IGNOU BHDC-112 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU BHDC-112 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU BHDC-112 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. Elucidate the nature of the Lalit Nibandh (Personal Essay).

Ans. The Lalit Nibandh, also known as the personal or subjective essay, is a distinct and artistic genre of essay writing. The main characteristics of its nature are as follows: 1. Subjectivity and Individuality: The foremost characteristic of a Lalit Nibandh is the natural expression of the author’s personality. In it, the author’s ‘self’ or ‘ego’ is more significant than the subject matter. The author gives prominence to their personal thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on a topic. It is a literary form of the author’s uninhibited flight of imagination. 2. Synthesis of Emotion and Intellect: A successful personal essay strikes a beautiful balance between the feelings of the heart (emotionality) and the thoughts of the mind (intellectuality). The author presents their emotions along with logic and ideas in such a way that it satisfies both the reader’s heart and mind. 3. Informality and Intimacy: The style of a Lalit Nibandh is not formal or classical. The author establishes an intimate and informal dialogue with the reader. The language has a natural flow and a conversational tone, making the reader feel as if the author is speaking directly to them. 4. Poetic Quality and Elegance: The name of this genre itself contains the word ‘Lalit’, which means ‘beautiful’ or ‘elegant’. Its language is not ordinary prose but is poetic, ornate, and picturesque. The author uses images, symbols, and imagination to make their statements more artistic and effective. 5. Diversity of Subject Matter: The subject of a personal essay can be anything – a flower, a tree, a simple incident, or a deep philosophical thought. The author, with their talent, can infuse extraordinary meaning and beauty into the most ordinary of subjects. Acharya Hazariprasad Dwivedi, Vidya Niwas Mishra, and Kuber Nath Rai are the leading writers of Lalit Nibandh in Hindi. All the above features can be clearly seen in their essays. In essence, the Lalit Nibandh is a poem written in prose that satiates both knowledge and emotion.

Q2. Elucidate the content of the essay ‘Ye Hain Professor Shashank’.

Ans. ‘Ye Hain Professor Shashank’ (‘This is Professor Shashank’), written by Phanishwarnath Renu, is a memoir-style essay which can also be called a character-driven sketch. Its content is centered around the character of a unique and idealistic teacher named Professor Shashank. The content of the essay can be understood through the following points: 1. A Vivid Portrayal of an Ideal Teacher: The main subject of this essay is the character of Professor Shashank. He is a symbol of an ideal teacher who is an embodiment of knowledge, simplicity, and detachment. He lives a life far removed from material comforts, completely immersed in his academic and intellectual world. His life is dedicated to students and books. 2. Simplicity and Bohemianism: Professor Shashank’s lifestyle is extremely simple. His room is filled with books and journals. He is completely indifferent to his attire and worldly affairs. This bohemian attitude highlights his personality that has risen above materialism. The author brings to life his intellectual absorption and negligence towards practical life by describing his cluttered room. 3. Scholarship and Thirst for Knowledge: Professor Shashank is a true scholar. His life is spent in constant study and writing. He is a master of his subject and is always eager to learn and know something new. His scholarship is devoid of arrogance; instead, it is filled with a natural curiosity. 4. Depiction of the Environment: Renu has set Professor Shashank’s character in the environment of a small-town college. This setting further accentuates his character. While others are in the race for position and prestige, Professor Shashank remains detached from all this, engrossed in his own world. 5. Intimate Language and Style: The author has used an extremely intimate and respectful language in this essay. He does not hide his reverence and affection for Professor Shashank. The language has a flow and a picturesque quality that paints a clear and unforgettable picture of Professor Shashank in the reader’s mind. In short, the content of ‘Ye Hain Professor Shashank’ reveals the personality of an idealistic, scholarly, and simple teacher who stands as a source of inspiration in today’s materialistic age.

Q3. Clarifying the concept of memoir, write the special features of the memoir ‘Tumhari Smriti’.

