Question 1

Who is the most respected person of the Agrahara in 'Samskara'?

Accepted Answer

Praneshacharya is the most respected person in the Agrahara in 'Samskara'. He is considered the spiritual leader and the moral compass of the community.

Question 2

What forms the background of the novel 'Samskara'?

Accepted Answer

'Samskara' by U.R. Ananthamurthy revolves around the death of a Brahmin in a traditionalist Brahmin community and the ensuing dilemma and introspection about ritual purity, caste, and the path to salvation, making death the central theme.

Question 3

Which of the following was practiced by Naranappa against the traditions of agrahara?

Accepted Answer

Naranappa, a character from the novel "Samskara" by U.R. Ananthamurthy, is depicted as violating the traditional norms of his Brahmin agrahara through practices like meat-eating, consuming wine, and engaging in illegal relationships, thus all of these choices are correct.

Question 4

Where does Praneshacharya go to meditate?

Accepted Answer

Praneshacharya goes to meditate at the Maruti temple.

Question 5

According to the beliefs, what was the cause of the epidemic plague in the village?

Accepted Answer

The belief was that Naranappa's dead body, not being properly cremated and left to decompose, was the cause of the epidemic plague in the village. This is based on traditional beliefs regarding the importance of proper funeral rites to prevent misfortune or disease.

Question 6

With whom Praneshacharya commits liaison?

Accepted Answer

Praneshacharya commits liaison with Chandri in the novel "Samskara" by U.R. Ananthamurthy. Chandri is a low-caste woman, and this event is pivotal in challenging Praneshacharya's beliefs and societal norms.

Question 7

Which community is criticized in 'Samskara'?

Accepted Answer

'Samskara' is a novel by U.R. Ananthamurthy that critiques the Brahmin community, particularly focusing on their rituals, customs, and the moral dilemmas they face within their conservative society.

Question 8

'Samskara' is about ……….

Accepted Answer

'Samskara' is a novel that explores various human vices and moral dilemmas, including lust, gluttony, and greed, among others, within a traditional Brahmin community.

Question 9

With whose help does Chandri cremate the body?

Accepted Answer

Chandri cremates the body with the help of a Muslim.

Question 10

What is 'I am the Daughter of the Land of Dravida' about?

Accepted Answer

'I am the Daughter of the Land of Dravida' explores the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Dravida land, reflecting on its customs, values, and the way of life of its people.

Question 11

To which culture Dravidas belong?

Accepted Answer

Dravidas belong to the Indian culture, specifically to the southern part of India. They are known for their distinct languages, traditions, and history that contribute to the diverse cultural fabric of India.

Question 12

What happened to the daughter of land of Dravida when the ages changed?

Accepted Answer

The phrase "daughter of the land of Dravida" is a metaphorical reference to the region itself, and the statement suggests that over time, the region or its cultural identity was reduced to being seen as a mere object, possibly due to external influences or changes in societal values.

Question 13

From which wood, the wood nymphs pressed the juice to redden Sakuntala's feet?

Accepted Answer

The wood nymphs used the juice from the laksha tree to redden Sakuntala's feet.

Question 14

What was the name of the capital of Dushyanta?

Accepted Answer

Hastinapura is known as the capital of King Dushyanta in the Mahabharata, where the story of his marriage to Shakuntala and the birth of their son Bharata, an ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas, is narrated.

Question 15

Which empire ruled India during the lifespan of Kalidasa?

Accepted Answer

Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists, lived during the Gupta Empire, which is often referred to as the Golden Age of India due to its advancements in science, technology, engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic, mathematics, astronomy, religion, and philosophy.

Question 16

In which language Kalidasa wrote his plays?

Accepted Answer

Kalidasa wrote his plays in Sanskrit, which was the classical literary language of ancient India. He is considered one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists.

Question 17

Which work of Kalidasa provides information about his life?

Accepted Answer

Kalidasa's works, including Meghaduta, Kumarasambhava, and Raghuvamsha, provide insights into his life and times, as they reflect his personal experiences, thoughts, and the cultural context of his era.

Question 18

From which epic is the story of Sakuntala taken?

Accepted Answer

The story of Sakuntala is taken from the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. It is specifically found in the Adi Parva (the first book) of the Mahabharata.

Question 19

Who advises Sakuntala to be patient at the palace of her husband?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Who advises Sakuntala to be patient at...

Question 20

'Ghazal' is divided in to …… sections.

Accepted Answer

A Ghazal is a form of poetry that is divided into three sections: the matla, the maqta, and the sher.

Quiz 4: Literature and Culture: Samskara, Kalidasa, and Ghazals