Chapter 9 - Kamala Markandaya : Nectar in a Sieve

Objective Type Questions

For each of the following questions, four alternatives are given for the answer. Only one of them is correct. Choose the correct alternative.

1. Which novel by Kamala Markandaya established her international reputation?
   (a) Nectar in a Sieve
   (b) A Handful of Rice
   (c) The Nowhere Man
   (d) The Golden Cage

2. Markandaya's novels primarily focus on which social and political issues?
   (a) Post-colonial struggles
   (b) Environmental concerns
   (c) Gender equality
   (d) All of the above

3. Markandaya's writing style is characterized by:
   (a) Lush imagery and lyrical prose
   (b) Spare language and social commentary
   (c) Experimental narrative techniques
   (d) A blend of realism and magical realism

4. Where was Kamala Markandaya born?
   (a) Mumbai, India
   (b) Mysore, India
   (c) Chennai, India
   (d) Kolkata, India

5. When did Kamala Markandaya pass away?
   (a) 1976
   (b) 1982
   (c) 2004
   (d) 2007

6. In 'Nectar in a Sieve,' Rukmani's husband Natha is employed as:
   (a) A farmer
   (b) A rickshaw driver
   (c) A factory worker
   (d) A teacher

7. The recurring motif of water in Markandaya's works symbolizes:
   (a) Life and hope
   (b) Destruction and displacement
   (c) Both of the above
   (d) None of the above

8. Markandaya was actively involved in social and political activism, particularly focusing on:
   (a) Women's rights
   (b) Environmental protection
   (c) Anti-colonial movements
   (d) All of the above

9. Which novel by Markandaya deals with the complex relationship between mothers and daughters?
   (a) A Handful of Rice
   (b) The Nowhere Man
   (c) Two Virgins
   (d) The Golden Cage

10. Who is the author of "Nectar in a Sieve"?
    (a) Arundhati Roy
    (b) Salman Rushdie
    (c) Kamala Markandaya
    (d) Jhumpa Lahiri

11. In which country is the novel primarily set?
    (a) India
    (b) Nigeria
    (c) Sri Lanka
    (d) Bangladesh

12. What is the protagonist's name in the novel?
    (a) Rukmani
    (b) Sita
    (c) Lakshmi
    (d) Radha

13. Where does Rukmani live at the beginning of the novel?
    (a) In a bustling city
    (b) In a rural village
    (c) In a coastal town
    (d) In a mountainous region

14. What is Rukmani's primary occupation?
    (a) Teacher
    (b) Farmer
    (c) Weaver
    (d) Doctor

15. Who is Rukmani's husband?
    (a) Nathan
    (b) Murugan
    (c) Arjun
    (d) Ira

16. What challenges do Rukmani and Nathan face in their marriage?
    (a) Infertility
    (b) Wealth and luxury
    (c) Lack of education
    (d) Political conflicts

17. What is the significance of the title "Nectar in a Sieve"?
    (a) A symbol of abundance
    (b) A metaphor for life's hardships
    (c) A representation of wealth
    (d) A religious artifact

18. Who is Kunthi in the novel?
    (a) Rukmani's sister
    (b) Rukmani's daughter
    (c) A wealthy landowner
    (d) A village healer

19. What is the impact of industrialization on the characters in the novel?
    (a) Increased prosperity
    (b) Environmental degradation
    (c) Improved healthcare
    (d) Political stability

20. What role does Kenny, the doctor, play in the novel?
    (a) He is Rukmani's son
    (b) He is a political leader
    (c) He provides healthcare to the villagers
    (d) He is a rival farmer

21. What major event occurs in the village that impacts Rukmani's family?
    (a) Flood
    (b) Drought
    (c) Earthquake
    (d) War

22. How does the novel depict the relationship between humans and the natural world?
    (a) Harmony and balance
    (b) Exploitation and destruction
    (c) Indifference and neglect
    (d) Symbiosis and cooperation

23. What is the fate of Rukmani's sons in the novel?
    (a) They become successful farmers
    (b) They join the military
    (c) They die tragically
    (d) They become political leaders

24. Who represents the changing face of India in the novel?
    (a) Old Granny
    (b) Nathan
    (c) Kenny
    (d) Kunthi

25. How does the novel address the theme of resilience in the face of adversity?
    (a) Through political activism
    (b) Through religious rituals
    (c) Through the characters' endurance
    (d) Through technological innovations

26. What is the significance of the tamarind tree in the novel?
    (a) It is a symbol of fertility
    (b) It is a place of worship
    (c) It provides shade and sustenance
    (d) It is a source of conflict

