UGC NET English Dec 2024 Question Paper: 24 Must Know Questions on Indian Writing in English
- Nerd's Table
- May 3
- 17 min read
Updated: May 5
The UGC NET English Dec 2024 Question Paper: 24 Must Know Questions on Indian Writing in English clearly reinforces a pattern long observed in recent NTA examinations — Indian Writing in English is not a peripheral topic, but a central one. With 24 questions directly drawn from this area, it is evident that aspirants must engage with this segment in a detailed, structured, and consistent manner.
From classical texts to postcolonial theory, from well-known authors like Raja Rao, Anita Desai, and R. K. Narayan to culturally significant works by Dalit and regional voices like Bama, Om Prakash Valmiki, and Urmila Pawar, the paper covered a wide spectrum. It also tested candidates on chronological awareness, match-the-following accuracy, and critical-theoretical understanding of Indian-origin contributions to literature and culture.
For serious aspirants, this section offers a scoring opportunity, provided it is revised smartly. The questions below have been extracted directly from the Dec 2024 paper, making them ideal for last-minute review and diary notes.
Use them to test your retention, sharpen your recall, and track key author-text relationships that are most likely to reappear. Read full in depth analysis of UGC NET English Dec 2024 Question Paper on Indian Writing in English.
Question 26
Identify the ones which are matched correctly.
Barbara Christian: "The Race for Theory"
Alfred W. Crosby: "Unhiding the Hidden"
Paul Carter: "Naming Place"
Graham Huggan: "Ecological Imperialism"
Thomas B Macaulay: "Minutes on Indian Education"
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A and B only
A, C and E only
C and D only
D and E only
Explanations
Answer: 2. A, C and E only
Correct Matches:
A. Barbara Christian – "The Race for Theory" ✔️ A seminal essay critiquing abstract and inaccessible literary theory, emphasizing Black feminist thought and the need for inclusive, grounded scholarship.
C. Paul Carter – "Naming Place" ✔️ Carter explores colonial narratives and spatial politics in his work on how place and identity are constructed through naming and storytelling.
E. Thomas B. Macaulay – "Minutes on Indian Education" ✔️ A colonial policy document (1835) advocating for English education in India, shaping British educational policy during the Raj.
🔸 Incorrect Matches:
B. Alfred W. Crosby – "Unhiding the Hidden" ❌ This is not a known work by Crosby. He is best known for "Ecological Imperialism" and "The Columbian Exchange".
D. Graham Huggan – "Ecological Imperialism" ❌ This is a work by Alfred W. Crosby, not Huggan. Graham Huggan is known for "The Postcolonial Exotic" and works on green postcolonialism.
Question 27
Which of the following texts has been written by Rabindranath Tagore?
Tiger-Claw
Chandalika
A Touch of Brightness
Image Breakers
Explanations
Answer: 2. Chandalika
Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Laureate and one of India's greatest literary figures, wrote Chandalika in 1938 as a dance drama based on a Buddhist legend.
The story centers on a Dalit girl (Chandalini) who is transformed by the compassion of a Buddhist monk.
It addresses caste discrimination, self-worth, and spiritual awakening.
Tagore used this platform to promote social equality and inner liberation.
🔸 Why Others Are Incorrect:
Tiger-Claw – Written by Kalki Krishnamurthy, a Tamil historical novelist.
A Touch of Brightness – Written by Girish Karnad, it focuses on prostitution in Bombay.
Image Breakers – Written by Mahesh Elkunchwar, a modern Marathi playwright.
Question 28
Arrange the following texts in chronological order of their year of publication:
Coolie
The Big Heart
The Village
Two Leaves and a Bud
Seven Summers
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
D, C, B, A, E
E, A, B, C, D
A, B, C, D, E
A, D, C, B, E
Explanations
Answer: 4. A, D, C, B, E
Mulk Raj Anand (1905–2004) was a pioneering Indian writer in English, known for his realistic and compassionate portrayal of the poor and oppressed in Indian society. Alongside Raja Rao and R.K. Narayan, he helped establish the English-language novel in Indian literature.
