Test: Novels, Society & The History - 1 - UPSC MCQ

Oliver Twist was written by Charles Dickens.
Explanation:
- Oliver Twist is a novel written by Charles Dickens, a prominent English writer.
- Charles Dickens is known for his contribution to English literature and his works often depicted the social issues of Victorian England.
- Oliver Twist was first published as a serial in 1837-1839 and later compiled into a novel.
- The novel follows the story of Oliver Twist, an orphan who faces hardships and struggles in the harsh realities of the time.
- Dickens' writing style and vivid portrayal of characters and settings have made Oliver Twist one of his most famous and enduring works.
- The novel explores themes of poverty, crime, and social injustice, and is considered a classic in English literature.
- Charles Dickens' other notable works include A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and A Christmas Carol.

Answer: Jane Austen's famous novel was "Pride and Prejudice."
Explanation:
To answer the question, we need to identify Jane Austen's famous novel among the given options. Let's break down the options and analyze each one:
- A: Hard Times: This novel was written by Charles Dickens, not Jane Austen. It does not match the author in question.
- B: Pride and Prejudice: This is the correct answer. "Pride and Prejudice" is a well-known novel written by Jane Austen. It was first published in 1813 and has since become one of Austen's most popular works.
- C: Jane Eyre: This novel was written by Charlotte Bronte, not Jane Austen. It does not match the author in question.
- D: Jungle Book: This novel was written by Rudyard Kipling, not Jane Austen. It does not match the author in question.
In conclusion, the correct answer is Pride and Prejudice, which is Jane Austen's famous novel.

To determine which novel was not written by Charles Dickens, let's examine each option:

A: Hard Times
- Charles Dickens did write the novel "Hard Times."

B: Germinal
- "Germinal" is a novel written by Émile Zola, not Charles Dickens.
- Hence, this is the correct answer to the question.

C: Oliver Twist
- Charles Dickens did write the novel "Oliver Twist."

D: Pickwick Papers
- Charles Dickens did write the novel "Pickwick Papers."
Therefore, the novel "Germinal" was not written by Charles Dickens.

Who wrote 'Jungle Book'?
The correct answer is Rudyard Kipling.
Explanation:
Here is a detailed explanation of the options and why Rudyard Kipling is the correct answer:
- Option A: Charlotte Bronte
- Charlotte Bronte was an English novelist and poet known for her novel "Jane Eyre".
- She did not write 'Jungle Book', so this option is incorrect.
- Option B: R. L. Stevenson
- R. L. Stevenson was a Scottish novelist and poet known for his works like "Treasure Island" and "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".
- He did not write 'Jungle Book', so this option is incorrect.
- Option C: Rudyard Kipling
- Rudyard Kipling was an English writer and poet, best known for his stories and poems set in India.
- He is the author of 'Jungle Book', a collection of stories featuring Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle.
- 'Jungle Book' was first published in 1894 and has since become a classic of children's literature.
- Option D: None of these
- This option is incorrect because Rudyard Kipling is the correct answer.
Therefore, the correct answer is Rudyard Kipling.

'Anandamath' written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, published in 1882, is believed to be the first novel written in India. It was originally written in Bengali language. It is inspired by and set in the background of the Sannyasi Rebellion in the late 18th century.

The first modern novel in Malayalam is "Indu Lekha". Here is the detailed solution:
Introduction:
The first modern novel in Malayalam is an important milestone in the literary history of the language. It paved the way for the development of the novel as a prominent genre in Malayalam literature.
Explanation:
- Indu Lekha: The novel "Indu Lekha" is considered as the first modern novel in Malayalam. It was written by Chandu Menon and published in 1889.
- Plot: The story revolves around the life of a young girl named Indulekha, who defies societal norms and expectations. It explores themes of love, marriage, and social reform.
- Significance: "Indu Lekha" marked a shift from traditional forms of storytelling in Malayalam literature. It introduced a more realistic and contemporary narrative style, influenced by Western literary traditions. The novel also addressed relevant social issues of the time, challenging prevailing customs and norms.
- Literary Impact: The success of "Indu Lekha" inspired many other writers to venture into novel writing in Malayalam. It opened up new possibilities for storytelling and contributed to the growth of Malayalam literature.
- Legacy: "Indu Lekha" remains a significant work in Malayalam literature. It is considered a classic and continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary merit and historical significance.
Conclusion:
The first modern novel in Malayalam is "Indu Lekha" written by Chandu Menon. It marked a turning point in Malayalam literature, introducing a new narrative style and addressing social issues of the time. Its impact can still be seen in the development of the novel as a prominent genre in Malayalam literature.

