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Literature

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Home/Art & Culture/Literature/Page 33

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

khushi Bhatia
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khushi BhatiaBegginer
Asked: August 13, 2024In:
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8.How does literature reflect and shape cultural and societal values across different historical periods?

  1. shafaque shaikh
    shafaque shaikh Begginer

    Literature has long served as both a mirror reflecting societal values and a powerful force shaping cultural norms across different historical periods. As a reflection of society, literature captures the prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and concerns of its time, offering valuable insights into the humRead more

    Literature has long served as both a mirror reflecting societal values and a powerful force shaping cultural norms across different historical periods. As a reflection of society, literature captures the prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and concerns of its time, offering valuable insights into the human experience within specific historical contexts. For instance, Victorian literature often explored themes of morality and social class, reflecting the rigid societal structures of 19th century England.

    Simultaneously, literature has the power to challenge existing norms and introduce new ideas, thereby influencing cultural values. Works like George Orwell’s “1984” or Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” have sparked conversations about government control and women’s rights, respectively, shaping public discourse and societal attitudes.

    Throughout history, literature has played a crucial role in promoting social change, from abolitionist novels like “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” to feminist works like “The Yellow Wallpaper.” By presenting alternative perspectives and highlighting societal issues, literature encourages readers to question established norms and consider new viewpoints.

    Moreover, literature preserves cultural heritage, passing down traditions, myths, and values from one generation to the next. This continuity allows societies to maintain a sense of identity while also evolving with changing times. In essence, literature serves as a dynamic interplay between reflection and influence, continuously shaping and being shaped by the cultures and societies it represents.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 13, 2024In:
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Describe what the Vedic literature has to say. (125 Words) [UPPSC 2023]

uppsc: literature
  1. Ramesh Nair
    Ramesh Nair Begginer

    Vedic Literature: An Overview 1. Vedas: The foundational texts of Vedic literature, consisting of four major collections: Rigveda: Contains hymns dedicated to various deities, focusing on rituals and spiritual knowledge. Samaveda: Comprises chants and melodies for ritualistic purposes. Yajurveda: InRead more

    Vedic Literature: An Overview

    1. Vedas: The foundational texts of Vedic literature, consisting of four major collections:

    • Rigveda: Contains hymns dedicated to various deities, focusing on rituals and spiritual knowledge.
    • Samaveda: Comprises chants and melodies for ritualistic purposes.
    • Yajurveda: Includes prose mantras for sacrificial rites.
    • Atharvaveda: Features spells and incantations related to daily life and rituals.

    2. Brahmanas: Prose texts explaining the rituals and ceremonies outlined in the Vedas, providing insights into the ritualistic practices of the time.

    3. Aranyakas: Texts focusing on forest-dwelling and ascetic practices, reflecting the transition from ritualistic to philosophical thought.

    4. Upanishads: Philosophical treatises that explore the nature of reality, knowledge, and spirituality, marking the transition from Vedic ritualism to Vedanta philosophy.

    Conclusion: Vedic literature encompasses a range of texts that collectively offer a deep understanding of ritualistic practices, philosophical ideas, and cultural values of ancient India.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 20, 2024In:
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Describe the geographical aspects of India that are mentioned in the literature of the Vedas. (125 Words) [UPPSC 2021]

uppsc: literature
  1. Dev Oberoi
    Dev Oberoi Begginer

    Geographical Features of India in Vedic Literature The Himalayas stand out as significant mountain barriers, influencing climate and serving as the source of major rivers. The Sindhu River, associated with the Indus, was crucial for Vedic civilization, supporting settlements and trade. The Ganga andRead more

    Geographical Features of India in Vedic Literature

    The Himalayas stand out as significant mountain barriers, influencing climate and serving as the source of major rivers. The Sindhu River, associated with the Indus, was crucial for Vedic civilization, supporting settlements and trade. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are frequently mentioned, symbolizing fertility and spiritual importance, especially during festivals like Ganga Dussehra.

    The Gangetic plains are acknowledged for their prodigious agricultural output, vital for sustaining early societies. The Deccan Plateau, characterized by its unique topography, and the Western and Eastern Ghats contribute to the region’s biodiversity. Recent issues such as glacial melt due to climate change in the Himalayas highlight these geographical features’ continuing relevance to contemporary challenges in India.

