IGNOU BEGC-101 - Indian Classical Literature

Section A Answer with reference to the context in about 100 words each: 1. (i) “Perish the sinful thought, Why are you out to sully your family’s honour; And to make me fall: you are like a river That crumbles its banks to muddy its crystal stream, and uproots the tree growing by its edge.” (ii) “As the law is subtle, my dear, I fail To resolve your riddle the proper way: A man without property cannot stake another’s But given that wives are the husband’s chattels?” (iii) “After my case has been investigated, by means of the ordeals of poison, water, balance, and fire, then with justice you might have today ordered a saw to be used on this body of mine. But as you are killing me, a Brahmana, relying on the words of my enemy, you will surely fall into hell, along with your sons and grandsons!” (iv) “The Pantiyan king who sat On the lion- throne, with Lakshmi glowing on his breast, Fainted and died, not knowing what to do With the ordeal of the woman with fair wreaths.” Section B Answer the following in about 350 words each: 1. Examine the nature and function of dramatic art as propagated by Bharat Muni’sNatyashastra. 2. Was Yudhidhthira right in staking Draupadi in the game of dice? Does he have any moral/legal rights to do so? Discuss. 3. Examine the Mrichchhkatika as a prakarna. 4. Write a detailed note on akam and puram poetry in Cilappatikaran.

Section A Write short notes/ answer with reference to the context in about 100 words each: 1. (i) The purpose of Dramatic Art (ii) The Sanskrit Epic Tradition (iii) “Now I see no other course open but the fourth – punishment. The kings are marching to Kurukshetra to their doom!” (iv) ... “And from that exalted line/ Of heavenly nymphs was Matavi descended./ A woman of flawlwss birth, of broad shoulders,/ And curly hair, spilling pollen, she was/ Noted for her style of great distinction.” Section B Answer the following in about 350 words each: 1. Examine the difference between the Shakuntala in Abhijnana Shakuntala and the Shakuntala episode in the Mahabharata. 2. Write a critical note on the predicament of Karna in the Mahabharata. 3. Discuss the significance of the storm in Mrichchhkatika? 4. Write a detailed note on the idea of justice in Cilappatikaran.