Books and Authors – Static GK Questions Asked in SSC & Railway Exams (PYQs with Answers)

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 15 September 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q1. Which of the following authors won the Sahitya Akademi Award in Hindi and later the Jnanpith Award, and is known for novels like Rag Darbari?

(a) Nirmal Verma
(b) Phanishwar Nath Renu
(c) Shrilal Shukla
(d) Krishna Sobti

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Shrilal Shukla

Answer: Option 3 — Shrilal Shukla
Shrilal Shukla (1925–2011), an IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh, wrote the satirical novel Rag Darbari (1968) on village politics and corruption in the fictional village of Shivpalganj.
Rag Darbari won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1970, and he received the Jnanpith Award for 2009 (announced 2011) along with Amar Kant; he was also awarded the Padma Bhushan (2008).
Revision note — Hindi writers who won the Jnanpith
• The Jnanpith Award (instituted 1961, first given 1965 to Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup for Odakkuzhal) is given by the Bharatiya Jnanpith trust founded by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain; it carries Rs 11 lakh and a bronze Vagdevi (Saraswati) statue.
• First Hindi winner: Sumitranandan Pant (1968) for Chidambara; then Ramdhari Singh Dinkar (1972) for Urvashi, S. H. Vatsyayan 'Agyeya' (1978) for Kitni Navon Mein Kitni Baar, Mahadevi Verma (1982) for Yama.
• Later Hindi winners: Naresh Mehta (1992), Nirmal Verma (1999), Kunwar Narayan (2005), Amar Kant and Shrilal Shukla (2009), Kedarnath Singh (2013), Krishna Sobti (2017), Vinod Kumar Shukla (2024).
• Nirmal Verma (option 1) is the Nayi Kahani writer of Ve Din and Kavve aur Kala Pani (Sahitya Akademi 1985, Jnanpith 1999); Krishna Sobti (option 4) wrote Zindaginama (Sahitya Akademi 1980, Jnanpith 2017).
• Phanishwar Nath Renu (option 2) wrote the anchalik (regional) novel Maila Anchal (1954); he received the Padma Shri, not the Jnanpith.
• The Sahitya Akademi Award (since 1955) is given in 24 languages, with a prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Do not mix these up
• Rag Darbari vs Maila Anchal — both are landmark village novels, but Rag Darbari (satire, Shrilal Shukla) is set in Awadh, Maila Anchal (Renu) in Purnea, Bihar.
• Sahitya Akademi Award vs Jnanpith Award — the Akademi award is for one book in one language; the Jnanpith is for an author's lifetime contribution to Indian literature.
Also asked from this topic: the poetic collection that won Sumitranandan Pant the Jnanpith (Chidambara, 1968); the Jnanpith-winning woman Hindi writer (Mahadevi Verma, 1982).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 15 September 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q2. Which modern Indian writer and Booker Prize winner authored The God of Small Things, a novel that broke conventional narrative and addressed caste, love, and politics with lyrical prose?

(a) Arundhati Roy
(b) Kiran Desai
(c) Jhumpa Lahiri
(d) D. Anita Desai

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Arundhati Roy

Answer: Option 1 — Arundhati Roy
The God of Small Things (1997) was Arundhati Roy's debut novel and won the Booker Prize in 1997, making her the first Indian woman to win it.
It is set in Ayemenem, Kerala, and follows the twins Estha and Rahel.
Revision note — Arundhati Roy and Indian Booker winners
• Roy was born in 1961 at Shillong; her second novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, came in 2017, twenty years after the first.
• Her non-fiction includes The Algebra of Infinite Justice, War Talk (2003), Capitalism: A Ghost Story (2014) and the memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me (2025).
• Booker winners of Indian origin: Salman Rushdie (Midnight's Children, 1981), Arundhati Roy (1997), Kiran Desai (The Inheritance of Loss, 2006), Aravind Adiga (The White Tiger, 2008).
• Jhumpa Lahiri won the Pulitzer Prize (2000) for Interpreter of Maladies; she also wrote The Namesake and The Lowland.
• Anita Desai, Kiran Desai's mother, was Booker-shortlisted three times (Clear Light of Day, In Custody, Fasting, Feasting) but never won.
• International Booker Prize: Geetanjali Shree (Tomb of Sand, 2022, first Hindi book) and Banu Mushtaq (Heart Lamp, 2025, first Kannada book).
Do not mix these up
• Kiran Desai vs Anita Desai — the daughter won the Booker (2006); the mother was only shortlisted.
• Booker vs International Booker — the Booker is for a novel written in English; the International Booker is for a work translated into English.
Also asked from this topic: the author of The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy); the first Indian woman to win the Booker (Arundhati Roy, 1997); the author of The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q3. Temsula Ao's award-winning work contributes significantly to which underrepresented theme in Indian literature?

(a) Urban alienation
(b) South Indian politics
(c) North-East India's tribal identity and oral traditions
(d) Bollywood culture

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) North-East India's tribal identity and oral traditions

Answer: Option 3 — North-East India's tribal identity and oral traditions
Temsula Ao was a Naga poet and short-story writer of the Ao tribe whose work records the oral lore, folk memory and insurgency-era life of Nagaland.
Her stories in These Hills Called Home and Laburnum for My Head brought the tribal voice of the North-East into Indian English writing.
Revision note — Temsula Ao and the writers of the North-East
• Temsula Ao (1945–2022) was born at Jorhat, Assam, of the Ao Naga tribe, and taught English at NEHU, Shillong.
• Awards: Padma Shri (2007) and the Sahitya Akademi Award (2013) for the short-story collection Laburnum for My Head.
• Her best-known collection, These Hills Called Home: Stories from a War Zone (2006), deals with the Naga insurgency; The Ao-Naga Oral Tradition (1999) is her study of Ao folklore.
• She was the first Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women; her memoir is Once Upon a Life: Burnt Curry and Bloody Rags (2014).
• Other Naga writer to know: Easterine Kire — first Naga novel in English, A Naga Village Remembered (2003); The Hindu Prize 2015 for When the River Sleeps.
• Mamang Dai (Arunachal Pradesh) won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2017 for The Black Hill; Indira Goswami (Assam) won the Jnanpith Award (2000).
Also asked from this topic: the book for which Ruskin Bond won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 (Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra); the author of Everything the Light Touches, AutHer Award 2023 (Janice Pariat).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q4. How does Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy combine traditional Indian narrative structures with Western literary form?

(a) Through a focus on religious scriptures
(b) By using the picaresque form set in mythological India
(c) Through a family saga model inspired by 19th-century realist novels
(d) By using poetry throughout the novel

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Through a family saga model inspired by 19th-century realist novels

Answer: Option 3 — Through a family saga model inspired by 19th-century realist novels
A Suitable Boy (1993) follows four families through post-Independence north India in the manner of Tolstoy and George Eliot — a broad, realistic family saga.
The Indian material is the arranged-marriage search of Lata Mehra; the form is the 19th-century realist novel.
Revision note — Vikram Seth and A Suitable Boy
• Published in 1993; at about 1,349 pages it is one of the longest single-volume novels in English.
• Set in 1950–52 in the fictional town of Brahmpur, against the backdrop of India's first general election and land reform.
• Four families — the Mehras, Kapoors, Khans and Chatterjis; the heroine Lata Mehra must choose among three suitors.
• Won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize (1994) and the WH Smith Literary Award; it was adapted as a BBC series (2020) directed by Mira Nair.
• Seth's other works: The Golden Gate (1986) — a novel written entirely in sonnets (Sahitya Akademi Award 1988); An Equal Music (1999), set in the world of Western classical music.
• Two Lives (2005) is his memoir of his great-uncle Shanti and aunt Henny; From Heaven Lake (1983) is a travel book that won the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.
• Seth received the Padma Shri in 2007.
Do not mix these up
• A Suitable Boy vs The Golden Gate — the saga is in prose; it is The Golden Gate that is written in verse.
• A Suitable Boy vs Train to Pakistan — the Partition novel is by Khushwant Singh; SSC often lists the two together as a distractor pair.
Also asked from this topic: the author of A Suitable Boy, published in 1993 (Vikram Seth); the author of An Equal Music (Vikram Seth); the book NOT written by Khushwant Singh (A Suitable Boy).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q5. In what way does Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children redefine post-colonial Indian literature?

(a) It adheres strictly to Western realist tradition.
(b) It uses magical realism to represent political and historical events.
(c) It avoids historical references to maintain neutrality.
(d) It criticizes British literature exclusively.

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It uses magical realism to represent political and historical events.

Answer: Option 2 — It uses magical realism to represent political and historical events.
Midnight's Children (1981) tells India's history from 1947 onwards through Saleem Sinai, born at the stroke of midnight on 15 August 1947, whose telepathic powers bind him to the nation's fate.
This blend of fantasy with real events — Partition, the wars, the Emergency — is magical realism, and it set the template for later Indian English fiction.
Revision note — Salman Rushdie and Midnight's Children
• Published 1981; won the Booker Prize 1981, then the Booker of Bookers (1993) and the Best of the Booker (2008).
• The 1,001 children born in the first hour of Independence each carry a special gift; Saleem's rival is Shiva.
• Filmed by Deepa Mehta in 2012.
• Rushdie was born in Bombay in 1947; his other novels include Shame (1983), The Satanic Verses (1988) and Haroun and the Sea of Stories (1990).
• Later works: The Moor's Last Sigh (1995), The Ground Beneath Her Feet (1999), Shalimar the Clown (2005), set in Kashmir, and Victory City (2023).
• Joseph Anton (2012) is his memoir of the years in hiding after the 1989 fatwa over The Satanic Verses; Knife (2024) recounts the 2022 attack on him.
Do not mix these up
• Midnight's Children vs The Moor's Last Sigh — both use magical realism, but only Midnight's Children won the Booker.
• Rushdie vs Amitav Ghosh — The Ground Beneath Her Feet is Rushdie's; The Glass Palace and The Hungry Tide are Ghosh's.
Also asked from this topic: the author of Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie); the Rushdie book that won the 1981 Booker Prize (Midnight's Children); the author of Shalimar the Clown (Salman Rushdie).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q6. Why is Qurratulain Hyder's Aag Ka Darya (River of Fire) considered a landmark in Indian literature?

(a) For its depiction of the Mughal Empire through magical realism
(b) For spanning over two millennia of Indian history to explore continuity and change
(c) For being the first feminist novel in Urdu
(d) For its translation into Sanskrit

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) For spanning over two millennia of Indian history to explore continuity and change

Answer: Option 2 — For spanning over two millennia of Indian history to explore continuity and change
Aag Ka Darya (1959) moves from the 4th century BC of Chandragupta Maurya to the years just after Partition, with the same names — Gautam, Champa, Kamal — reborn in each age.
That sweep of about 2,500 years in one novel, and its argument that India's composite culture outlasts every political break, is what makes it a landmark.
Revision note — Qurratulain Hyder
• Urdu novelist, 1927–2007, born in Aligarh; affectionately called Ainee Apa.
• Aag Ka Darya was published in 1959; she herself transcreated it into English as River of Fire (1998).
• The novel runs through four eras — ancient India, the late Sultanate and Mughal age, the East India Company period, and the 20th century up to Partition.
• She migrated to Pakistan after Partition but returned to India in 1961.
• Awards: Sahitya Akademi Award (1967) for Patjhar ki Awaz; Jnanpith Award (1989) for Aakhir-e-Shab ke Humsafar; Padma Shri (1984) and Padma Bhushan (2005).
• She was the fourth woman to win the Jnanpith, after Ashapoorna Devi (1976), Amrita Pritam (1981) and Mahadevi Varma (1982), and before Mahasweta Devi (1996).
Also asked from this topic: the 1959 novel by Qurratulain Hyder known for its insights on Partition (Aag Ka Darya); the first woman to win the Jnanpith Award (Ashapoorna Devi, 1976).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q7. Which book by Arundhati Roy won the Booker Prize in 1997?

(a) The White Tiger
(b) The God of Small Things
(c) Sea of Poppies
(d) A Suitable Boy

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) The God of Small Things

Answer: Option 2 — The God of Small Things
The God of Small Things (1997), set in Ayemenem, Kerala, was Arundhati Roy's debut novel and won the Booker Prize in 1997.
She was the first Indian woman to win the prize.
Revision note — The Booker Prize and Indian winners
• Indian and Indian-origin Booker winners: V. S. Naipaul, In a Free State (1971); Salman Rushdie, Midnight's Children (1981); Arundhati Roy (1997).
• Kiran Desai won in 2006 for The Inheritance of Loss.
• Aravind Adiga won in 2008 for The White Tiger, the first option here; Midnight's Children was also voted the Booker of Bookers.
• Sea of Poppies (2008), the first book of the Ibis trilogy, is by Amitav Ghosh, and A Suitable Boy (1993) is by Vikram Seth — neither won the Booker.
• The International Booker Prize is for fiction translated into English: Geetanjali Shree's Tomb of Sand (translator Daisy Rockwell) won in 2022, the first Hindi work.
• Banu Mushtaq's Heart Lamp (translator Deepa Bhasthi) won the International Booker in 2025, the first Kannada work and the first short-story collection to win it.
• Roy's other books: the novel The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017) and the essays The End of Imagination, War Talk (2003) and Capitalism: A Ghost Story (2014).
Do not mix these up
• Booker Prize vs International Booker Prize — the Booker is for a novel written in English; the International Booker is for a translated work, its £50,000 split equally between author and translator.
• The White Tiger vs The God of Small Things — Adiga's The White Tiger won in 2008; Roy's novel won in 1997.
Also asked from this topic: the author of The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy); the author of The White Tiger, Booker 2008 (Aravind Adiga); the War Talk author (Arundhati Roy).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q8. What common literary strategy is used in works like Tamas (Bhisham Sahni), Train to Pakistan (Khushwant Singh), and Basti (Intizar Hussain) to depict the Partition?

