IGNOU BEGC-101
- Indian Classical Literature,
Latest Solved Assignment
(July 2024 - January 2025)

Section A

Answer with reference to the context in about 100 words each:

1. (i) “That first creator of the Creator That Bearer of oblations offered with Holy Rites:
That one who utters the Holy Chants: Those two that order Time: That which extends,”

(ii) “Now I see no other course open but the fourth—punishment. The kings are marching to Kurukshetra to their doom!”

(iii) “This music hall is empty! Where could the actors have gone? (reflecting) Ah! I got it!—The home of a sonless person is empty; he who doesn’t have a real friend finds all the time empty; the quarters are empty to a fool; and everything is empty to a poor man.”

(iv) “One saw the fine work of making
Cloth from silk, fur and cotton
In the weavers quarters. Silk, coral,
Sandalwood, agar, flawless pearls,
Gems, gold, and an endless profusion
Of rare ornaments were piled high
In the commodious streets.”

Section B

Answer the following in about 350 words each:

1. Examine the theme of concealment in Abhijnana Shakuntalam/ The Loom of Time.
2. Why does Duryodhana plot and plan to vanquish the Pandavas? Comment.
3. How are the views of the state integrated with the theme of Mrichchhkatika?
4. Write a detailed note on akam and puram thinais and their corresponding landscapes in Cilappatikaran.

Section A

Answer with reference to the context in about 100 words each:

1. (i) “Perish the sinful thought,
Why are you out to sully your family’s honour;
And to make me fall: you are like a river
That crumbles its banks to muddy its crystal stream,
and uproots the tree growing by its edge.”

(ii) “As the law is subtle, my dear, I fail
To resolve your riddle the proper way:
A man without property cannot stake another’s
But given that wives are the husband’s chattels?”

(iii) “After my case has been investigated, by means of the ordeals of poison, water,
balance, and fire, then with justice you might have today ordered a saw to be used
on this body of mine. But as you are killing me, a Brahmana, relying on the words
of my enemy, you will surely fall into hell, along with your sons and grandsons!”

(iv) “The Pantiyan king who sat
On the lion- throne, with Lakshmi glowing on his breast,
Fainted and died, not knowing what to do
With the ordeal of the woman with fair wreaths.”

Section B

Answer the following in about 350 words each:

1. Examine the nature and function of dramatic art as propagated by Bharat Muni’sNatyashastra.

2. Was Yudhidhthira right in staking Draupadi in the game of dice? Does he have any moral/legal rights to do so? Discuss.

3. Examine the Mrichchhkatika as a prakarna.

4. Write a detailed note on akam and puram poetry in Cilappatikaran.