Bankura University B.A 2nd Semester English Major 2 Suggestion with Answer ,Suggestion of short Question ,English Major ,Bankura University

 Bankura University B.A 2nd Semester  English Major 2 Suggestion with Answer 

Suggestion of short Question 

1) How does King Duhsanta appear in the beginning of the play “AbhijnanaSakuntalam”?

Ans : In the beginning of AbhijnanaSakuntalam, King Dushyanta is portrayed as a noble and heroic figure. He is shown as a skilled hunter, pursuing a deer in the forest. His regal demeanor and sense of duty are evident, but he also shows compassion when he refrains from killing the deer after being advised by an ascetic. This introduction sets the stage for his character, highlighting his royal virtues and humanity.

(2) "(A voice off-stage): O, a marvel, a marvel has occurred"- What incident is referred to here?

Ans :  The marvel referred to is the sudden blossoming of flowers and the appearance of sweet-smelling winds in the hermitage, which occurs when King Dushyanta arrives at the hermitage of Sage Kanva. This is seen as a sign of the divine favor and the auspiciousness of Dushyanta’s presence.

(3) What is a 'court-jester'? Name the jester in the play “AbhijnanaSakuntalam”.

Ans :   A 'court-jester' is a humorous figure often employed in royal courts to entertain the king and the courtiers with wit, jokes, and playful banter. In “AbhijnanaSakuntalam”, the court jester is named Madhavya. He is a close companion of King Dushyanta and provides comic relief throughout the play with his witty remarks and humorous observations.

 (4) "Very well, I shall ask you this: You tell me which is the greater and which is the lesser evil of the two?" What are the two 'evils' mentioned here by the speaker?

Ans :   This question is posed by Sakuntala to her friends Anasuya and Priyamvada. The two "evils" refer to the dilemma of whether to send the love letter she has written to King Dushyanta. One "evil" is the impropriety of a woman sending a love letter to a man, which could be seen as forward or inappropriate. The other "evil" is the fear of losing the opportunity to express her feelings if she does not send the letter. The greater "evil" in her view is the latter—missing the chance to express her love.

 (5) With what prayer does the play “AbhijnanaSakuntalam” end?

Ans :  The play “AbhijnanaSakuntalam” ends with a prayer for the prosperity and happiness of the entire world. It specifically invokes the blessings of the gods for the well-being of the king, his subjects, and the world at large, seeking peace and harmony in the universe.

(6) Who is 'Radheya' and why is he so called?

Ans :   'Radheya' is another name of Karna, a key character in the Mahabharata. He is called Radheya because he was raised by Radha, the wife of a charioteer named Adhiratha. Although Karna was born to Kunti and the sun god Surya, he was abandoned at birth and found by Radha and Adhiratha, who adopted him. The name Radheya signifies his connection to his foster mother Radha, who raised him with love and care.

 (7) State two reasons to justify the title of the book "Udyoga Parva" or "The Book of Efforts."

Ans :   "Udyoga Parva," or "The Book of Efforts," is one of the books in the Mahabharata. The title is justified for the following reasons:

1. **Preparations for War**: The book details the extensive efforts made by both the Pandavas and the Kauravas to prepare for the impending Kurukshetra war. It includes discussions, alliances, and the gathering of armies, reflecting the intense efforts involved in gearing up for the conflict.

2. **Diplomatic Endeavors**: "Udyoga Parva" also covers the diplomatic efforts, particularly by Krishna, to avoid war. Krishna's mission to Hastinapura to negotiate peace with the Kauravas is a significant part of this parva, highlighting the efforts to resolve the conflict without bloodshed.

 (8) Where and why did Kunti meet Karna?

Ans :    Kunti met Karna by the banks of the river Ganga before the Kurukshetra war. The purpose of her meeting was to reveal to Karna his true identity as her firstborn son, hoping to persuade him to join the Pandavas, his half-brothers, and abandon Duryodhana. She hoped that by doing so, Karna would avoid fighting against his own brothers in the war.

 (9) What is the source of "The Temptation of Karna"? With whose speech does it begin?

Ans :   "The Temptation of Karna" is derived from the Udyoga Parva of the Mahabharata. The episode begins with the speech of Krishna, who visits Karna to reveal his true parentage and tempt him to switch sides from the Kauravas to the Pandavas, offering him the throne of Hastinapura. Krishna tries to convince Karna by appealing to his sense of justice and dharma.

(10) "Now I see no other course open but the fourth" - Name the speaker. What is the 'fourth course mentioned by the speaker here?

Ans :    The speaker is King Dushyanta in “AbhijnanaSakuntalam”. The 'fourth course' he refers to is going to the hermitage where Sakuntala resides to seek forgiveness from her after realizing that he had forgotten her due to the curse of Sage Durvasa. The first three courses involve actions he considered taking to resolve the situation, but he ultimately decides that going to Sakuntala is the only option left.

