Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: V S Naipaul
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question examines familiarity with major works on modern India by international authors. "A Million Mutinies Now" is a travel and observation based book that examines the changes in Indian society. It was written by Nobel laureate V S Naipaul and forms a part of his trilogy on India. Knowing this pairing is important for general knowledge about literature related to post independence India.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The title provided is "A Million Mutinies Now".
- The options list names of thinkers, writers, and public figures.
- Only one of them is the actual author of this book.
- No numerical or analytical work is required beyond recall of the correct author.
Concept / Approach:
The crucial concept is to remember that V S Naipaul wrote several books about India, including "An Area of Darkness", "India: A Wounded Civilization", and "India: A Million Mutinies Now". "A Million Mutinies Now" explores the many small revolts in Indian society against old structures. The other options represent important personalities but are not associated with this title. Matching the book to Naipaul is therefore the objective.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that V S Naipaul, of Indian origin but Trinidad born, wrote a trilogy on India.
Step 2: Recognise that the third book in that informal series is "India: A Million Mutinies Now".
Step 3: Look at the options and realise that Aurobindo Ghosh was a philosopher and freedom fighter with different writings.
Step 4: Note that K P S Gill was a police officer and that Nirad Chaudhuri wrote other classics such as "The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian", not this book, confirming Naipaul as correct.
Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by connecting the title's style and focus on "mutinies" with Naipaul's critical and observational approach to India. Literary histories and competitive exam manuals all attribute "A Million Mutinies Now" to him. Since it is part of his well known body of work on India, there is no credible alternative attribution among the other options.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Aurobindo Ghosh wrote mainly philosophical texts and spiritual works, not this modern analysis of India.
K P S Gill is known for his role in counter insurgency policing and does not have this book under his name.
Nirad Chaudhuri is an important writer but wrote other autobiographical and historical texts, not "A Million Mutinies Now".
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Naipaul and Nirad Chaudhuri because both are critics of aspects of Indian society and wrote in English. Another pitfall is to forget that "A Million Mutinies Now" is part of Naipaul's India themed series and instead to associate it vaguely with any intellectual figure. Building mental groupings of authors and their thematic series helps resolve such confusion quickly.
Final Answer:
The book "A Million Mutinies Now" is authored by V S Naipaul.
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