Indian Classical Literature — DU B. A. (Prog) English Previous Year Question Papers

6. (a) Compare the success of Cenkuttuvan as a 'just king' to the failure of the Pandya king in 'The Book of Vanci. (b) Analyse how the Chera king's decision to build a temple for Kannagi serves to institutionalize 'chastity' as a political and religious ideal. 7. (a) The ancient texts provide us a glimpse into the social hierarchies, justice systems, as well as rights and responsibilities of individuals. Elaborate on the above statement, focusing on any two prescribed texts in your course. (b) Examine the ideal of kingship in Indian classical literature, focussing on any two texts from your course. (c) Candidates have to answer all the questions in Part-A and any three questions in Part-B. (d) Questions in Part-A carry 10 marks each and questions in Part-B carry 20 marks each. 1. (a) Examine Karna's ethical dilemma as presented in the episode The Temptation of Karna'. (b) Explain the significance of the silence of the elders in the assembly hall in the Dicing section of the Mahabharata. 2. (a) Discuss how the encounter between Sakuntala and Sage Durvasa shifts the narrative from a romantic comedy into a tragedy of forgotten identity. (b) Assess Duhsanta's conflict between his private desires and his public duties (dharma). Do you view him as a victim of the curse? 3. (a) "In our presence and before the mountain folk The gods took her to heaven with her husband. Until now our people have never had a goddess like her. huts! O people of small huts! O people of small Let us honor this woman as our goddess." the context. Explain the above lines, with reference to (b) Explain the relationship established between the concepts of 'chastity' and 'power' in the 'The Book of Vañci. 4. (a) Contrast the roles of Shakuni and Vidura during the dicing game in the Dicing and the Sequel to Dicing sections. (b) Do you agree with Draupadi's description as "Nathavati Anathbat" that is, "Five lords yet none a protector"? Give a reasoned answer. 5. (a) Provide examples of how Kalidasa uses nature to mirror Sakuntala's emotions and her transition from the forest to the royal court. (b) Explain how concealment and recognition appear repeatedly as central themes in