Dalit Writings — DU B. A. (Hons) English Previous Year Question Papers

Course) English - DSC 3. Candidates have to answer ALL the questions in Part A and ANY THREE questions in Part B. 4. Questions in Part A carry 10 marks each and questions in Part B carry 20 marks each. (a)Comment on the importance of food in the caste system as described by Valmiki in Joothan? (b) Critically explain the following lines with reference to context: Ma burst out crying when she saw the state I was in. I was covered in muck from head to toe. Bloodstains were clearly visible on my clothes. My eldest sister-in-law said to my mother, "Don't make him do that work. We can bear hunger. Don't drag him in this dirt." Those words of Bhabhi shine like a light in darkness for me to this day. I have come out of that dirt, but millions are living that horrible life even today.' 2. (a)Caste has become a political culture. Discuss in detail referring to various instances in The Grip of Change by P. Sivakami. (b) Critically explain the following lines with reference to context: For them, we are all the same - all untouchables. Do you think they would make us stand outside their houses and take you inside and feed you milk and rice? As long as we continue to differentiate among ourselves and beg for their favour, they will continue to manoeuvre and hammer us into submission.' 3. (a) 'I ask for my rights as a man.' Elaborate these expressions of Limbale in 'White Paper'. (b) Critically explain the following lines with reference to context: He never assaults you with Symbols, Metaphors Or personalities. A heavy burden on a donkey's back, He himself a wounded shadow.' 4. (a) The narrator of Joothan, describes his journey filled with filth and terror. Discuss his struggle and strength gained later as a result of education he received and the influence of Ambedkar's ideological teachings in his life. (b) Discuss and critically analyse various instances from the life of Om Prakash Valmiki in Joothan as the socio-cultural description of evil practices like untouchability leading to caste discrimination. 5. (a) Gawri in The Grip of Change was not ready to marry after completing her education. Discuss in detail various reasons for her decision referring to "Book 2: Author's Notes" (b) Discuss gender issues in P. Sivakami's novel The Grip of Change while critically analysing the idea of patriarchy and Dalit patriarchy in this novel. 6. (a) 'For a long time my Budhadada could not understand how kingship had come to an end and democracy had begun.' Comment critically on this line from 'Black Ink' by Sanjaya Kumar Bag. (b) What are the customs described in 'New Custom' by Ajay Navaria? Discuss critically various instances from the story. 7. (a) Describe how caste based discrimination plays its role in a feudal framework politically and its impact in the form of trauma and violence referring to any two texts from your syllabus.