Ranga's Marriage class 11 Questions and Answers of AHSEC Assam Board along with the summary of the chapter. Previous year's papers question solutions along with textual notes and important notes.
Summary
However, the narrator later revealed to Ranga that Ratna was not married, and he had played along with Shastri's act. Ranga was overjoyed to hear this news. The narrator praised Shastri for his playacting skills and attended Ranga's son Shyama's birthday party. Ranga named his son after the narrator, following the English custom of naming a child after someone they admire. The narrator gave Shyama a gift and blessed him. The story portrays the humor and light-heartedness of village life and the amusing incidents surrounding Ranga's potential marriage.
Textual Question Answers
1. Comment on the influence of English — the language and the way of life — on Indian life as reflected in the story. What is the narrator’s attitude to English? (2016, 2018, 2020)
Ans: In the story "Ranga's Marriage," the influence of English, both as a language and a way of life, is evident in the changing dynamics of Indian society. When Ranga returns to his village after studying in Bangalore, he encounters a shift in language use, with English words and phrases starting to make their way into Kannada conversations. This reflects the increasing presence of the English language in everyday life, particularly among those who have received education in English-speaking cities. The narrator's attitude towards English appears to be one of curiosity and amusement rather than criticism. The story portrays the use of English in a light-hearted manner, showing how it has become a part of the evolving cultural landscape in India. The fact that Ranga returns from Bangalore seemingly unchanged, with his "caste intact," suggests that English education has not drastically altered his traditional values or cultural identity. The story highlights the coexistence of traditional Indian culture with the influence of English and Westernization, reflecting the evolving nature of Indian society.
2. Astrologers’ perceptions are based more on hearsay and conjecture than what they learn from the study of the stars. Comment concerning the story.
Ans: In the story "Ranga's Marriage," the role of the astrologer, Shastri, highlights a common perception that astrologers often rely on hearsay and conjecture rather than a scientific study of the stars. Shastri pretends to read the stars to create a favorable outcome for Ranga's potential marriage to Ratna, the talented girl. However, it is later revealed that Shastri's predictions were not based on actual astrological knowledge but were part of a playful act orchestrated by the narrator. This episode underscores the idea that some astrologers may make predictions based on tradition, belief, or popular beliefs rather than rigorous astronomical or astrological study. While astrology has its place in cultural and traditional contexts, it is important to recognize that it is often perceived as more rooted in tradition and faith than in scientific evidence or empirical observation, as highlighted in the story.
3. Indian society has moved a long way from the way the marriage is arranged in the story. Discuss.
Ans: Indian society has evolved significantly from the way marriages were arranged as depicted in the story "Ranga's Marriage." In the story, Ranga's marriage is primarily orchestrated by well-meaning individuals, such as the narrator and an astrologer, without much say from Ranga himself. However, in contemporary India, there has been a noticeable shift towards more autonomy and choice in the matter of marriage. Today, young individuals often have the freedom to choose their life partners based on their preferences, compatibility, and mutual understanding. Arranged marriages are still prevalent in India, but they have transformed to become more like "arranged introductions," where families play a role in introducing potential partners, but the final decision rests with the individuals involved. This change reflects a broader trend of increased individual agency and a move away from traditional, rigid matchmaking practices in Indian society.
4. What kind of a person do you think the narrator is?
Ans: The narrator in "Ranga's Marriage" comes across as a friendly and mischievous individual. They appear to have good humor and a playful attitude towards life. The narrator seems genuinely concerned about Ranga's well-being and takes it upon themselves to help him find a suitable bride. They are resourceful and creative, as seen in their plan to introduce Ranga to Ratna, the talented girl. The narrator's willingness to go along with the astrologer's act to bring happiness to Ranga shows a kind-hearted and compassionate nature. Overall, the narrator is depicted as a likable and jovial character who values the happiness of their friend Ranga and enjoys the lighter side of life in their village.