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[Deleted User]
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[Deleted User]
Asked: August 21, 2024In:
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englishliteraturepoetryquestion
  1. Ayantika Pramanik
    Ayantika Pramanik Begginer

    T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Wasteland’ is a quintessentially modernist poem due its exploration of cultural decay. The poem is threaded together, carefully attaching fragments which reflect the shattered and despondent society of the post-world war I era. Eliot's clever use of myth and allusions, especially tRead more

    T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Wasteland’ is a quintessentially modernist poem due its exploration of cultural decay. The poem is threaded together, carefully attaching fragments which reflect the shattered and despondent society of the post-world war I era. Eliot’s clever use of myth and allusions, especially the Fisher King and the search for the Grail legend, further accentuate the poem’s modernist tendencies and the search of meaning in the disoriented world.

     

    The poem’s fragmented structure, juxtaposed with Eliot’s allusions, creates a sense of alienation and perplexity. The characters in ‘The Wasteland’ are usually passive and aimless, reflecting the spiritual anxiety characteristic of the post war society. Furthermore, his description and exploration of London underscore the cultural fragmentation and spiritual decay. This is another essential element of modernist poetry.

     

    In addition to his modernist tendencies, Eliot has also drawn influence from Ezra Pound, who encouraged him to utilize and further experiment with new poetic styles and technique. Eliot’s interest in the philosophical ideologies of Immanuel Kant also molds his understanding of the human condition and the state of reality. Thus, Eliot’s influences, along with his own experiences, aided in the birth of ‘The Wasteland’, a venerated landmark in modernist poetry

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 28, 2024In:
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What part does Buddhist literature play in fostering global peace? (125 Words) [UPPSC 2018]

uppsc: literature
  1. Ayushi Verma
    Ayushi Verma Begginer

    Buddhist literature plays a very important role in promoting global peace by promoting values such as non-violence( ahimsa) and compassion(karuna). Texts like the Dhammapada encourage people to develop greater peace by emphasizing on individual changes. It is considered essential for building a compRead more

    Buddhist literature plays a very important role in promoting global peace by promoting values such as non-violence( ahimsa) and compassion(karuna). Texts like the Dhammapada encourage people to develop greater peace by emphasizing on individual changes. It is considered essential for building a complete society. It is important to highlight and show the importance of selflessness and tolerance in such stories which advocate resolution of conflicts through voice and understanding instead of activism. Besides, the principles of connection to person and its middle path taught in Buddhist religious texts inspire us to global cooperation and right conduct. These teachings transcend cultural and national boundaries and give us a universal message of peace and unity which helps in addressing modern global conflicts and contributes in promoting a more day like and peaceful world.

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Indrayudh pan
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Indrayudh panBegginer
Asked: August 30, 2024In:
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Why is it that William Shakespeare get all the credit for being the best a playwright in the world?

literaturequestionwilliam shakespeare
  1. Rahul Davkare
    Rahul Davkare Begginer

    William Shakespeare is often regarded as the best, most romantic, and one-of-a-kind playwright in the world due to several compelling reasons: Universal Themes: Shakespeare's works explore timeless and universal themes such as love, power, jealousy, betrayal, and the human condition. These themes reRead more

    William Shakespeare is often regarded as the best, most romantic, and one-of-a-kind playwright in the world due to several compelling reasons:

    1. Universal Themes: Shakespeare’s works explore timeless and universal themes such as love, power, jealousy, betrayal, and the human condition. These themes resonate with audiences across different cultures and eras, making his plays relevant even today.
    2. Complex Characters: Shakespeare created some of the most complex and multi-dimensional characters in literature. Characters like Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello grapple with internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, making them relatable and deeply human.
    3. Innovative Language: Shakespeare’s mastery of the English language is unparalleled. He invented new words, phrases, and expressions, many of which are still in use today. His poetic and rhetorical skills enriched the language and set a high standard for literary excellence.
    4. Romantic Vision: Shakespeare’s portrayal of love, especially in plays like Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, and Twelfth Night, captures the intensity and complexity of romantic relationships. His ability to convey the beauty, tragedy, and transcendence of love has cemented his status as a romantic icon.
    5. Influence on Literature and Culture: Shakespeare’s influence on literature, theater, and the arts is immense. His works have inspired countless adaptations, interpretations, and homages across various media, from films to operas to modern-day performances.
    6. Enduring Popularity: The sheer volume of Shakespeare’s work and its continued performance around the world attest to his enduring popularity. His plays have been translated into every major language and continue to be studied and performed more than 400 years after they were written.

    Shakespeare’s combination of profound insight into human nature, innovative use of language, and universal appeal has made him a unique and unmatched figure in the world of literature. His works continue to captivate audiences and influence artists, securing his legacy as one of the greatest playwrights of all time.

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kanishka jain
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kanishka jainBegginer
Asked: August 30, 2024In:
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  1. Riya Avalur
    Riya Avalur Begginer
    This answer was edited.

