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All questions of Earthquake in Assam for Class 8 Exam

Why do the letters and memoirs make the earthquake seem 'recent and vivid'?
  • a)
    They are based on eyewitness testimonies 
  • b)
    They were written by a renowned author
  • c)
    They provide a detailed account of the earthquake
  • d)
    They contain emotional descriptions of the earthquake
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ruchi Nair answered
Reasons why the letters and memoirs make the earthquake seem recent and vivid:

They provide a detailed account of the earthquake:
The letters and memoirs contain specific details about the earthquake, such as the time, location, and impact on the people and surroundings. This level of detail helps create a vivid picture of the event in the reader's mind.

They are based on eyewitness testimonies:
Since the letters and memoirs are written by people who experienced the earthquake firsthand, they offer a unique perspective that captures the intensity and immediacy of the event. This personal connection makes the earthquake feel more recent and vivid.

They contain emotional descriptions of the earthquake:
The emotional language used in the letters and memoirs conveys the fear, shock, and devastation felt by the writers during and after the earthquake. This emotional impact helps to make the event feel more real and memorable to the reader.
Overall, the combination of detailed accounts, eyewitness testimonies, and emotional descriptions in the letters and memoirs contributes to making the earthquake seem recent and vivid to those who read them.

What is the significance of grandfather being in his bath during the earthquake?
  • a)
    It shows his love for bathing
  • b)
    It suggests his fearlessness during calamities
  • c)
    It implies that he missed experiencing the earthquake
  • d)
    It highlights his vulnerability during earthquakes
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Dhruv Sharma answered
The significance of the grandfather being in his bath during the earthquake is that it implies that he missed experiencing the earthquake. The image of the grandfather being in his bath during the earthquake is a metaphorical representation of his detachment from the reality of the earthquake.

- The bath symbolizes comfort and relaxation. It suggests that the grandfather was in a state of tranquility and unaware of the chaos happening outside. He was engrossed in his own world, unaffected by the earthquake.

- By being in the bath, the grandfather is physically separated from the ground and the shaking caused by the earthquake. This emphasizes his detachment from the actual experience of the earthquake.

- The fact that the earthquake was strong enough to be felt by others indicates its significance and potential danger. However, the grandfather's absence from this experience highlights his vulnerability and disconnection from the world around him.

- This can also be seen as a metaphor for the grandfather's disconnection from the realities of life in general. He may be portrayed as someone who is detached from the struggles and challenges of the world and prefers to live in his own bubble of comfort and routine.

- The image of the grandfather in his bath during the earthquake creates a contrast between his obliviousness and the chaos happening outside. It serves to highlight the grandfather's tendency to shut himself off from the world and his lack of awareness or concern for the things happening around him.

Overall, the significance of the grandfather being in his bath during the earthquake is that it symbolizes his detachment and disconnection from the realities of life, including the potential dangers and calamities that can occur.

Why did nerves remain on edge in Calcutta after the earthquake?
  • a)
    The city was expecting more earthquakes
  • b)
    Aftershocks continued to occur frequently
  • c)
    Buildings were collapsing due to structural damage
  • d)
    People were still traumatized by the initial earthquake
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Bhaskar Nair answered
Introduction:
After the earthquake in Calcutta, nerves remained on edge due to the frequent occurrence of aftershocks. This caused a continued sense of fear and anxiety among the residents of the city.

Explanation:
Aftershocks:
Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur after a larger earthquake. They are caused by the movement and adjustment of the Earth's crust following the main earthquake. In the case of Calcutta, the initial earthquake would have caused significant stress and displacement of the Earth's crust, leading to aftershocks. These aftershocks can be just as unsettling and unnerving as the main earthquake, as they can continue to cause damage to already weakened structures and trigger fear among the population.

Frequency of Aftershocks:
One of the reasons why nerves remained on edge in Calcutta after the earthquake was the frequency of aftershocks. Aftershocks can continue to occur for days, weeks, or even months after the main earthquake. The residents of Calcutta would have been constantly reminded of the initial earthquake and its destructive power with each aftershock. This constant reminder and uncertainty can have a significant psychological impact on individuals, leading to heightened anxiety and fear.

Building Collapse:
Another reason for the heightened nerves in Calcutta was the continued collapse of buildings due to structural damage caused by the earthquake and aftershocks. The initial earthquake would have weakened the structural integrity of many buildings, making them more susceptible to further damage from aftershocks. The fear of buildings collapsing and the potential loss of life and property would have contributed to the anxiety and nervousness among the residents.

