Question Bank – Unit 1 & Unit 2 (Indian Poetics)

This document contains expected questions in the university exam.

1. Question Bank – Unit 1 & Unit 2 (Indian Poetics)
Unit 1: Foundations of Indian Knowledge Systems
10 Marks Essay Type Questions
1.​Define Indian Poetics. Discuss its scope and significance in the study of literature.
2.​Write a historical sketch of Indian Poetics with reference to Nāṭyaśāstra and its later
developments.
3.​Explain how Nāṭyaśāstra is regarded as the “Pancham Veda.” Illustrate with reference to
the anecdote of Brahma.
4.​Discuss the Theoretical Framework of Indian Poetics with reference to Rasa, Alamkāra,
Guna, Rīti, Dhvani, Vakrokti, and Auchitya.
5.​Critically evaluate the contribution of Anandavardhana and Abhinavagupta to the
development of Indian Poetics.
6.​Examine the importance of Rasa theory in understanding the epics Ramayana and
Mahabharata.
7.​How do Indian theories of poetics differ from Western poetics? Discuss with examples.​

5 Marks Short Note Questions
1.​Define Indian Poetics in your own words.
2.​Why is Bharata’s Nāṭyaśāstra considered the foundation of Indian aesthetics?
3.​Write a short note on Bhamaha’s contribution to Alamkāra.
4.​Explain Vāmana’s Rīti theory in brief.
5.​What is meant by Guna in poetry? Give examples.
6.​Write a short note on Kṣemendra’s theory of Auchitya.
7.​How does Mammata synthesize different theories in Kavyaprakasha?

2. ​

Unit 2: Selected Literary Terms (IKS)
10 Marks Essay Type Questions
1.​Define Alamkāra. Discuss its types with examples from poetry or modern literature.​

2.​Explain the Rasa theory in detail. How does it contribute to the aesthetic experience of
the reader?
3.​Discuss the Dhvani theory of Anandavardhana. How does it enrich poetic expression?
4.​Evaluate Kuntaka’s Vakrokti theory with examples from literature.
5.​Compare the Rasa theory of Bharata with Aristotle’s theory of Catharsis.
6.​“Vakrokti is the soul of poetry.” Discuss in the context of Indian Poetics.
7.​How can Alamkāra and figures of speech in English literature be studied together?​

5 Marks Short Note Questions
1.​Define Alamkāra with an example.
2.​What are the nine Rasas? Name them with one example each.
3.​Write a short note on Dhvani and its three types.
4.​What do you understand by Vakrokti? Give one example.
5.​Differentiate between Abhidha, Lakṣaṇā, and Vyañjanā.
6.​Short note on Shānta Rasa.
7.​Briefly compare Rasa and Catharsis.​