Ans. Concept of Memoir: A memoir is a genre of prose literature in which the author, based on their memory, gives an intimate and artistic description of a person, event, object, or place. The Hindi word ‘Sansmaran’ (memoir) means ‘to remember well’. Its key features are:

• Based on Memory: It is based on the author’s personal memories, which is why it has more elements of reality and authenticity than imagination.
• Intimacy: In a memoir, the author has a personal and emotional connection with the described person or event. This intimacy is what makes the memoir lively.
• Subjectivity: The author’s perspective and feelings are prominent. It is a subjective genre.
• Subject Matter: Its center is usually a specific person, but it can also be focused on an event, journey, or experience.

A memoir is different from a biography because a biography contains a chronological account of an entire life, whereas a memoir focuses only on specific and memorable parts of a life.

Special Features of the Memoir ‘Tumhari Smriti’:

‘Tumhari Smriti’ (‘In Your Memory’), written by Mahadevi Verma, is an excellent memoir about the great Chhayavadi poet Jaishankar Prasad. Its special features are as follows:

1. Poetic Prose:

Mahadevi Verma is a Chhayavadi poet, and her prose also possesses the elegance and flow of poetry. The language of ‘Tumhari Smriti’ is highly refined, picturesque, and emotional. She has brought Prasad’s personality to life through words.

2. Intimate and Reverent Portrayal:

The memoir expresses Mahadevi’s deep respect and intimate reverence for Prasad. She remembers him as an elder brother. The memoir highlights not only Prasad’s stature as a great poet but also his simple, shy, and introverted human side.

3. Depiction of Inner Pain:

Mahadevi Verma has very sensitively felt and articulated the deep inner pain and struggle hidden behind Prasad’s external personality. She describes how the deprivations and struggles of life had filled him with a silent melancholy.

4. A Representative Picture of an Era:

This memoir is not just a picture of one person, but it also offers a glimpse into the literary environment of the Chhayavadi era, the interpersonal relationships of the writers, and their struggles.

Thus, ‘Tumhari Smriti’ is not just a remembrance of a person, but a heartfelt tribute from one great writer to another. Due to its artistic beauty and emotional depth, it holds a special place in Hindi memoir literature.

Q4. “Human values have been established in the sketch ‘Raziya’.” Clarify.

Ans. ‘Raziya’, written by Ramvriksha Benipuri, is an extremely poignant and effective literary sketch. The statement that strong human values have been established in this sketch is entirely true. This can be clarified based on the following arguments: 1. Establishment of Communal Harmony: The most powerful human value in this sketch is Hindu-Muslim unity and communal harmony. The relationship between the author, who is from a Hindu family, and Raziya, a Muslim bangle-seller, is based on the pure affection of a brother and sister. The author gets a rakhi tied by Raziya in his childhood, and this bond lasts a lifetime. The sketch transcends the walls of religion to establish the supremacy of pure human relationships. 2. Dignity of Labour: Raziya is a hardworking and self-respecting woman. She supports herself and her family by selling bangles. Benipuri has depicted her labour respectfully. Raziya is not dependent on anyone but earns her livelihood through her hard work. This establishes the human value of the ‘dignity of labour’. 3. Woman’s Identity and Struggle: Through Raziya, the sketch gives voice to the life struggles, tolerance, and resilience of an ordinary Indian woman. From the playful Raziya of childhood to her role as a widow and a mother, her life was full of difficulties, yet she never lost courage. This presents a strong image of womanhood. 4. Human Sensitivity and Compassion: The author’s deep affection and sensitivity towards Raziya pervade the entire sketch. He considers Raziya’s joys and sorrows as his own. When he sees Raziya in a pathetic condition after many years, his heart fills with compassion. The sketch also awakens a sense of compassion and empathy in the readers’ minds for the deprived and the suffering. In conclusion, ‘Raziya’ is not just a word-portrait of a person; it is a living document of love, harmony, compassion, respect for labour, and the simple, sacred form of humanity that rises above religious bigotry. It proves that human relationships are greater than any religion or caste.

Q5. Give the summary of the essay ‘Majdoori Aur Prem’.