Previous Years Paper Notes
1. 'Engish integrates India as a nation or it belittles the expressions of native speakers'. Elucidate with examples from the lesson 'Ranga's Marriage.' (2015)
Ans: In the story "Ranga's Marriage," the use of English serves as an interesting theme that can be seen in two different ways. On one hand, it can be seen as a force that helps integrate India as a nation by connecting people who speak different native languages. For example, Ranga returns to his village after studying where he likely picked up English. This enables him to communicate with people who may not speak Kannada, his native language. It allows him to bridge the language gap and connect with a wider range of people within his own country.
On the other hand, the story also highlights how the use of English can sometimes belittle the expressions of native speakers. In the story, when Ranga returns to his village, people are surprised that he still speaks Kannada fluently despite being exposed to English. This surprise suggests that there might be an expectation that speaking English is somehow superior and that those who continue to speak their native languages are seen as less modern or educated. This can be seen as a form of belittling the richness and depth of native languages and cultures in India.
So, in "Ranga's Marriage," we see that English can both integrate India by facilitating communication and belittle the expressions of native speakers by creating a hierarchy of languages based on perceived prestige
2. Describe the quality of the mangoes of Hosahalli village. (2015, 2019)
Ans: In the story "Ranga's Marriage," the quality of the mangoes from Hosahalli village is depicted as exceptional and highly prized. Hosahalli is known for its delicious mangoes, and they are considered some of the best in the region. The mangoes are described as being sweet, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. They are so renowned that people from surrounding areas eagerly look forward to the mango season in Hosahalli.
3. Was Ratna a victim of the arranged marriage system? (2015)
Ans: Ratna is not portrayed as a victim of the arranged marriage system. In the story, there is no indication that Ratna was forced into an arranged marriage against her will or without her consent. Instead, Ratna is presented as a talented and attractive young woman who is sought after as a potential bride.
4. Comment on the influence of English — the language and the way of life — on Indian society as reflected in Lyengar's story ''Ranga's Marriage". (2016, 2018, 2020)
Ans: See above Qno. 1 ( Textual question answers)
5. What did Ranga think about marriage? (2016, 17)
Ans: Ranga, the central character in "Ranga's Marriage" had specific views on marriage. He desired to find the right life partner, but his views on marriage were characterized by a sense of maturity and consideration. He wasn't in a hurry to get married and was selective in his choice of a spouse. Ranga was looking for a woman who was mature and considerate, suggesting that he wanted a meaningful and compatible relationship rather than a hasty or traditional arrangement. His desire for a thoughtful and mature partner reflects his cautious and thoughtful approach to marriage.
6. How did Ranga and Ratna react when they saw each other? (2016, 2018)
Ans: Ranga seemed captivated by Ratna's singing when he first saw her. He was clearly impressed by her talent as she played the veena and the harmonium. However, his initial interest in her was primarily due to her musical abilities.
As for Ratna, Seeing a stranger peeping Ratna stopped singing abruptly. Also, she ran inside as she felt shy to meet strangers.
7. "English integrates India as a nation." Discuss with examples from the story, Ranga's Marriage. (2017)
Ans: In the story "Ranga's Marriage", the use of the English language serves as a symbol of modernity and integration in India. Ranga, the central character, had spent time in Bangalore, where he was exposed to English education and culture. When he returned to his village, Hosahalli, he brought back with him the English language and some modern ideas.
The use of English words in the story represents how English has become a unifying factor in India. It allows people from different regions and languages to communicate and understand each other. For instance, when Ranga returns to his village, the use of English words in Kannada conversations surprises the villagers, showing how English has integrated into their daily lives.
Moreover, Ranga's desire to find a suitable bride with certain qualities, rather than conforming to traditional norms, reflects a modern and individualistic approach to marriage. This showcases how exposure to English education has influenced his thinking and attitudes, contributing to a broader sense of national integration, where individuals are influenced by modern ideas and values irrespective of their regional or cultural backgrounds.
In essence, the story illustrates how the English language and modern education have played a role in integrating India as a nation by bridging cultural gaps and influencing people's perspectives, as seen through Ranga's character and his views on marriage.
8. Narrate the events that lead to Ranga's Marriage? (2019)
Ans: Ranga, who had gone to Bangalore to pursue his education, returned to his village of Hosahalli after ten years. His return was a significant event in the village because he had not changed much during his time away, and he still held on to his traditional caste identity, which was surprising to the villagers.