Untouchable – 1935
Coolie – 1936
Two Leaves and a Bud – 1937
The Village – 1939
Lament on the Death of a Master of Arts – 1939
Across the Black Waters – 1939
The Sword and the Sickle – 1942
The Big Heart – 1945
Seven Summers: The Story of an Indian Childhood – 1951
The Private Life of an Indian Prince – 1953
The Old Woman and the Cow – 1960
The Road – 1961
Death of a Hero: Epitaph for Maqbool Sherwani – 1964
Morning Face – 1968
Question 29
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
LIST-I (Text) | LIST-II (Author) |
A. Autobiography of an Unknown Indian | I. Dom Moraes |
B. My Son's Father | II. A. S. Iyenger |
C. All through the Gandhian Era | III. Sasthi Brata |
D. My God Died Young | IV. Nirad C. Chaudhary |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
Explanations
Answer: 3. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
A. Autobiography of an Unknown Indian → Nirad C. Chaudhuri: A classic and controversial autobiographical work exploring Indian identity, colonialism, and culture.
B. My Son’s Father → Dom Moraes: A memoir by the Indian poet and writer, reflecting on his family and personal growth.
C. All through the Gandhian Era → A. S. Iyengar: A first-hand political account reflecting on India’s freedom struggle and Gandhi's impact.
D. My God Died Young → Sasthi Brata: A confessional and rebellious autobiography, exploring existential angst, family conflict, and alienation.
Question 30
Who has written The Life Divine?
Dante
Emerson
Sri Aurobindo
Jayant Mahapatra
Explanations
Answer: 3. Sri Aurobindo
The Life Divine is the philosophical magnum opus of Sri Aurobindo, originally serialized in Arya (1914–1919).
The book presents a vision of spiritual evolution, where human life is capable of transformation into divine life.
It integrates Vedantic metaphysics with modern scientific thought, aiming to reconcile matter and spirit.
Sri Aurobindo was not just a philosopher but also a poet, yogi, and freedom fighter. His writings have had a profound influence on Indian spiritual and philosophical discourse.
Question 31
In which year was Raja Rao's Kanthapura published?
1938
1960
1965
1947
Explanations
Answer: 1. 1938
Raja Rao’s Kanthapura was first published in 1938 in London by Allen & Unwin. It is one of the earliest Indian English novels to gain international literary recognition.
🔹 Key Features of Kanthapura:
A Gandhian novel, portraying how the Indian freedom movement affects a small South Indian village.
Narrated by an old woman named Achakka, in an oral storytelling style that blends myth, folklore, and politics.
It reflects Indian sensibilities while using English language structure influenced by native idioms.
Question 32
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
LIST-I (Text) | LIST-II (Author) |
A. Nala and Damavanti | I. Sri Aurobindo |
B. Javadeva | II. Vasudeva Rao |
C. The Viziers of Bassora | III. P. A. Krishnaswamy |
D. The Flute of Krishna | IV. Harindranath |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
Explanations
Answer: 2. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
A. Nala and Damayanti → Vasudeva Rao: A dramatic poem based on an episode from the Mahabharata, adapted by Vasudeva Rao.
B. Javadeva → Harindranath: Harindranath Chattopadhyay wrote this verse drama, inspired by the legendary Sanskrit poet Jayadeva.
C. The Viziers of Bassora → Sri Aurobindo: A blank verse play based on a tale from the Arabian Nights, written by Sri Aurobindo.
D. The Flute of Krishna → P. A. Krishnaswamy: A poetic and symbolic play focusing on devotion and divine love, authored by P. A. Krishnaswamy.
Question 33
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
LIST-I (Author) | LIST-II (Text) |
A. Manohar Malgonkar | I. The Weird Dance and Other Stories |
B. Chaman Nahal | II. The Survivor |
C. Ruskin Bond | III. Rumble Tumble |
D. Arun Joshi | IV. Neighbour's Wife and Other Stories |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
Explanations
Answer: 1. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
This question maps prominent Indian English fiction writers to their notable collections of short stories or fiction.
A. Manohar Malgonkar → Rumble Tumble: Known for his military and political themes, Rumble Tumble is one of his short story collections.
B. Chaman Nahal → The Weird Dance and Other Stories: This collection reflects partition themes, social change, and human dilemmas.
C. Ruskin Bond → Neighbour’s Wife and Other Stories: A master of the short story format, Ruskin Bond’s stories reflect the simplicity and depth of everyday Indian life.
D. Arun Joshi → The Survivor: A psychological and existential narrative, typical of Arun Joshi's introspective storytelling style.