27. How does the novel conclude?
    (a) With a joyful celebration
    (b) With a tragic event
    (c) With the characters achieving their dreams
    (d) With a journey into the unknown

28. In what ways does "Nectar in a Sieve" comment on the impact of modernization on traditional ways of life?
    (a) Celebrating progress and development
    (b) Resisting change and modernization
    (c) Embracing technology and innovation
    (d) Ignoring the challenges of modernization

29. Who is Irawaddy in "Nectar in a Sieve"?
    (a) Rukmani's daughter
    (b) Rukmani's sister
    (c) The village chief
    (d) Nathan's friend

30. What crop does Nathan primarily cultivate on his land?
    (a) Rice
    (b) Wheat
    (c) Sugarcane
    (d) Cotton

31. How does Rukmani feel about her daughter marrying a tannery worker?
    (a) She is ecstatic
    (b) She is disappointed
    (c) She is indifferent
    (d) She is relieved

32. What is the name of Rukmani's best friend in the village?
    (a) Janaki
    (b) Kunthi
    (c) Ira
    (d) Ammu

33. Who is Sacrabani in the novel?
    (a) A village leader
    (b) A religious figure
    (c) A government official
    (d) Rukmani's grandson

34. What major change occurs in Rukmani's life due to the construction of a new road?
    (a) Increased trade opportunities
    (b) Improved healthcare
    (c) Increased isolation
    (d) Government subsidies

35. How does Rukmani and Nathan's relationship change over the course of the novel?
    (a) They grow closer
    (b) They become estranged
    (c) They separate
    (d) They both die tragically

36. What role does the character Biswas play in the novel?
    (a) Landlord
    (b) Educator
    (c) Money lender
    (d) Political leader

37. In what ways does the novel address the impact of colonialism on rural communities?
    (a) Economic exploitation
    (b) Cultural enrichment
    (c) Political empowerment
    (d) Technological advancements

38. Who is the narrator of the story?
    (a) Rukmani
    (b) Irawaddy
    (c) Nathan
    (d) Kenny

39. How does Rukmani and Nathan's family react to the arrival of a stranger in the village?
    (a) With hospitality
    (b) With suspicion
    (c) With fear
    (d) With indifference

40. What tragedy befalls the village, leading to increased poverty and suffering?
    (a) Drought
    (b) Flood
    (c) Epidemic
    (d) War

41. How does the novel depict the impact of gender roles on the characters' lives?
    (a) Upholding traditional gender roles
    (b) Challenging gender norms
    (c) Ignoring gender issues
    (d) Emphasizing patriarchal values

42. Who does Rukmani turn to for support when facing challenges in her life?
    (a) Kenny
    (b) Janaki
    (c) Biswas
    (d) Ira

43. What is the significance of the tannery in the novel?
    (a) It symbolizes progress
    (b) It represents environmental degradation
    (c) It is a place of worship
    (d) It is a symbol of resistance

44. How does Rukmani cope with the loss of her sons and the challenges she faces?
    (a) Through religion
    (b) Through education
    (c) Through political activism
    (d) Through technological innovations

45. What is the role of the character Old Granny in the novel?
    (a) Mentor and guide
    (b) Antagonist
    (c) Religious leader
    (d) Political activist

46. How does the novel conclude?
    (a) With a joyful celebration
    (b) With a tragic event
    (c) With the characters achieving their dreams
    (d) With a journey into the unknown

47. What is the original name of Kamala Markandaya?
    (a) Kamala Das
    (b) Kamala Maria
    (c) Kamala Purnaiya
    (d) None of these

48. What was her initial Profession?
    (a) Journalism
    (b) Administration
    (c) Teaching
    (d) Painting

49. What is the name of her husband?
    (a) William
    (b) John Taylor
    (c) Clinton
    (d) Coleridge

50. In which year 'Nectar in a Sieve' was published?
    (a) 1951
    (b) 1953
    (c) 1952
    (d) 1954

51. Kamala Markandaya was born in -
    (a) 23rd June, 1924
    (b) 2nd January, 1924
    (c) 5th February, 1924
    (d) 4th January, 1923

52. Kamala Markandaya married with -
    (a) Bertrand Taylor
    (b) William Taylor
    (c) T.S. Eliot
    (d) S.T. Coleridge

53. Kamala Markandaya was died on ?
    (a) 16 May, 2004
    (b) 16 June, 2004
    (c) 20 May, 2004
    (d) None of these

54. When did Kamala Markandaya write 'Nectar in a Sieve'?
    (a) 1952
    (b) 1950
    (c) 1954
    (d) 1951

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