(a) Direct historical narrative from political leaders
(b) Use of mythological allegory
(c) Ground-level human narratives filled with moral ambiguity and trauma
(d) Focus on celebratory nationalism

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Ground-level human narratives filled with moral ambiguity and trauma

Answer: Option 3 — Ground-level human narratives filled with moral ambiguity and trauma
All three novels leave out the leaders and the negotiations and follow ordinary people — a village, a town, a family — through the violence of 1947.
None of them celebrates independence; they show neighbours turning on neighbours, with no side wholly innocent.
Revision note — Partition literature
• Tamas (Hindi, 1974) by Bhisham Sahni — riots in a small Punjab town; won the Sahitya Akademi Award (1975) and was filmed for television by Govind Nihalani (1988).
• Train to Pakistan (English, 1956) by Khushwant Singh — set in the border village of Mano Majra, where a train of corpses breaks the peace between Sikhs and Muslims.
• Basti (Urdu, 1979) by Intizar Hussain, a Pakistani writer born in Uttar Pradesh who migrated in 1947; it moves between memories of the old town and the war of 1971.
• Other Partition classics: Toba Tek Singh (short story, Saadat Hasan Manto), Pinjar (Amrita Pritam, 1950), Jhootha Sach (Yashpal).
• In English: Ice-Candy-Man (Bapsi Sidhwa), Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie), Clear Light of Day (Anita Desai).
• Khushwant Singh's other well-known works: Delhi: A Novel, A History of the Sikhs, The Company of Women, Truth, Love and a Little Malice (autobiography).
Also asked from this topic: the author of Train to Pakistan (Khushwant Singh); the author of Tamas (Bhisham Sahni); the author of Delhi: A Novel (Khushwant Singh).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q9. “Sea of Poppies,” shortlisted for the Booker Prize, is authored by:

(a) Amitav Ghosh
(b) Salman Rushdie
(c) Vikram Seth
(d) Aravind Adiga

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Amitav Ghosh

Answer: Option 1 — Amitav Ghosh
Sea of Poppies (2008) is the first novel of Amitav Ghosh's Ibis Trilogy; it was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2008 but did not win.
Revision note — Amitav Ghosh and the Ibis Trilogy
• The Ibis Trilogy follows the opium trade and the First Opium War: Sea of Poppies (2008), River of Smoke (2011) and Flood of Fire (2015), named after the schooner Ibis.
• Other novels by Amitav Ghosh: The Circle of Reason (1986), The Shadow Lines (1988), The Calcutta Chromosome (1995), The Glass Palace (2000), The Hungry Tide (2004) and Gun Island (2019).
• The Shadow Lines won the Sahitya Akademi Award (1989) and The Calcutta Chromosome the Arthur C. Clarke Award; In an Antique Land (1992) is a travelogue-history.
• Ghosh received the Padma Shri in 2007 and the Jnanpith Award in 2018 — the first writer in English to win the Jnanpith.
• The Great Derangement (2016) is his non-fiction argument that literature has failed to confront climate change.
• The Booker Prize 2008 itself was won by Aravind Adiga for The White Tiger; Salman Rushdie won it for Midnight's Children (1981) and Arundhati Roy for The God of Small Things (1997).
Do not mix these up
• Shortlisted vs won — Sea of Poppies was only shortlisted in 2008; the winner that year was The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga.
• Booker Prize vs International Booker Prize — the Booker is for fiction written in English; the International Booker rewards a translated work, as with Heart Lamp (Banu Mushtaq, 2025).
Also asked from this topic: the author of The Shadow Lines, The Calcutta Chromosome and Gun Island (Amitav Ghosh); the writer of the 2008 Booker winner The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 9 September 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q10. In which language was The Blind Lady’s Descendants originally written?

(a) Kannada
(b) Malayalam
(c) Hindi
(d) English

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) English

Answer: Option 4 — English
The Blind Lady's Descendants was written in English by Anees Salim, a Kerala-born novelist who writes only in English.
Revision note — Anees Salim and the Sahitya Akademi Award for English
• Anees Salim was born in Varkala, Kerala, but writes in English. The Kerala setting of his novels is the trap; it says nothing about their language.
• The Blind Lady's Descendants won the Sahitya Akademi Award for English in 2018. Amar, the youngest child of a Muslim family in a small Kerala town, narrates it as what is meant to be his suicide note.
• His novel Vanity Bagh won The Hindu Literary Prize, 2013.
• The Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, was set up in 1954 and gives its annual award in 24 languages, English among them.
• Other Sahitya Akademi English winners that exams repeat: Amitabha Bagchi for Half the Night is Gone (2019) and Ruskin Bond for Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra (1992).
Do not mix these up
• Sahitya Akademi Award vs Jnanpith Award — the Sahitya Akademi honours one book each year in each of 24 languages; the Jnanpith honours a writer's whole body of work.
• Language of the author vs language of the book — many Indian writers from a regional state publish in English. Judge the book, not the birthplace.
Also asked from this topic: the Sahitya Akademi winner who wrote Half the Night is Gone (Amitabha Bagchi);
Ruskin Bond's Sahitya Akademi book of 1992 (Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra);
the Jnanpith-winning collection of Sumitranandan Pant (Chidambara).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 9 September 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q11. Who among the following is the author of the semi-autobiographical novel Em and the Big Hoom?

(a) Jerry Pinto
(b) Chetan Bhagat
(c) Manu Joseph
(d) Shashi Tharoor

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Jerry Pinto

Answer: Option 1 — Jerry Pinto
Em and the Big Hoom (2012) is Jerry Pinto's semi-autobiographical debut novel, set in a Goan Catholic family in Mahim, Bombay, and centred on a mother living with bipolar illness.
Revision note — Jerry Pinto and the semi-autobiographical Indian novel
• Em and the Big Hoom won the Sahitya Akademi Award for English (2016), The Hindu Literary Prize and the Crossword Book Award for fiction.
• Pinto's Helen: The Life and Times of an H-Bomb won the National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema (2007); his later novel is Murder in Mahim.
• Other well-known semi-autobiographical Indian novels — The Room on the Roof by Ruskin Bond, The Serpent and the Rope by Raja Rao, and The Private Life of an Indian Prince by Mulk Raj Anand.
• Manu Joseph wrote Serious Men, which took The Hindu Literary Prize in 2010, and The Illicit Happiness of Other People.
• Shashi Tharoor wrote The Great Indian Novel, An Era of Darkness and Why I Am a Hindu; Chetan Bhagat wrote Five Point Someone and 2 States.
Do not mix these up
• Jerry Pinto vs Manu Joseph — both write of Bombay, but Em and the Big Hoom is Pinto's and Serious Men is Joseph's.
Also asked from this topic: the author of The Room on the Roof (Ruskin Bond); of The Serpent and the Rope (Raja Rao); of Low (Jeet Thayil).

RRB Group D 2025-26 – 11 August 2026 Shift 2 · International books and authors

Q12. Who is the author of the book ‘On Earth as It Is Beneath’?

(a) Olga Tokarczuk
(b) Valeria Luiselli
(c) Ana Paula Maia
(d) Fernanda Trías

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Ana Paula Maia

Answer: Option 3 – Ana Paula Maia.
• 'On Earth as It Is Beneath' was written byAna Paula Maia.

RRB Group D 2025-26 – 6 August 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q13. Who among the following is the author of the book titled ‘The Director’?

(a) George Orwell
(b) Haruki Murakami
(c) Daniel Kehlmann
(d) Orhan Pamuk

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Daniel Kehlmann

Answer: Option 3 — Daniel Kehlmann
'The Director' is authored byDaniel Kehlmann→ Option 3. *(Verify against the official key.)*

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q14. Which Indian ministry, in collaboration with the International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE), unveiled the ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book in April 2024?

(a) Ministry of education
(b) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(c) Ministry of Finance
(d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Topic: Government Initiatives - Circular Economy
'I Am Circular' Coffee Table Book - April 2024
Launched by:Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Collaboration: International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE)
Purpose: Promote circular economy practices in electronics sector
Answer: Option 4 → Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 14 June 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q15. "The Argumentative Indian," a book discussing Indian history and culture, is authored by:

(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Shashi Tharoor
(c) Amartya Sen
(d) Ramachandra Guha

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Amartya Sen

The Argumentative Indian
Author:Amartya Sen(Nobel Prize winner in Economics)
Published: 2005
Book explores India's intellectual traditions, secularism, and democratic values through historical essays.
Answer: Option 3 → Amartya Sen

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 13 June 2026 Shift 2 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q16. 'Playing It My Way' is the autobiography of which of the following sportspersons?

(a) Subhadra Pradhan
(b) Sachin Tendulkar
(c) Mohammed Shahid
(d) Debashish Mishra

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Sachin Tendulkar

'Playing It My Way' - Autobiography
Author:Sachin Tendulkar
Published in 2014, co-written with Boria Majumdar.
Chronicles the legendary cricketer's journey from childhood to retirement.
Answer: Option 2 → Sachin Tendulkar

SSC GD 2026 – 31 May 2026 Shift 3 · International books and authors

Q17. Who is the author of 'The Alchemist'?

(a) Paulo Coelho
(b) Dan Brown
(c) Gabriel Garcia Marquez
(d) Khaled Hosseini

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Paulo Coelho

Correct Answer: Paulo Coelho (Option 1)
'The Alchemist' (original title: O Alquimista ) was written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho and first published in 1988. It is one of the best-selling books in history, translated into over 80 languages. The novel tells the philosophical story of Santiago, a young shepherd who travels from Spain to Egypt in search of worldly treasure, ultimately discovering the importance of following one's dreams.
Why others are wrong:
- Dan Brown: Known for 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'Angels and Demons'; an American thriller writer.
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Colombian author known for 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'; not the author of The Alchemist.
- Khaled Hosseini: Afghan-American author of 'The Kite Runner' and 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'.

SSC GD 2026 – 30 May 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q18. Which of the following novels was written by Mulk Raj Anand and is centred on the life of an untouchable?

(a) The Guide
(b) Untouchable
(c) Train to Pakistan
(d) The White Tiger

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Untouchable

Correct Answer: Untouchable (Option 2)
"Untouchable" (1935) by Mulk Raj Anand follows a single day in the life of Bakha, a young low-caste sweeper, depicting the harsh realities of untouchability in India. It was one of the first Indian English novels to focus on the life of an untouchable.
Why others are wrong:
- The Guide: Written by R.K. Narayan, not Mulk Raj Anand.
- Train to Pakistan: Written by Khushwant Singh; set during the Partition.
- The White Tiger: Written by Aravind Adiga; a modern satire, not by Anand.

SSC GD 2026 – 30 May 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q19. What is the thematic setting of Anita Desai's book 'Clear Light of Day'?

(a) A remote Himalayan village
(b) Bombay during World War II
(c) An old Delhi family grappling with memories and Partition
(d) An American academic in Mexico

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) An old Delhi family grappling with memories and Partition

Correct Answer: An old Delhi family grappling with memories and Partition (Option 3)
Anita Desai's "Clear Light of Day" (1980) is set in Old Delhi and revolves around the Das family. The novel explores themes of memory, time, family relationships, and the trauma of the Partition of India through the lives of siblings Bim and Tara.
Why others are wrong:
- A remote Himalayan village: Unrelated to this novel's setting.
- Bombay during World War II: This does not describe the setting of this novel.
- An American academic in Mexico: This is entirely unconnected to Anita Desai's story.

SSC GD 2026 – 30 May 2026 Shift 3 · International books and authors

Q20. Which Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Harper Lee deals with racial injustice in the American South?

(a) Go Set a Watchman
(b) To Kill a Mockingbird
(c) The Color Purple
(d) Invisible Man

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) To Kill a Mockingbird

Correct Answer: To Kill a Mockingbird (Option 2)
"To Kill a Mockingbird" (1960) by Harper Lee won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961. The novel is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, and deals with themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South. The story centres on lawyer Atticus Finch, who defends a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
Why others are wrong:
- Go Set a Watchman: Also written by Harper Lee (published 2015), but it did not win the Pulitzer Prize.
- The Color Purple: Written by Alice Walker, not Harper Lee; it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1983.
- Invisible Man: Written by Ralph Ellison (1952), deals with racial identity but is not by Harper Lee.

SSC GD 2026 – 30 May 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q21. What was Ruskin Bond's first novel for which he received the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957?

(a) The Blue Umbrella
(b) A Flight of Pigeons
(c) The Room on the Roof
(d) Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) The Room on the Roof

Correct Answer: The Room on the Roof — Option (c)
Ruskin Bond's first novel 'The Room on the Roof' won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957. About The Room on the Roof: Author: Ruskin Bond; Type: Semi-autobiographical novel; Published: 1956; Award: John Llewellyn Rhys Prize (1957) — a prestigious British literary award for Commonwealth writers under 30; Protagonist: Rusty, a young Anglo-Indian boy in Dehradun; Plot: Rusty lives with a strict English guardian but longs for freedom; He runs away and finds a home and family among Indian friends; It depicts Rusty's coming-of-age and discovery of Indian culture; Written when Ruskin Bond was just 17 years old (while living in London); Setting: Dehradun, Uttarakhand; Sequel: Vagrants in the Valley (also featuring Rusty); About John Llewellyn Rhys Prize: Named after John Llewellyn Rhys, a British writer killed in WWII; Awarded for the best work of literature by a Commonwealth citizen under 30; About Ruskin Bond: Born: May 19, 1934, Kasauli , Punjab (now Himachal Pradesh); Known for: Short stories, novels, and essays set in the Himalayan foothills; Major works: The Room on the Roof (1956), A Flight of Pigeons (1978), The Blue Umbrella (1980), Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra (1991); Awards: Sahitya Akademi Award (1992), Padma Shri (1999), Padma Bhushan (2014); Resides in Landour (Mussoorie), Uttarakhand; One of India's most beloved English-language authors; About other options: The Blue Umbrella (1980): Short novel, inspired the 2005 Vishal Bhardwaj film; A Flight of Pigeons (1978): Set during the 1857 Mutiny; Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra (1991): Won the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Option (a) The Blue Umbrella — Incorrect: 'The Blue Umbrella' was NOT Ruskin Bond's first novel and did NOT win the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize; it was published in 1980 — 24 years after 'The Room on the Roof'; it was later adapted into a Hindi film by Vishal Bhardwaj (2005) starring Pankaj Kapur; the first novel was 'The Room on the Roof' (1956) which won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957.
Option (b) A Flight of Pigeons — Incorrect: 'A Flight of Pigeons' was NOT Ruskin Bond's first novel and did NOT win the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize; it was published in 1978 — 22 years after 'The Room on the Roof'; it is set during the 1857 Indian Mutiny and was adapted into the film 'Junoon' (1978) by Shyam Benegal; the first novel was 'The Room on the Roof' (1956).
Option (d) Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra — Incorrect: 'Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra' was NOT Ruskin Bond's first novel and did NOT win the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize; it is a collection of autobiographical stories published in 1991 — 35 years after 'The Room on the Roof'; it won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992; the novel that won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957 was 'The Room on the Roof.' The candidate incorrectly selected this option.

SSC GD 2026 – 29 May 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q22. Which children's novel by Anita Desai won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award?

(a) The Village by the Sea
(b) Games at Twilight
(c) Diamond Dust and Other Stories
(d) Where Shall We Go This Summer?