Bhartendu Harishchandra may be attributed to the pioneering effort in Hindi literature (also known as father of modern Hindi Literature). Then it was Chhayawadi pillars like Mahadevi Verma, Sumitranandan Pant, Jaishankar Prasad & Suryakant Tripathi Nirala who took it to the next level.

The first modern Hindi novel is:
There is some debate about which novel can be considered the first modern Hindi novel. However, based on historical significance and popular consensus, the novel "Pariksha-Guru" is often considered the first modern Hindi novel.
Explanation:
Pariksha-Guru:
- "Pariksha-Guru" is a Hindi novel written by Srinivas Das in 1882.
- It is a story that focuses on the social issues of the time, such as the education system and the impact of British colonial rule.
- The novel is written in a modern prose style and addresses contemporary themes, making it a significant contribution to the development of Hindi literature.
Other Options:
- "Godan" by Munshi Premchand is a highly acclaimed Hindi novel, but it was published in 1936, several years after "Pariksha-Guru."
- "Chandrakanta" by Devaki Nandan Khatri is a popular Hindi novel, but it is often categorized as a historical or fantasy novel rather than a modern novel.
- "Sevasadan" by Premchand is another notable Hindi novel, but it was published in 1919, after "Pariksha-Guru."
In conclusion:
While there may be different opinions on the first modern Hindi novel, "Pariksha-Guru" is often considered the earliest and most significant contribution to the genre. It paved the way for the development of Hindi literature and set the stage for future novels.

The correct answer is optin (D).
Durgeshnandini is a Bengali historical romance novel written by Indian writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1865.

Answer:
The novel written by Rokeya Hussein is Sultana's Dream.
Explanation:
Rokeya Hussein was a prominent Bengali writer, social activist, and feminist. She is best known for her science fiction short story called "Sultana's Dream", which was published in 1905.
Here is the breakdown of the options and their respective authors:
A: Pariksha Guru - This novel was written by Lala Har Dayal, an Indian nationalist and scholar.
B: Godan - This novel was written by Munshi Premchand, a renowned Hindi writer.
C: Anandmath - This novel was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, a Bengali writer and poet.
D: Sultana's Dream - This novel was written by Rokeya Hussein.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: Sultana's Dream.

The correct answer is option (C). 

Potheri Kunhambu's novel, Saraswativijayam, celebrates English education for untouchables as a means of escaping subordination. He is only too conscious of the radical possibilities opened up for lower castes by colonial modernity.

Bhudev Mukhopadhyay (1827–1894) was a writer and intellectual in 19th century Bengal. His works were considered ardent displays of nationalism and philosophy in the period of the Bengal renaissance. His novel "Anguriya Binimoy" (1857) was the first historical novel written in Bengal.

Central Character of Prem Chand's Rangbhoomi:
The central character of Prem Chand's Rangbhoomi is Surdas.
Explanation:
Rangbhoomi is a play written by Prem Chand, a renowned Hindi-Urdu writer. The play revolves around the life of the legendary poet Surdas, who was a blind poet and saint. Surdas was a devotee of Lord Krishna and his compositions focused on the divine love between Radha and Krishna.
Key Points:
- Prem Chand's Rangbhoomi is a play.
- The central character of the play is Surdas.
- Surdas was a blind poet and saint.
- He was a devotee of Lord Krishna.
- His compositions revolve around the divine love between Radha and Krishna.
Conclusion:
In Prem Chand's Rangbhoomi, the central character is Surdas, the blind poet and saint known for his devotion to Lord Krishna.

Answer:
Introduction:
Munshi Premchand was a renowned Indian writer who is considered one of the pioneers of modern Hindi and Urdu literature. He has written several novels, short stories, and plays that depict the social issues and inequalities prevalent in Indian society during his time.
Identifying the novel not written by Munshi Premchand:
To determine which novel was not written by Munshi Premchand, we need to examine each option and compare it with his works.
Options:
A: Rangbhoomi - Munshi Premchand wrote the novel "Rangbhoomi." It is a political novel that highlights the struggles of a political leader in a democratic setup.
B: Godan - Munshi Premchand wrote the novel "Godan." It is one of his most famous works and explores the themes of rural poverty, social injustice, and the plight of farmers.
C: Sewasadan - Munshi Premchand wrote the novel "Sewasadan." It addresses the issues of women's empowerment, education, and the challenges faced by widows in Indian society.
D: Pariksha-Guru - The novel "Pariksha-Guru" was not written by Munshi Premchand. It is a novel by Ranganath Ramachandra Diwakar, another prominent Hindi writer.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the novel "Pariksha-Guru" was not written by Munshi Premchand. The other novels mentioned, namely "Rangbhoomi," "Godan," and "Sewasadan," are all written by Munshi Premchand.

