UPSC Prelims 2006 Q138: Art & Culture – Literature & Languages
“Lectures from Colombo to Almora” is based on the experiences
of which one of the following?
- (a) Veer Savarkar
- (b) Annie Besant
- (c) Ramkrishna Paramhansa
- (d) Swami Vivekanand
Answer: (d) Swami Vivekanand
Explanation
Lectures from Colombo to Almora
| Person | Link with the book |
|---|---|
| Veer Savarkar | Wrote on Indian nationalism and history |
| Annie Besant | Theosophist, wrote on Indian regeneration |
| Ramakrishna Paramahamsa | Teachings recorded by disciples, not lectures of this kind |
| Swami Vivekananda | His lectures delivered during his journey from Colombo to Almora (1897) are collected under this title |
Lectures from Colombo to Almora is based on the experiences and lectures of Swami Vivekananda after his return from the West in 1897.
Answer: (d) Swami Vivekanand.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Savarkar is not the author of these lectures.
- (b) Incorrect. Annie Besant is not the speaker of the Colombo to Almora lectures.
- (c) Incorrect. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was Vivekananda's guru, not the lecturer.
- (d) CORRECT. The lectures were delivered by Swami Vivekananda on his return journey in 1897.
Key point
Lectures from Colombo to Almora collects Swami Vivekananda's addresses on his return to India in 1897.
Remember
Lectures from Colombo to Almora: Swami Vivekananda.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Ramakrishna, the guru, instead of the disciple.
- Confusing the book with Vivekananda's Chicago address (1893).
- Linking the title with Annie Besant's Theosophical lectures.
Exam tip
Vivekananda: Chicago 1893; Colombo to Almora 1897; Ramakrishna Mission 1897.
Sources
- Swami Vivekananda — Lectures from Colombo to Almora (Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati)
- Swami Vivekananda — The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda (Advaita Ashrama)