Ans. ‘Majdoori Aur Prem’ (‘Labour and Love’) is an emotional and thought-provoking essay by Sardar Purna Singh. The essence of this essay is that true civilization and real happiness lie not in machines or wealth, but in labour (majoori) performed with love. The author has propounded the glory and spirituality of labour. The summary of the essay can be understood in these points: 1. The Spiritualization of Labour: The central idea of the essay is to view labour as a spiritual activity. According to Sardar Purna Singh, when a person does their work with love and dedication, whether they are a farmer, a shepherd, or a labourer, their work becomes a form of worship, and they experience a vision of God. 2. Glorification of Various Labourers: The author provides several examples to clarify his point. He describes the ‘ploughman’ farmer as a yogi and an ascetic who, in unison with nature, creates life. He sees the ideal of simplicity, innocence, and closeness to nature in the ‘life of a shepherd’. Similarly, he considers the hands of a labourer as a symbol of the power that creates the universe. 3. Critique of Machine-based Civilization: The author is a critic of modern Western civilization and mechanization. He believes that machines have robbed man of the joy of his work and made him soulless. He advocates for a system where artistic and love-filled manual labour is respected, instead of such a civilization. 4. The Inseparable Bond between Love and Labour: The title of the essay itself reveals its essence. For the author, labour done without love is merely a burden, a form of slavery. On the other hand, when work is combined with love and heart, the same labour becomes a source of joy and liberation. His famous statement is, “Labour and saintliness are mutually dependent.” 5. The Foundation of True Civilization: Ultimately, the author establishes that the foundation of any country’s true progress and civilization is its hardworking people. A civilization built on palaces and books is ephemeral, while a culture built with love and labour is permanent and true. In short, ‘Majdoori Aur Prem’ is a timeless essay that establishes the dignity of labour, love for nature, and the Indian ideal of ‘simple living, high thinking’.

Q6. “The author has given a broader meaning to the pain of separation from a child by connecting it to the story of Ram’s exile.” Analyze this statement based on the essay ‘Mere Ram Ka Mukut Bheeg Raha Hai’.

Ans. In the personal essay ‘Mere Ram Ka Mukut Bheeg Raha Hai’ (‘My Ram’s Crown is Getting Wet’) by Vidya Niwas Mishra, the statement that the author has given a universal and broader meaning to the momentary and personal pain of separation from a child by linking it to the story of Ram’s exile is absolutely true. The analysis of this statement is as follows: 1. Universalization of Personal Anxiety: The essay begins with a very common and personal incident. The author’s son has gone to a program in the city and has not returned home, and it is raining outside. The author worries that he might be getting wet. This is a natural concern for any parent. But the author does not stop at this simple worry; he takes it to a broader canvas. 2. Use of Myth: The author compares his personal anxiety to the anxiety that Mother Kaushalya must have felt for Ram during his exile (Vanvas). He imagines that Kaushalya too, upon seeing rain, would have thought, ‘My Ram’s crown must be getting wet.’ With this single line, the author connects his small worry to a mythological and cultural context. 3. Symbolic Meaning: Here, ‘Ram’ is not just Dasharatha’s son but becomes a symbol for every son who is away from home, struggling to fulfill his responsibilities. The ‘crown’ is not just a royal symbol but a symbol of responsibility, dignity, and values. ‘Getting wet’ is not just being drenched in water but a symbol of facing life’s struggles, difficulties, and hardships. Thus, “My Ram’s crown is getting wet” comes to mean, “My son must be facing the world’s difficulties out there.” 4. The Flow of Inter-generational Concern: The author recalls a folk song of his grandmother in which Urmila, Lakshman’s wife, expresses a similar concern. This shows that this anxiety for one’s child or loved one has existed equally in the minds of men and women of every generation. It is not just Kaushalya’s worry but the eternal anxiety of every mother, every grandmother, every father, and every wife. Thus, by linking his personal feeling to a vast Indian myth like the Ramayana, Vidya Niwas Mishra elevates the pain of separation and parental concern from the level of a personal experience to a timeless, universal, and cultural experience. This is the greatest success and specialty of this essay.

Q7. Why is this road like a satire on our citizenship? Clarify based on the essay ‘Aam Rasta Nahi Hai’.

