2nd Semester English Major Suggestion 2026 | 2026 Bankura University English Hons MJC 2 Suggestion 2026 | Classical Literature
MJC-2 Suggestions for 2026 Exam
B.A. Semester-II • English Major (NEP Syllabus) • Bankura University
Course Title: Introduction to Indian Classical Literature
Syllabus & Trend Filter Alert: This suggestion module aligns directly with the official syllabus layout specified in WhatsApp Image 2026-06-01 at 09.45.21.jpeg. All major questions featured in the 2025 examination (such as the characterization of Sakuntala, fate vs agency, Shakuni's dice tactics, Kunti's persuasion methods, and short questions regarding Pinaki, the ring, and Radheya) have been completely removed to prevent any overlap.
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Topic 1: Kalidasa — Abhijnanasakuntalam
Long Questions (Highly Probable for 10 Marks)
- Analyze Abhijnanasakuntalam as a classical drama that reflects the perfect balance between the heroic (vīra) and romantic (śṛṅgāra) sentiments.
- Discuss the structural, thematic, and symbolic significance of the departure of Sakuntala from the hermitage in Act IV.
- Examine the multi-dimensional role of nature and the environment of the hermitage as an active participant in human emotional states.
- Trace the character development of King Dushanta from a passionate lover in the opening acts to a guilt-stricken, mature ruler in Act VI and VII.
- Evaluate the dramatic function of the companion characters, Anasuya and Priyamvada, in anchoring both the plot progression and emotional register of the play.
Short Questions (Highly Probable for 2 Marks)
- What dramatic role does the wild elephant scene play in Act I?
- How does Gautami react when she discovers that Sakuntala's bridal signs or visual protections are fading away?
- State the significance of the off-stage song sung by Hamsapadika at the beginning of Act V.
- Why does the disciple Sarngarava fiercely rebuke King Dushanta in the court scene?
- Explain the significance and function of the fisherman scene at the opening of Act VI.
- Who are Sanumati and Taralika, and what are their specific functions within the dramatic framework?
- How does the young child Sarvadamana exhibit his imperial, royal lineage before Dushanta recognizes him?
- What is the thematic and structural significance of the "Bharatavakya" (final benediction) at the play's conclusion?
- Name Indra's celestial charioteer who comes to summon King Dushanta, and identify the demon clan he is tasked to fight.
- How does Kalidasa contrast the visual elements of Kanva’s earthly hermitage with Maricha's celestial hermitage?
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Topic 2: Vyasa — The Mahabharata ("The Dicing" & "The Temptation of Karna")
Long Questions (Highly Probable for 10 Marks)
- Examine the Assembly Hall (Sabha) as a space where moral degradation and legal breakdown happen simultaneously during the dicing match.
- Analyze the dynamic concept of Dharma through Yudhishthira’s actions. Is his gambling driven by moral obligation, fate, or fatal flaw?
- Critically evaluate Draupadi's complex legal question regarding her husband's right to wager her. How does this challenge Kuru political authority?
- Explore the psychological construction of Karna's tragic heroism, focusing on how his loyalty to Duryodhana completely supersedes his newly revealed kinship ties.
- Analyze the rhetorical strategies used by Krishna in his solitary meeting to draw Karna away from the Kaurava camp on the eve of the war.
Short Questions (Highly Probable for 2 Marks)
- What political justification does Dhritarashtra offer to Vidura when authorizing the second invitation to gamble?
- List the sequence of assets Yudhishthira wagers before putting his brothers and himself at stake.
- What unnatural omens occur in the palace that force Dhritarashtra to return the Pandavas their freedom?
- How does Vidura warn the assembly about the catastrophic impact of Duryodhana’s unchecked pride?
- What is the symbolic significance of the Assembly Hall built by the architect Maya Danava?
- Identify Pratikamin and describe his encounter with Draupadi when he is sent to summon her.
- How does Vikarna structurally isolate himself from his brothers during the legal debate surrounding Draupadi?