Novel based on the effect of industrialization:
- Hard Times: This novel, written by Charles Dickens, is set in an industrial town during the Victorian era. It explores the negative impact of industrialization on society, including the dehumanization of workers, the exploitation of children, and the mechanization of education. The story revolves around characters like Thomas Gradgrind, a utilitarian schoolmaster, and Josiah Bounderby, a wealthy factory owner. Dickens highlights the harsh living conditions and social inequalities caused by industrialization.
- Oliver Twist: Although this novel by Charles Dickens touches upon the issue of poverty and social injustice, it does not primarily focus on the effects of industrialization.
- Germinal: This novel, written by Emile Zola, is set in France during the Industrial Revolution. It portrays the lives of coal miners and their struggles against exploitation and inhuman working conditions. The story exposes the physical and psychological toll of industrialization on the working class.
- Pickwick Papers: While this novel by Charles Dickens is a humorous and satirical work, it does not directly address the effects of industrialization.
Therefore, the correct answer is Hard Times.

An epistolary novel is a novel written in the form of a series of letters exchanged between characters.
- Definition: An epistolary novel is a literary genre in which the story is told through a series of letters, diary entries, or other written correspondence between characters.
- Origin: The term "epistolary" comes from the Greek word "epistolē," which means "letter" or "message."
- Structure: The novel is composed entirely or primarily of letters, which are written by one or more characters and exchanged among them.
- Characteristics: Epistolary novels often provide an intimate and personal perspective, as the letters reveal the characters' thoughts, emotions, and experiences. They can also showcase different narrative voices and multiple points of view.
- Historical Significance: Epistolary novels became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and were used by authors to explore themes of love, friendship, social commentary, and psychological development.
- Examples: Some well-known examples of epistolary novels include "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, and "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker.
- Advantages: The epistolary format allows for a more immediate and personal connection with the characters, and it can create suspense and intrigue as the story unfolds through the letters.
- Disadvantages: However, the epistolary form can limit the narrative scope and may not be suitable for all storylines or genres.
- Variations: While letters are the most common form of communication in epistolary novels, other forms of written correspondence, such as diary entries, newspaper articles, or even email exchanges, can also be used.
Overall, an epistolary novel is a unique and engaging literary form that offers a distinct storytelling experience through the exchange of letters between characters.

The opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice—“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”—establishes the centrality of advantageous marriage, a fundamental social value of Regency England.

Answer:
The novel "Hard Times" was written by Charles Dickens.
Explanation:
Here is a detailed explanation about the author and the novel:
Author:
- Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English writer and social critic.
- He is considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era.
- Dickens's works often depicted the harsh realities of life during the Industrial Revolution.
The Novel "Hard Times":
- "Hard Times" is a novel published by Charles Dickens in 1854.
- It is set in the fictional industrial town of Coketown and explores the social and economic conditions of the time.
- The novel focuses on the lives of various characters, including Thomas Gradgrind, a strict utilitarian schoolmaster, and his children Louisa and Tom.
- Dickens uses the story to critique the negative effects of industrialization, emphasizing the importance of imagination, emotions, and humanity in a mechanized society.
- The novel also touches on themes such as social inequality, education, and the exploitation of workers.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Charles Dickens is the author of the novel "Hard Times." This classic work of literature provides a critical examination of the social and economic issues of the Industrial Revolution.

Kissa-Goi is an ancient form of oral storytelling in urdu or farsi(persian). This was earlier prevalent during medieval India and gradually lost its charm. It was mostly organised by the nobles in the court for entertainment.

The first novel to be serialized was:

• Pickwick Papers

Detailed
The first novel to be serialized was Pickwick Papers. Here is a detailed explanation:

• Serialization: Serialization refers to the publication of a story or novel in installments, with each installment being released periodically.


• Charles Dickens: The author of Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens, is widely recognized as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era.


• Pickwick Papers: Pickwick Papers, also known as The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, was Charles Dickens' first novel. It was published in monthly installments from March 1836 to November 1837.


• Format: The novel was initially published in a serialized format, with each installment containing a few chapters or episodes of the story. This allowed readers to eagerly anticipate the next installment and created a sense of suspense and engagement.


• Popularity: Pickwick Papers became immensely popular during its serialization, and it established Charles Dickens as a prominent writer. The novel's humorous and satirical style, as well as its memorable characters, resonated with the Victorian readership.

Therefore, the correct answer is C: Pickwick Papers, which was the first novel to be serialized.

The earliest novel in Marathi was Baba Padmanji's Yamuna Paryatan (1857).

The first modern novel in Malayalam is Indulekha.

Indulekha is considered the first modern novel in Malayalam literature. It was written by O. Chandu Menon and published in 1889. The novel explores themes of love, marriage, and social issues in the context of 19th-century Kerala society.

