The Great Indian Novel is written by-

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the author known for retelling Indian epics.

Correct Answer: D) Shashi Tharoor.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

"The Great Indian Novel" is a satirical novel written by Shashi Tharoor, published in 1989. The novel is a retelling of the Indian epic "Mahabharata" in the context of modern Indian politics and history. This work is notable for its witty and insightful commentary on Indian society and governance, making it a significant piece of contemporary Indian literature.

Shashi Tharoor is a prominent Indian author, diplomat, and politician. He has written several books, including "The Great Indian Novel," which is his most famous work. The novel is a modern retelling of the ancient Indian epic, where the characters from the "Mahabharata" are reimagined as figures from Indian history and politics. For example, the character of Krishna is portrayed as Jawaharlal Nehru, and the Pandavas and Kauravas are depicted as political parties and factions.

The novel is not only a literary work but also a political satire. It uses the narrative structure of the "Mahabharata" to comment on the political and social issues of contemporary India. Tharoor's work is known for its sharp wit and incisive observations, making it a popular and influential piece of literature among readers interested in Indian history, politics, and culture.

It is important to distinguish Shashi Tharoor from other well-known Indian authors such as Khushwant Singh, Vikram Seth, and Ruskin Bond. Each of these authors has made significant contributions to Indian literature, but they are known for different works and styles. Khushwant Singh is known for his historical novels and non-fiction works, Vikram Seth for his long narrative poems and novels, and Ruskin Bond for his short stories and novels set in the Himalayas.

Understanding the authorship of "The Great Indian Novel" is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and Bank PO, where questions on Indian literature and culture are common. It is also important for anyone interested in contemporary Indian literature and its engagement with historical and political themes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Khushwant Singh is a renowned Indian author and journalist, but he did not write "The Great Indian Novel." He is known for works like "Train to Pakistan" and "A History of the Sikhs."
Option B: Vikram Seth is a celebrated Indian novelist and poet, but he is not the author of "The Great Indian Novel." He is known for his novel "A Suitable Boy" and his poetry collection "The Golden Gate."
Option C: Ruskin Bond is a well-known Indian author, particularly for his short stories and novels set in the Himalayas, but he did not write "The Great Indian Novel." His works include "The Room on the Roof" and "A Flight of Pigeons."
Option D: Shashi Tharoor is the correct author of "The Great Indian Novel." This novel is a satirical retelling of the Indian epic "Mahabharata" in the context of modern Indian politics and history. Tharoor is also known for his political career and other literary works such as "The Great Indian Novel" and "The Elephant, the Tiger, and the Cellphone."

Mnemonic: Think "Tharoor" for "Tharoor" as the author of "The Great Indian Novel."

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