Trauma:
The initial earthquake itself would have been a traumatic experience for the people of Calcutta. The sudden shaking of the ground, the destruction of buildings, and the potential loss of life would have left a lasting impact on individuals. This trauma would have been further exacerbated by the aftershocks, as each occurrence would have triggered memories and fear associated with the initial earthquake. The cumulative effect of the trauma and constant reminders through aftershocks would have kept the nerves of the residents on edge.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the nerves remained on edge in Calcutta after the earthquake due to the frequent occurrence of aftershocks. These aftershocks, along with the continued collapse of buildings and the trauma associated with the initial earthquake, contributed to the anxiety and fear experienced by the residents.

When did Ruskin Bond receive the Sahitya Akademi Award?
  • a)
    1992
  • b)
    1999
  • c)
    2012
  • d)
    2014
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sakshi Iyer answered
According to the given options, Ruskin Bond received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992. Below are the details explaining this answer:

What is the Sahitya Akademi Award?
The Sahitya Akademi Award is a highly prestigious literary honor in India. It is awarded annually by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, to writers for outstanding literary work in various Indian languages. The award recognizes and celebrates excellence in the field of literature and encourages the development of literature in different languages.

Ruskin Bond and his contribution to literature:
Ruskin Bond is an acclaimed Indian author of British descent who has made significant contributions to the world of literature. He was born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India. Bond has written numerous books, including novels, short stories, and essays, primarily focusing on life in the Himalayan region.

Ruskin Bond's Sahitya Akademi Award:
Ruskin Bond was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for his book "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra." This book is a collection of his delightful and nostalgic stories set in the picturesque region of Dehradun. It beautifully captures the essence of nature, childhood, and the bond between humans and the natural world. The Sahitya Akademi recognized the exceptional literary quality of Bond's work and acknowledged his contribution to Indian literature.

Impact and significance of the award:
The Sahitya Akademi Award is a significant recognition for any writer as it not only brings national acclaim but also increases the visibility and readership of their work. It serves as a validation of the author's talent, creativity, and literary prowess. For Ruskin Bond, receiving the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 further enhanced his reputation as one of the most celebrated authors in India. It also encouraged him to continue his literary journey and inspire future generations of writers.

In conclusion, Ruskin Bond received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for his book "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra." This recognition highlights the exceptional literary quality of his work and his significant contribution to Indian literature.

Why does the author say that the thatched roofs had slithered like 'a pack of cards'?
  • a)
    To emphasize the sudden collapse of the roofs
  • b)
    To highlight the destructive power of the earthquake
  • c)
    To create a vivid image of the roof's movement
  • d)
    To indicate the vulnerability of the roofs to earthquakes
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhishek Nair answered
The author says that the thatched roofs had slithered like a pack of cards in order to emphasize the sudden collapse of the roofs. Let's break down the answer in detail:

1. Thatched Roofs Collapsing:
When the author uses the phrase "slithered like a pack of cards," it creates a vivid image of the roofs collapsing rapidly and in a synchronized manner. Just like a pack of cards collapses when one card is removed, the thatched roofs crumbled down suddenly and simultaneously.

2. Visual Impact:
By comparing the movement of the roofs to a pack of cards, the author is able to create a visual impact in the reader's mind. This comparison helps readers imagine the roofs falling down quickly and effortlessly, much like how cards fall when shuffled or collapsed.

3. Suddenness of the Collapse:
The phrase "slithered like a pack of cards" also conveys the suddenness of the collapse. The roofs did not slowly crumble or fall down one by one, but rather collapsed all at once. This emphasizes the destructive power of the earthquake, as it caused the roofs to collapse rapidly and unexpectedly.

4. Symbol of Vulnerability:
Additionally, the comparison to a pack of cards also indicates the vulnerability of the roofs to earthquakes. Just as a pack of cards is easily disturbed and collapses with a slight disturbance, the thatched roofs were fragile and susceptible to the impact of the earthquake.

In conclusion, the author uses the phrase "slithered like a pack of cards" to emphasize the sudden collapse of the thatched roofs, create a vivid image of their movement, and indicate their vulnerability to earthquakes. This description helps the reader understand the destructive power of the earthquake and the impact it had on the roofs.

How did the assistant engineer react to the destruction of his bungalow?
  • a)
    He was devastated and emotionally affected
  • b)
    He considered it a nuisance and an inconvenience
  • c)
    He blamed others for the destruction
  • d)
    He was indifferent and unbothered
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The text mentions that the assistant engineer reacted to the destruction of his bungalow by saying, "Beastly nuisance... this is the first time it has played me such a trick on account of an earthquake," indicating that he considered it a nuisance and an inconvenience.

How did the family travel to Calcutta after the earthquake?
  • a)
    By train
  • b)
    By foot
  • c)
    By car
  • d)
    By trolley
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The text states that the family, along with other refugees, made their way to Calcutta, and due to the badly damaged roads and railway lines, they often had to be transported in trolleys.

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