Indian English Literature MCQs for UGC NET June 2025
1. Which of the following novels by R.K. Narayan is set in the fictional town of Malgudi and features the character of a talkative barber?
D. Talkative Man
"Talkative Man" (1986) is indeed set in Malgudi and its protagonist is a garrulous journalist who often involves himself in the lives of others in the town.
2. Who among the following is considered a pioneer of Indian English poetry and is known for his collection "A Bird of Time"?
C. Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949) was one of the earliest and most celebrated Indian English poets. "A Bird of Time" (1912) is a significant collection of her poems.
3. Which play by Vijay Tendulkar deals with the themes of violence, power, and social hierarchy through the metaphor of a parrot in a cage?
C. Ghashiram Kotwal
"Ghashiram Kotwal" (1972) is a Marathi play by Vijay Tendulkar, later translated into English, that uses the story of Nana Phadnavis and Ghashiram to critique political power and social structures. The parrot in the cage is a recurring symbolic motif.
4. Anita Desai's novel "Fire on the Mountain" is primarily set in which location?
C. Kasauli
"Fire on the Mountain" (1977) is set in the quiet hill station of Kasauli, where the protagonist Nanda Kaul seeks solitude.
5. Who wrote the Sahitya Akademi Award-winning novel "The God of Small Things"?
A. Arundhati Roy
"The God of Small Things" (1997) is Arundhati Roy's debut novel, which won the Booker Prize for Fiction in the same year and later the Sahitya Akademi Award.
6. Which of the following poets is known for his ironic and often self-deprecating style, as seen in collections like "The Exact Name"?
C. Nissim Ezekiel
Nissim Ezekiel (1924-2004) is considered a foundational figure in Indian English poetry. His work often displays an urban sensibility and a wry sense of humor.
7. Mahesh Dattani's play "Final Solutions" deals with which sensitive social issue?
B. Religious communalism
"Final Solutions" (1991) critically examines the tensions and violence arising from Hindu-Muslim communalism in India.
8. Salman Rushdie's novel "Midnight's Children" revolves around the lives of children born at the moment of India's independence. What is the name of the protagonist?
A. Saleem Sinai
Saleem Sinai is the central character and narrator of "Midnight's Children" (1981), whose life is intricately linked with the history of independent India.
9. Kamala Markandaya's novel "Nectar in a Sieve" portrays the struggles of rural Indian life through the eyes of which female protagonist?
B. Rukmani
Rukmani is the central character in "Nectar in a Sieve" (1954), depicting the hardships and resilience of a peasant family in a changing India.
10. Which of the following novels by Vikram Seth is written entirely in verse?
B. The Golden Gate
"The Golden Gate" (1986) is a novel in verse, composed in sonnet form, telling the story of young professionals in San Francisco.
11. The concept of "Orientalism" and its critique in postcolonial studies is significantly associated with which scholar?
C. Edward Said
Edward Said's seminal work "Orientalism" (1978) provided a critical analysis of Western representations of the East and their role in colonial power structures.
12. Which Indian English poet is known for his translations of ancient Tamil Sangam poetry?
B. A.K. Ramanujan
A.K. Ramanujan (1929-1993) was a distinguished poet, translator, and scholar whose translations of classical Tamil and Kannada poetry brought these works to a wider audience.
13. Girish Karnad's play "Hayavadana" is based on a story from which ancient Indian text?
C. The Kathasaritsagara
"Hayavadana" (1971) is inspired by a story from the "Kathasaritsagara," a collection of Indian folk tales.
14. Which novel by Shashi Tharoor satirizes Indian politics and society through the story of a charismatic but flawed leader?
A. The Great Indian Novel
"The Great Indian Novel" (1989) is a satirical retelling of the Mahabharata in the context of Indian independence and post-independence politics.
15. The poetry of which Indian English poet often explores themes of exile, identity, and the complexities of the diaspora experience?
D. All of the above
Dom Moraes, Sujata Bhatt, and Imtiaz Dharker are all prominent Indian English poets whose work frequently engages with the themes of displacement, cultural hybridity, and the search for identity in a globalized world.
16. Which of the following plays by Badal Sircar is known for its use of the "Third Theatre" concept, emphasizing a more direct and socially relevant form of theatre?
D. Michhil
"Michhil" (Procession) is a key example of Badal Sircar's "Third Theatre," which aimed to move theatre out of proscenium stages and engage more directly with social issues and audiences.
17. "Train to Pakistan" by Khushwant Singh is a powerful narrative set against the backdrop of which historical event?
C. The Partition of India
"Train to Pakistan" (1956) vividly portrays the violence and human tragedy that accompanied the partition of India in 1947.
