1.
Who, writing under the pen name Ambai, is a well-known feminist writer and the author of the Tamil novel Andhi Malai?
A
Akka Mahadevi
B
CS Lakshmi
C
Nalapat Balamani Amma
D
Daya Pawar
E
Shanta Gokhale
Answer and explanation
Correct Answer: B — CS Lakshmi
CS Lakshmi, writing under the pen name Ambai, is a pioneering feminist writer in Tamil literature and the author of the novel Andhi Malai. Her works explore feminist themes of identity, freedom, and societal roles through short stories, essays, and critical writing. The other options — Akka Mahadevi (12th-century Veerashaiva poet), Nalapat Balamani Amma (Malayalam poet, 'Grandmother of Malayalam Literature'), and Daya Pawar (Dalit writer, author of Baluta) — are writers from different languages and traditions.