Question

Which one of the following is an important historical novel written during the latter half of the nineteenth century?

• A. Rast Goftar
• B. Durgesh Nandini
• C. Maratha
• D. Nibandhamala

Hint:

This is a Bengali work by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
The latter half of the nineteenth century saw the rise of the novel as a literary form in Indian languages, alongside newspapers and essay collections that served social and political purposes.

Explanation:
'Durgesh Nandini', written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and published in 1865, is widely regarded as the first major Bengali historical novel, set against the backdrop of Mughal era conflicts in Bengal. Option A, Rast Goftar, was a Gujarati newspaper founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1851, a periodical rather than a novel. Option C, Maratha (Mahratta), was an English weekly newspaper started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, again journalism rather than fiction. Option D, Nibandhamala, was a collection of essays written by Vishnushastri Chiplunkar in Marathi, a work of essays and social commentary, not a novel. Among the four, only Durgesh Nandini is an actual historical novel.

Final Answer:
Durgesh Nandini is the important historical novel of the period, option B.