Question 34
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
LIST-I (Text) | LIST-II (Author) |
A. The Golden Light | I. Toru Dutt |
B. The Lotus | II. Sarojini Naidu |
C. Indian Dancers | III. Henry Derozio |
D. The Harp of India | IV. Sri Aurobindo |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
Explanations
Answer: 4. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
A. The Golden Light → Sri Aurobindo: A spiritual and philosophical poem by Sri Aurobindo, reflecting his vision of divine consciousness and transformation.
B. The Lotus → Toru Dutt: A symbolic poem by Toru Dutt, where the lotus flower is idealized as the queen of flowers, blending Eastern and Western poetic traditions.
C. Indian Dancers → Sarojini Naidu: Known as the “Nightingale of India,” Sarojini Naidu celebrates grace, beauty, and culture in this lyrical depiction of traditional dancers.
D. The Harp of India → Henry Derozio: A patriotic sonnet mourning the neglect of Indian poetry, Derozio calls for the revival of India’s literary voice.
Question 35
Which of the following works of R. K. Narayan were published after independence?
The Dark Room
The English Teacher
The Financial Expert
Swami and Friends
The Guide
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A aud B only
B and D only
C and E only
A and D only
Explanations
Answer: 3. C and E only
🔹 Publication Timeline:
A. The Dark Room – 1938 ❌ (Before independence)
B. The English Teacher – 1945 ❌ (Before independence)
C. The Financial Expert – 1952 ✅ (After independence)
D. Swami and Friends – 1935 ❌ (Before independence)
E. The Guide – 1958 ✅ (After independence)
Question 36
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
LIST-I (Text) | LIST-II (Author) |
A. My Days with Gandhi | I. D. K. Roy |
B. Among the Great | II. N. K. Basu |
C. Life of Sri Aurobindo | III. Krishna Kripalani |
D. Rabindranath Tagore | IV. A. B. Purani |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
A-III, В-II, C-I, D-IV
A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
Explanations
Answer: 4. A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
This question tests your knowledge of biographical and memoir literature by prominent Indian authors.
A. My Days with Gandhi → N. K. Basu: A first-hand account and reflective memoir by N. K. Basu, who was closely associated with Gandhi.
B. Among the Great → D. K. Roy: A collection of personal experiences and encounters with great personalities written by D. K. Roy.
C. Life of Sri Aurobindo → A. B. Purani: A comprehensive biography of Sri Aurobindo, written by his close disciple A. B. Purani.
D. Rabindranath Tagore → Krishna Kripalani: An authoritative and accessible biography of Tagore, written by Krishna Kripalani, a noted scholar and writer.
Question 37
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
LIST-I (Author) | LIST-II (Text) |
A. Kamala Markandeya | I. The Grip of Change |
B. P. Sivakami | II. The Enchanted Fruit |
C. Anita Desai | III. Possession |
D. Raj Lakshmi Debi | IV. Cry, the Peacock |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A-III, B-I. C-IV, D-II
A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
A-II, B-III, C-I. D-IV
Explanations
Answer: 1. A-III, B-I. C-IV, D-II
This question matches Indian English women writers with their significant literary works.
A. Kamala Markandeya → Possession: A novel exploring cross-cultural tensions, gender roles, and spiritual exploitation through the story of an Indian boy and his English patroness.
B. P. Sivakami → The Grip of Change: A powerful Dalit feminist novel, originally written in Tamil and translated into English, addressing caste, gender, and social reform.
C. Anita Desai → Cry, the Peacock: Her debut novel, a psychological exploration of a woman's inner turmoil and descent into madness.
D. Raj Lakshmi Debi → The Enchanted Fruit: An early Indian English novelist and one of the first Indian women writers in English; this work deals with domestic and cultural themes.
Question 38
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
LIST-I (Author) | LIST-II (Text) |
A. Basudev Sunani | I. Karukku |
B. Om Prakash Valmiki | II. Weave of My Life |
C. Bama | III. Cast Out |
D. Urmila Pawar | IV. Joothan |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
Explanations
Answer: 2. A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
This question revolves around well-known Dalit autobiographies and writings in Indian literature.
A. Basudev Sunani → Cast Out: A Dalit poet and writer from Odisha, his works focus on caste oppression. Cast Out is a representative collection of Dalit writings featuring his work.
B. Om Prakash Valmiki → Joothan: Joothan is his powerful autobiography, depicting the harsh realities of being a Dalit in post-independence India.
