In Manu Joseph’s debut novel Serious Men, the protagonist, Ayyan Mani, is a sly scheming Dalit-Buddhist who almost gets away with passing off his partially deaf son, Adi, as a prodigy, a genius who can recite the first 1,000 prime numbers. The garb of satire where almost every character cuts a sorry figure gives the author the licence to offer one of the most bleak and pessimistic portrayals of urban Dalits. Despite his savage portrayal of Dalit (and female) character — or perhaps because of it? — Serious Men has won critical appreciation from a cross section of readers and critics.
At a time when a formidable body of Dalit literature — writing by Dalits about Dalit lives — has created a distinct space for itself, how and why is it that a novel such as Serious Men, with its gleefully skewed portrayal of an angry Dalit man, manages to win such accolades? In American literature and particularly in the case of African–American authors and characters these issues of representation have been debated for decades. But in India, the sustained refusal to address issues related to caste in everyday life and the continued and unquestioned predominance of a Brahminical stranglehold over cultural production have led us to a place where non-Dalit portrayal of Dalits in literature, cinema and art remains the norm.
The journey of modern Dalit literature has been a difficult one. But even though it has not necessarily enjoyed the support of numbers, we must engage with what Dalits are writing not simply for reasons of authenticity, or as a concession to identity politics, but simply because of the aesthetic value of this body of writing, and for the insights it offers into the human condition. In a society that is still largely unwilling to recognize Dalits as equal, rights-bearing human beings, in a society that is inherently indifferent to the everyday violence against Dalits, in a society unwilling to share social and cultural resources equitably with Dalits unless mandated by law (as seen in the anti-reservation discourse), Dalit literature has the potential to humanize non-Dalits and sensitize them to a world into which they have no insight. But before we can understand what Dalit literature in seeking to accomplish, we need first to come to terms with the stranglehold of non-Dalit representations of Dalits. Rohinton Mistry’s A Fine Balance published 15 years ago, chronicles the travails of two Dalit characters — uncle Ishvar and nephew Omprakash — who migrate to Bombay and yet cannot escape brutality. While the present of the novel is set at the time of the Emergency, Ishvar’s father Dukhi belongs to the era of the anti-colonial nationalist movement. During one of Dukhi’s visits to the town, he chances upon a meeting of the Indian National Congress, where speakers spread the “Mahatma’s message regarding the freedom struggle, the struggle for justice,” and wiping out “the disease of untouchability: ravaging us for centuries, denying dignity to our fellow human beings.”
Neither in the 1940s, where the novel’s past is set, nor in the Emergency period of the 1970s when the minds and bodies Ishvar and Omprakash, are savaged by the state do we find any mention of a figure like BR Ambedkar or of Dalit movements. In his nationalist understanding of modern Indian history, Mistry seems to have not veered too far from the road charted by predecessors like Mulk Raj Anand and Premchand. Sixty years after Premchand, Mistry’s literary imagination seems stuck in the empathy realism mode, trapping Dalits in abjection. Mistry happily continues the broad stereotype of the Dalit as a passive sufferer, without consciousness of caste politics.
Which of the following is the closest description of the central argument of this passage?
Show Hint
- Manu Joseph’s novel presents a scathing portrayal of Dalits.
- Contemporary American literature is very cautious on politically correct representation of minorities.
- The last two decades have witnessed the rise of a very vibrant Dalit literature.
- Portrayal of Dalits by non-Dalits merely as passive victims has been the dominant norm in Indian literature, cinema and art.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The author repeatedly emphasizes how non-Dalits have represented Dalits — as victims, without agency, and lacking caste-consciousness.
Step 2: Evaluate all options
(a) Too narrow – While Manu Joseph’s portrayal is discussed, it is not the central argument.
(b) Only briefly mentioned as a contrast — not the main point.
(c) Mentioned, but not the passage’s focus.
(d) Correct – This is the thread running throughout the passage. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(d)} \]
According to this passage, Premchand and Mulk Raj Anand:
Show Hint
- Presented a stereotyped version of Dalit characters in their writings.