18. Which novel by Rohinton Mistry tells the interconnected stories of four Parsis living in Bombay?
B. A Fine Balance
"A Fine Balance" (1995) intricately weaves together the lives of four individuals from different backgrounds during the politically turbulent 1970s in Bombay.
19. The poetry of which Indian English poet is characterized by its metaphysical and philosophical explorations, often drawing from Indian spiritual traditions?
A. Sri Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) was a philosopher, yogi, and poet whose epic poem "Savitri" is a significant work exploring spiritual and metaphysical themes.
20. Which of the following novels by Amitav Ghosh explores the historical connections between India and Southeast Asia through the opium trade?
D. Sea of Poppies
"Sea of Poppies" (2008) is the first novel in Amitav Ghosh's "Ibis Trilogy," which delves into the social and economic impact of the opium trade in the 19th century.
21. The concept of "Sanskritization," referring to a process of social mobility where lower castes adopt the practices of higher castes, was popularized by which Indian sociologist?
A. M.N. Srinivas
M.N. Srinivas was a prominent Indian sociologist known for his work on caste and social change, and he coined the term "Sanskritization." While not directly literary, this concept is relevant to understanding social themes in Indian English literature.
22. Which of the following short story collections is authored by Saadat Hasan Manto, known for his stark and unflinching portrayals of the Partition?
C. Collected Stories
Saadat Hasan Manto's "Collected Stories" (translated into English) contains many of his powerful and often controversial stories that depict the human cost of the Partition.
23. Which play by Rabindranath Tagore, originally written in Bengali and later translated into English by the author, explores themes of spiritual awakening and the rejection of materialism?
D. The King of the Dark Chamber
"The King of the Dark Chamber" (Raja) is a symbolic play by Tagore that explores the inner journey towards spiritual truth and the limitations of outward appearances.
24. Namita Gokhale's novel "Paro: Dreams of Passion" is a satirical take on which aspects of Indian society?
B. Urban middle-class life and socialclimbing
"Paro: Dreams of Passion" (1984) is a witty and satirical novel that critiques the aspirations and social dynamics of the urban Indian middle class, particularly focusing on the lives of women.
25. The poetry of which Indian English poet is often marked by a strong sense of place and a deep connection to the natural world, particularly the landscapes of South India?
A. Kamala Das
Kamala Das's poetry frequently evokes the sensory details and cultural nuances of her native Kerala, exploring themes of love, longing, and female identity within that specific geographical and cultural context.
26. Which of the following novels by Kiran Desai won the Man Booker Prize in 2006?
A. The Inheritance of Loss
"The Inheritance of Loss" (2006) explores themes of displacement, identity, and the lingering effects of colonialism, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas and New York.
27. Who is the author of the play "Tara," which deals with the complexities of gender identity and societal expectations through the story of conjoined twins?
B. Mahesh Dattani
"Tara" (1990) is a powerful play by Mahesh Dattani that raises important questions about gender, family dynamics, and societal biases.
28. Which of the following novels by Salman Rushdie features the mythical island of Cipango and explores themes of storytelling and cultural fusion?
C. The Moor's Last Sigh
"The Moor's Last Sigh" (1995) is a complex and richly layered novel that incorporates elements of history, mythology, and magical realism, with Cipango serving as a symbolic space.
29. "Untouchable" (1935) is a seminal novel in Indian English literature that addresses the plight of the Dalits. Who is its author?
A. Mulk Raj Anand
"Untouchable" is Mulk Raj Anand's powerful depiction of the harsh realities faced by Bakha, a young member of the "untouchable" caste.
30. Which Indian English poet is known for his experimental and visually oriented poetry, as seen in his collection "jejuri"?
A. Arun Kolatkar
Arun Kolatkar's "jejuri" (1976) is a groundbreaking work that combines vivid imagery, fragmented narratives, and a unique poetic style to explore the experience of visiting a pilgrimage site.
31. The term "hybridity," often used in postcolonial discourse to describe the mixing of cultural identities, is closely associated with the work of which theorist?
B. Homi K. Bhabha
Homi K. Bhabha's theories on hybridity, mimicry, and ambivalence have significantly influenced postcolonial literary and cultural studies.
32. Which of the following plays by Habib Tanvir is an adaptation of a classical Sanskrit play by Shudraka?
D. Mitti Ki Gadi
"Mitti Ki Gadi" (The Little Clay Cart) is Habib Tanvir's adaptation of Shudraka's Sanskrit play "Mrichchhakatika."
33. "The Guide" (1958) by R.K. Narayan tells the story of Raju, who evolves from a tourist guide to a reluctant...
C. Spiritual guru
Raju's accidental transformation into a revered spiritual figure forms the central narrative arc of "The Guide."