- What terrifying vow does Bhima swear against Dushasana following Draupadi's humiliation?
- What secret about his birth time and location does Kunti try to use to sway Karna on the riverbanks?
- What are the exact two concessions/promises Karna makes to Kunti concerning the fate of her sons?
Topic 3: Indian Epic Traditions
(Covers: The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, Kalidasa's Kumarasambhava, Sri Aurobindo, and Madhusudan Dutt)
Long Questions (Highly Probable for 5-Mark Short Notes / 10-Mark Core Analysis)
- Examine the foundational characteristics of the Indian Epic Tradition, highlighting the structural distinctions between Itihasa and Mahakavya formats.
- Analyze the transition from classical models to modernity in the epic tradition of Bengal, with close reference to Sri Aurobindo's treatment of myth.
- Examine how Michael Madhusudan Dutt brings elements of Western epic grandeur to traditional Bengali narratives.
- Discuss the structural unity and core theme of Kalidasa's Kumarasambhava as an epic tracking spiritual evolution through divine union.
- Assess the moral framework and representation of ideal human values as built throughout the narrative trajectory of The Ramayana.
Short Questions / Short Notes (Highly Probable for 2 Marks / 5 Marks)
- What is the key narrative theme of Sri Aurobindo’s epic vision in modern Indian poetry?
- Briefly explain how Michael Madhusudan Dutt subverts classical archetypes in his epic writings.
- Define the thematic significance of the birth of Kumara in Kalidasa's Kumarasambhava.
- What does the Sanskrit critical category Mahakavya imply according to classic criteria?
- Name two essential features that distinguish Itihasa from local mythological storytelling genres.
- How does the invocation or benediction serve to structurally launch a classical Indian epic?
- Identify the main spiritual or thematic objective underlying the composition of The Ramayana.
- Name the specific meter traditionally associated with Valmiki’s composition of the first epic verses.
- How does modern epic poetry in Bengal modify the treatment of traditional heroic figures?
- What is the function of the divine or supernatural elements in shaping the narrative architecture of Kumarasambhava?
Topic 4: Short Epic Traditions & Aesthetics (Alamkara & Rasa)
Long Questions (Highly Probable for 5-Mark Short Notes / 10-Mark Core Analysis)
- Elucidate the core functioning of Bharata Muni's Rasa Sutra, showcasing how Vibhava, Anubhava, and Vyabhichari Bhava combine to manifest aesthetic joy.
- Examine the structural configuration and performance mechanics of Khanda-Kavya oral epic traditions such as Pandavani and Kirtana.
- Discuss the role of Alamkara (figurative language/ornamentation) in heightening emotional depth and structural aesthetic quality within classical theater.
- Analyze how the Shanta Rasa (Sentiment of Peace) operates as an overarching, ultimate aesthetic target of massive epic cycles.
- Compare the regional performance conventions and transmission methods used in folk performance styles like Oja Pali and Kuttu.
Short Questions / Short Notes (Highly Probable for 2 Marks / 5 Marks)
- Distinguish clearly between the concepts of Sthayi Bhava (Stable Emotion) and Vibhava (Stimulus).
- What are the four primary performance dimensions of Abhinaya (Acting expression) documented in the Natyashastra?
- Name the corresponding Sthayi Bhavas that evoke the Vīra Rasa (Heroic) and Adbhuta Rasa (Marvelous) sentiments.
- Provide a concise technical definition of the term Alamkara within Sanskrit literary criticism.
- Briefly outline the performance style and localized distribution of the Pandavani oral folk art tradition.
- What specific performance structure characterizes the Kirtana tradition as a vehicle for narrative expansion?
- Identify the concept of Vyabhichari Bhava and provide a single practical example of its transience.
- Who formulated the influential Abhinavabharati commentary, and why is it vital to modern Rasa discourse?
- Define the aesthetic parameters of Sringara Rasa (The Erotic Sentiment) and name its two distinct subdivisions.
- What structural role does the Poorvaranga (preliminary musical/ritual performance) serve in ancient Indian drama?
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