- Excelled in writing satires on social inequality.
- Were politically opposed to the views of B.R. Ambedkar.
- Were closely involved with the leadership of the nationalist movement.
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
In the last paragraph, Mistry is said to have followed the path of Premchand and Anand — portraying Dalits as passive sufferers lacking political awareness.
Step 2: Evaluate the options
(a) Correct – Their portrayals were stereotypical.
(b) Incorrect – Satire is not mentioned in reference to them.
(c) Not discussed.
(d) Nationalist movement is mentioned, but not as their leadership role. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(a)} \]
The writer refers to the ‘anti-reservation discourse’ in order to argue that:
Show Hint
- Dalit literature has had a very difficult journey since its origins.
- Manu Joseph is viscerally opposed to Dalits.
- Persons belonging to the upper castes are inherently indifferent to routine violence against Dalits.
- Indian society is not yet ready to equitably share, on its own, social, cultural and political space with Dalits.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage says: "society is unwilling to share social and cultural resources... unless mandated by law (as seen in the anti-reservation discourse)."
Step 2: Evaluate each option
(a) Only partly related.
(b) Irrelevant to anti-reservation discourse.
(c) Partially true but not the key conclusion.
(d) Correct – matches the passage’s statement directly. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(d)} \]
Which of the following statements is least likely to be inferred from this passage?
Show Hint
- The author of Serious Men has used the literary device of satire to present an unflattering picture of women characters.
- Issues of representation of minorities have been debated extensively in American literature.
- The writer of this passage believes that engagement with Dalits is necessary only because such engagement affirms the importance of identity politics.
- The writer believes that Rohinton Mistry presented a stereotypical representation of Dalits character in his book.
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The author explicitly says: "we must engage with what Dalits are writing not simply for reasons of authenticity, or identity politics... but because of the aesthetic value..."
Step 2: Evaluate all options
(a) Supported – the novel is satirical and unflattering.
(b) Directly mentioned as contrast with Indian literature.
(c) Incorrect – the passage says engagement must go beyond identity politics.
(d) Supported – Mistry continues the stereotypical portrayal. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(c)} \]
According to the information available in the passage, the writer attributes the prevalence of representation of Dalits by non-Dalits in literature, art and media to:
Show Hint
- The nationalist understanding of Indian history.
- Marginalization of B.R. Ambedkar from nationalist movement.
- The anti-reservation discourse.
- Brahminical control over cultural production.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The author states: “...continued and unquestioned predominance of a Brahminical stranglehold over cultural production...”
This is used to explain why non-Dalits dominate representation of Dalits. Step 2: Evaluate options
(a) Mentioned in context of Mistry’s nationalism, not main cause.
(b) Not the central reason for dominance of non-Dalits.
(c) Related but not causal.
(d) Correct – explicitly cited as the main cause. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(d)} \]
Which of the following is not among the reason suggested by the writer for engaging with Dalit writing?
Show Hint
- Dalit literature has the potential to sensitize non-Dalits about the experiences of the former.
- Dalit writing is more authentic than representation of Dalits by non-Dalits.
- Dalit literature does not have the support of numbers.
- The aesthetic value of Dalit writing.
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The author lists reasons such as: authenticity, human insight, aesthetic value, and power to humanize non-Dalits.
The line “not simply for reasons of authenticity... but also for the aesthetic value...” confirms this. Step 2: Evaluate options
(a) Correct – explicitly mentioned.
(b) Correct – passage favors Dalit self-representation.
(c) Incorrect – this is a factual statement about popularity, not a suggested reason for engagement.
(d) Correct – aesthetic value is explicitly listed. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(c)} \]
Which of the following statement cannot be inferred from the passage?
Show Hint
- Upper-castes have dominated the instruments of cultural production in Indian society.
- Indian society is unwilling to recognize Dalits as equal, rights bearing human beings.
- Dalit writers have carved out a space for writings on Dalit experience and world view.