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) The Village by the Sea

Correct Answer: The Village by the Sea — Option (a)
Anita Desai's children's novel 'The Village by the Sea' won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 1982. About the Novel: Title: The Village by the Sea (also known as An Indian Family Story); Author: Anita Desai; Published: 1982; Award: Guardian Children's Fiction Prize (1982); Plot: Set in a small fishing village on the western coast of India (near Mumbai/Thul village, Maharashtra); Follows the story of two siblings — Hari and Lila — who struggle to support their family (their father is alcoholic, mother is ill); Hari goes to Bombay/Mumbai to find work, while Lila manages the household; Depicts themes of poverty, traditional vs. modern India, and resilience; Film adaptation: Made into a film 'Hari-Bhari' (1984) by Ismail Merchant; About Anita Desai: Born: June 24, 1937, Mussoorie, India; Full name: Anita Mazumdar Desai; One of India's foremost English-language novelists; Major works: Cry, the Peacock (1963), Where Shall We Go This Summer? (1975), Fire on the Mountain (1977) — won Winifred Holtby Memorial Prize, Clear Light of Day (1980), In Custody (1984) — Booker Prize shortlist, Baumgartner's Bombay (1988), Journey to Ithaca (1995), Fasting, Feasting (1999) — Booker Prize shortlist, The Artist of Disappearance (2011); Three-time Booker Prize shortlistee ; Children's novels: The Village by the Sea, The Peacock Garden; Note: Anita Desai should not be confused with her daughter Kiran Desai who won the Man Booker Prize in 2006 for 'The Inheritance of Loss.'
Option (b) Games at Twilight — Incorrect: 'Games at Twilight' is NOT a novel — it is a SHORT STORY COLLECTION by Anita Desai (published 1978); it is not a children's novel, and it did NOT win the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize; the Guardian Children's Fiction Award was won by 'The Village by the Sea.'
Option (c) Diamond Dust and Other Stories — Incorrect: 'Diamond Dust and Other Stories' is a SHORT STORY COLLECTION by Anita Desai (published 2000), NOT a children's novel; it did NOT win the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize; the candidate incorrectly selected this option; the correct answer is 'The Village by the Sea.'
Option (d) Where Shall We Go This Summer? — Incorrect: 'Where Shall We Go This Summer?' is an adult novel by Anita Desai (published 1975), NOT a children's novel; it was NOT the work that won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize; the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize was won by 'The Village by the Sea' (1982).

SSC GD 2026 – 29 May 2026 Shift 2 · International books and authors

Q23. Which of the following is William Wordsworth's autobiographical poem?

(a) The Excursion
(b) The Recluse
(c) The Prelude
(d) Michael

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) The Prelude

Correct Answer: The Prelude — Option (c)
William Wordsworth's autobiographical poem is 'The Prelude.' About The Prelude: Full title: The Prelude, or Growth of a Poet's Mind; Author: William Wordsworth (1770–1850); Nature: Autobiographical epic poem; Began composing: 1798 (when he was 28 years old); Published: 1850, posthumously (three months after Wordsworth's death); Wordsworth revised it throughout his life — three major versions (1799, 1805, 1850); Subtitle 'Growth of a Poet's Mind' explains its autobiographical nature — it traces Wordsworth's development as a poet; Structure: Originally written in blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter); Covers Wordsworth's childhood, education, time in France during the Revolution, spiritual development; It was intended as a prelude (introduction) to his longer philosophical poem 'The Recluse' (which he never completed); About other options: The Excursion (1814): Part of Wordsworth's planned but incomplete philosophical poem 'The Recluse' — it is one of the few parts actually completed; it is philosophical in nature, not autobiographical; The Recluse: Wordsworth's planned major philosophical poem — only partially completed; 'The Prelude' was meant to be the introduction to 'The Recluse'; Michael (1800): A pastoral poem by Wordsworth about a shepherd and his son — NOT autobiographical; About William Wordsworth: Poet Laureate of England (1843–1850); Known for: Lyrical Ballads (1798, co-written with Samuel Taylor Coleridge) — launched the Romantic Age in English Literature; Famous poems: I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud (Daffodils), Tintern Abbey, Ode: Intimations of Immortality; Theme: Nature, childhood, imagination, memory.
Option (a) The Excursion — Incorrect: 'The Excursion' (1814) is NOT Wordsworth's autobiographical poem; it is a philosophical/narrative poem forming part of his projected larger work 'The Recluse'; The Excursion describes philosophical conversations about nature, society, and faith — it is NOT a personal autobiography of Wordsworth; the autobiographical poem is 'The Prelude.'
Option (b) The Recluse — Incorrect: 'The Recluse' is Wordsworth's projected grand philosophical poem — but he never completed it; only fragments and 'The Excursion' (one of its parts) were actually written; 'The Recluse' is NOT an autobiographical poem; Wordsworth's autobiographical poem is 'The Prelude' (which was meant to be an introduction to 'The Recluse'). The candidate incorrectly selected this option.
Option (d) Michael — Incorrect: 'Michael' (1800) is a pastoral ballad by Wordsworth about an old shepherd named Michael and his son Luke who goes to the city and is ruined; it is NOT an autobiographical poem; it is a narrative/pastoral poem; Wordsworth's autobiographical poem is 'The Prelude' (subtitled 'Growth of a Poet's Mind').

SSC GD 2026 – 29 May 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q24. Who is the author of 'Maila Aanchal'?

(a) Yashpal
(b) Phanishwar Nath Renu
(c) Bhisham Sahni
(d) Munshi Premchand

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Phanishwar Nath Renu

Correct Answer: Phanishwar Nath Renu — Option (b)
The author of 'Maila Aanchal' is Phanishwar Nath Renu. About Maila Aanchal: Title meaning: 'The Soiled Border' (Aanchal = the decorative border of a sari; Maila = soiled/dirty); Language: Hindi; Published: 1954; Author: Phanishwar Nath Renu; Genre: Novel ( Aaanchalik upanyas — regional novel); Setting: A fictional village called Maryganj in the Purnea district of Bihar (now in Jharkhand/Bihar border area); Plot: Life of a doctor (Prashant) who comes to work in a remote village; Depicts the socio-economic conditions of rural Bihar — poverty, exploitation, caste discrimination, political corruption, post-independence reality; Themes: Rural life, caste system, social injustice, nationalism vs. reality, love and relationships; Significance: Considered a masterpiece of modern Hindi literature; Launched the genre of ' Aanchalik ' (regional) fiction in Hindi literature; Gave voice to the marginalized communities of rural Bihar; About Phanishwar Nath Renu (1921-1977): Born: March 4, 1921 in Aurahi Hingna , Araria, Bihar; Pen name: Renu; Education: Studied in Nepal during the Rana regime; Active in the anti-Rana revolution in Nepal (1950); Participated in the JP Movement (1974-75) led by Jayaprakash Narayan; Other major works: Maila Aanchal (1954), Parti Parikatha (1957), Dil Ka Doctor, Teesri Kasam (short story, 1944) — basis of the 1966 film Teesri Kasam (Raj Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman); Padma Shri awardee (declined); Padma Shri awarded in 1970.
Option (a) Yashpal — Incorrect: Yashpal is NOT the author of 'Maila Aanchal'; Yashpal (1903-1976) was a prominent Hindi novelist known for works like Jhoota Sach (a two-part novel on Partition), Divya, Dada Comrade, and Manushya Ke Roop; 'Maila Aanchal' was written by Phanishwar Nath Renu (1954).
Option (c) Bhisham Sahni — Incorrect: Bhisham Sahni is NOT the author of 'Maila Aanchal'; Bhisham Sahni (1915-2003) was a famous Hindi writer known for his novel 'Tamas' (about the Partition of India, 1947), later made into a famous TV serial; 'Maila Aanchal' was written by Phanishwar Nath Renu (1954).
Option (d) Munshi Premchand — Incorrect: Munshi Premchand (1880-1936) is NOT the author of 'Maila Aanchal'; Premchand was the greatest writer of Hindi and Urdu fiction, known for Godan , Nirmala, Gaban, Sevasadan , Rangbhoomi , and hundreds of short stories ( Kafan , Poos Ki Raat, etc.); 'Maila Aanchal' was written by Phanishwar Nath Renu in 1954 — 18 years after Premchand's death in 1936.

SSC GD 2026 – 27 May 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q25. William Dalrymple's book 'The Last Mughal' describes which historical event?

(a) The Partition of India
(b) The Indian Revolt of 1857
(c) The formation of the Indian National Congress
(d) The Indian Independence Movement

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) The Indian Revolt of 1857

Correct Answer: The Indian Revolt of 1857 — Option (b)
'The Last Mughal' by William Dalrymple is about Bahadur Shah Zafar (the last Mughal emperor) and the Indian Revolt of 1857. About the Book 'The Last Mughal': Author: William Dalrymple (British-Indian historian); Published: 2006; Subject: The Indian Revolt (Mutiny/Uprising) of 1857 and the fall of the Mughal Empire; Central figure: Bahadur Shah Zafar II — the last Mughal emperor (reigned 1837-1857); Content of the book: The book describes the 1857 Indian Revolt (also called the First War of Indian Independence or Sepoy Mutiny); It focuses on Delhi during the revolt — the rebellious sepoys marched to Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah Zafar their leader; The siege of Delhi by the British (June-September 1857); The fall of Delhi to British forces; The trial and exile of Bahadur Shah Zafar to Rangoon (Yangon), Burma; Bahadur Shah Zafar died in exile in Rangoon in 1862; The book is based on extensive archival research including Urdu and Persian documents from the 1857 period; About Bahadur Shah Zafar: A poet and calligrapher as much as a ruler; His poetry is still widely read; His famous verses about longing for his homeland (written in exile) are very touching; About William Dalrymple's other works: 'City of Djinns' (about Delhi), 'White Mughals,' 'Return of a King' (about British invasion of Afghanistan), 'The Anarchy' (about the East India Company), ' Koh-i-Noor ' (co-authored with Anita Anand).
Option (a) The Partition of India — Incorrect: The Partition of India (1947) is described in other books — not 'The Last Mughal'; William Dalrymple's 'The Last Mughal' specifically covers the Indian Revolt of 1857 and the fate of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Option (c) The formation of the Indian National Congress — Incorrect: The formation of the Indian National Congress (1885) is NOT the subject of 'The Last Mughal'; Dalrymple's book focuses on the 1857 revolt and Bahadur Shah Zafar; the INC formation came almost 30 years after the events described in the book.
Option (d) The Indian Independence Movement — Incorrect: While the 1857 revolt is sometimes called the First War of Independence, 'The Last Mughal' specifically deals with the events of 1857 and Bahadur Shah Zafar's fate — NOT the broader Indian Independence Movement (1885-1947) which culminated in independence in 1947.

SSC GD 2026 – 27 May 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q26. What is the main theme of the novel 'Across the Black Waters' written by Mulk Raj Anand?

(a) The Partition of India
(b) Indian soldiers in World War I
(c) Tribal life in India
(d) Urban poverty in post-independence India

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Indian soldiers in World War I

Correct Answer: Indian soldiers in World War I — Option (b)
'Across the Black Waters' by Mulk Raj Anand is about Indian soldiers fighting in World War I. About 'Across the Black Waters': Author: Mulk Raj Anand (1905-2004) — one of the pioneers of Indian writing in English; Published: 1940; Genre: Historical novel; Part of the Lalu trilogy (also called the Bharat trilogy): Book 1: 'The Village' (1939) — about rural life in Punjab; Book 2: 'Across the Black Waters' (1940) — about WWI; Book 3: 'The Sword and the Sickle' (1942) — about the aftermath; Central character: Lal Singh (Lalu) — a young Punjabi farmer-soldier; Theme: Experiences of Indian sepoys (soldiers) fighting for the British Empire in the trenches of France during World War I; 'The Black Waters' refers to the sea (Kala Pani) that Indian soldiers had to cross to reach the European front; Content: Depicts the horrors of trench warfare; Shows the cultural shock of Indian soldiers encountering European life; Explores themes of colonialism — Indians fighting for a foreign empire; Human suffering in the Great War; About Mulk Raj Anand's other major works: 'Untouchable' (1935) — about the plight of an untouchable in Hindu society; 'Coolie' (1936) — about a poor factory worker; 'Two Leaves and a Bud' (1937) — about tea plantation workers; All his works focus on social injustice and the condition of the poor and oppressed.
Option (a) The Partition of India — Incorrect: 'Across the Black Waters' (published 1940) is about Indian soldiers in World War I — NOT the Partition of India; the Partition of India occurred in 1947, seven years after the novel was published; other works that deal with Partition include 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh and 'Tamas' by Bhisham Sahni.
Option (c) Tribal life in India — Incorrect: 'Across the Black Waters' is about Indian soldiers fighting in the trenches of France during World War I — it does NOT deal with tribal life in India; Mulk Raj Anand's novels focus on working-class people, untouchables, and colonial experiences, NOT tribal life specifically.
Option (d) Urban poverty in post-independence India — Incorrect: 'Across the Black Waters' was published in 1940, before Indian independence (1947), and deals with events of World War I (1914-1918); it cannot be about 'post-independence India'; the novel is set in the battlefields of France during WWI; urban poverty in post-independence India is a different theme altogether.

SSC GD 2026 – 26 May 2026 Shift 2 · International books and authors

Q27. Who was the collaborator of William Wordsworth in publishing 'Lyrical Ballads'?

(a) Percy Bysshe Shelley
(b) Samuel Taylor Coleridge
(c) Lord Byron
(d) Robert Southey

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Correct Answer: Samuel Taylor Coleridge — Option (b)
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was the collaborator of William Wordsworth in publishing 'Lyrical Ballads' (1798). About Lyrical Ballads: Published in: 1798 (first edition); Authors: William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge jointly; Significance: It is considered the landmark publication that launched the Romantic Age in English Literature; The Preface to the 1800 second edition (written by Wordsworth) became the 'manifesto of English Romanticism'; Contributions: Coleridge contributed 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' (the longest poem in the collection and the opening poem) and three other poems; Wordsworth wrote the remaining poems including 'Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey'; Key themes: Nature, the supernatural, common people, emotion over reason, imagination; Wordsworth's stated aim: To use 'the real language of men' (ordinary speech) in poetry; About Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Born: October 21, 1772; Works: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Kubla Khan, Christabel, Biographia Literaria; A leading Romantic poet; famous for his use of the supernatural in poetry; About William Wordsworth: Born: April 7, 1770; Became Poet Laureate of England in 1843; Famous works: The Prelude, Tintern Abbey, Daffodils (I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud); About other poets: Percy Bysshe Shelley: Second-generation Romantic poet; works: Ode to the West Wind, Prometheus Unbound, Adonais; Lord Byron: Second-generation Romantic; works: Don Juan, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage; Robert Southey: Poet Laureate before Wordsworth; associated with the 'Lake Poets' but NOT a co-author of Lyrical Ballads.
Option (a) Percy Bysshe Shelley — Incorrect: Percy Bysshe Shelley was a second-generation Romantic poet (born 1792) — he was too young to collaborate with Wordsworth on Lyrical Ballads in 1798; Shelley's famous works include Ode to the West Wind and Prometheus Unbound; Samuel Taylor Coleridge was the actual collaborator.
Option (c) Lord Byron — Incorrect: Lord Byron (George Gordon Byron) was another second-generation Romantic poet who was only 10 years old in 1798 when Lyrical Ballads was published — he had no collaboration with Wordsworth on this work; Coleridge co-authored Lyrical Ballads.
Option (d) Robert Southey — Incorrect: Robert Southey was a contemporary of Wordsworth and Coleridge (together called the 'Lake Poets'), and he later became Poet Laureate — but he was NOT a collaborator on Lyrical Ballads; the work was authored jointly by Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

SSC GD 2026 – 8 May 2026 Shift 1 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q28. 'A Shot at History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold'
is the autobiography of _____.

