IGNOU BEGC-132 - Selections from Indian Writing: Cultural Diversity

1. Explain with reference to the context, any four of the following: (a) I am neither among sinners nor among saints Neither happy, nor unhappy I belong neither to water not to earth I am neither fire, not air I know not who I am. (b) I am your earth, you the shelter of my secrets, the garden belongs to you, come and enjoy it, What rival of mine lured you away ? (c) (b) Two magic eyes with a hundred charms Have put my sad heart’s rest to flight; Now who would care to go and tell Dear love my sad and lonely plight ? (d) All the happiness in the world on a meagre income. Laughter and teasing. Talk and chatter. Her dream, like the dreams of a dozen other women. But she woke up before the dream began. And then she never fell asleep again. (e) ‘Tis the flame of love that fired me, ‘Tis the wine of love that inspired me Wouldst thou learn how lovers bleed Harken, harken to the Reed. 2. What is the meaning of Bhakti in Hinduism? How is the word used in the Bhagvad Geeta? Why is the Bhakti movement known as a socio-religious movement? 3. Discuss the terms “unity of heritage” and “ diversity of Literature” with reference to Indian literary history. How is the idea of unity in diversity expressed through Indian Literature ? Illustrate. 4. What is the alternative perspective that the Chandrabati Ramayana offers and why is it important ? 5. Discuss with reference to the texts you have studied , some of the themes that women take up in their writing . 6. What do you understand by the term ‘Silenced Text´? Discuss it with reference to any text read by you. 7. How does Sisir Kumar Das illustrate the concept of the mad lover through the Indian Bhakti poets? 8. Write a note on your understanding of literature from the North East region.

Section A Explain the following with reference to the context: 1. O good soldier, Know when you’re beaten. And now, that question Which we just referred to in connection with the so-called language battle, Let’s put it this way: Were we and those on behalf of whom we fought The same folk? 2. You need no book, Rasha Sundari no paper or pen either you have the black, smudgy kitchen wall for your magical scribbles lines, ellipses, curves all of them your secret codes for a whole new world. 3. No, I don’t work for a Shah I said, but for a Shahni, very kind, very well off And I am not the only one Working for her She has many servants Ever ready to do her bidding 4. These are the colours of destiny Of immutable also and the colours also with which warring pawns Are daily decorating our towns. Section B 5. The aesthetics of Dalit Writing. 6. The Bhakti movement and Indian literature. Section C 7. The impact of cultural negotiations on the literature of the Northeast. 8. Discuss MK Naik’s views with regard to English in India, balancing them with your own ideas on the issue.