- The judiciary in India, in its opposition to reservation, has betrayed its unwillingness to acknowledge Dalits are equal beater of rights.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage criticizes Indian society broadly — not the judiciary specifically. There is no reference to courts or judicial action.
Step 2: Evaluate each statement
(a) Inferred – from the phrase "Brahminical stranglehold over cultural production."
(b) Inferred – the author explicitly says society is unwilling to see Dalits as equal beings.
(c) Inferred – the author mentions “a formidable body of Dalit literature.”
(d) Not inferred – judiciary is never mentioned in the passage. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(d)} \]
The writer of this passage is critical of Rohinton Mistry’s A Fine Balance} for the reason that:
Show Hint
- It is an example of a book on Dalit characters by a Non-Dalits.
- The book suggests that Dalits are nothing more than passive sufferers without any agency.
- The book ignores the everyday violence that Dalits have to confront with.
- It bares the passive literary style of the author, Rohinton Mistry.
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The author says Mistry’s Dalit characters “remain passive sufferers” and “lack consciousness of caste politics.”
Step 2: Evaluate the options
(a) True, but too general – being written by non-Dalit isn’t the core issue.
(b) Correct – this is the central critique.
(c) Not mentioned – violence is shown in the book.
(d) No comment is made about Mistry’s literary style. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(b)} \]
Which of the following words would be the best substitute for the word ‘sly’ in this passage?
Show Hint
- Bright
- Wise
- Devious
- Dim
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The passage describes Ayyan Mani as “sly” and scheming — he fools people into believing his son is a genius.
Step 2: Understand tone
“Devious” best matches “sly and scheming.” It implies cleverness with trickery.
Bright and wise are too positive. Dim is the opposite of clever. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(c)} \]
“It is not as if Dalit movements ________ not active during the periods that form A Fine Balance}’s backup.”
Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank in the above sentence:
Show Hint
- is
- was
- were
- are
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Subject: “Dalit movements” is plural. So singular verbs (is/was) are wrong.
Step 2: Check tense
The sentence refers to periods in the past (1940s and 1970s). So “are” is incorrect.
“Were” is both plural and in past tense – correct match. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{(c)} \]
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- The advent of social media has dramatically transformed the way individuals consume and share information. In earlier times, people largely depended on newspapers, radio, or television as their primary sources of knowledge about the world. These were institutions that followed established editorial practices and fact-checking processes. With the rise of digital platforms, however, the traditional ‘gatekeepers’ of information have been bypassed. Today, anyone with internet access can create content, express an opinion, or broadcast an idea to a global audience within seconds.
This shift has certainly democratized access and given voice to communities and individuals who were often ignored by mainstream media. Yet, this democratization comes with challenges. Alongside genuine voices, social media has also amplified misinformation, rumours, and half-truths. Unlike traditional journalism, where accountability and verification are built into the system, social media thrives on speed, virality, and emotion. A misleading headline, a misinterpreted statistic, or even a doctored image can travel across the world before fact-checkers have the chance to intervene.
The consequences of such unchecked information can be serious, ranging from the spread of fear and panic to the manipulation of public opinion. The impact of this transformation extends beyond individual users to institutions and democracies. Political campaigns, corporate branding, and even social movements are now shaped by algorithms that decide what people see and when they see it. These algorithms prioritize engagement, often promoting content that provokes stronger emotional reactions rather than balanced analysis.
As a result, echo chambers form, online spaces where people are repeatedly exposed to opinions that mirror their own, reinforcing biases and reducing openness to differing perspectives. This has contributed to increasing polarization in societies across the world. Moreover, the competition for attention has blurred the line between information and entertainment, leading to the rise of sensationalism even in serious public discourse. The credibility of expertise too has been undermined, as opinions from unverified sources are often placed on the same footing as evidence-based knowledge.