 (11) How does Duhsanta describe the beauty of Sakuntala to Madhavya?

Ans :    King Dushyanta describes Sakuntala’s beauty to Madhavya by comparing her to a divine being, surpassing the beauty of the forest she inhabits. He speaks of her delicate features, her graceful movements, and her natural elegance, which captivates him completely. He emphasizes that Sakuntala’s beauty is so extraordinary that it seems to elevate the entire environment around her.

(12) Who found the signet ring in Kalidasa’s “AbhijnanaSakuntalam” and where?

Ans :    The signet ring in “AbhijnanaSakuntalam” is found by a fisherman. It was discovered in the belly of a fish that the fisherman had caught in the river. The ring plays a crucial role in the play, as it is the key to King Dushyanta regaining his memory of Sakuntala and recognizing their relationship.

(13) How does the Ascetic dissuade King Duhsanta from hunting a deer in the opening scene of the play “AbhijnanaSakuntalam”?

Ans :   In the opening scene of “AbhijnanaSakuntalam”, an ascetic from Sage Kanva’s hermitage dissuades King Dushyanta from hunting a deer by reminding him that the deer belongs to the hermitage and is under the protection of the sages. He explains that the deer symbolizes innocence and is not meant to be harmed. The ascetic appeals to Dushyanta’s sense of dharma, convincing him to spare the animal, which also showcases the king’s respect for the ascetics and their way of life.

(14) ‘O heart, keep calm; Anasuya is asking what I wanted to know’ – What did Anasuya ask?

Ans :    Anasuya, a close friend of Sakuntala, asks her if she is thinking about someone special, hinting at Sakuntala’s feelings for King Dushyanta. Sakuntala is anxious and shy about revealing her emotions, so when Anasuya poses the question, it brings her feelings to the surface, making her heart race. Anasuya’s question is pivotal as it leads Sakuntala to express her love for Dushyanta, moving the plot forward.

 (15) Comment briefly on King Duhsanta’s last speech in “AbhijnanaSakuntalam”.

Ans :   In his last speech, King Dushyanta reflects on the divine justice and the resolution of the trials he and Sakuntala have endured. He expresses gratitude for the reunion with Sakuntala and their son Bharata, recognizing that their suffering has led to a greater understanding of love, duty, and destiny. His speech highlights the themes of redemption and the ultimate triumph of righteousness and love.

 (16) Why is “Udyoga Parva” so named?

Ans :    "Udyoga Parva" is so named because it focuses on the preparations ("Udyoga" meaning "efforts" or "undertakings") for the Kurukshetra war. It details the diplomatic efforts, the gathering of armies, and the strategies employed by both the Pandavas and the Kauravas as they ready themselves for the impending battle. The title reflects the intense efforts made by all parties involved in either trying to avoid the war or preparing for it.

 (17) Who is Saubala and why is he so called?

Ans :    Saubala refers to Shakuni, the prince of the Gandhara Kingdom and the brother of Gandhari. He is called Saubala because he is the son of King Subala. Shakuni is one of the principal antagonists in the Mahabharata, known for his cunning and for masterminding the infamous game of dice that led to the Pandavas’ exile.

 (18) ‘Choose a boon from me, Pancali, whatever you wish’ – What boon did Pancali ask for from the speaker?

Ans :    When Draupadi, also known as Panchali, is offered a boon by the speaker, who is Dhritarashtra, she asks for the freedom of her husbands, the Pandavas, who had been enslaved as a result of the deceitful game of dice orchestrated by Shakuni. Draupadi’s request for her husbands’ freedom rather than any personal gain reflects her selflessness and dedication to her family.

 (19) ‘You are carrying poisonous snakes on your head, their pouches full of venom!’ – Who is warned thus and when?

Ans :   This warning is given to Duryodhana by Vidura. Vidura uses this metaphor to warn Duryodhana about the dangerous and destructive influence of Shakuni and his other advisors, who are leading him down a path of ruin. Vidura tries to caution Duryodhana that his decisions, fueled by pride and malice, will ultimately bring about his downfall.

 (20) Name the place where Kunti met Karna. What was the purpose of her meeting?

Ans :   Kunti met Karna on the banks of the river Ganga before the Kurukshetra war. The purpose of her meeting was to reveal to Karna his true identity as her firstborn son and to persuade him to join the Pandavas, his half-brothers, in the war. Kunti hoped that by convincing Karna to switch sides, he would avoid fighting against his own brothers, thereby reducing the conflict.

(21) What were the advices given by Kanva to Sakuntala on the eve of her departure for her husband’s house?

On the eve of Sakuntala’s departure to join her husband, King Dushyanta, Sage Kanva gives her several pieces of advice:

- **Respect and Honor Your Husband and In-Laws**: Kanva advises Sakuntala to show respect and honor to her husband and his family, as this is the duty of a wife.