Ans. The famous satirist Sharad Joshi, in his essay ‘Aam Rasta Nahi Hai’ (‘It is Not a Public Road’), uses a simple road to launch a profound satire on the lack of civic sense and selfishness in Indian society. This road is like a satire on our citizenship because it shows that while we talk about our rights, we do not fulfill our civic duties. This can be clarified based on the following points: 1. Personal Encroachment on Public Space: In the essay, the ‘aam rasta’ or public road has been encroached upon by everyone according to their convenience. Someone has parked their car, someone has piled up construction material, someone has spread out their shop’s goods, and someone has tied their buffalo. This scene is a satire on the fact that we treat public property not as ‘everyone’s property’ but as ‘no one’s property’ and misuse it. 2. Private Interest Overriding Collective Good: The right to use the road belongs to everyone; it is a collective interest. But every individual sacrifices this collective good for their small personal interests (like parking the car right in front of the house). The result is that the ‘public road’ becomes unfit for anyone to walk on, even for the encroachers themselves. This is a sharp attack on our ‘I’-centric thinking, where there is no room for ‘we’. 3. Imbalance between Rights and Duties: As citizens, we have the right to use public facilities, but we also have the duty to keep them in order. This essay shows that we are very conscious of our rights but completely indifferent to our duties. This is a sharp satire on our ‘immature citizenship’. 4. Inactive Administration and Social Anarchy: This situation not only reflects on the citizens but also points to the failure of the administration, which is unable to stop these encroachments. When citizens are undisciplined and the administration is inactive, a state of social anarchy arises. That blocked road is a small model of this social anarchy. In conclusion, Sharad Joshi’s ‘public road’ is not just a road of bricks and stones; it is a mirror to our civic consciousness, social behavior, and national character. And the picture seen in this mirror is pathetic and ridiculous, which is why this road is like a sharp satire on our citizenship.

Q8. Elucidate the content of the essay ‘Devdaru’.

Ans. ‘Devdaru’, written by Acharya Hazariprasad Dwivedi, is an outstanding example of the Lalit Nibandh (personal essay) tradition in Hindi. Its content is not merely a description of a tree, but an unfolding of deep truths related to life, society, and philosophy through it. The content of ‘Devdaru’ can be understood under the following headings: 1. Symbolic Portrayal of the Deodar: The center of the essay is the Deodar (Cedar) tree, which stands unshakeable for centuries in the adverse conditions of the Himalayan heights. Dwivedi sees it not as an ordinary tree but as a symbol of many human and philosophical virtues. It is a symbol of detachment, self-reliance, upward-looking consciousness, the will to live, and silent penance . 2. An Attack on Human Ego: The author compares the Deodar to man. While man constantly struggles for his petty self-interests, position, and prestige, the Deodar is beyond all this, asking for nothing from anyone, aspiring only to rise upwards. It is also free from the ego of ‘doing good to others’ or ‘preaching to others’. Thus, the character of the Deodar is a silent commentary on human vanity and ego. 3. Message of Resilience and Struggle: The Deodar sustains its existence by piercing the stony earth’s chest and facing icy winds and storms. This is proof of its immense ‘jijivisha’ (will to live). Through this, the author conveys the message that the essence of life is not to give up in the face of adversity but to grow continuously through constant struggle. 4. Cultural and Mythological References: Showcasing his scholarship, Dwivedi connects the Deodar to Indian culture and mythological stories. He calls it the beloved tree of the gods (‘Dev’-‘daru’) and imagines its connection with Lord Shiva. This broadens and deepens the scope of the essay. 5. Philosophical Contemplation: The essay contains deep philosophical contemplation on the mysteries of life and the world. Through the Deodar, the author reflects on questions like the meaning of existence, renunciation, and purposefulness. For him, the Deodar is a yogi who, while living in the world, is beyond worldliness. In short, the content of ‘Devdaru’ is a profound interpretation of the philosophy of life under the pretext of a tree. It is a testament to Dwivedi’s unique style, in which he discovers knowledge, beauty, and deep meanings of life in an element of nature.