In response, several governments and technology companies are exploring ways to promote digital literacy, enhance transparency in algorithms, and strengthen fact-checking collaborations. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the openness of digital spaces with mechanisms that ensure responsibility and trustworthiness in public communication.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- I have still to be brother to a Prince, though I once came near to kinship with what might have been a veritable King, and was promised the reversion of a Kingdom, army, law-courts, revenue, and policy, all complete. But, today, I greatly fear that my King is dead, and if I want a crown I must go and hunt it for myself. The beginning of everything was in a railway train upon the road to Mhow from Ajmir. There had been a deficit in the Budget, which necessitated travelling, not Second class, which is only half as dear as First class, but by Intermediate, which is very awful indeed. There are no cushions in the Intermediate class, and the population is either Intermediate, which is Eurasian, or native, which for a long night journey is nasty; or Loafer, which is amusing though intoxicated. Intermediates do not patronize refreshment rooms. They carry their food in bundles and pots, and buy sweets from the native sweet meat sellers, and drink the roadside water. That is why in the hot weather Intermediates are taken out of the carriages dead, and in all weathers are most properly looked down upon.
My particular Intermediate happened to be empty till I reached Nasirabad, when a huge gentleman in shirt sleeves entered, and following the custom of Intermediates, passed the time of day. He was a wanderer and a vagabond like myself, but with an educated taste for alcohol. He told daring tales of things he had seen and done, of out-of-the-way corners of the Empire into which he had penetrated, and of adventures in which he risked his life for a few days’ food. “If India was filled with men like you and me, not knowing more than the crows where they’d get their next day’s rations, it isn’t seventy millions of revenue the land would be paying, it’s seven hundred millions,” said he; and as I looked at his mouth and chin I was disposed to agree with him.
We talked politics, the politics of Loaferdom that sees things from the underside where the lath and plaster is not smoothed off, and we talked postal arrangements because my friend wanted to send a telegram back from the next station to Ajmir, which is the turning off place from the Bombay to the Mhow line as you travel westward. He had the air of one who had seen strange countries and stranger men, yet bore himself without vanity. There was a restless light in his eyes, the sort that belongs to men who have lived too long without a fixed purpose. When he spoke of the Empire, it was not with loyalty nor with bitterness, but with the detached amusement of one who has played his part and lost interest in the game. His laughter came easily, though it seemed to echo from some remembered hardship. It struck me then that his stories were less of adventure than of survival.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Democracy, often hailed as the most equitable form of governance, is a system where power ultimately rests in the hands of the people. The word derives from the Greek words ”demos” meaning people and ”kratos” meaning power or rule. Democracy aims to provide equal political participation and protect the individual freedoms of all citizens. However, while the idea of democracy is simple, its practice is frequently complex and fraught with challenges. At its core, democracy functions on the principle of majority rule, yet it simultaneously guarantees the protection of minority rights.
This balance ensures that while the majority has the power to make decisions through voting, the fundamental rights of minorities are not trampled upon. Such a system requires consistent vigilance and respect for the rule of law. Without these, democracies can devolve into majoritarian tyranny or authoritarianism. The practice of democracy is not merely limited to voting in elections. It encompasses freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, free press, and protection of individual rights. These elements together create a political environment where citizens can express dissent, hold leaders accountable, and participate actively in decision-making. When any component is weakened, the democratic process becomes vulnerable.
In recent times, democratic societies worldwide have grappled with new challenges. The rise of misinformation and fake news has eroded public trust in institutions and polarized societies. Social media platforms, meant to facilitate communication, have sometimes amplified divisive narratives and falsehoods. This has resulted in voter manipulation and a growing skepticism toward democratic processes. Literacy in media and critical thinking is increasingly vital to safeguard democracy from such threats. Economic inequality poses another significant challenge. While democracy promises equal rights politically, vast disparities in wealth and opportunity undermine this ideal.