Ranga had specific views on marriage; he desired to find a mature and considerate life partner but was in no hurry to get married. The narrator of the story, a friend of Ranga, took it upon himself to arrange Ranga's marriage. He had heard of a suitable girl named Ratna, the niece of Rama Rao, who was not only talented but could play musical instruments like the veena and the harmonium. The narrator introduced Ranga to Ratna. Ranga was captivated by her singing. However, he was initially told that she was already married.
Then, the narrator and an astrologer named Shastri pretended that there was a chance for Ranga to marry Ratna, even though she was not actually married. This pretence was done to create a surprise for Ranga and make him happy.
So, the key steps involved introducing Ranga to Ratna, pretending that Ranga could marry her, and ultimately revealing the truth to bring joy to Ranga, who thought Ratna was already married. This clever plan orchestrated by the narrator and Shastri led to Ranga's marriage with Ratna.
10. What steps did the narrator take to get Ranga married to Ratna? (2022)
Ans: To get Ranga married to Ratna, the narrator took several steps. First, the narrator introduced Ranga to Ratna, who was a talented girl. Ranga was captivated by her singing. However, he was initially told that she was already married.
Then, the narrator and an astrologer named Shastri pretended that there was a chance for Ranga to marry Ratna, even though she was not actually married. This pretense was done to create a surprise for Ranga and make him happy.
So, the key steps involved introducing Ranga to Ratna, pretending that Ranga could marry her, and ultimately revealing the truth to bring joy to Ranga, who thought Ratna was already married. This clever plan orchestrated by the narrator and Shastri led to Ranga's marriage with Ratna.
11. What does the narrator say about Hosahalli? (2022)
Ans: The narrator describes Hosahalli as a countryside village in the Kannada-speaking region of Mysore state. The narrator portrays the village with a lighthearted attitude toward life, suggesting that the humorous narration adds to the enjoyment of the story.
12. What happened when Ranga returned to his village from the city of Bangalore? (2022)
Ans: When Ranga returned to his village from the city of Bangalore, everyone in the village was surprised to see that he had not changed much despite spending ten years in the city. His return was significant because, during his absence, the village had not been exposed to the influence of English and modern city life as much as Ranga had. So, his return to his traditional ways and unchanged identity became a notable event in the village.
13. Give a brief account of Ranga's education, his views on marriage, and how he finally got married. (2023)
Ans: Ranga went to Bangalore for his education, which took about ten years. During this time, he was exposed to modern education and city life. When he returned to his village, everyone was surprised to find that he had not changed much, and he still held on to his traditional caste identity.
Ranga had specific views on marriage. He expressed his desire to find the right girl for himself, someone mature and considerate. However, he didn't rush into marriage and seemed to be selective in his choice of a life partner.
The narrator of the story planned to arrange Ranga's marriage and introduced him to Ratna, who was Rama Rao's niece. Ratna was a talented girl who could play the veena and the harmonium. Ranga was captivated by her singing, but he was initially disappointed to learn that she was already married.
To create a surprise for Ranga, the narrator and an astrologer named Shastri pretended that Ranga's marriage with Ratna could be possible, even though she was not married. This brought joy and happiness to Ranga, who had thought Ratna was already married. The narrator's plan, with the help of Shastri's act, led to Ranga eventually getting married to Ratna.
14. Why was Ranga's homecoming a great event? (2023)
Ans: Ranga's homecoming was a great event because, when he went to Bangalore to study ten years ago, he left his village, and things were different back then. At that time, English words were not commonly used in Kannada conversations. So, when he returned, everyone was surprised to find him unchanged, and his traditional caste identity was still intact. This made his return a significant and noteworthy occasion in the village.
15. What is the name of Ranga's village and what does the narrator say about it? (2023)
Ans: Ranga's village is called Hosahalli, and the narrator describes it as a countryside village in the Kannada-speaking region of Mysore state. The narrator portrays the village with a lighthearted attitude toward life, indicating that the humorous narration adds to the enjoyment of the story.
Snapshots
Ranga's Marriage
The Voice of the Rain
