End Semester Examination
Indian Classical Literature
Section A: Long Questions (20 Marks)
Attempt one question from Unit 1 and one question from Unit 2. (2 x 10 = 20 Marks)
Unit 1 (Attempt any ONE):
- Discuss the significance of the "Ring Episode" in Kalidasa's Abhijnanasakuntalam. How does it drive the plot forward?
- Critically analyze the character of Sakuntala as portrayed by Kalidasa.
Value Points (a): Discuss Durvasa's curse, the ring as a token of recognition, its loss in the river, Dushyanta's amnesia, the recovery by the fisherman, and the eventual reunion.
Value Points (b): Discuss her innocence in the hermitage, her deep connection with nature, her transformation into a mature woman experiencing grief and rejection, and her final dignified stature in Maricha's ashram.
Value Points (b): Discuss her innocence in the hermitage, her deep connection with nature, her transformation into a mature woman experiencing grief and rejection, and her final dignified stature in Maricha's ashram.
Unit 2 (Attempt any ONE):
- Analyze the themes of dharma, fate, and human agency in Vyasa's "The Dicing".
- Discuss the psychological and moral conflict experienced by Karna in "The Temptation of Karna".
Value Points (a): Explore Yudhishthira's tragic flaw (gambling), the manipulation by Shakuni, the failure of the elders to stop the adharma, and Draupadi's humiliation.
Value Points (b): Focus on Krishna's attempt to win Karna over, Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana, the revelation of his birth, and his ultimate choice to side with his friend despite knowing the inevitability of defeat.
Value Points (b): Focus on Krishna's attempt to win Karna over, Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana, the revelation of his birth, and his ultimate choice to side with his friend despite knowing the inevitability of defeat.
Section B: Short Notes (10 Marks)
Attempt any TWO short notes/questions out of the following four from Unit 3. (2 x 5 = 10 Marks)
- Kalidasa's Kumarsambhava as an epic.
- Sri Aurobindo's contribution to the Epic Tradition in Bengal.
- The significance of Pandavani in the short epic tradition.
- The concept of Rasa and Alamkara in Indian aesthetics.
(a) Briefly outline the plot (birth of Kumara/Kartikeya) and Kalidasa's poetic genius.
(b) Mention Savitri, its philosophical depth, and the blank verse style.
(c) Explain it as a folk ballad form performed in Chhattisgarh, focusing on tales from the Mahabharata.
(d) Define Rasa (aesthetic flavor/emotion) and Alamkara (literary ornamentation/figures of speech) and their importance in classical texts.
(b) Mention Savitri, its philosophical depth, and the blank verse style.
(c) Explain it as a folk ballad form performed in Chhattisgarh, focusing on tales from the Mahabharata.
(d) Define Rasa (aesthetic flavor/emotion) and Alamkara (literary ornamentation/figures of speech) and their importance in classical texts.
Section C: Short Questions (10 Marks)
Attempt any FIVE questions out of the following ten from Units 1 and 2. (5 x 2 = 10 Marks)
- Who was sage Durvasa and why did he curse Sakuntala?
- Name the two close friends of Sakuntala in the ashram.
- Who is Maricha in Abhijnanasakuntalam?
- What was the name of Dushyanta and Sakuntala's son?
- How did the King's ring get lost?
- Who is Vidura and what was his stance during the game of dice?
- What did Yudhishthira stake in the final round of the first dice game?
- Who revealed the secret of Karna's birth to him before the war?
- Why did Karna refuse Krishna's offer to become the king?
- Who is the mother of Karna?
1. A hot-tempered sage; cursed her because she failed to greet him due to being lost in thoughts of Dushyanta.
2. Anusuya and Priyamvada.
3. A divine sage in whose ashram Sakuntala resides after her rejection.
4. Sarvadamana (later known as Bharata).
5. It slipped off Sakuntala's finger into the river while she was offering water (at Sachi-tirtha).
6. The prime minister and uncle to the Pandavas/Kauravas; he strongly opposed the game of dice.
7. He staked his brothers, himself, and finally Draupadi.
8. Lord Krishna (and later Kunti).
9. Due to his unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana, who supported him when he was humiliated.
10. Kunti (biological) and Radha (foster).
2. Anusuya and Priyamvada.
3. A divine sage in whose ashram Sakuntala resides after her rejection.
4. Sarvadamana (later known as Bharata).
5. It slipped off Sakuntala's finger into the river while she was offering water (at Sachi-tirtha).
6. The prime minister and uncle to the Pandavas/Kauravas; he strongly opposed the game of dice.
7. He staked his brothers, himself, and finally Draupadi.
8. Lord Krishna (and later Kunti).
9. Due to his unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana, who supported him when he was humiliated.
10. Kunti (biological) and Radha (foster).
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