This phenomenon raises questions about whether democracy is achievable without addressing socioeconomic inequalities. Furthermore, the involvement of citizens is crucial. Democracy requires that people are informed, engaged, and willing to participate beyond casting votes. Civic education and awareness campaigns play an essential role in nurturing responsible citizenship. Apathy or disengagement weakens the democratic fabric, opening avenues for corruption and other dangers to the system. In conclusion, democracy thrives on the collective responsibility of governments and citizens to protect its pillars and ensure inclusive, fair governance.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
The Rule of Law
by Tom BinghamJustice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
by Michael J. SandelLetters to a Law Student
by Nicholas J. McBrideIn The Rule of Law, former Lord Chief Justice Tom Bingham explores how the principle of legality underpins modern democratic life. He defines the rule of law as more than just adherence to formal rules; it is the assurance that power is exercised within clear, fair, and publicly known boundaries.
Bingham distills the concept into eight principles, including equality before the law, access to justice, and respect for fundamental human rights. Drawing on cases and historical examples, he warns that national security and administrative efficiency must never override the rights of individuals.
The book bridges legal philosophy and practice, arguing that law must be both predictable and humane. For Bingham, the rule of law represents a moral ideal, one that sustains public trust in justice and curbs arbitrary governance.Michael Sandel’s Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? examines moral reasoning in law and politics. Through examples like price gouging, affirmative action, and taxation, Sandel invites readers to explore competing notions of fairness.
He engages with philosophical traditions such as utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Rawlsian egalitarianism, showing that questions of justice cannot be separated from questions of virtue and the common good.
Sandel rejects the idea of a morally “neutral” legal system, arguing that public deliberation about values is essential to democracy. Ultimately, he argues that a just society is one that cultivates civic responsibility, not merely individual rights.Nicholas McBride’s Letters to a Law Student is a practical and reflective guide for aspiring lawyers. Written as a series of letters to a student beginning law school, it explores what legal study truly involves.
This includes mastering case analysis, understanding precedents, and developing critical reasoning. McBride distinguishes between knowing the law and thinking like a lawyer, the latter requiring analytical discipline and ethical awareness.
He emphasizes that good lawyers combine intellectual rigor with moral judgment and clarity of expression. Beyond academic success, the book urges students to reflect on law’s purpose, balancing order, justice, and compassion in human affairs.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Urban gardening has become increasingly popular as a means to address food security, sustainability, and mental well-being in cities. By growing their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, individuals can reduce their reliance on commercial supply chains that contribute to extensive transportation, energy consumption, and synthetic chemical use. In addition to providing fresh, nutritious food, urban gardening also contributes to environmental sustainability by mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and managing water runoff. Furthermore, it offers psychological benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment. Despite its many benefits, urban gardening faces challenges like space limitations, poor soil quality, and inadequate sunlight, which gardeners overcome using innovative techniques such as vertical farming and hydroponics.
- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CLAT exam
- In a language laboratory, students were given an interesting puzzle involving the word "ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH." The teacher explained that such exercises not only test logical skills but also sharpen attention to detail. According to the challenge, the word had to undergo a series of transformations. First, the class was asked to take the first half of the letters, reverse their order and make the arrangement of letters look quite different from the original. Next, the students were told to identify the last but one letter of the original word and place it at the very beginning, a step that changed the opening appearance of the sequence completely. Finally, as a finishing touch, they had to add the letter 'S' at the end. Following these steps carefully would lead them to the correct transformed word, and only those who adhered to each condition in the exact order could solve the puzzle successfully. (150 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Coding Decoding
On the night of October 12th, the "Sunburst Medallion" was stolen from the highly secured display case in the city museum. The theft occurred sometime between the museum closing at 10:00 PM and the night guard, Mr. Hemant, completing his final round at 1:00 AM. Three primary suspects were identified, all of whom had recently been dismissed from their museum positions: Anjali, the former curator; Bharat, the former security expert; and Chitra, the former exhibits designer.
Here are the established facts and their alibis:
- The security system logs show that the display case was opened using a specific five-digit code, which only Anjali and the museum director (who was out of the country) knew.