(a) Neeraj Chopra
(b) Gagan Narang
(c) Abhinav Bindra
(d) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Abhinav Bindra

Correct Answer: Abhinav Bindra — Option (c)
A Shot at History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold' is the autobiography of Abhinav Bindra, co-authored with Rohit Brijnath. Abhinav Bindra became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold Medal when he won the 10m Air Rifle event at the Beijing Olympics 2008. The book chronicles his intense, single-minded pursuit of Olympic gold — the sacrifices, mental training, physical conditioning, and unwavering focus required to achieve this milestone. Bindra is also a Padma Bhushan awardee and one of India's most celebrated sportspersons.
Option (a) Neeraj Chopra — Incorrect: Neeraj Chopra (Olympic Gold medalist in Javelin, Tokyo 2020) has not authored this book; 'A Shot at History' belongs to Abhinav Bindra.
Option (b) Gagan Narang — Incorrect: Gagan Narang is an Olympic Bronze medalist in shooting (London 2012); he did not write 'A Shot at History'.
Option (d) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore — Incorrect: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won a Silver medal in Double Trap shooting at Athens 2004; he did not author this autobiography.

SSC GD 2026 – 8 May 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q29. Who is the author of the book 'Annihilation of Caste'?

(a) B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Dadabhai Naoroji
(c) Tarak Nath Das
(d) Chittaranjan Das

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) B.R. Ambedkar

Correct Answer: B.R. Ambedkar — Option (a)
Annihilation of Caste was written by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1936. It was originally prepared as a speech to be delivered at the annual conference of the Jat-Pat- Todak Mandal (a Hindu social reform organization in Lahore), but the speech was cancelled because the organizers objected to its radical content. Ambedkar then published it as a pamphlet. The book is a powerful critique of the caste system in Hindu society, arguing that caste is not merely a social division but a system rooted in Hindu religious texts that must be completely annihilated for true social equality. It remains one of the most significant works on social justice in Indian intellectual history.
Option (b) Dadabhai Naoroji — Incorrect: Dadabhai Naoroji wrote 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (presenting the Drain Theory); he did not write 'Annihilation of Caste'.
Option (c) Tarak Nath Das — Incorrect: Tarak Nath Das was a Bengali revolutionary and academic; he did not write 'Annihilation of Caste'.
Option (d) Chittaranjan Das — Incorrect: Chittaranjan Das ( Deshbandhu ) was a prominent freedom fighter and lawyer; he did not write 'Annihilation of Caste'.

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 8 May 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q30. ‘The Mango Season’ is a book written by _________ and is a story of an Indian woman of modern India.

(a) Sandhya Menon
(b) Sara Desai
(c) Alka Joshi
(d) Amulya Malladi

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Amulya Malladi

'The Mango Season' - Book Details
Author:Amulya Malladi
Published in 2003, it tells the story of Priya, a young Indian woman navigating between traditional Indian values and modern Western lifestyle.
The novel explores themes of cultural identity, family expectations, and personal choices in contemporary India.
Answer: Option 4 → Amulya Malladi

SSC GD 2026 – 7 May 2026 Shift 2 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q31. What is the title of Amrita Pritam's autobiography?

(a) Pinjar
(b) Rasidi Ticket
(c) Main Tenu Phir Milange
(d) Sunehade

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Rasidi Ticket

Correct Answer: Rasidi Ticket — Option (b)
Amrita Pritam's autobiography is titled 'Rasidi Ticket' (Revenue Stamp), published in 1976. In this autobiography, she narrates her life story including her childhood, her turbulent marriage to Pritam Singh, her separation, her deep love for poet Sahir Ludhianvi, and her long companionship with painter Imroz. The title 'Rasidi Ticket' (a revenue stamp) symbolizes the small but significant moments of her life. Amrita Pritam (1919–2005) was the first prominent woman Punjabi poet, novelist, and essayist, and a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award and Padma Vibhushan.
Option (a) Pinjar — Incorrect: ' Pinjar ' (The Skeleton/Cage) is Amrita Pritam's famous novel (1950) dealing with Partition, later made into a film; it is not her autobiography.
Option (c) Main Tenu Phir Milange — Incorrect: This ('I Will Meet You Again') is a famous poem by Amrita Pritam addressed to Sahir Ludhianvi, not her autobiography.
Option (d) Sunehade — Incorrect: ' Sunehade ' (Messages) is a poetry collection by Amrita Pritam, not her autobiography.

SSC GD 2026 – 6 May 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q32. Which of the following is NOT a work written by William Wordsworth?

(a) The Excursion
(b) Intimations of Immortality
(c) Hyperion
(d) Michael

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Hyperion

Correct Answer: Hyperion — Option (c)
'Hyperion' is a poem written by John Keats, not William Wordsworth. Keats began writing 'Hyperion' in 1818 and left it unfinished; it deals with the fall of the Titans and the rise of the Olympian gods. All other options are genuine works of William Wordsworth: 'The Excursion' (1814) is a long philosophical poem; 'Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood' (1807) is one of his greatest odes; and 'Michael' (1800) is a pastoral poem about a shepherd.
Option (a) The Excursion — Incorrect as an answer: 'The Excursion' (1814) IS a work by William Wordsworth, so it cannot be the NOT option.
Option (b) Intimations of Immortality — Incorrect as an answer: 'Ode: Intimations of Immortality' IS one of Wordsworth's most celebrated poems.
Option (d) Michael — Incorrect as an answer: 'Michael: A Pastoral Poem' (1800) IS a work by William Wordsworth about a shepherd and his son.

SSC GD 2026 – 6 May 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q33. Mulk Raj Anand's novel 'Two Leaves and a Bud' is based on the exploitation of which workers?

(a) Textile mill workers
(b) Tea plantation workers
(c) Coal mine workers
(d) Brick kiln workers

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Tea plantation workers

Correct Answer: Tea plantation workers — Option (b)
'Two Leaves and a Bud' (1937) is a novel by Mulk Raj Anand that depicts the brutal exploitation of Indian tea plantation workers (coolies) by British planters in the Assam tea gardens. The story follows Gangu, a poor peasant from UP, who migrates to work on a tea estate in Assam with his family. The novel exposes the inhumane working conditions, debt bondage, racial discrimination, and oppression suffered by tea garden labourers under the colonial plantation system.
Option (a) Textile mill workers — Incorrect: Mulk Raj Anand wrote about textile mill workers in other contexts, but 'Two Leaves and a Bud' is specifically about tea plantation workers.
Option (c) Coal mine workers — Incorrect: 'Two Leaves and a Bud' is set in tea gardens of Assam, not coal mines. Anand's novel 'Coolie' (1936) deals with various forms of labour exploitation.
Option (d) Brick kiln workers — Incorrect: 'Two Leaves and a Bud' is not about brick kiln workers; it specifically depicts the lives of tea estate labourers in colonial Assam.

SSC GD 2026 – 5 May 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q34. Who wrote the novel 'Sari Shop'?

(a) R.K. Narayan
(b) Anjali Banerjee
(c) Rupa Bajwa
(d) Shashi Tharoor

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Rupa Bajwa

Correct Answer: Rupa Bajwa — Option (c)
'The Sari Shop' is a debut novel by Indian author Rupa Bajwa, published in 2004. The novel is set in Amritsar and follows Ramchand, a young shop assistant in a sari shop, who observes the class divide in Indian society. The book was critically acclaimed and won the Betty Trask Award and the Encore Award in the UK.
Option (a) R.K. Narayan — Incorrect: R.K. Narayan is known for works like 'Swami and Friends' and 'Malgudi Days', not 'The Sari Shop'.
Option (b) Anjali Banerjee — Incorrect: Anjali Banerjee is an American author of South Asian origin; she did not write 'The Sari Shop'.
Option (d) Shashi Tharoor — Incorrect: Shashi Tharoor is known for books like 'The Great Indian Novel' and 'An Era of Darkness', not 'The Sari Shop'.

SSC GD 2026 – 4 May 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q35. Who wrote 'The God of Small Things'?

(a) Vikram Seth
(b) Arundhati Roy
(c) Shekhar Kapur
(d) Kiran Desai

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Arundhati Roy

Correct Answer: Arundhati Roy — Option (b)
'The God of Small Things' is a debut novel by Arundhati Roy, published in 1997. It won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997, making Arundhati Roy the first Indian woman and the first non-expatriate Indian to win this prestigious award. The novel is set in Kerala and explores themes of caste, forbidden love, and family.
Option (a) Vikram Seth — Incorrect: Vikram Seth is known for 'A Suitable Boy' (1993) and 'The Golden Gate', not 'The God of Small Things'.
Option (c) Shekhar Kapur — Incorrect: Shekhar Kapur is a film director, not the author of this novel.
Option (d) Kiran Desai — Incorrect: Kiran Desai won the Booker Prize for 'The Inheritance of Loss' (2006), not for 'The God of Small Things'.

SSC GD 2026 – 30 April 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q36. Which novel by Sidney Sheldon is based on World War II and a tragic love story?

(a) Tell Me Your Dreams
(b) If Tomorrow Comes
(c) The Other Side of Midnight
(d) Windmills of the Gods

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) The Other Side of Midnight

Correct Answer: The Other Side of Midnight — Option (c)
Sidney Sheldon's novel 'The Other Side of Midnight' (1973) is based on World War II and a tragic love story. Key facts about the novel: Published: 1973; Setting: The novel is set against the backdrop of World War II (1939-1945) and post-war period; Plot summary: The story follows Noëlle Page, a French girl who falls in love with an American pilot, Larry Douglas; Larry abandons her for another woman; Noëlle, heartbroken and determined, becomes a famous actress and mistress to a wealthy Greek shipping magnate, Constantine Demiris; She orchestrates an elaborate scheme of revenge against Larry and his new wife; The story involves themes of passion, betrayal, revenge, and tragedy; The novel explores how World War II shaped and disrupted the lives of the characters; Film adaptation: The novel was adapted into a film in 1977; It was Sidney Sheldon's second novel and his first bestseller; About Sidney Sheldon: Born in 1917, died in 2007; American author known for his hugely popular novels including 'Bloodline', 'Rage of Angels', 'Master of the Game', and 'The Other Side of Midnight.'
Option (a) Tell Me Your Dreams — Incorrect: 'Tell Me Your Dreams' (1998) by Sidney Sheldon is a psychological thriller about a woman with multiple personality disorder and a serial killer — it is NOT based on World War II and a tragic love story.
Option (b) If Tomorrow Comes — Incorrect: 'If Tomorrow Comes' (1985) by Sidney Sheldon is about Tracy Whitney, a woman wrongly imprisoned who becomes a master thief after being framed — it is a thriller/crime novel, NOT based on World War II and a tragic love story.
Option (d) Windmills of the Gods — Incorrect: 'Windmills of the Gods' (1987) by Sidney Sheldon is a political thriller about Mary Ashley, a professor appointed as US Ambassador, who becomes a target of assassination — it is NOT based on World War II and a tragic love story.

SSC GD 2026 – 30 April 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q37. The Serpent and the Rope (Novel) is written by _____.

(a) R.K. Narayan
(b) Raja Rao
(c) Mulk Raj Anand
(d) Khushwant Singh

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Raja Rao

Correct Answer: Raja Rao — Option (b)
'The Serpent and the Rope' (1960) is a celebrated novel by Raja Rao, one of the pioneering Indian writers in English. The novel is semi-autobiographical and explores themes of Indian philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, cultural identity, and the duality between India and Europe. It is considered one of the finest Indian novels in English.
Option (a) R.K. Narayan — Incorrect: R.K. Narayan is known for works like 'Swami and Friends' and the Malgudi series, not 'The Serpent and the Rope'.
Option (c) Mulk Raj Anand — Incorrect: Mulk Raj Anand is known for 'Untouchable' and 'Coolie', not this novel.
Option (d) Khushwant Singh — Incorrect: Khushwant Singh is known for 'Train to Pakistan' and 'I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale'.

SSC GD 2026 – 29 April 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q38. The book 'Ghare-Baire' (The Home and the World), which criticized the Swadeshi Movement, was written by which Bengali literary figure?

(a) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
(b) Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
(c) Rabindranath Tagore
(d) Bhavani Bhattacharya

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Rabindranath Tagore

Correct Answer: Rabindranath Tagore — Option (c)
The novel 'Ghare-Baire' (The Home and the World) was written by Rabindranath Tagore, first published in Bengali in 1916. Key facts about the novel: The story is set during the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908), which was triggered by the Partition of Bengal (1905) by Viceroy Lord Curzon; The novel presents a nuanced and critical perspective on extreme nationalism and the Swadeshi Movement through the story of a liberal zamindar (Nikhilesh), his wife (Bimala), and a charismatic nationalist leader (Sandip); Tagore's concerns: While supportive of Indian independence, Tagore was critical of the extremist and potentially destructive aspects of radical nationalism; He felt that blind religious nationalism could be harmful — sentiments explored through the novel's moral conflicts; Film adaptation: The novel was famously adapted into a film by Satyajit Ray in 1984 (Ghare Baire); Tagore received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection 'Gitanjali', making him the first Asian Nobel laureate.
Option (a) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay — Incorrect: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was a 19th-century Bengali novelist best known for ' Anandamath ' (which contains 'Vande Mataram ') and ' Durgeshnandini '; he did not write 'Ghare-Baire' — Rabindranath Tagore did.
Option (b) Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay — Incorrect: Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was a renowned Bengali novelist known for works like 'Devdas', 'Parineeta', and 'Srikanta'; he did not write 'Ghare-Baire' — that was written by Rabindranath Tagore.
Option (d) Bhavani Bhattacharya — Incorrect: Bhavani Bhattacharya was a 20th-century Indian novelist who wrote in English (works like 'So Many Hungers!' about the Bengal Famine of 1943); he did not write 'Ghare-Baire' — that was written by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali in 1916.

SSC GD 2026 – 28 April 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q39. Who is the author of "The Palace of Illusions"?