- **Maintain Virtue and Dignity**: He emphasizes the importance of maintaining her virtue, dignity, and poise in her new role as a queen and wife.

- **Nurture Love and Devotion**: Kanva encourages Sakuntala to nurture her love and devotion towards Dushyanta, ensuring a harmonious and fulfilling married life.

 (22) How does ‘The Temptation of Karna’ end?

Ans :   ‘The Temptation of Karna’ ends with Karna refusing Krishna’s offer to switch sides and join the Pandavas, despite learning the truth about his birth and his rightful place as Kunti’s son. Karna chooses to remain loyal to Duryodhana, who had been his friend and benefactor, and accepts his fate, fully aware of the consequences. His decision is driven by a sense of honor and gratitude towards Duryodhana, even though it means fighting against his own brothers.

(23) “Ignoble man! You who are like a well covered with grass”. – Who is described thus and why?

Ans :   This line is used to describe Karna by Draupadi during the dice game episode in the Mahabharata. Draupadi calls Karna an “ignoble man” because she feels he is deceitful and dishonorable, like a dangerous well hidden by grass. She is enraged because Karna, who was an ally of Duryodhana, insulted her and played a key role in the humiliation she suffered during the game of dice, where she was publicly disrobed.

(24) Why was Karna also known as Radheya?

Ans :   As previously mentioned, Karna was known as Radheya because he was raised by Radha, the wife of a charioteer named Adhiratha. Although born to Kunti and the sun god Surya, Karna was abandoned at birth and adopted by Radha, who raised him with love and care. The name Radheya signifies his connection to his foster mother Radha.

(25) “It is my firm belief that by the Law she can rightly be a warrior’s bride”. – Which Law is referred to here? What does the Law say?

Ans :   The law referred to here is the law of Svayamvara, an ancient Hindu tradition where a princess chooses her husband from among a group of suitors. According to this law, a warrior, regardless of his caste or social status, has the right to marry a princess if he wins her hand in a Svayamvara. This is significant in the context of Draupadi’s marriage to Arjuna, who, despite being in disguise, won her hand by demonstrating his valor and skill in the Svayamvara.

(26) Why did Karna refuse to leave Duryodhana when Vasudeva told him to change sides?

Ans :   Karna refused to leave Duryodhana and join the Pandavas when Krishna (Vasudeva) tried to persuade him because of his unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana. Despite knowing that he was Kunti's son and the rightful heir to the throne, Karna felt indebted to Duryodhana, who had been his friend and benefactor when everyone else rejected him. Karna’s sense of loyalty, honor, and gratitude towards Duryodhana overpowered the temptation of power and kinship, leading him to remain steadfast on Duryodhana’s side.

(27) “My lord, something quite marvellous has just occurred”. – What “marvellous” incident does the speaker refer to here?

Ans :   This line is spoken by the ascetic in AbhijnanaSakuntalam when describing the magical blooming of flowers and the sweet-smelling winds that occur upon King Dushyanta’s arrival at Sage Kanva’s hermitage. The incident is seen as a sign of the divine favor and the auspiciousness of Dushyanta’s presence, indicating that his meeting with Sakuntala is destined and blessed by the gods.

(28) What did Yudhisthira say when Sakuni asked him to stake Draupadi?

When Sakuni, during the dice game, asks Yudhisthira to stake Draupadi, Yudhisthira, driven by a sense of duty and trapped in the gambling frenzy, reluctantly agrees. He justifies his decision by saying that since he had already lost himself and his brothers in the game, Draupadi, being their wife, is also bound to his fate and thus can be staked. This decision leads to the infamous scene where Draupadi is humiliated in the Kaurava court.

(29) Who is Misrakesi? What does she say about Sakuntala?

Ans :   Misrakesi is a celestial nymph (apsara) who appears in AbhijnanaSakuntalam. She comments on the beauty and virtues of Sakuntala, recognizing her as someone destined for greatness. Misrakesi speaks about the divine qualities of Sakuntala and how her love story with King Dushyanta is fated by the gods, indicating that their union is not just a matter of human affection but is also sanctioned by divine will.

(30) How was Duryodhana tricked by the marvels in Yudhisthira’s palace?

Ans :   Duryodhana was tricked by the marvels in Yudhisthira’s palace, which was designed by the architect Maya. The palace was filled with illusions, including a floor that appeared dry but was actually a pool of water, and a pool that appeared to be water but was solid ground. Duryodhana, unaware of these illusions, stumbled and fell into the water, leading to embarrassment. This incident became a source of mockery for him, particularly by Draupadi, which fueled his anger and resentment towards the Pandavas, contributing to the eventual outbreak of the Kurukshetra war.