C. Bama → Karukku: A Tamil Dalit Christian woman writer, Bama’s Karukku is a landmark autobiographical work exploring caste and gender discrimination.
D. Urmila Pawar → Weave of My Life: A Marathi writer and activist, her Weave of My Life is a feminist-Dalit narrative intertwining personal and political experiences.
Question 39
Which of the given statements are correct?
Omprakash Valmiki's Joothan is a novel.
Joothan represents the Dalit Valmiki community in critical light.
Joothan enumerates the difficulties of being a Dalit in independent India.
Joothan was translated into English by Arun Prabha Das.
Joothan critiques the upper castes.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A, B and C only
B, D and E only
B, C and E only
C, D and E only
Explanations
Answer: 3. B, C and E only
A. Incorrect – Joothan is not a novel, but an autobiography.
B. Correct – It critically reflects on the condition of the Valmiki community, a Dalit caste.
C. Correct – It vividly describes the systemic oppression and hardships faced by Dalits in independent India.
D. Incorrect – Joothan was translated into English by Arun Prabha Mukherjee, not Arun Prabha Das.
E. Correct – The text openly critiques the caste system and upper-caste hegemony.
Question 40
Arrange the following works in the chronological order of their year of publication:
S. Menon Marath's The Wound of Spring
Humayun Kabir's Men and Rivers
Anand Lall's The House at Adampur
Sudhindra N. Ghose's The Vermillion Boat
Ved Mehta's Delinquent Chacha
Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
E, D, C, B, A
B, D, C, A, E
A, B, C, D, E
D, C, B, A, E
Explanations
Answer: 2. B, D, C, A, E
🔹 Chronological Sequence with Years:
B. Men and Rivers – 1945 📚 A novel that examines communal harmony and conflict in Bengal during the pre-independence period.
D. The Vermillion Boat – 1953 📚 Part of a tetralogy exploring childhood and exile, written by Sudhindra Nath Ghose.
C. The House at Adampur – 1956 📚 A semi-autobiographical novel focusing on life in colonial India.
A. The Wound of Spring – 1960 📚 A novel dealing with existential themes and psychological conflict.
E. Delinquent Chacha – 1966 📚 A humorous yet poignant novella by Ved Mehta, part of his memoir-like prose works.
Question 41
Which of the following statements are true about A. K. Ramanujan?
He is a poet of the sixties.
His poetry draws his sustenance from his awareness of Hindu heritage.
He has poor sense of rhythm
His verse poorly utilises Akam constructed techniques.
He utilises Akam constructed techniques in his poetry.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
C, D and E only
A, B and E only
B, C and D only
B, D and E only
Explanations
Answer: 2. A, B and E only
🔹 Correct Statements:
A. Poet of the sixties ✅ His poetic debut in English came with The Striders (1966), placing him among the 1960s generation of modern Indian English poets.
B. Hindu heritage ✅ His work often reflects his deep engagement with Hindu mythology, rituals, and cultural memory, offering layered interpretations of identity and tradition.
E. Akam techniques ✅ Ramanujan, a scholar of classical Tamil literature, adopted Akam techniques (subjective, personal interior landscapes) in his poetry—particularly in portraying emotions, inner conflict, and intimate relationships.
🔸 Incorrect Statements:
C. Poor sense of rhythm ❌ This is incorrect—his poetry is praised for its economy of expression, lyrical quality, and subtle rhythmic control.
D. Poor use of Akam techniques ❌ On the contrary, he is known for skillfully employing these techniques.
Question 42
Who among the following has written the poem, "Jejuri”?
Michael Madhusudan Dutt
Kamla Das
Arun Kolatkar
Toru Dutt
Explanations
Answer: 3. Arun Kolatkar
Arun Kolatkar is the author of Jejuri (1976), a modern Indian poetry collection in English that won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize.
The collection is based on Kolatkar’s visit to the pilgrimage town of Jejuri in Maharashtra.
It reflects spiritual skepticism, urban alienation, and a blend of irony and devotion.
The poems are noted for their minimalist style, vivid imagery, and unique tone that questions blind faith while appreciating cultural rootedness.
📌 The poem "The Bus", the opening piece, sets the tone for the entire collection’s journey between spiritual inquiry and mundane reality.
🔸 Why the Others Are Incorrect:
Michael Madhusudan Dutt – Known for Meghnad Badh Kavya in Bengali, not Jejuri.