    The Vedas are known as the most ancient texts of Hinduism and they reveal the intangible Truth which is unchanged by time or place. Veda is derived from "vid", which means "to know", and is a group of poems or hymns written in ancient Sanskrit by Indo-European people residing in northwest India duriRead more

    The Vedas are known as the most ancient texts of Hinduism and they reveal the intangible Truth which is unchanged by time or place.

    Veda is derived from “vid”, which means “to know”, and is a group of poems or hymns written in ancient Sanskrit by Indo-European people residing in northwest India during the 2nd millennium BCE.

    Vedas are the foundation of the Indian scripture. The beliefs of Vedic religion form the basis of classical Hinduism. It explains how to live morally to bring happiness to society and improve our status.

    There are two sections – Mantra and Brahmana.

    1. Brahmana – Explaining details or meanings of the procedures
    2. Mantras – Riks have 2 lines, Yajus have 1 line, and Samans are Riks with a musical meter.

    There are totally three levels of definitions of sentences

    • Adhi Daivika – gods
    • Adhi Yajna – sacrifice/ritual
    • Adhyatmika – spiritual.

    The Vedic body is categorized into four Vedas:

      1. Rigveda containing Riks,
      2. Yajurveda containing Riks and Yajus,
      3. Samaveda containing samans and
      4. Atharva Veda containing Riks.

    Our perception of the world, and the knowledge we draw from it, is superficial. The nature of the world and the mystery of life can be uncovered only by the knowledge contained in the Veda. Hence, it is called eternal.

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kanishka jain
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kanishka jainBegginer
Asked: August 30, 2024In:
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  1. Anirban Ghosh
    Anirban Ghosh Begginer

    Each Vedas are divided into four major categories (i.e., Samhita, Brahmanas, Aryanakas and Upanishads). The last part of each Vedas is called Upanishads, which means "Sitting Next to a Teacher". This part is also known as Vedanta (i.e., the last part of the Vedas). There are 108 Upanishads, 13 of whRead more

    Each Vedas are divided into four major categories (i.e., Samhita, Brahmanas, Aryanakas and Upanishads). The last part of each Vedas is called Upanishads, which means “Sitting Next to a Teacher”. This part is also known as Vedanta (i.e., the last part of the Vedas).

    There are 108 Upanishads, 13 of which are the principal ones. The Upanishads contain various ideas related to the Yajnas, body, and Universe, but most of the ideas are related to Atman and Brahman.

    The oldest Upanishads are in prose, but the later ones are in metres. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and the Chhandogya Upanishad are among the earliest Upanishads. The early period of the Upanishad belongs to the period c. 1000-500 BCE. These texts mark the first clear reference to certain key ideas and practices related to the Hindu and other roots of Indian philosophical and religious traditions.

    It is considered that the Upanishads are the compilations of different authors from different parts of Northern India over the centuries.

    Ref. Singh, Upinder. A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India.

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Anonymous
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Anonymous
Asked: September 1, 2024In: ,
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How does the use of traditional forms and themes in Indian theatre, such as those seen in the plays of Girish Karnad or Vijay Tendulkar, reflect and critique contemporary social issues in India?

critique contemporary social issues in indiagirish karnadindian playsvijay tendulkar
  1. Upnoor Kaur
    Upnoor Kaur Begginer

    Playwrights like Vijay Tendulkar and Girish Karnad used traditional themes in their plays. Their main focus was on the social issues prevailing in Indian society and were simultaneously attacking the patriarchal norms, which tend to make Indian women subordinate to men.   Both the dramatists addressRead more

    Playwrights like Vijay Tendulkar and Girish Karnad used traditional themes in their plays. Their main focus was on the social issues prevailing in Indian society and were simultaneously attacking the patriarchal norms, which tend to make Indian women subordinate to men.  

    Both the dramatists addressed social issues of Indian society, rigid caste system, and gender discrimination, mainly concerning the status of women. 

    The collective theme of Subjugation of Subalterns can be seen in their writings where women were targeted as subaltern objects who were suppressed and demoralised. Tendulakar’s 1972 play, “Ghashiram Kotwal” is a fine example showcasing the condition of women, the protagonist of the play, Ghashiram exploits women and demeans them.

    Vijay Tendulkar has also critiqued the flawed Indian court system during his time, through the play “Silence! The Court Is in Session”. He theorises the subdued condition of women and the Indian courts which do not provide fair justice. 

    On the other hand, Karnad incorporated myth in his work which is a major part of Indian writings and “Hayavadana” is one such mythical play. His inclination towards politics is evident in “Tughlaq”.
    Hence, drawing relevance to contemporary issues. 

    Both the dramatists have shown similar plight of women and have addressed contemporary challenges through their dramas. Their contribution is noteworthy in the Indian theatre. 

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