Caste and Resistance in Indian Literature

Description: This quiz explores the theme of caste and resistance in Indian literature. It delves into the ways in which writers have addressed the social, cultural, and political implications of caste, as well as the forms of resistance employed by marginalized communities.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian literature caste resistance social justice
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Which novel by Mulk Raj Anand depicts the plight of untouchables in pre-independent India?

  1. Untouchable

  2. Coolie

  3. Two Leaves and a Bud

  4. The Village


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mulk Raj Anand's novel 'Untouchable' portrays the life of Bakha, an untouchable boy, and his struggles against the oppressive caste system.

In Bama's autobiography, 'Karukku', what is the central theme?

  1. Caste discrimination

  2. Gender inequality

  3. Economic disparity

  4. Environmental degradation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Bama's autobiography 'Karukku' primarily focuses on the experiences of caste discrimination she faced as a Dalit woman in Tamil Nadu.

Which of these poets is known for his powerful verses challenging caste oppression?

  1. B.R. Ambedkar

  2. Rabindranath Tagore

  3. Mirza Ghalib

  4. Subramania Bharati


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent Dalit leader and social reformer, wrote poems that vehemently criticized caste discrimination and advocated for social equality.

In Premchand's short story 'Poos ki Raat', what is the main conflict?

  1. Caste prejudice

  2. Religious differences

  3. Economic disparity

  4. Political rivalry


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Premchand's 'Poos ki Raat' explores the conflict between a Brahmin landlord and a Dalit tenant, highlighting the deep-rooted caste prejudices in rural India.

Which Dalit writer's work is known for its portrayal of the experiences of Dalit women?

  1. Omprakash Valmiki

  2. Urmila Pawar

  3. Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

  4. Jyotiba Phule


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Urmila Pawar's writings, particularly her autobiography 'The Weave of My Life', provide a powerful voice to Dalit women, shedding light on their struggles against caste and gender oppression.

In Mahasweta Devi's novel 'Hajar Churashir Maa', what is the central theme?

  1. The Naxalite movement

  2. Tribal resistance

  3. Caste discrimination

  4. Women's empowerment


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Mahasweta Devi's 'Hajar Churashir Maa' revolves around the story of Birsa Munda, a tribal leader who led a rebellion against British colonial rule and caste oppression.

Which of these novels by Arundhati Roy explores the intersections of caste, class, and gender?

  1. The God of Small Things

  2. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

  3. Midnight's Children

  4. Interpreter of Maladies


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' delves into the lives of two fraternal twins, Estha and Rahel, as they navigate the complexities of caste, class, and gender in Kerala.

In Dalit literature, what is the significance of the term 'Bahujan'?

  1. Upper caste

  2. Majority population

  3. Tribal communities

  4. Religious minorities


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Dalit literature, 'Bahujan' refers to the majority population, particularly the marginalized and oppressed castes, as opposed to the dominant upper castes.

Which of these literary movements emerged in response to the caste system in India?

  1. Dalit literature

  2. Progressive Writers' Movement

  3. Modernist literature

  4. Romantic literature


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dalit literature emerged as a distinct literary movement in India, giving voice to the experiences and struggles of Dalit communities and challenging the oppressive caste system.

In Perumal Murugan's novel 'One Part Woman', what is the central conflict?

  1. Caste discrimination

  2. Religious fundamentalism

  3. Political corruption

  4. Economic inequality


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Perumal Murugan's 'One Part Woman' explores the tragic consequences of caste discrimination in rural Tamil Nadu, particularly the ostracism faced by a young couple who break caste norms.

Which Dalit writer's work is known for its focus on the experiences of Dalit Muslims?

  1. Omprakash Valmiki

  2. Urmila Pawar

  3. Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

  4. Asghar Ali Engineer


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Asghar Ali Engineer, a prominent Dalit Muslim scholar and activist, wrote extensively about the unique challenges faced by Dalit Muslims in India.

In Bama's novel 'Sangati', what is the primary theme?

  1. Caste oppression

  2. Gender inequality

  3. Environmental degradation

  4. Political corruption


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Bama's 'Sangati' delves into the experiences of caste oppression faced by a young Dalit woman named Selvi, highlighting the intersectionality of caste and gender discrimination.

Which of these novels by Mulk Raj Anand explores the theme of untouchability?

  1. Coolie

  2. Two Leaves and a Bud

  3. The Village

  4. Across the Black Waters


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Mulk Raj Anand's 'Untouchable' is a powerful portrayal of the life of an untouchable boy named Bakha, shedding light on the dehumanizing practices of untouchability in pre-independent India.

In Dalit literature, what is the significance of the term 'Annihilation of Caste'?

  1. Complete eradication of the caste system

  2. Social integration of Dalits

  3. Economic empowerment of Dalits

  4. Political representation of Dalits


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The term 'Annihilation of Caste' is associated with B.R. Ambedkar's vision of a casteless society, where the caste system is completely abolished and all individuals are treated equally.

Which of these novels by Arundhati Roy explores the Naxalite movement in India?

  1. The God of Small Things

  2. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

  3. Midnight's Children

  4. Interpreter of Maladies


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Arundhati Roy's 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' delves into the lives of marginalized individuals, including Naxalite rebels, exploring the complexities of political resistance and social justice.

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