Under the Banyan Tree: MCQs with Answers

 

Under the Banyan Tree 

R. K. Narayan

 Introduction 

R. K. Narayan (Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, 1906–2001) was one of India’s most celebrated and widely read English novelists. He is best known for his simple, clear, and humorous writing style, and for creating the imaginary South Indian town Malgudi, which serves as the setting for many of his novels and stories. Narayan’s works focus on ordinary Indian life and explore themes such as tradition, family relationships, social change, and human nature.

He was one of the leading figures of Indian Writing in English, along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao. His famous works include Swami and Friends, The Bachelor of Arts, The Guide," and Malgudi Days. Narayan received several honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Vibhushan. His writing continues to be valued for its realism, gentle humour, and deep understanding of Indian society.

 “Under the Banyan Tree” is one of R. K. Narayan’s most well-known short stories, set in a  fictional South Indian village, Somal. The story revolves around Nambi, an old village storyteller who gathers the villagers under a large banyan tree every evening to narrate traditional tales. His stories are so powerful and imaginative that the entire village depends on him for entertainment, wisdom, and a sense of community.

However, when Nambi suddenly loses his storytelling ability, he interprets it as a sign from the divine and chooses to stop telling stories forever. The tale highlights themes such as the power of storytelling, tradition, community bonding, human limitations, and the quiet dignity of accepting change. Narayan’s simple yet profound narrative reflects Indian village life and the timeless charm of oral storytelling.

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Here are Thirty MCQs with Answers Based on "Under the 

Banyan Tree"

1. Who is the central character of the story “Under the Banyan Tree”?

A. Swami
B. Nambi
C. Raju
D. Krishnan
Answer: B

2. In which fictional town/village is the story set?

A. Kanthapura
B. Somal
C. Rampur
D. Anandpur
Answer: B

3. What is Nambi famous for in the village?

A. Farming
B. Singing
C. Storytelling
D. Astrology
Answer: C

4. Where do the villagers gather to listen to Nambi's stories?

A. Under a big mango tree
B. In the village temple
C. Under the banyan tree
D. In the marketplace
Answer: C

5. What time of day do the storytelling sessions usually take place?

A. Morning
B. Afternoon
C. Evening
D. Midnight
Answer: C

6. How do the villagers react to Nambi’s storytelling?

A. They get bored
B. They admire him
C. They criticize him
D. They ignore him
Answer: B

7. What is special about Nambi’s storytelling style?

A. It is full of fantasy
B. It is simple and realistic
C. It is humorous and witty
D. It is powerful and emotionally engaging
Answer: D

8. What causes Nambi to stop telling stories?

A. Illness
B. Conflict with villagers
C. Loss of storytelling ability
D. Old age
Answer: C

9. How does Nambi interpret his inability to continue storytelling?

A. As a punishment
B. As a sign from God
C. As a mental problem
D. As laziness
Answer: B

10. What do the villagers request Nambi to do after he stops storytelling?

A. Leave the village
B. Tell stories again
C. Teach storytelling
D. Travel to another village
Answer: B

11. How does Nambi respond to the villagers’ request?

A. He agrees
B. He postpones it
C. He refuses politely
D. He ignores them
Answer: C

12. What is the central theme of the story?

A. Greed and ambition
B. Power of education
C. Importance of storytelling and tradition
D. Love and sacrifice
Answer: C

13. The banyan tree symbolizes—

A. Wealth
B. Power
C. Refuge and tradition
D. Modernity
Answer: C

14. What quality do the villagers admire most about Nambi?

A. His wealth
B. His wisdom
C. His political power
D. His physical strength
Answer: B

15. What happens during the storytelling sessions?

A. People argue
B. The whole village gathers peacefully
C. Only children attend
D. Nambi charges money
Answer: B

16. How long had Nambi been telling stories?

A. Since childhood
B. Only for a few years
C. For decades
D. Since he became wealthy
Answer: C

17. What emotion does Nambi feel when he loses his gift?

A. Anger
B. Shame
C. Pride
D. Joy
Answer: B

18. What does Nambi decide to do after giving up storytelling?

A. Move to another village
B. Join a temple
C. Live a quiet religious life
D. Become a teacher
Answer: C

19. The story highlights the relationship between—

A. Storyteller and readers
B. Old and young
C. Man and nature
D. Individual and community
Answer: D

20. Narayan’s narrative style in this story can be described as—

A. Complex and symbolic
B. Simple and poignant
C. Fast-paced and violent
D. Philosophical and abstract
Answer: B

21. What does Nambi believe about his storytelling gift?

A. It is a result of hard work
B. It is a divine blessing
C. It is inherited
D. It is accidental
Answer: B

22. How do the villagers feel after Nambi stops telling stories?

A. Relieved
B. Confused and saddened
C. Angry
D. Indifferent
Answer: B

23. What is the tone of the story?

A. Humorous
B. Satirical
C. Serious and reflective
D. Suspenseful
Answer: C

24. “Under the Banyan Tree” ultimately teaches readers about—

A. Accepting change gracefully
B. Competing with others
C. Becoming wealthy
D. Learning new skills
Answer: A

25. What role does the banyan tree play in the story?

A. A symbol of power
B. A gathering place for the community
C. A shelter for Nambi’s family
D. A forbidden place
Answer: B

26. What does Nambi believe about the source of his storytelling abilities?

A. It comes from education
B. It is a family talent
C. It is given by God
D. It is learned from travels
Answer: C

27. What change marks the turning point in the story?

A. Nambi moves out of the village
B. Nambi becomes ill
C. Nambi’s stories become boring
D. Nambi suddenly forgets how to tell stories
Answer: D

28. How do the villagers show their respect for Nambi?

A. By paying him money
B. By calling him a saint
C. By gathering daily to listen to him
D. By building a statue of him
Answer: C

29. What does Nambi do after deciding never to tell stories again?

A. Leaves the village
B. Lives a quiet, prayerful life
C. Writes down his stories
D. Starts a new profession
Answer: B

30. Which literary quality is strongly present in the story?

A. Mystery and crime
B. Satire and comedy
C. Emotional depth and simplicity
D. Fantasy and adventure
Answer: C

 

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