(a) Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
(b) Sudha Murty
(c) Devdutt Pattanaik
(d) Kavita Kane

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Correct Answer: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni — Option (a)
"The Palace of Illusions" (2008) is a celebrated novel written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, an Indian-American author. The novel is a feminist retelling of the Indian epic Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi (also known as Panchaali ), the wife of the five Pandava brothers. The book explores Draupadi's inner life, thoughts, and feelings as she navigates the events of the Mahabharata, including the famous dice game, the year in exile, and the Kurukshetra war. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is also known for other novels like 'The Mistress of Spices', 'Sister of My Heart', 'The Forest of Enchantments', and 'The Last Queen'. She is a professor of creative writing at the University of Houston.
Option (b) Sudha Murty — Incorrect: Sudha Murty is a renowned Indian author known for books like 'Wise and Otherwise', 'House of Cards', and 'Mahashweta'; she did not write 'The Palace of Illusions'.
Option (c) Devdutt Pattanaik — Incorrect: Devdutt Pattanaik is known for his works on Indian mythology like 'Myth = Mithya ' and 'Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata'; he did not write 'The Palace of Illusions'.
Option (d) Kavita Kane — Incorrect: Kavita Kane is known for mythological fiction like 'Karna's Wife' and 'Sita's Sister'; she did not write 'The Palace of Illusions', which is authored by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

SSC GD 2026 – 28 April 2026 Shift 3 · International books and authors

Q40. Which book is the sequel to "The Other Side of Midnight"?

(a) Memories of Midnight
(b) Master of the Game
(c) Morning, Noon and Night
(d) Bloodline

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Memories of Midnight

Correct Answer: Memories of Midnight — Option (a)
'Memories of Midnight' (1990) by Sidney Sheldon is the direct sequel to 'The Other Side of Midnight' (1973). Both novels feature the character of Catherine Douglas. 'The Other Side of Midnight' follows the story of Noelle Page, a French girl who becomes a film star, and her obsessive love for an American pilot Larry Douglas, along with Catherine Alexander who also loves Larry. 'Memories of Midnight' picks up the story of Catherine Douglas after the events of the first book. Sidney Sheldon was a highly popular American author known for his fast-paced, plot-driven thrillers and romantic suspense novels. His other famous works include 'Master of the Game', 'Rage of Angels', 'Bloodline', 'If Tomorrow Comes', and 'Morning, Noon and Night'.
Option (b) Master of the Game — Incorrect: 'Master of the Game' (1982) by Sidney Sheldon is a standalone novel about the wealthy McGregor family and their diamond mining empire in South Africa; it is not the sequel to 'The Other Side of Midnight'.
Option (c) Morning, Noon and Night — Incorrect: 'Morning, Noon and Night' (1995) by Sidney Sheldon is a standalone thriller about three children of a billionaire and the mystery surrounding his death; it is not connected to 'The Other Side of Midnight'.
Option (d) Bloodline — Incorrect: 'Bloodline' (1977) by Sidney Sheldon is a standalone thriller about the pharmaceutical industry and corporate intrigue; it is not a sequel to 'The Other Side of Midnight'.

SSC GD 2026 – 27 April 2026 Shift 2 · International books and authors

Q41. Frankenstein is written by _____.

(a) Mary Shelley
(b) Bram Stoker
(c) H.G. Wells
(d) Robert Louis Stevenson

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Mary Shelley

Correct Answer: Mary Shelley — Option (a)
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus was written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) and was first published anonymously in 1818 and under her name in 1823. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sapient creature through an unorthodox scientific experiment. The book is considered one of the earliest examples of science fiction and Gothic fiction. Mary Shelley reportedly conceived the idea during a ghost story contest with Percy Bysshe Shelley (her husband), Lord Byron, and John Polidori at the Villa Diodati in Geneva in 1816 — a stormy summer known as the 'Year Without a Summer.'
Option (b) Bram Stoker — Incorrect: Bram Stoker wrote Dracula (1897), another classic Gothic horror novel; he did not write Frankenstein.
Option (c) H.G. Wells — Incorrect: H.G. Wells wrote classic science fiction works like The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and The Invisible Man; Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley.
Option (d) Robert Louis Stevenson — Incorrect: Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886) and Treasure Island; Frankenstein is the work of Mary Shelley, not Stevenson.

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q42. Which of the following pairs of author and their work is correctly matched?

(a) Rabindranath Tagore – Anandamath
(b) Sharat Chandra Chatterjee – Devdas
(c) Munshi Premchand – Madhushala
(d) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee – Kamayani

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Sharat Chandra Chatterjee – Devdas

Author-Work Matching
Option 1:Anandamath → Written byBankim Chandra Chatterjee, not Tagore
Option 2:Devdas → Written bySharat Chandra Chatterjee✓
Famous novel published in 1917, depicts tragic love story
Option 3:Madhushala → Written byHarivansh Rai Bachchan, not Premchand
Option 4:Kamayani → Written byJaishankar Prasad, not Bankim Chandra
Answer: Option 2 → Sharat Chandra Chatterjee – Devdas

SSC MTS 2025 – 20 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q43. Which of the following books has been written by Devdutt Pattanaik?

(a) Jonaki
(b) My Gita
(c) Tomb of Sand
(d) The Patient Assassin

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) My Gita

Correct Answer: My Gita (Option 2)
My Gita is a book written by Devdutt Pattanaik, a well-known Indian mythologist and author. In this book, he retells and interprets the Bhagavad Gita through his unique perspective, exploring its philosophy, stories, and relevance to modern life. Pattanaik has written numerous other books on Indian mythology.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 – Jonaki is an acclaimed Assamese novel written by Arupa Patangia Kalita.
Option 3 – Tomb of Sand (Ret Samadhi) is a Hindi novel by Geetanjali Shree, which won the International Booker Prize in 2022.
Option 4 – The Patient Assassin is a non-fiction book by Anita Anand, about the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

SSC MTS 2025 – 19 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q44. Who is the author of the book 'Angry River'?

(a) Shashi Tharoor
(b) R. K. Narayan
(c) V.S. Naipaul
(d) Ruskin Bond

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Ruskin Bond

The correct answer is option 4.
'Angry River' is a children's novel written by Ruskin Bond, the celebrated British-Indian author. The book tells the story of a young girl named Sita who survives a catastrophic flood on the Ganga river. Ruskin Bond is known for many beloved works including 'The Room on the Roof', 'A Flight of Pigeons', and numerous short stories.
Option 1 is incorrect: Shashi Tharoor is known for political works like 'An Era of Darkness' and 'The Great Indian Novel'; he did not write 'Angry River'.
Option 2 is incorrect: R.K. Narayan is known for the Malgudi series; he did not write 'Angry River'.
Option 3 is incorrect: V.S. Naipaul is known for 'A House for Mr. Biswas' and 'An Area of Darkness'; he did not write 'Angry River'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 19 February 2026 Shift 2 · International books and authors

Q45. Which of the following books has been written by V.S. Naipaul?

(a) Eunuch Park
(b) Half a Life
(c) The Princess
(d) A Passage to England

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Half a Life

The correct answer is option 2.
'Half a Life' (2001) is a novel written by V.S. Naipaul (Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul), the Nobel Prize-winning Trinidad-born British author of Indian origin. Other notable works by Naipaul include 'A House for Mr. Biswas', 'An Area of Darkness', 'India: A Wounded Civilization', 'A Bend in the River', and 'The Enigma of Arrival'.
Option 1 is incorrect: 'Eunuch Park' is not a book by V.S. Naipaul.
Option 3 is incorrect: 'The Princess' is not written by V.S. Naipaul.
Option 4 is incorrect: 'A Passage to England' sounds similar to E.M. Forster's 'A Passage to India'; it is not a V.S. Naipaul title.

SSC MTS 2025 – 19 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q46. Who is the author of the book 'Brahma's Hair'?

(a) Karan Singh
(b) Manmohan Singh
(c) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(d) Maneka Gandhi

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Maneka Gandhi

The correct answer is option 4.
'Brahma's Hair' is a book written by Maneka Gandhi, former Union Minister and animal rights activist. The book is about the mythology of India's rivers and the stories associated with them. Maneka Gandhi is also known for 'Heads and Tails' and her work on animal welfare.
Option 1 is incorrect: Karan Singh is a politician and writer known for works like 'Samar', 'Heir Apparent', and philosophical writings; he did not write 'Brahma's Hair'.
Option 2 is incorrect: Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister, is not known for authoring 'Brahma's Hair'.
Option 3 is incorrect: Atal Bihari Vajpayee was primarily known as a poet; he did not write 'Brahma's Hair'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 18 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q47. Who is the author of the book 'Tamas'?

(a) Premchand
(b) Kamleshwar
(c) Bhisham Sahni
(d) Khushwant Singh

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Bhisham Sahni

'Tamas' (meaning Darkness) is a novel written by Bhisham Sahni, published in 1974. It depicts the horrors of the Partition of India in 1947 and was later adapted into a popular TV series. Premchand is known for ' Godaan '; Kamleshwar for ' Kitne Pakistan'; Khushwant Singh for 'Train to Pakistan'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 18 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q48. Who is the author of the book 'Delhi: A Novel'?

(a) Khushwant Singh
(b) Shobhaa De
(c) Githa Hariharan
(d) Manju Kapur

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Khushwant Singh

The correct answer is option 1.
'Delhi: A Novel' was written by Khushwant Singh, the celebrated Indian journalist and author. Published in 1990, it is a sweeping historical novel that traces the history of Delhi across centuries through the eyes of an old Punjabi narrator and his encounters with a Muslim courtesan.
Option 2 is incorrect: Shobhaa De is known for 'Socialite Evenings' and 'Starry Nights'; she did not write 'Delhi: A Novel'.
Option 3 is incorrect: Githa Hariharan is known for 'The Thousand Faces of Night'; she did not write this novel.
Option 4 is incorrect: Manju Kapur is known for 'Difficult Daughters' and 'A Married Woman'; she did not write 'Delhi: A Novel'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 18 February 2026 Shift 2 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q49. The book 'Indira Gandhi: Tryst with Power' is a biography by _____.

(a) Inder Malhotra
(b) Pupul Jayakar
(c) Shashi Tharoor
(d) Nayantara Sahgal

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Nayantara Sahgal

The correct answer is option 4.
Nayantara Sahgal, a noted Indian English novelist and Indira Gandhi's first cousin, wrote 'Indira Gandhi: Tryst with Power' (1982). The book offers a critical analysis of Indira Gandhi's political life from a perspective of close personal acquaintance combined with independent political judgement.
Option 1 is incorrect: Inder Malhotra, a veteran journalist, wrote a different biography titled 'Indira Gandhi: A Personal and Political Biography'.
Option 2 is incorrect: Pupul Jayakar, a close friend of Indira Gandhi, wrote 'Indira Gandhi: An Intimate Biography'.
Option 3 is incorrect: Shashi Tharoor has written many books on Indian history and politics but did not write this specific biography.

SSC MTS 2025 – 18 February 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q50. Which among the following is a book authored by Amitav Ghosh?

(a) War Talk
(b) Selection Day
(c) Gun Island
(d) Midnight's Children

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Gun Island

The correct answer is option 3.
Gun Island (2019) is a novel written by Amitav Ghosh. It explores themes of climate change, migration, and mythology. Amitav Ghosh is the celebrated author of 'The Shadow Lines', 'The Hungry Tide', 'The Glass Palace', and the Ibis Trilogy (Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, Flood of Fire).
Option 1 is incorrect: 'War Talk' is a book by Noam Chomsky, not Amitav Ghosh.
Option 2 is incorrect: 'Selection Day' is a novel by Aravind Adiga (author of 'The White Tiger'), not Amitav Ghosh.
Option 4 is incorrect: 'Midnight's Children' is the celebrated novel by Salman Rushdie, not Amitav Ghosh.

SSC MTS 2025 – 17 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q51. Who is the author of the book 'The Calcutta Chromosome'?

(a) Hari Kunzru
(b) Amitav Ghosh
(c) Pankaj Mishra
(d) Vikram Chandra

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Amitav Ghosh

'The Calcutta Chromosome' is authored by Amitav Ghosh, published in 1995. It is a science fiction novel that won the Arthur C. Clarke Award. Hari Kunzru is known for 'The Impressionist'; Pankaj Mishra is known for 'An End to Suffering'; Vikram Chandra is known for 'Sacred Games'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 17 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q52. Who is the author of the poetry collection 'Apocalypso'?

(a) Jayant Kaikini
(b) Jeet Thayil
(c) Manjul Bajaj
(d) Kiran Desai

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Jeet Thayil

'Apocalypso' is a poetry collection by Jeet Thayil, an Indian poet, novelist, and musician. He is also known for his novel 'Narcopolis'. Jayant Kaikini is a Kannada writer; Manjul Bajaj is known for fiction; Kiran Desai is known for 'The Inheritance of Loss' — none of them authored 'Apocalypso'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 17 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q53. Who is the author of the book 'Accidents Like Love & Marriage'?

(a) Kavita Kane
(b) Preeti Shenoy
(c) Jaishree Misra
(d) Anuja Chauhan

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Jaishree Misra

'Accidents Like Love & Marriage' is authored by Jaishree Misra, a British-Indian novelist. She is known for writing romantic fiction set in India. Kavita Kane writes mythological fiction; Preeti Shenoy is known for contemporary romance; Anuja Chauhan is known for novels like 'The Zoya Factor'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 17 February 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q54. Who is the author of the book 'Remnants of a Separation'?

(a) Anita Desai
(b) Kamla Bhasin
(c) Aanchal Malhotra
(d) Urvashi Butalia

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Aanchal Malhotra

'Remnants of a Separation' is authored by Aanchal Malhotra. It documents the stories of Partition survivors through the objects they carried during the 1947 Partition of India. Anita Desai is known for novels like 'Clear Light of Day'; Kamla Bhasin was a feminist activist; Urvashi Butalia wrote 'The Other Side of Silence' on the Partition.

SSC MTS 2025 – 16 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q55. Who is the author of the book 'The Village'?

(a) Mulk Raj Anand
(b) R. K. Narayan
(c) Sudeep Nagarkar
(d) Prayaag Akbar

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Mulk Raj Anand

'The Village' (1939) is a novel by Mulk Raj Anand, the first volume of his Lalu trilogy. The novel follows Lalu, a young Punjabi peasant, through his village life. Mulk Raj Anand was a pioneering Indian English novelist known for highlighting social injustices, poverty, and caste discrimination. His other famous works include 'Untouchable' and 'Coolie'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- R. K. Narayan: A celebrated Indian author known for Malgudi-set stories like 'The Guide'; he did not write 'The Village'.
- Sudeep Nagarkar: A contemporary Indian author known for romantic fiction; 'The Village' is not his work.
- Prayaag Akbar: A contemporary author known for 'Leila'; not associated with 'The Village'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 16 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q56. 'The Rediscovery of India' has been authored by ____.

(a) Meghnad Desai
(b) Pavan K. Varma
(c) Tabish Khair
(d) Meera Syal

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Meghnad Desai

'The Rediscovery of India' (2009) is authored by Lord Meghnad Desai, a British-Indian economist and Labour peer. In this book, he traces the history of India from ancient times to the post-liberalisation era, examining economic and political developments that shaped modern India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Pavan K. Varma: An Indian author and diplomat known for 'Being Indian' and 'The Great Indian Middle Class'; not the author of this book.
- Tabish Khair: An Indian-Danish author and academic; not associated with 'The Rediscovery of India'.
- Meera Syal: A British-Indian author and comedian known for 'Anita and Me'; not the author of this work.

SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q57. Who is the author of the book 'Serious Men', which won The Hindu Literary Prize?

(a) Ashwin Sanghi
(b) Deepti Naval
(c) Manu Joseph
(d) Amit Varma

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Manu Joseph

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Manu Joseph
Manu Joseph is an Indian journalist and author. His debut novel 'Serious Men' (2010) won The Hindu Literary Prize. The book is a satirical novel about social class and ambition in India, centred around a man from a lower caste who navigates the world of an elite scientific institution in Mumbai.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Ashwin Sanghi): Known for historical fiction thrillers like Chanakya's Chant; not the author of Serious Men.
Option 2 (Deepti Naval): An actress and poet; not the author of Serious Men.
Option 4 (Amit Varma): A journalist and author known for 'My Friend Sancho'; not the author of Serious Men.

SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q58. Who is the author of the book named 'Welcome to Paradise',
a collection of short stories about women facing love, marriage, and loneliness?

(a) Chetan Bhagat
(b) Twinkle Khanna
(c) Sudha Murty
(d) Shruti Hemani

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Twinkle Khanna

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Twinkle Khanna
Twinkle Khanna, the Indian author and former actress (also known by her pen name Mrs. Funnybones ), wrote 'Welcome to Paradise' — a collection of short stories exploring the lives of women dealing with love, marriage, and loneliness. The book is part of her successful career as a writer known for humorous and insightful observations on everyday Indian life.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Chetan Bhagat): Chetan Bhagat is known for novels like '2 States' and '5 Point Someone'; not the author of Welcome to Paradise.
Option 3 (Sudha Murty): Sudha Murty is a well-known author, but Welcome to Paradise is not her book.
Option 4 (Shruti Hemani): Not associated with this book.

SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q59. Who is the author of the book 'Second Thoughts'?

(a) Sudha Murty
(b) Shobha De
(c) Chetan Bhagat
(d) Faraaz Kazi

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Shobha De

'Second Thoughts' is a novel written by Shobha De, published in 1996. It is a story of a young Bengali bride adjusting to life in Mumbai after marriage and explores themes of marital expectations and individual identity.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Sudha Murty: A well-known Indian author, but 'Second Thoughts' is not her work.
- Chetan Bhagat: Known for novels like 'Five Point Someone' and '2 States'; he did not write 'Second Thoughts'.
- Faraaz Kazi: A contemporary Indian author; 'Second Thoughts' is not associated with him.

SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q60. Who is the author of the book 'The Vault of Vishnu'?

(a) Ashwin Sanghi
(b) Akash Banerjee
(c) Rohit Lal
(d) Tanya Selvaratnam

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Ashwin Sanghi

'The Vault of Vishnu' is a thriller novel by Ashwin Sanghi, part of his Bharat Series that blends history, mythology, and contemporary thriller elements. Ashwin Sanghi is known for his historical fiction novels such as 'The Rozabal Line', 'Chanakya's Chant', and 'The Krishna Key'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Akash Banerjee: A popular commentator and YouTuber, not associated with this book.
- Rohit Lal: Not the author of 'The Vault of Vishnu'.
- Tanya Selvaratnam: An American activist and author; not related to this work.

SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q61. Who is the author of the book 'The Painter of Signs'?

(a) Jeet Thayil
(b) R.K. Narayan
(c) Jhumpa Lahiri
(d) Vikram Chandra

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) R.K. Narayan

'The Painter of Signs' (1976) is a novel by R.K. Narayan, set in his fictional south Indian town of Malgudi. The story follows Raman, a sign painter, who falls in love with Daisy, a passionate family planning worker. It explores themes of love, tradition, and modernity in post-independence India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Jeet Thayil: A contemporary Indian poet and author known for ' Narcopolis '; not the author of this book.
- Jhumpa Lahiri: An Indian-American author known for 'The Namesake' and 'Interpreter of Maladies'; not the author of this work.
- Vikram Chandra: Known for 'Sacred Games' and 'Red Earth and Pouring Rain'; not the author of 'The Painter of Signs'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 12 February 2026 Shift 1 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q62. What is the name of the autobiography of actor Prem Chopra?

(a) Prem Katha
(b) Bollywood Diary of Prem Chopra
(c) Life and Times of Prem Chopra
(d) Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra
The autobiography of veteran Bollywood actor Prem Chopra is titled 'Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra'. The title is a play on his iconic dialogue from Hindi films. The book was co-written with journalist Rakita Nanda and covers his personal and professional life over decades in Indian cinema.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Prem Katha): This is not the title of Prem Chopra's autobiography.
Option 2 (Bollywood Diary of Prem Chopra): This is a fabricated title; the actual title is different.
Option 3 (Life and Times of Prem Chopra): This is not the correct title of his autobiography.

SSC MTS 2025 – 11 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q63. Which of the following book has been written by Ruskin Bond?

(a) The Namesake
(b) Book of Humour
(c) The Palace of Illusions
(d) The Immortals of Meluha

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Book of Humour

The correct answer is Book of Humour (Option 2). 'Book of Humour ' is authored by Ruskin Bond, the celebrated Indian author known for his stories set in the Himalayas. Option 1 ('The Namesake') is by Jhumpa Lahiri. Option 3 ('The Palace of Illusions') is by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Option 4 ('The Immortals of Meluha ') is by Amish Tripathi.

SSC MTS 2025 – 11 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q64. Who is the author of the book 'Being Indian'?

(a) Salman Khurshid
(b) Pavan K. Varma
(c) Anuja Chandramouli
(d) Ravi Subramanian

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Pavan K. Varma

The correct answer is Pavan K. Varma (Option 2). 'Being Indian: The Truth About Why the 21st Century Will Be India's' is a well-known book authored by Pavan K. Varma, a diplomat and author. Option 1 (Salman Khurshid) is a lawyer and politician, author of other books. Option 3 (Anuja Chandramouli) is known for mythological fiction. Option 4 (Ravi Subramanian) is known for banking thrillers.

SSC MTS 2025 – 11 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q65. Which of the following book has been written by Shashi Tharoor?

(a) The End of Imagination
(b) The Great book robbery
(c) The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories
(d) The Five Dollar Smile and Other Stories

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) The Five Dollar Smile and Other Stories

The correct answer is The Five Dollar Smile and Other Stories (Option 4). 'The Five Dollar Smile and Other Stories' is a collection of short stories authored by Shashi Tharoor, the Indian politician, diplomat, and author. Option 1 ('The End of Imagination') is by Arundhati Roy. Option 2 ('The Great Book Robbery') is by Benny Brunner. Option 3 ('The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories') is by Ruskin Bond.

SSC MTS 2025 – 11 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q66. 'The Oath of the Vayuputras ' is the final book of which famous trilogy by Amish Tripathi?

(a) The Shiva Trilogy
(b) The Bharat Series
(c) The Mahabharata Series
(d) The Ram Chandra Series

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) The Shiva Trilogy

The correct answer is The Shiva Trilogy (Option 1). 'The Oath of the Vayuputras ' (2013) is the third and final book in The Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi. The trilogy consists of: The Immortals of Meluha (2010), The Secret of the Nagas (2011), and The Oath of the Vayuputras (2013). Option 2 (The Bharat Series) is a different series. Option 4 (The Ram Chandra Series) is a separate Amish Tripathi series. Option 3 (The Mahabharata Series) is not an Amish Tripathi series.

SSC MTS 2025 – 11 February 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q67. Who is the author of the book 'Reimagine Your Life'?

(a) Jeet Thayil
(b) Neel Mukherjee
(c) Vivek Shanbhag
(d) Vinita Dawra Nangia

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Vinita Dawra Nangia

The correct answer is Vinita Dawra Nangia (Option 4). 'Reimagine Your Life' is authored by Vinita Dawra Nangia, a senior Indian journalist, editor, and author known for her columns on life, relationships, and personal growth. Option 1 (Jeet Thayil) is known for Narcopolis and Low. Option 2 (Neel Mukherjee) is known for The Lives of Others. Option 3 (Vivek Shanbhag) is known for Ghachar Ghochar.

SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 1 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q68. 'The Race of My Life' is the autobiography of which Indian athlete?

(a) P. T. Usha
(b) Milkha Singh
(c) Neeraj Chopra
(d) Abhinav Bindra

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Milkha Singh

Correct Answer: 2 – Milkha Singh.
"The Race of My Life" is the autobiography of Milkha Singh, India's legendary sprinter known as "The Flying Sikh." The book was co-written with his daughter Sonia Sanwalka. Milkha Singh famously missed a bronze medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics by a fraction of a second in the 400m race. The 2013 Bollywood film " Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is based on his life.
P. T. Usha (Option 1) is a legendary Indian sprinter but "The Race of My Life" is not her autobiography.
Neeraj Chopra (Option 3) is India's javelin throw champion.
Abhinav Bindra (Option 4) authored "A Shot at History" as his autobiography.

SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q69. Who is the author of the book 'An Equal Music'?

(a) Vikram Seth
(b) Zulfikar Ghose
(c) Shiva Naipaul
(d) Kiran Desai

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Vikram Seth

Correct Answer: 1 – Vikram Seth.
"An Equal Music" (1999) is a novel written by Indian author Vikram Seth. It is a love story set in the world of classical music, following the life of a British violinist named Michael Holme. Vikram Seth is also known for his epic novel "A Suitable Boy" and "The Golden Gate."
Zulfikar Ghose (Option 2) is a Pakistani-British writer but not the author of this book.
Shiva Naipaul (Option 3) was a Trinidadian author, not associated with this book.
Kiran Desai (Option 4) is known for "The Inheritance of Loss" – not this book.

SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q70. 'The Fisher Queen's Dynasty' is a book written by _____.

(a) Sudha Murty
(b) Kavita Kane
(c) Jaishree Misra
(d) Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Kavita Kane

Correct Answer: 2 – Kavita Kane.
"The Fisher Queen's Dynasty" (2017) is a novel written by Kavita Kane. The book is based on the story of Satyavati, the fisher queen who became the queen of Hastinapur and the grandmother of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. Kavita Kane is known for her mythological retellings from women's perspectives.
Sudha Murty (Option 1) has written several books on mythology and social issues but not this one.
Jaishree Misra (Option 3) and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Option 4) are other notable Indian women authors but not the author of this title.

SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q71. Which among the following is a book authored by Jeet Thayil?

(a) Fury
(b) Low
(c) Shame
(d) Countdown

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Low

The correct answer is Low (Option 2). 'Low' is a poetry collection authored by Jeet Thayil, an Indian poet and novelist. Jeet Thayil is also known for his Booker Prize-shortlisted novel 'Narcopolis' (2012). Option 1 ('Fury') is a novel by Salman Rushdie. Option 3 ('Shame') is also by Salman Rushdie. Option 4 ('Countdown') is not a book by Jeet Thayil.

SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q72. Who is the author of the book 'The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk', a collection of heartfelt episodes for young adults?

(a) Sudha Murty
(b) Chetan Bhagat
(c) Anita Desai
(d) Samit Basu

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sudha Murty

Correct Answer: 1 (Sudha Murty)
'The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk' is a collection of simple, heartwarming short stories written by Sudha Murty, the renowned Indian author, philanthropist, and Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She is known for writing stories that convey moral and social values in simple language, making them accessible to young adults and general readers alike.
Option 2 (Chetan Bhagat) is incorrect - Chetan Bhagat is known for novels like '2 States' and 'Five Point Someone'.
Option 3 (Anita Desai) is incorrect - Anita Desai is known for literary novels like 'Clear Light of Day' and 'Fire on the Mountain'.
Option 4 (Samit Basu) is incorrect - Samit Basu is known for fantasy/science fiction novels.

SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q73. 'Shakti: The Divine Feminine' is written by _____.

(a) Rupa Bajwa
(b) Sudha Murty
(c) Arundhati Roy
(d) Anuja Chandramouli

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Anuja Chandramouli

Correct Answer: 4 (Anuja Chandramouli)
'Shakti: The Divine Feminine' is written by Anuja Chandramouli, a popular Indian author known for her mythological fiction. She has written several books based on Indian mythology and legends, including 'Arjuna', 'Kamadeva', and 'Priya: In Shadow and in Light'.
Option 1 (Rupa Bajwa) is incorrect - Rupa Bajwa is known for 'The Sari Shop'.
Option 2 (Sudha Murty) is incorrect - the candidate chose this wrong option; Sudha Murty wrote 'The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk' etc.
Option 3 (Arundhati Roy) is incorrect - Arundhati Roy is known for 'The God of Small Things' and 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 2 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q74. 'The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva' is the autobiography of _____.

(a) Alia Bhatt
(b) Priyanka Chopra
(c) Deepika Padukone
(d) Kareena Kapoor

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Kareena Kapoor

Correct Answer: 4 – Kareena Kapoor.
"The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva" is the autobiography of Kareena Kapoor Khan, published in 2012. The book discusses her journey in Bollywood, her fashion choices, and her personal life.
Alia Bhatt (Option 1), Priyanka Chopra (Option 2), and Deepika Padukone (Option 3) have not authored a book with this title.

SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q75. Which book, a collection of 103 poems selected from Bengali poetry, was authored by Rabindranath Tagore?

(a) Gitanjali
(b) Urvasi
(c) Aansoo
(d) Kamayni

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Gitanjali

Correct Answer: 1 – Gitanjali.
Gitanjali (Song Offerings) is a collection of 103 poems by Rabindranath Tagore, originally written in Bengali. Tagore himself translated them into English prose poetry. The English version earned Tagore the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Urvasi (Option 2) is a Hindi poem by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.
Aansoo (Option 3) is a Hindi poetry collection by Jaishankar Prasad.
Kamayni (Option 4) is also a famous Hindi epic poem by Jaishankar Prasad.

SSC MTS 2025 – 6 February 2026 Shift 1 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q76. Who is one of the authors of 'The Greatest: My Own Story'?

(a) Mike Tyson
(b) Muhammad Ali
(c) George Foreman
(d) Floyd Mayweather

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Muhammad Ali

Correct Answer: 2 (Muhammad Ali)
'The Greatest: My Own Story' is the autobiography of Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay), co-written with Richard Durham. Muhammad Ali, widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, won the world heavyweight championship three times.
Option 1 (Mike Tyson) is incorrect - Mike Tyson's autobiography is 'Undisputed Truth'.
Option 3 (George Foreman) is incorrect - George Foreman wrote 'By George: The Autobiography of George Foreman'.
Option 4 (Floyd Mayweather) is incorrect - Floyd Mayweather has not authored a book by this title.

SSC MTS 2025 – 6 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q77. Who is the author of the book 'When Love Came Calling'?