- Bharat's alibi is that he was at a distant relative's birthday party from 8:00 PM to 1:30 AM. Multiple independent witnesses confirmed his presence throughout the entire period.
- Chitra's alibi is that she was working late at a downtown graphic design studio. A time-stamped security camera from the studio's entrance shows her entering at 7:00 PM and exiting at 11:45 PM. The studio is a 20-minute drive from the museum.
- Mr. Hemant, the night guard, stated he checked the medallion at 10:30 PM, and it was still there.
Further investigation revealed that a small, distinctive silver button was found near the display case. Anjali is known to frequently wear a coat with similar unique silver buttons. The security expert, Bharat, had previously boasted that he could remotely disable a certain type of magnetic lock—the same type used on the medallion's case—without needing the code, though the log suggests the code was used. (269 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Assertion and Reason
In a small town lived a close-knit family where every relation could be expressed through simple symbols. For instance, when they said \( A \times B \), it meant \( A \) is the father of \( B \), while \( A \div B \) meant \( A \) is the mother of \( B \). The younger ones were often introduced with \( A + B \), meaning \( A \) was the daughter of \( B \), and the bond of brotherhood was shown by \( A - B \) (A is brother of B).
One day, the children in the family turned these symbols into a playful code. Instead of introducing their parents and siblings in words, they spoke only in symbols. “Look,” giggled little Meena, “\( M + N \div O \)!” Everyone laughed, because they knew it meant Meena was the daughter of \( N \), and \( N \) was the mother of \( O \), making her \( O \)’s sister. What started as a code soon became a family game, making the bonds of father, mother, daughter, and brother not just relations, but symbols of love and togetherness. (165 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Blood Relations
Four teams – Red (R), Blue (B), Green (G), and Yellow (Y) – are competing in the final four rounds of the Inter-School Science Olympiad, labeled Round A, Round B, Round C, and Round D. Each round consists of one match between two teams, and every team plays exactly two matches. No team plays the same opponent more than once.
The final schedule must adhere to the following rules:
- Rule 1 (Consecutive Play): The Green team (G) must play their two matches in consecutive rounds.
- Rule 2 (Fixed Appearance): The Yellow team (Y) must play in Round B.
- Rule 3 (Positional Constraint): The Red team (R) must play against the Blue team (B) in a round that is immediately before a round in which neither R nor B is playing.
- Rule 4 (Timing): The Blue team's (B) first match must occur in an earlier round than the Green team's (G) first match.
- Rule 5 (Opponent Link): The team that plays against the Red team (R) in the round that is not against the Blue team (B), is the same team that plays in Round D.
(193 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Seating Arrangement
Health insurance plays a vital role in ensuring financial protection and access to quality healthcare. In India, however, the extent and nature of health insurance coverage vary significantly between urban and rural areas. While urban populations often have better access to organized insurance schemes, employer-provided coverage, and awareness about health policies, rural populations face challenges such as limited outreach of insurance schemes, inadequate infrastructure, and lower awareness levels. This urban-rural divide in health insurance coverage highlights the broader issue of healthcare inequality, making it essential to analyze the factors contributing to this gap and explore strategies for more inclusive health protection. A state-level health survey was conducted.
The survey covered 1,80,000 adults across urban and rural areas. Urban residents formed 55% of the sample (that is, 99,000 people) while rural residents made up 45% (that is, 81,000 people). In each area, coverage was classified under four heads – Public schemes, Private insurance, Employer-provided coverage, and Uninsured. In urban areas, Public coverage accounted for 28% of the urban population, Private for 22%, Employer for 18%, and the remaining 32% were Uninsured. In rural areas, where formal coverage is generally lower, Public coverage stood at 35%, Private at 10%, Employer at 8%, while 47% were Uninsured.
For this survey, “Insured” includes everyone covered by Public + Private + Employer schemes, and “Uninsured” indicates those with no coverage at all. Officials noted that public schemes remain the backbone of rural coverage, while employer and private plans are relatively more prevalent in urban centres. (250 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Ratio and Proportion