindi literature, renowned for his powerful poetry that blended nationalism, mythology, and philosophical depth. He wrote Rashmirathi in 1952, a celebrated epic poem centered on Karna, the tragic hero of the Mahabharata. Dinkar chose Karna to explore themes of honor, destiny, and social injustice, portraying him as a symbol of resilience and dignity despite rejection and hardship.

The poem is written in a lyrical, evocative style that combines classical Sanskrit influence with modern Hindi expression. Dinkar's portrayal of Karna resonated deeply with readers, especially in post-independence India, where questions of identity and justice were paramount.

His literary mastery and emotional intensity made Rashmirathi a landmark in Hindi poetry, and it remains one of his most influential works.

Answer: Khushwant Singh

Khushwant Singh's "Train to Pakistan", published in 1956, is a powerful narrative set during the traumatic Partition of India in 1947. The novel centers on the fictional village of Mano Majra, located near the newly drawn India-Pakistan border. Initially peaceful and harmonious, the village becomes engulfed in communal tensions as political decisions lead to violence and displacement. Singh masterfully captures the human cost of Partition-not through sweeping historical accounts, but through intimate portrayals of ordinary lives disrupted by hatred and fear.

The arrival of a ghostly train carrying corpses becomes a chilling symbol of the tragedy. With stark realism and emotional depth, the novel explores themes of identity, morality, and sacrifice, making it one of the most poignant literary reflections on one of South Asia's darkest chapters.

Answer: The Satanic Verses

"The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie was banned in India in 1988 due to its alleged blasphemous content, particularly its portrayal of elements inspired by Islamic history. The novel triggered widespread protests across several countries, igniting fierce debates on religious sensitivity and freedom of expression.

The controversy escalated when Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie's death, forcing the author into hiding for years under police protection. Despite the backlash, the book - published in 1988 - remains a landmark in postcolonial literature and a symbol of the global struggle between artistic freedom and censorship.

Answer: Vikram Seth

Vikram Seth's "A Suitable Boy", published in 1993, is a monumental novel set in post-independence India, weaving together personal and political narratives. At its heart is Lata Mehra, a young woman navigating family expectations and romantic choices as she searches for a suitable husband.

Her journey unfolds against a backdrop of religious tensions, land reforms, and the first general elections, capturing the complexities of a newly independent nation. The novel spans multiple families and regions, offering a panoramic view of Indian society. With over 1,300 pages, it remains one of the longest single-volume novels ever published, celebrated for its depth and detail.

Answer: Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things" won the Booker Prize in 1997, making her the first Indian woman to receive the honor. Set in Kerala, the novel intricately weaves the story of fraternal twins Estha and Rahel, whose lives are shaped by rigid caste norms, family secrets, and a tragic love affair. Roy's prose is poetic and nonlinear, blending memory and narrative with striking imagery.

The book critiques social injustice and explores how "small things" - moments, decisions, emotions - can have lasting consequences.

Its success catapulted Roy to international fame and remains a landmark in Indian English literature.