Key Points:
- The first modern novel in Malayalam is Indulekha.
- It was written by O. Chandu Menon.
- The novel was published in 1889.
- Indulekha explores themes of love, marriage, and social issues.
- The novel reflects the 19th-century Kerala society.

Indulekha is a significant milestone in Malayalam literature as it marked the beginning of a new era of writing in the language. It introduced a more realistic narrative style and delved into societal issues that were previously not explored in Malayalam literature.

The novel also played a crucial role in shaping the language and literary traditions of Malayalam. It inspired many other writers to explore new themes and experiment with different writing styles. Indulekha paved the way for the growth and development of modern Malayalam fiction.

Overall, Indulekha holds a special place in Malayalam literature as the first modern novel and continues to be recognized for its contribution to the literary landscape of Kerala.

Pamela, in full Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded, novel in epistolary style by Samuel Richardson, published in 1740 and based on a story about a servant and the man who, failing to seduce her, marries her.

Germinal broke free from the series as a timeless cry of protest against oppression and the misery of the poor who never inherit the Earth. After extensive research and a trip down the working mine at Denain in Valenciennes, Zola wrote Germinal in 10 frenzied months from 2 April 1884 to 23 January 1885.

Rudyard Kipling was an English author famous for an array of works like 'Just So Stories' and 'The Jungle Book.' He received the 1907 Nobel Prize in Literature

Pariksha guru is a novel in Hindi. It was written by Lala Srinivas Das and was published in 1882. It was reprinted in 1974 with an introduction by Ramdaras Mishra.

Answer:
Introduction:
The question asks about the author of the book "Kadambari." In this response, we will provide a detailed answer to this question.
Answer:
The correct answer is Banabhatta. Banabhatta was a renowned Sanskrit writer who is known for his work "Kadambari."
Explanation:
Here is some information about the author and the book "Kadambari":
- Banabhatta:
- Banabhatta was an Indian Sanskrit writer who lived during the 7th century CE.
- He was a court poet in the kingdom of Emperor Harsha.
- Banabhatta is known for his mastery of Sanskrit prose and poetry.
- Apart from "Kadambari," he also wrote another famous work called "Harshacharita," which is a biography of Emperor Harsha.
- "Kadambari":
- "Kadambari" is a Sanskrit novel written by Banabhatta.
- It is considered one of the earliest novels in world literature.
- The story revolves around the love between two characters, Kadambari and Chandrapida.
- The novel is known for its intricate plot, poetic language, and portrayal of emotions.
- "Kadambari" is divided into seven books and contains themes of love, destiny, and the supernatural.
In conclusion, Banabhatta is the author of the book "Kadambari." His work is considered a significant contribution to Sanskrit literature and is highly regarded for its storytelling and poetic style.

Analysis of Novels Representing Colonialism as Heroic and Honorable:
Introduction:
In the context of colonialism, there are certain novels that portray it as heroic and honorable. One such novel is "Treasure Island" written by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Treasure Island:
- The novel "Treasure Island" is set during the Age of Exploration and tells the story of a young boy named Jim Hawkins who embarks on a voyage to find hidden treasure.
- Colonialism is portrayed as heroic and honorable through the character of Long John Silver, a pirate with a charismatic personality. He is depicted as a cunning and resourceful individual who ultimately helps Jim Hawkins in his quest for treasure.
- The novel romanticizes the idea of adventure and exploration, portraying the colonial enterprise as an exciting and noble endeavor.
Contrast with Other Novels:
- In contrast to "Treasure Island," other novels mentioned in the list do not represent colonialism as heroic and honorable.
- "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen focuses on the societal norms and relationships of the English gentry, without directly addressing the theme of colonialism.
- "Mayor of Casterbridge" by Thomas Hardy explores the consequences of one man's decisions and does not delve into colonialism.
- "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens critiques industrialization and the negative impacts of the industrial revolution, rather than colonialism.
Conclusion:
Among the novels listed, "Treasure Island" is the only one that portrays colonialism as heroic and honorable. The novel romanticizes exploration and adventure, presenting characters who are admired for their involvement in the colonial enterprise. However, it is important to note that colonialism as a historical reality had both positive and negative impacts, and different perspectives on this subject can be found in various literary works.

Characters in the novel:

• Hari: A famous character in the novel


• Dhania: Another famous character in the novel

Novel options:

• Godan: Option A


• Indulekha: Option B


• Rangbhomi: Option C


• Sewasadan: Option D

Answer: A. Godan
Explanation:
The famous characters Hari and Dhania are from the novel "Godan".

Bhudev Mukhopadhyay (1827–1894) was a writer and intellectual in 19th century Bengal. His works were considered ardent displays of nationalism and philosophy in the period of the Bengal renaissance. His novel "Anguriya Binimoy" (1857) was the first historical novel written in Bengal.