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The Indian Short Story in Translation

Description: The Indian Short Story in Translation is a collection of short stories written by Indian authors and translated into English. The stories offer a glimpse into the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of India. Test your knowledge about these captivating tales with this quiz.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian literature short stories translation culture traditions
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which author's short story "The Postmaster" is set in a remote village in the Himalayas?

  1. Rabindranath Tagore

  2. R.K. Narayan

  3. Premchand

  4. Raja Rao


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Postmaster" is a poignant tale set in a remote village in the Himalayas, where a young postmaster forms a deep bond with a lonely child.

In "The Guide", who is the protagonist Raju mistaken for?

  1. A holy man

  2. A government official

  3. A wealthy businessman

  4. A doctor


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In R.K. Narayan's "The Guide", the protagonist Raju is mistaken for a holy man due to his striking resemblance to a revered spiritual leader.

Which of Premchand's short stories explores the theme of untouchability?

  1. The Gift of a Cow

  2. The Thakur's Well

  3. The Village Schoolmaster

  4. The Shroud


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Premchand's "The Thakur's Well" is a powerful story that highlights the social injustice of untouchability and its devastating impact on the lives of the oppressed.

Raja Rao's "Kanthapura" is set against the backdrop of which historical event?

  1. The Indian National Movement

  2. The First World War

  3. The Bengal Famine

  4. The Partition of India


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Raja Rao's "Kanthapura" is a compelling narrative that captures the spirit of the Indian National Movement and the struggle for independence.

In "The Chess Players", what is the significance of the chess game between the two main characters?

  1. It represents their intellectual and philosophical differences.

  2. It symbolizes their political rivalry.

  3. It reflects their personal conflicts and emotions.

  4. It foreshadows their eventual reconciliation.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In "The Chess Players" by Manohar Malgonkar, the chess game between the two main characters serves as a metaphor for their contrasting worldviews and intellectual differences.

Which of the following authors is known for his satirical and humorous short stories?

  1. Khushwant Singh

  2. Anita Desai

  3. Nayantara Sahgal

  4. Vikram Seth


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Khushwant Singh is renowned for his witty and satirical short stories that often explore social and political issues with a humorous touch.

In "The God of Small Things", what is the significance of the river?

  1. It represents the passage of time and change.

  2. It symbolizes the characters' emotional journeys.

  3. It reflects the social and political turmoil of the time.

  4. It foreshadows the tragic events that unfold.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things", the river serves as a powerful symbol of the characters' emotional journeys and the complexities of their relationships.

Which of these short stories by Ruskin Bond is set in the fictional town of Dehra?

  1. The Room on the Roof

  2. The Blue Umbrella

  3. The Night Train at Deoli

  4. A Flight of Pigeons


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ruskin Bond's "The Room on the Roof" is a coming-of-age story set in the picturesque town of Dehra, capturing the essence of small-town life in India.

In "The Inheritance of Loss", what is the central conflict faced by the protagonist?

  1. The struggle for independence from British rule

  2. The clash between tradition and modernity

  3. The search for identity and belonging

  4. The consequences of political violence


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Kiran Desai's "The Inheritance of Loss" explores the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the search for identity and belonging amidst political turmoil and cultural change.

Who is the author of the short story collection "Interpreter of Maladies"?

  1. Jhumpa Lahiri

  2. Amitav Ghosh

  3. Vikram Chandra

  4. Rohinton Mistry


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Jhumpa Lahiri's "Interpreter of Maladies" is a collection of poignant and insightful stories that explore the lives of Indian immigrants in America.

In "The Hungry Tide", what is the significance of the tiger?

  1. It represents the wild and untamed aspects of nature.

  2. It symbolizes the protagonist's inner turmoil and struggles.

  3. It reflects the conflict between conservation and development.

  4. It foreshadows the tragic events that unfold.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Amitav Ghosh's "The Hungry Tide" uses the tiger as a powerful symbol of the wild and untamed aspects of nature, contrasting it with the encroaching forces of modernity.

Which of these short stories by R.K. Narayan features the character of Swami?

  1. Malgudi Days

  2. The English Teacher

  3. The Financial Expert

  4. Swami and Friends


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

R.K. Narayan's "Swami and Friends" is a delightful coming-of-age story that follows the adventures of the young protagonist Swami and his friends in the fictional town of Malgudi.

In "The White Tiger", what is the protagonist's main motivation for telling his story?

  1. To expose the corruption and inequality in Indian society.

  2. To seek revenge against those who have wronged him.

  3. To gain fame and recognition for his achievements.

  4. To inspire others to fight against injustice.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aravind Adiga's "The White Tiger" is a powerful indictment of the social and economic inequalities in India, as the protagonist seeks to expose the corruption and injustice he has witnessed.

Which of these short stories by Anita Desai explores the theme of female identity and self-discovery?

  1. Clear Light of Day

  2. In Custody

  3. The Village by the Sea

  4. Fire on the Mountain


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Anita Desai's "Clear Light of Day" delves into the complexities of female identity and self-discovery, as the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-awareness and liberation.

In "The Great Indian Novel", what is the central narrative device used by Shashi Tharoor?

  1. A series of interconnected short stories

  2. A historical chronicle spanning centuries

  3. A satirical allegory of Indian politics

  4. A magical realism narrative


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Shashi Tharoor's "The Great Indian Novel" is a witty and insightful satire of Indian history and politics, told through a series of interconnected short stories.

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