SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 19

Correct Answer

Malgudi

Explanation

Malgudi is a world-famous semi-urban imaginary town created by the celebrated Indian author R.K. Narayan. It serves as the setting for almost all of his novels and short stories, starting from his very first novel, "Swami and Friends" published in 1935. Narayan portrayed Malgudi with such meticulous geographic detail—including its fictional Sarayu River, Mempi Hills, and Market Road—that many readers originally believed it was a real location in South India.

Through the micro-cosmos of Malgudi, Narayan masterfully captured the essence of daily Indian life, shifting social customs, and the quirks of ordinary characters. The town evolved across his works, reflecting India's historical transition from the British colonial era into a newly independent nation. The stories were later adapted into a widely popular television series named "Malgudi Days," directed by Shankar Nag, which further immortalized the fictional town in the hearts of Indian audiences.

Key Points

Panchgani is a real, famous hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, known for its scenic views and residential boarding schools.

Shimla and Darjeeling are real, geographically prominent hill stations situated in the Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal respectively) that served as important summer capitals during the British Raj.

R.K. Narayan, along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao, is widely considered one of the three foundational pillars of early Indian English literature.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which was the first novel written by R.K. Narayan that officially introduced the fictional town of Malgudi?

Answer: "Swami and Friends," published in 1935, was the first book set in Malgudi.

Question: For which famous novel set in Malgudi did R.K. Narayan win the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960?

Answer: He won the award for his masterpiece novel, "The Guide," which was later adapted into a classic Bollywood movie.