UPSC Prelims 2009 Q54: Art & Culture – Literature & Languages

UPSC Prelims 2009, General Studies Paper I · Art & Culture

Who of the following is the author of a collection of poems called “Golden Threshold”?

Answer: (c) Sarojini Naidu

Explanation

Author of "The Golden Threshold"

This famous poetry collection was written by a celebrated Indian poet-politician.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Aruna Asaf Ali	Incorrect	A notable freedom fighter, but not the author of this poetry collection
(b) Annie Besant	Incorrect	A prominent Theosophist and Home Rule movement leader, not this book's author
(c) Sarojini Naidu	Correct	Sarojini Naidu, the 'Nightingale of India', authored the poetry collection 'The Golden Threshold'
(d) Vijayalakshmi Pandit	Incorrect	A notable diplomat, not this collection's author

'The Golden Threshold' facts:

Point	Detail
Author	Sarojini Naidu
Naidu's title	'Nightingale of India'

Answer: (c) Sarojini Naidu.

(a) Incorrect. Aruna Asaf Ali is known for freedom-struggle activism, not this poetry collection.
(b) Incorrect. Annie Besant is known for Theosophy and the Home Rule Movement, not this book.
(c) CORRECT. Sarojini Naidu authored 'The Golden Threshold'.
(d) Incorrect. Vijayalakshmi Pandit is known for diplomacy, not this poetry collection.

Sarojini Naidu, the 'Nightingale of India', authored the poetry collection 'The Golden Threshold'.

'The Golden Threshold': a poetry collection by Sarojini Naidu.

Confusing Sarojini Naidu's literary legacy with other notable women freedom fighters/leaders.
Not knowing Naidu's specific title, the 'Nightingale of India'.
Mixing up different prominent women's distinct contributions (politics, diplomacy, literature).

Sarojini Naidu = 'Nightingale of India', author of 'The Golden Threshold'. A specific poet-work pairing.