Kamla Das – Famous for confessional poetry like An Introduction, but not related to Jejuri.
Toru Dutt – Wrote Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan, died long before Jejuri was written.
Question 43
Which of the following is not matched correctly?
Ira De: The Hunt and Other Poems
Margaret Chatterjee: The Spring and the Spectacle
Tapati Mookerji: The Golden Road to Samerkhand
Tilottama Ranjan: Poems of Govindagraj
Explanations
Answer: 4. Tilottama Ranjan: Poems of Govindagraj
Ram Ganesh Gadkari (1885–1919): Notable Marathi Poet, Playwright, and Humorist. Ram Ganesh Gadkari was a prominent figure in the new age of transformation in Marathi literature during the early 20th century. He contributed in three distinct literary styles:
As "Govindagraj" – He wrote poetry under this pen name.
As "Balakram" – He published humorous articles using this name.
Under his real name – He authored dramas and plays.
Major Works:
Ekach Pyala (One Drink Only) – A social play highlighting the tragedy of alcoholism
Prema Sanyas – Reflects on renunciation in love
Bhava Bandhan – A drama exploring emotional and familial ties
Ira De is an Indian poet recognized for her contributions to English-language poetry in the mid-20th century. Her collection, The Hunt and Other Poems, was first published in 1961 by Writers Workshop, India, with a revised edition released in 1968.
Notable Work: The Hunt and Other Poems (1961; revised edition 1968): A collection of poems reflecting the literary trends of that era.
Margaret Chatterjee was a distinguished philosopher and academic, serving as a professor at the University of Delhi from 1977 to 1990. Her extensive body of work spans philosophical discourse and in-depth studies on Mahatma Gandhi's religious thought.
Notable Works:
Towards the Sun (1970)
Spring and the Spectacle (1967)
The Rimless World (1987)
Gandhi's Religious Thought (1983)
Contemporary Indian Philosophy (1974)
Sound of Wings (1968)
Existentialist Outlook (1973)
Religious Spectrum (1984)
Gandhi and the Challenge of Religious Diversity: Religious Pluralism Revisited (2005)
The Philosophy of Nikunja Vihari Banerjee (Editor, 1990)
Tapati Mookerji is an Indian poet known for her evocative and diverse poetry. Her collection, The Golden Road to Samarkand, published in 1967, encompasses themes of nostalgia, humor, and pathos, and includes a few translations.
In the UGC NET Dec 2024 Exam, there are a total of 5 questions on Indian Origin Literary Criticism, Theories, and Culture Studies in Indian Writing in English.
Question 44
Who said “The introduction of foreigners does not necessarily destroy the nation, they merge in”
Frantz Fanon
Leopold Seughor
Sri Aurobindo
M. K. Gandhi
Explanations
Answer: 4. M. K. Gandhi
This quote reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s inclusive vision of nationhood, where cultural assimilation and integration are possible without the loss of national identity.
Gandhi believed that foreigners, when assimilated peacefully, could strengthen rather than weaken a nation.
This view aligns with his broader philosophy of nonviolence (Ahimsa), pluralism, and universal brotherhood.
He often argued that India's strength lay in its ability to absorb influences from different cultures, religions, and races without losing its core values.
🔸 Why the Others Are Incorrect:
Frantz Fanon – Focused on violent decolonization and racial identity, not cultural merging.
Leopold Senghor – Advocated Negritude and African identity, but not this statement.
Sri Aurobindo – Emphasized spiritual nationalism, but this quote is not attributed to him.
Question 45
The author of "The Politics of Translation" and translator of Mahashweta Devi's "Stanadayini" is:
Homi Bhabha
Jhumpa Lahuri
Gayatri C. Spivak
Tejaswini Niranjana
Explanations
Answer: 3. Gayatri C. Spivak
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, a renowned postcolonial theorist, is the author of the influential essay "The Politics of Translation" (1992), where she critiques the power dynamics and cultural implications of translation, especially in representing subaltern voices.
She is also the translator of Mahasweta Devi’s Bengali story "Stanadayini" (The Breast-Giver), providing both a translation and a critical introduction that contextualizes the story through feminist and postcolonial lenses.
🔸 Why Others Are Incorrect:
Homi Bhabha – Known for concepts like hybridity and third space, but not associated with this work.