34. Which novel by Anita Desai explores the inner lives and complex relationships within a family against the backdrop of political turmoil in India?
A. Clear Light of Day
"Clear Light of Day" (1980) is a deeply introspective novel that delves into the memories and evolving relationships of four siblings in Old Delhi.
35. The poetry of which contemporary Indian English poet often engages with themes of urban alienation, social injustice, and the fragmentation of modern life?
D. All of the above
Meena Kandasamy, Tishani Doshi, and Sridala Swami are among contemporary Indian English poets who critically examine the complexities and contradictions of modern Indian society.
36. Which of the following novels by Vikram Seth follows the intertwined lives of an Indian classical musician and a German Jewish refugee in London?
C. Two Lives
"Two Lives" (2005) is a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of Seth's great-uncle and his German Jewish wife, exploring themes of love, war, and cultural differences.
37. The concept of "subaltern" and its significance in understanding marginalized voices in colonial and postcolonial contexts is primarily associated with the work of which scholar?
B. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
While the concept of the subaltern has a broader history, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's essay "Can the Subaltern Speak?" is a highly influential text in postcolonial studies that critically examines the representation of marginalized groups.
38. Which play by Girish Karnad retells a mythological tale involving a serpent princess and a human prince?
B. Naga-Mandala
"Naga-Mandala" (1988) is a captivating play that blends folklore, mythology, and contemporary social issues through the story of Rani and the cobra who visits her in the guise of her husband.
39. Shashi Deshpande's novels often explore the inner lives and struggles of which demographic in Indian society?
C. Educated middle-class women
Shashi Deshpande is known for her insightful portrayal of the challenges, aspirations, and emotional complexities faced by educated middle-class women in contemporary India.
40. Which of the following novels by Arundhati Roy focuses on the complexities of the Narmada Dam project and its impact on the lives of the indigenous people?
A. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
While "The God of Small Things" touches upon social issues, "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" (2017) directly addresses the environmental and human consequences of large-scale development projects like the Narmada Dam.
41. The poetry of which Indian English poet is known for its directness, colloquial language, and engagement with everyday urban experiences?
A. Adil Jussawalla
Adil Jussawalla's poetry often reflects the gritty realities and ironies of urban life in India, using a straightforward and accessible style.
42. Which of the following novels by Rohinton Mistry is set during the Emergency declared in India in 1975?
C. A Fine Balance
"A Fine Balance" vividly portrays the social and political climate of India during the Emergency, and its impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
43. The concept of "mimicry" in postcolonial theory, referring to the colonized subject adopting aspects of the colonizer's culture, is often discussed in relation to the work of...
B. Homi K. Bhabha
Homi K. Bhabha's work explores the complex and often ambivalent nature of mimicry as a strategy of resistance and negotiation in colonial contexts.
44. Which of the following plays by Badal Sircar critiques the apathy and inaction of the middle class in the face of social injustice?
A. Evam Indrajit
"Evam Indrajit" (And Indrajit) is a significant play by Badal Sircar that explores the existential angst and social detachment of the urban middle class.
45. "Coolie" (1936) by Mulk Raj Anand deals with the exploitation and struggles of a young boy working in various menial jobs. What is the protagonist's name?
B. Munoo
Munoo is the central character in "Coolie," whose journey exposes the harsh realities of class and colonial exploitation in India.
46. Which novel by Amitav Ghosh explores the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on the Sundarbans region?
B. The Hungry Tide
"The Hungry Tide" (2004) intricately weaves together human stories with the ecological fragility and environmental challenges facing the Sundarbans delta.
47. The poetry of which Indian English poet often explores themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time with a lyrical and evocative style?
A. Eunice de Souza
Eunice de Souza's poetry, while often sharp and witty, also carries a poignant sense of nostalgia and reflection on personal and collective histories.
48. Which of the following novels by Salman Rushdie is a magical realist account of a singer's rise and fall in the Bombay film industry?
B. The Ground Beneath Her Feet
"The Ground Beneath Her Feet" (1999) tells the epic story of Ormus Cama and Vina Apsara, two legendary rock stars whose lives are intertwined with global events and mythical elements.
49. "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth is a voluminous novel set in post-independence India. How many families does the narrative primarily focus on?
C. Four
"A Suitable Boy" (1993) primarily revolves around the lives and intertwining relationships of four families: the Mehras, the Kapoors, the Chatterjis, and the Khans.
50. Which of the following plays by Mahesh Dattani explores the complexities of a family dealing with a disabled child and societal attitudes towards disability?
A. Dance Like a Man
"Dance Like a Man" (1989) uses the story of a Bharatanatyam dancer and his family to explore themes of societal expectations, personal ambitions, and the challenges faced by individuals who deviate from the norm, including those with disabilities.
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