Q9. Write short notes on any two of the following: (a) Summary of the essay ‘Tumhari Smriti’ (b) Difference between Memoir and Sketch (c) The poetic personality of Mahakavi Jaishankar Prasad (d) The central theme/thesis of the essay ‘Karuna’

Ans. (a) Summary of the essay ‘Tumhari Smriti’ ‘Tumhari Smriti’ is a famous memoir by Mahadevi Verma, focusing on the personality of the Chhayavadi poet Jaishankar Prasad. Its essence is the intimate and reverent portrayal of his human form, beyond his literary aura. Based on her memories, Mahadevi reveals Prasad’s simple, shy, serious, and introverted nature. She explains how this great poet, who created wealth and richness in his literature, himself lived a life of deprivation and struggle. The memoir vividly depicts Prasad’s attire, his home environment, and his taciturnity. Mahadevi senses the deep inner pain hidden behind his vast personality. This work is a poetic and heartfelt tribute to Prasad, presenting his untouched human aspects to the readers. (b) Difference between Memoir and Sketch Memoir (Sansmaran) and Sketch (Rekhachitra) are two closely related prose genres, but there are subtle differences between them.

• Basis: The main basis of a memoir is ‘memory’. It is based on the memory of a real person or event in the author’s life. In contrast, the main basis of a sketch is ‘observation’. In it, the author creates a picture with words of a character or scene they have observed.
• Relationship: In a memoir, a personal and intimate relationship between the author and the person described is essential. This is not necessary in a sketch; the author can be a neutral observer.
• Purpose: The purpose of a memoir is to preserve someone’s memories and pay tribute to their personality, so it is more subjective and emotional. The purpose of a sketch is to capture the essence of a character or scene and portray it impartially, so it can be relatively more objective.

In short, a memoir is written from the ‘heart’ and a sketch is drawn with the ‘eye’, although both involve artistry and sensibility.

(c) The poetic personality of Mahakavi Jaishankar Prasad

Mahakavi Jaishankar Prasad (1889-1937) is considered the pioneer and a pillar of the Chhayavad (Romanticism) movement in Hindi literature. His poetic personality is immense and multi-dimensional.

• Philosophical Poet: Prasad is fundamentally a philosophical poet. His works, especially ‘Kamayani’, show a deep influence of Shaiva philosophy (Pratyabhijna Darshan) and Anandavada (the doctrine of bliss). He contemplates profound questions of life, such as sorrow, the evolution of consciousness, and the search for bliss, through poetry.
• Poet of Love and Beauty: Prasad’s poetry features a very subtle, sublime, and artistic depiction of love and beauty. His sense of beauty is not gross but ethereal and spiritual.
• Painter of Nature: Nature appears as a living entity in his poetry. It serves as an instrument of the heroine’s beauty and as a backdrop for human emotions.
• Cultural and National Consciousness: In his plays and poetry, he sang of India’s glorious past to awaken national and cultural consciousness.

His language is Sanskritized, rich in Tatsama words, metaphorical, and full of imagery, which is fully capable of expressing his deep thoughts. ‘Kamayani’, ‘Ansu’, ‘Lahar’, and ‘Jharna’ are his major poetic works.

(d) The central theme/thesis of the essay ‘Karuna’

‘Karuna’ (Compassion), included in Acharya Ramchandra Shukla’s famous essay collection ‘Chintamani’, is a psychoanalytical essay. Its ‘pratipadya’ (central theme or thesis) is to analyze the nature of the emotion called ‘Karuna’ and to establish its importance in social life. Shukla considers Karuna not just an emotion but a ‘vritti’ (disposition/faculty). According to him, compassion arises from witnessing the suffering of others and inspires a desire to alleviate that suffering. It is this element of ‘inspiration’ or ‘action-orientation’ that distinguishes Karuna from ‘Daya’ (pity/mercy) and ‘Sahanubhuti’ (sympathy). Shukla believes that Karuna expands the human heart and connects it to ‘Lok-Mangal’ (the welfare of the world). It breaks the bonds of selfishness and makes a person altruistic. A society devoid of compassion becomes cruel and disintegrated. Thus, in this essay, Shukla logically proves the social utility and morality of compassion by providing a psychological analysis of it.