(a) Aruni Kashyap
(b) Preeti Shenoy
(c) Chetan Bhagat
(d) Tanya Selvaratnam

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Preeti Shenoy

Correct Answer: 2 (Preeti Shenoy)
'When Love Came Calling' is a novel written by Preeti Shenoy, one of India's most popular contemporary authors. Preeti Shenoy is well known for her bestselling novels including 'Life is What You Make It', 'It Happens for a Reason', 'The Rule Breakers', and many others.
Option 1 (Aruni Kashyap) is incorrect - Aruni Kashyap is known for works like 'The House with a Thousand Stories'.
Option 3 (Chetan Bhagat) is incorrect - Chetan Bhagat is known for novels like '2 States', 'Five Point Someone', etc.
Option 4 (Tanya Selvaratnam) is incorrect - Tanya Selvaratnam is an American author known for 'The Big Lie'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 6 February 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q78. Who is the author of the book 'In the Footsteps of Mahatma... Gandhi and Sanitation'?

(a) Raja Rao
(b) Arun Shourie
(c) Sudarshan Iyengar
(d) Kamala Das

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Sudarshan Iyengar

Correct Answer: 3 (Sudarshan Iyengar)
'In the Footsteps of Mahatma... Gandhi and Sanitation' was written by Sudarshan Iyengar, a noted Gandhian scholar and economist who served as Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith (the university founded by Mahatma Gandhi). The book explores Gandhi's thoughts and practices on sanitation and cleanliness, which were central to his social reform agenda.
Option 1 (Raja Rao) is incorrect - Raja Rao was an Indian novelist known for 'Kanthapura' and 'The Serpent and the Rope'.
Option 2 (Arun Shourie) is incorrect - Arun Shourie is a journalist and politician known for books on economic reforms.
Option 4 (Kamala Das) is incorrect - Kamala Das was a renowned poet and author known for 'My Story'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q79. Who is the author of the book "Ladies' Tailor"?

(a) Priya Hajela
(b) Bapsi Sidhwa
(c) Amrita Pritam
(d) Khushwant Singh

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Priya Hajela

Correct Answer: Priya Hajela
"Ladies' Tailor" is a novel written by Priya Hajela, an Indian author. The book explores themes related to identity, partition, and family dynamics.
Why other options are wrong:
Bapsi Sidhwa - Pakistani author known for 'Ice-Candy-Man' (Cracking India).
Amrita Pritam - Famous Punjabi poet and novelist, known for ' Pinjar '.
Khushwant Singh - Known for 'Train to Pakistan' and 'History of Sikhs'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 1 · Ancient and medieval books

Q80. Who is the composer of treatise of music Brihaddesi ?

(a) Matanga
(b) Sharangadeva
(c) Haripala
(d) Ramamatya

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Matanga

Correct Answer: Matanga
Brihaddesi is an ancient Sanskrit treatise on Indian classical music composed by Matanga Muni (approximately 7th-8th century CE). It is historically significant as the first text to use the term 'raga' in the context of music.
Why other options are wrong:
Sharangadeva - Composed 'Sangita Ratnakara' (13th century).
Haripala - Composed 'Sangita Sudhakara'.
Ramamatya - Composed ' Swaramelakalanidhi ' (16th century).

SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q81. Who is the author of the book 'Riot: A Novel'?

(a) Shashi Tharoor
(b) Samit Basu
(c) Anita Nair
(d) Shobha Rao

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Shashi Tharoor

Correct Answer: Shashi Tharoor
'Riot: A Novel' (2001) is written by Shashi Tharoor, an Indian politician, diplomat, and prolific author. The novel explores Hindu-Muslim communal tensions in India through a fictional riot in a small town, presented through multiple perspectives including diaries, interviews, and letters.
Why other options are wrong:
Samit Basu - Known for 'The Simoqin Prophecies' and other works.
Anita Nair - Known for 'Ladies Coupe' and 'Mistress'.
Shobha Rao - Known for 'Girls Burn Brighter' and 'An Unrestored Woman'.

SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 2 · Autobiographies and biographies

Q82. Who is the author of the book 'Joseph Anton: A Memoir'?

(a) Kiran Desai
(b) Chetan Bhagat
(c) Salman Rushdie
(d) Amit Chaudhuri

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Salman Rushdie

Correct Answer: Salman Rushdie
'Joseph Anton: A Memoir' (2012) is an autobiography written by Salman Rushdie. The title refers to the pseudonym Rushdie used while living in hiding after the Iranian fatwa issued against him following the publication of 'The Satanic Verses' (1988). Joseph Anton was derived from the first names of two of his favourite authors: Joseph Conrad and Anton Chekhov.
Why other options are wrong:
Kiran Desai - Known for 'The Inheritance of Loss' (Booker Prize winner).
Chetan Bhagat - Known for '2 States', '3 Idiots' (Five Point Someone), etc.
Amit Chaudhuri - Known for 'A Strange and Sublime Address' and other literary works.

SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q83. Who is the author of the book 'My Dateless Diary', which is based on the interactions with Americans?

(a) R.K. Narayan
(b) Ruskin Bond
(c) Mulk Raj Anand
(d) Khushwant Singh

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) R.K. Narayan

Correct Answer: R.K. Narayan
'My Dateless Diary' (1960) is a travelogue written by the famous Indian author R.K. Narayan. It records his experiences, observations, and interactions during his visit to the United States of America. It is an engaging account of cultural differences between India and America.
Why other options are wrong:
Ruskin Bond - Known for 'The Room on the Roof' and many short stories set in Dehradun.
Mulk Raj Anand - Known for 'Untouchable' and 'Coolie'.
Khushwant Singh - Known for 'Train to Pakistan' and 'History of the Sikhs'.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 12 January 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q84. Which of the following statements correctly describes Difficult Pleasures?

(a) It is a historical novel exploring Indo-Persian royal courts.
(b) It is a short story collection about modern urban lives.
(c) It is a retelling of Hindu epics through the eyes of minor characters.
(d) It is a crime fiction novel set in colonial Assam.

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It is a short story collection about modern urban lives.

Option 2 is correct. Difficult Pleasures is a collection of short stories by Mrinal Pande (a prominent Indian journalist and author), translated from Hindi. The stories explore the lives, struggles, and aspirations of modern urban Indian women navigating family, society, and identity in contemporary India.
• Option 1 is wrong: Difficult Pleasures does not explore Indo-Persian royal courts; it is set in modern urban India.
• Option 3 is wrong: It is not a retelling of Hindu epics; it deals with contemporary urban women's lives.
• Option 4 is wrong: It is not a crime fiction novel set in colonial Assam; that description does not match Mrinal Pande's work.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 9 January 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q85. Which of the following author-book pairs is correctly matched?

(a) K.R. Meera - The Hour Past Midnight
(b) Sharanya Manivannan - The Queen of Jasmine Country
(c) Meena Kandasamy - The Palace of Illusions
(d) Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni - The Gypsy Goddess

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Sharanya Manivannan - The Queen of Jasmine Country

Sharanya Manivannan is the author of 'The Queen of Jasmine Country,' a novel about the Tamil poet-saint Andal.
(1) 'The Hour Past Midnight' was written by Salma, not K.R. Meera. K.R. Meera is known for 'Hangwoman' (Aarachar).
(3) 'The Palace of Illusions' was written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, not Meena Kandasamy.
(4) 'The Gypsy Goddess' was written by Meena Kandasamy, not Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 8 January 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q86. Which of the following statements about the translation of
'No Presents Please: Mumbai Stories' is correct?

(a) Translated from Marathi by Tejaswini Niranjana
(b) Originally written in English, later translated into Kannada
(c) Translator won the DSC Prize along with the author
(d) English edition titled Mumbai Nights

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Translator won the DSC Prize along with the author

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Translator won the DSC Prize along with the author
'No Presents Please: Mumbai Stories' is a collection of Kannada short stories written by Jayant Kaikini, translated into English by Tejaswini Niranjana. The book won the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature. In the case of translated works, the DSC Prize recognises both the author and the translator. Tejaswini Niranjana, the translator, shared the prize recognition along with Jayant Kaikini.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Translated from Marathi): The original stories were written in Kannada, not Marathi. Tejaswini Niranjana translated from Kannada to English.
Option 2 (Originally in English, translated to Kannada): Completely reversed — the original is in Kannada; the translation is in English.
Option 4 (English edition titled Mumbai Nights): The English edition is titled 'No Presents Please: Mumbai Stories', not 'Mumbai Nights'.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 8 January 2026 Shift 2 · International books and authors

Q87. Which of the following statements is correct about The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida?

(a) It is a memoir of a Sri Lankan journalist during the colonial period.
(b) It follows a dead war photographer navigating the afterlife during the civil war.
(c) It is a collection of essays about conflict resolution in South Asia.
(d) It is a historical fiction based on the life of Buddha.

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It follows a dead war photographer navigating the afterlife during the civil war.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – It follows a dead war photographer navigating the afterlife during the civil war
'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida' is a novel written by Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka. It won the Booker Prize in 2022. The novel is set during Sri Lanka's civil war and follows Maali Almeida, a war photographer who wakes up dead in a purgatory-like afterlife. He has seven moons (days) to figure out who killed him and to lead his loved ones to a cache of explosive photographs that could change the course of the war. The book is a dark, satirical, and supernatural exploration of Sri Lanka's brutal civil conflict.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Memoir of a Sri Lankan journalist during colonial period): It is a novel, not a memoir, and is set during the civil war, not the colonial period.
Option 3 (Essays about conflict resolution): It is a work of fiction, not a collection of non-fiction essays.
Option 4 (Historical fiction about Buddha): The novel is about Sri Lanka's modern civil war, not the life of Buddha.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 8 January 2026 Shift 3 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q88. Which of the following statements about 'The Queen of Jasmine Country' is correct?

(a) It is based on the imagined life of the Tamil Bhakti poet Andal.
(b) It won the Sahitya Akademi Award for Malayalam fiction.
(c) It is a Kannada novel translated into English by Tejaswini Niranjana.
(d) It is a political biography set during the British Raj in Bengal.

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) It is based on the imagined life of the Tamil Bhakti poet Andal.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – It is based on the imagined life of the Tamil Bhakti poet Andal
'The Queen of Jasmine Country' is a novel by Tamil author Sharanya Manivannan (originally written in English). It is a lyrical, imaginative retelling of the life of Andal (also called Kodhai), a celebrated Tamil Bhakti poet-saint of the Alvars tradition who lived in Tamil Nadu around the 8th–9th century CE. Andal is one of the only female Alvar saints and is worshipped as a goddess at the Srirangam and Srivilliputhur temples. The novel imaginatively reconstructs her devotional life and love for Lord Vishnu.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Sahitya Akademi Award for Malayalam): The book is in English by a Tamil author — not a Malayalam work.
Option 3 (Kannada novel by Tejaswini Niranjana): The translator Tejaswini Niranjana translated Jayant Kaikini's Kannada stories ('No Presents Please'), not this book.
Option 4 (Political biography in British Raj Bengal): The book is about medieval Tamil Nadu, not about the British Raj in Bengal.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 7 January 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q89. Which of the following author-book pairs is correctly matched?

(a) Meena Kandasamy – The Hour Past Midnight
(b) Jayant Kaikini – No Presents Please
(c) Aravind Adiga – Sea of Poppies
(d) Anuradha Roy – The White Tiger

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Jayant Kaikini – No Presents Please

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Jayant Kaikini – No Presents Please
Jayant Kaikini is a Kannada writer and 'No Presents Please' is his short story collection translated into English, which won the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Meena Kandasamy – The Hour Past Midnight): 'The Hour Past Midnight' was written by Salma, not Meena Kandasamy. Meena Kandasamy wrote 'When I Hit You'.
Option 3 (Aravind Adiga – Sea of Poppies): 'Sea of Poppies' was written by Amitav Ghosh, not Aravind Adiga. Aravind Adiga wrote 'The White Tiger'.
Option 4 (Anuradha Roy – The White Tiger): 'The White Tiger' was written by Aravind Adiga, not Anuradha Roy. Anuradha Roy wrote 'An Atlas of Impossible Longing'.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 7 January 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q90. Amrita Pritam is often regarded as a feminist icon in Indian literature. What was her most iconic work reflecting the trauma of Partition and a woman's inner voice?

(a) Agnipath
(b) Pinjar
(c) Jhansi Ki Rani
(d) Toba Tek Singh

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Pinjar

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Pinjar
'Pinjar' (meaning 'The Skeleton') is Amrita Pritam's most celebrated novel, written in Punjabi in 1950. It portrays the trauma of Partition through the story of Pooro, a Hindu woman abducted before Partition and forced to live as a Muslim man's wife. The novel explores themes of loss of identity, suffering, resilience, and the inner voice of women during one of history's most violent episodes.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Agnipath): 'Agnipath' is a poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, not by Amrita Pritam.
Option 3 (Jhansi Ki Rani): This is a famous poem by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, not by Amrita Pritam.
Option 4 (Toba Tek Singh): This is a famous short story by Saadat Hasan Manto, not by Amrita Pritam. It also deals with Partition but is a different author's work.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 7 January 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q91. Which of the following statements correctly describes Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer?

(a) It is a fantasy novel set in ancient Persia.
(b) It explores the life of a marginalized Parsi corpse bearer in Mumbai.
(c) It narrates the rise of a political leader during India's freedom struggle.
(d) It is a modern retelling of a Hindu mythological epic.

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It explores the life of a marginalized Parsi corpse bearer in Mumbai.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – It explores the life of a marginalized Parsi corpse bearer in Mumbai
'Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer' is a novel written by Cyrus Mistry, an Indian Parsi author. The novel is set in Mumbai and tells the story of Phiroze Elchidana, a young Parsi man who falls in love and marries a girl from the khandhia (corpse-bearer) community — the lowest caste among Parsis who carry bodies to the Tower of Silence (Dokhma). The novel explores themes of caste discrimination within the Parsi community, love, and marginalisation. It won the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Fantasy set in ancient Persia): The novel is realistic fiction set in modern Mumbai, not a fantasy novel.
Option 3 (Political leader during freedom struggle): The novel is not about a political figure or the freedom struggle.
Option 4 (Hindu mythological retelling): The novel is about the Parsi community and does not retell Hindu mythology.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q92. Who wrote Kamayani, a foundational Chhayavaad work, reflecting philosophical, emotional, and symbolic literary expression of early 20th-century Hindi poetry?

(a) Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
(b) Suryakant Tripathi Nirala
(c) Jaishankar Prasad
(d) Mahadevi Verma

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Jaishankar Prasad

The correct answer is (c) Jaishankar Prasad.
Jaishankar Prasad (1889-1937) wrote Kamayani (1936), an epic poem considered the greatest masterpiece of the Chhayavaad movement in Hindi literature. The poem is based on the Vedic myth of Manu and Shraddha (Noah and his wife equivalent), exploring themes of love, philosophy, nature, and the quest for spiritual salvation.
(a) Ramdhari Singh Dinkar: Known for his Veer Ras (heroic) poetry; wrote Rashmirathi and Kurukshetra; associated with Pragativad (Progressive poetry), not Chhayavaad.
(b) Suryakant Tripathi Nirala: A key Chhayavaad poet known for Ram Ki Shakti Puja and Saroj Smriti; wrote many celebrated poems but not Kamayani.
(d) Mahadevi Verma: A prominent Chhayavaad poet known for her lyrical poetry (Yama, Nihar, Neerja); called the 'Modern Meera'; did not write Kamayani.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q93. Which author's novel Half of a Yellow Sun was adapted into a 2013 film, bringing the Nigerian Biafran War story and personal narratives to a global audience?