Jhumpa Lahiri – A fiction writer and recent translator of Italian literature, not the author of "The Politics of Translation."
Tejaswini Niranjana – Known for her book Siting Translation, but not connected to Stanadayini.
Question 46
Who is the author of English in India: Its Present and Future published in 1964?
G. T. Garratt
Rameshwar Gupta
V. K. Gokak
A. R. Chide
Explanations
Answer: 3. V. K. Gokak
V. K. Gokak was a prominent Indian writer, academic, and advocate for Indian languages. His book English in India: Its Present and Future (1964) is a seminal work that examines the role of English in post-independence India.
He explores the status of English in Indian education, governance, and literature.
The book reflects on colonial legacy vs. Indian linguistic identity, advocating for a balanced bilingual policy—preserving Indian languages while maintaining English for global and academic utility.
Question 47
Arrange the following works in the chronological order their year of publication:
A. Orientalism
B. Black Skin, White Masks
C. Masks of Conquest
D. The Wretched of the Earth
E. "Can the Subaltern Speak?"
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
B, D, A, C, E
D, B, A, E, C
C, B, D, A, E
A, C, B, E, A
Explanations
Answer: DROPPED Corrected (B, D, A, E, C)
🔹 Chronological Order with Years:
B. Black Skin, White Masks – 1952 ✍️ Frantz Fanon 📘 Analyzes the psychological effects of colonialism and racial identity.
D. The Wretched of the Earth – 1961 ✍️ Frantz Fanon 📘 A powerful anti-colonial text focusing on revolution, violence, and liberation.
A. Orientalism – 1978 ✍️ Edward Said 📘 A foundational work in postcolonial studies, analyzing how the West constructs the East through knowledge and power.
Can the Subaltern Speak? – 1988 (written), widely circulated and anthologized in the 1990s ✍️ Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak 📘 A landmark essay questioning whether the voiceless oppressed ("subaltern") can be truly represented within Western frameworks.
C. Masks of Conquest – 1989 ✍️ Gauri Viswanathan 📘 Explores how English literary education was used to enforce colonial control in India.
Question 48
Chronologically arrange the following works according to the year of publication.
A. Gauri Viswanathan's Masks of Conquests.
B. Meenakshi Mukherjee's The Twice Born Fiction.
C. G. N. Devy's After Amnesia
D. M. K. Naik's A History of Indian English Literature
E. Harish Trivedi's Colonial Transactions
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A, B, C, D, E
E, D, C, B, A
C, A, D, B, A
B, D, A, C, E
Explanations
Answer: 4. B, D, A, C, E
B. The Twice Born Fiction – Meenakshi Mukherjee: 1971 – A foundational work on Indian English novels, especially the early fiction writers.
D. A History of Indian English Literature – M. K. Naik: 1982 – A comprehensive historical survey of Indian writing in English.
A. Masks of Conquest – Gauri Viswanathan: 1989 – Explores how English literary education was used as a colonial tool.
C. After Amnesia – G. N. Devy: 1992 – Discusses cultural criticism and the erasure of Indian literary traditions.
E. Colonial Transactions – Harish Trivedi: 1995 – A study of colonialism and literature, focusing on translation and power in the British Raj.
Indian References and Intercultural Themes in World Literature: 1 Question.
Question 49
Identify the poet who has composed the following lines:
"Ganga was sunken, and the limp leaves
Waited for rain, while the black clouds
Gathered far distant, over Himavant.
The Jungle crouched, humped in silence."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
T. S. Eliot
Emily Dickinson
Sri Aurobindo
Explanations
Answer: 2. T. S. Eliot
These lines are from T. S. Eliot’s landmark modernist poem The Waste Land (1922), specifically from Section V: "What the Thunder Said".
The poem refers to Indian geography and philosophy, particularly invoking:
The river Ganga
Himavant (the Himalayas)
Concepts from the Upanishads (e.g., the word “Da” representing restraint, compassion, and giving)
This section reflects a spiritual crisis and renewal, blending Western modernism with Eastern mysticism.
🔸 Why the Others Are Incorrect:
Ralph Waldo Emerson – Associated with American Transcendentalism, not Indian imagery.
Emily Dickinson – Focused on personal, abstract, and metaphysical themes, not epic or cross-cultural references.
Sri Aurobindo – While deeply spiritual and philosophical, these lines are not from his works.

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