(a) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
(b) Chinua Achebe
(c) Wole Soyinka
(d) Ben Okri

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The correct answer is (a) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian author, wrote Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), which won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2007. The novel is set before and during the Nigerian-Biafran War (1967-70) and was adapted into a film in 2013 directed by Biyi Bandele, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton.
(b) Chinua Achebe: Renowned Nigerian author known for Things Fall Apart (1958); his work deals with pre-colonial Igbo society and its clash with colonialism; did not write Half of a Yellow Sun.
(c) Wole Soyinka: Nigerian Nobel Laureate (1986) in Literature; known for plays and poetry; not the author of Half of a Yellow Sun.
(d) Ben Okri: Nigerian Booker Prize winner known for The Famished Road; not the author of Half of a Yellow Sun.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q94. One Hundred Years of Solitude, a seminal magical realism work depicting the Buendía family across generations in Macondo, was authored by which writer?

(a) Gabriel García Márquez
(b) Jorge Luis Borges
(c) Isabel Allende
(d) Pablo Neruda

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Gabriel García Márquez

The correct answer is (a) Gabriel García Márquez.
Gabriel García Márquez (Colombia, 1927-2014) wrote One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad, 1967), widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century and a masterpiece of magical realism. It traces the Buendía family across seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. García Márquez was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.
(b) Jorge Luis Borges: Argentine writer known for his philosophical short stories (Ficciones, Labyrinths); a pioneer of magical realism but did not write One Hundred Years of Solitude.
(c) Isabel Allende: Chilean author known for The House of the Spirits; influenced by magical realism but did not write this novel.
(d) Pablo Neruda: Chilean Nobel Laureate known for his poetry (Canto General, Twenty Love Poems); not a novelist; did not write this work.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 2 · Modern Indian books and authors

Q95. Which Indian author wrote The Hungry Tide, a novel focusing on the Sundarbans' ecology, human struggles, and the interaction between nature and local communities?

(a) Amitav Ghosh
(b) Aravind Adiga
(c) Salman Rushdie
(d) Vikram Seth

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Amitav Ghosh

The correct answer is (a) Amitav Ghosh.
Amitav Ghosh wrote The Hungry Tide (2004), a novel set in the Sundarbans delta region of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The novel explores the fragile ecology of the mangrove forests, the conflict between wildlife conservation and the rights of local communities, and the interaction between an urban researcher and a local fisherman-interpreter.
(b) Aravind Adiga: Author of The White Tiger (2008 Booker Prize winner); not the author of The Hungry Tide.
(c) Salman Rushdie: Author of Midnight's Children and The Satanic Verses; not the author of The Hungry Tide.
(d) Vikram Seth: Author of A Suitable Boy and The Golden Gate; not the author of The Hungry Tide.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 3 · International books and authors

Q96. Who authored A Bend in the River, a novel examining post-colonial Africa, identity, and social transformation in a newly independent nation's unstable political landscape?

(a) V.S. Naipaul
(b) Chinua Achebe
(c) Ngugi wa Thiong'o
(d) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) V.S. Naipaul

The correct answer is (a) V.S. Naipaul.
A Bend in the River (1979) was written by V.S. Naipaul (Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul), a Trinidadian-British writer of Indian descent who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001. The novel depicts the disillusionment and disintegration of post-colonial Africa (loosely based on Zaire/Congo), following the protagonist Salim's experiences in a town at the bend of a great river.
(b) Chinua Achebe: Nigerian author of Things Fall Apart (1958) about colonialism's impact; did not write A Bend in the River.
(c) Ngugi wa Thiong'o: Kenyan author of A Grain of Wheat and Petals of Blood; did not write A Bend in the River.
(d) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Nigerian author of Things Fall Apart (sequel Half of a Yellow Sun) and Americanah; not the author of A Bend in the River.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q97. Who wrote The Blind Assassin, which won the Booker Prize in 2000, combining family saga and science-fiction elements?

(a) Margaret Atwood
(b) Alice Munro
(c) Doris Lessing
(d) J.M. Coetzee

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Margaret Atwood

The correct answer is (a) Margaret Atwood.
Margaret Atwood, the renowned Canadian author, wrote The Blind Assassin (2000), which won the Booker Prize that year. The novel is a complex narrative combining family saga with embedded science-fiction elements within a story-within-a-story structure.
(b) Alice Munro: Canadian short story writer; won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013; not the author of The Blind Assassin.
(c) Doris Lessing: British author; won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2007; not the author of The Blind Assassin.
(d) J.M. Coetzee: South African novelist; won the Booker Prize for Disgrace (1999); not the author of The Blind Assassin.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q98. Who wrote Snow, a novel analysing political Islam, secularism, and personal conflicts in modern Turkey?

(a) Orhan Pamuk
(b) Salman Rushdie
(c) Amos Oz
(d) Ngugi wa Thiong'o

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Orhan Pamuk

The correct answer is (a) Orhan Pamuk.
Orhan Pamuk, the Turkish Nobel laureate (Nobel Prize for Literature, 2006), wrote the novel 'Snow' (Kar in Turkish, published 2002), which explores themes of political Islam, secularism, identity, and personal conflicts in the fictional Turkish city of Kars.
(b) Salman Rushdie: Indian-British author known for The Satanic Verses and Midnight's Children; not the author of Snow.
(c) Amos Oz: Israeli author known for A Tale of Love and Darkness; not the author of Snow.
(d) Ngugi wa Thiong'o: Kenyan author known for Weep Not, Child; not the author of Snow.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 1 · International books and authors

Q99. The Testaments, the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, continuing the dystopian story of Gilead, is authored by which writer?

(a) Margaret Atwood
(b) Ursula K. Le Guin
(c) Alice Walker
(d) Toni Morrison

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Margaret Atwood

The correct answer is (a) Margaret Atwood.
Margaret Atwood wrote The Testaments (2019), the long-awaited sequel to her landmark 1985 dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale. The Testaments won the Booker Prize in 2019 (shared with Bernardine Evaristo).
(b) Ursula K. Le Guin: American science fiction author (The Left Hand of Darkness, Earthsea series); not the author of The Testaments.
(c) Alice Walker: American author known for The Color Purple (Pulitzer Prize, 1983); not the author of The Testaments.
(d) Toni Morrison: American Nobel laureate known for Beloved and Song of Solomon; not the author of The Testaments.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · International books and authors

Q100. Kazuo Ishiguro is a Nobel Laureate whose novels explore memory, identity, and humanity. Which of the following works is authored by him?

(a) The Handmaid's Tale
(b) Never Let Me Go
(c) Atonement
(d) The Secret History

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Never Let Me Go

The correct answer is (b) Never Let Me Go.
Kazuo Ishiguro (Nobel Prize in Literature, 2017) wrote Never Let Me Go (2005), a dystopian novel about human clones raised for organ donation, exploring themes of memory, identity, and mortality. His other famous works include The Remains of the Day and Klara and the Sun.
(a) The Handmaid's Tale: Written by Margaret Atwood; a dystopian novel about a totalitarian state — not Ishiguro.
(c) Atonement: Written by Ian McEwan; explores themes of guilt, memory, and the power of storytelling — not Ishiguro.
(d) The Secret History: Written by Donna Tartt; a dark academia novel — not Ishiguro.

1 2 3

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Sports652 questions Dances336 questions Festivals, Fairs, Paintings and Crafts297 questions Music and Musical Instruments262 questions Space, Defence and Technology245 questions Organisations and Headquarters199 questions Monuments and Heritage166 questions Awards and Honours105 questions Important Days and Themes49 questions Tribes, Languages and Religions47 questions Indian Railways45 questions National Symbols, Firsts and Superlatives42 questions Personalities and Nicknames30 questions Cinema and Media10 questions Static GK Miscellaneous8 questions Countries, Capitals and Currencies3 questions Inventions and Discoveries2 questions

📥 PDF of this paper (all subjects, English & Hindi): All previous year papers PDF · ▶ Attempt previous year papers as free online tests · 🏆 Free live mock tests · 📰 Daily current affairs quiz

Q1. Which of the following authors won the Sahitya Akademi Award in Hindi and later the Jnanpith Award, and is known for novels like Rag Darbari?

Q2. Which modern Indian writer and Booker Prize winner authored The God of Small Things, a novel that broke conventional narrative and addressed caste, love, and politics with lyrical prose?

Q3. Temsula Ao's award-winning work contributes significantly to which underrepresented theme in Indian literature?

Q4. How does Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy combine traditional Indian narrative structures with Western literary form?

Q5. In what way does Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children redefine post-colonial Indian literature?

Q6. Why is Qurratulain Hyder's Aag Ka Darya (River of Fire) considered a landmark in Indian literature?

Q7. Which book by Arundhati Roy won the Booker Prize in 1997?

Q8. What common literary strategy is used in works like Tamas (Bhisham Sahni), Train to Pakistan (Khushwant Singh), and Basti (Intizar Hussain) to depict the Partition?

Q9. “Sea of Poppies,” shortlisted for the Booker Prize, is authored by:

Q10. In which language was The Blind Lady’s Descendants originally written?

Q11. Who among the following is the author of the semi-autobiographical novel Em and the Big Hoom?

Q12. Who is the author of the book ‘On Earth as It Is Beneath’?

Q13. Who among the following is the author of the book titled ‘The Director’?

Q14. Which Indian ministry, in collaboration with the International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE), unveiled the ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book in April 2024?

Q15. "The Argumentative Indian," a book discussing Indian history and culture, is authored by:

Q16. 'Playing It My Way' is the autobiography of which of the following sportspersons?

Q17. Who is the author of 'The Alchemist'?

Q18. Which of the following novels was written by Mulk Raj Anand and is centred on the life of an untouchable?

Q19. What is the thematic setting of Anita Desai's book 'Clear Light of Day'?

Q20. Which Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Harper Lee deals with racial injustice in the American South?

Q21. What was Ruskin Bond's first novel for which he received the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957?

Q22. Which children's novel by Anita Desai won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award?

Q23. Which of the following is William Wordsworth's autobiographical poem?

Q24. Who is the author of 'Maila Aanchal'?

Q25. William Dalrymple's book 'The Last Mughal' describes which historical event?

Q26. What is the main theme of the novel 'Across the Black Waters' written by Mulk Raj Anand?

Q27. Who was the collaborator of William Wordsworth in publishing 'Lyrical Ballads'?

Q28. 'A Shot at History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold'is the autobiography of _____.

Q29. Who is the author of the book 'Annihilation of Caste'?

Q30. ‘The Mango Season’ is a book written by _________ and is a story of an Indian woman of modern India.

Q31. What is the title of Amrita Pritam's autobiography?

Q32. Which of the following is NOT a work written by William Wordsworth?

Q33. Mulk Raj Anand's novel 'Two Leaves and a Bud' is based on the exploitation of which workers?

Q34. Who wrote the novel 'Sari Shop'?

Q35. Who wrote 'The God of Small Things'?

Q36. Which novel by Sidney Sheldon is based on World War II and a tragic love story?

Q37. The Serpent and the Rope (Novel) is written by _____.

Q38. The book 'Ghare-Baire' (The Home and the World), which criticized the Swadeshi Movement, was written by which Bengali literary figure?

Q39. Who is the author of "The Palace of Illusions"?

Q40. Which book is the sequel to "The Other Side of Midnight"?

Q41. Frankenstein is written by _____.

Q42. Which of the following pairs of author and their work is correctly matched?

Q43. Which of the following books has been written by Devdutt Pattanaik?

Q44. Who is the author of the book 'Angry River'?

Q45. Which of the following books has been written by V.S. Naipaul?

Q46. Who is the author of the book 'Brahma's Hair'?

Q47. Who is the author of the book 'Tamas'?

Q48. Who is the author of the book 'Delhi: A Novel'?

Q49. The book 'Indira Gandhi: Tryst with Power' is a biography by _____.

Q50. Which among the following is a book authored by Amitav Ghosh?

Q51. Who is the author of the book 'The Calcutta Chromosome'?

Q52. Who is the author of the poetry collection 'Apocalypso'?

Q53. Who is the author of the book 'Accidents Like Love & Marriage'?

Q54. Who is the author of the book 'Remnants of a Separation'?

Q55. Who is the author of the book 'The Village'?

Q56. 'The Rediscovery of India' has been authored by ____.

Q57. Who is the author of the book 'Serious Men', which won The Hindu Literary Prize?

Q58. Who is the author of the book named 'Welcome to Paradise',a collection of short stories about women facing love, marriage, and loneliness?

Q59. Who is the author of the book 'Second Thoughts'?

Q60. Who is the author of the book 'The Vault of Vishnu'?

Q61. Who is the author of the book 'The Painter of Signs'?

Q62. What is the name of the autobiography of actor Prem Chopra?

Q63. Which of the following book has been written by Ruskin Bond?

Q64. Who is the author of the book 'Being Indian'?

Q65. Which of the following book has been written by Shashi Tharoor?

Q66. 'The Oath of the Vayuputras ' is the final book of which famous trilogy by Amish Tripathi?

Q67. Who is the author of the book 'Reimagine Your Life'?

Q68. 'The Race of My Life' is the autobiography of which Indian athlete?

Q69. Who is the author of the book 'An Equal Music'?

Q70. 'The Fisher Queen's Dynasty' is a book written by _____.

Q71. Which among the following is a book authored by Jeet Thayil?

Q72. Who is the author of the book 'The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk', a collection of heartfelt episodes for young adults?

Q73. 'Shakti: The Divine Feminine' is written by _____.

Q74. 'The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva' is the autobiography of _____.

Q75. Which book, a collection of 103 poems selected from Bengali poetry, was authored by Rabindranath Tagore?

Q76. Who is one of the authors of 'The Greatest: My Own Story'?

Q77. Who is the author of the book 'When Love Came Calling'?

Q78. Who is the author of the book 'In the Footsteps of Mahatma... Gandhi and Sanitation'?

Q79. Who is the author of the book "Ladies' Tailor"?

Q80. Who is the composer of treatise of music Brihaddesi ?

Q28. 'A Shot at History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold'
is the autobiography of _____.

Q58. Who is the author of the book named 'Welcome to Paradise',
a collection of short stories about women facing love, marriage, and loneliness?

Q86. Which of the following statements about the translation of
'No Presents Please: Mumbai Stories' is correct?