A. K. Ramanujan challenged the view that Indian scholars merely supplied raw…
2024
A. K. Ramanujan challenged the view that Indian scholars merely supplied raw linguistic information for Western processing. Which metaphor best expresses the scholarly agency that he taught American Indologists to recognise?
Answer: B. Weave theories, folktales, poems, and books — ConceptA metaphor maps a concrete activity onto an abstract idea. In reading comprehension, identify what each side of the comparison represents before…
- A.
Process raw fibres in British mills
- B.
Weave theories, folktales, poems, and books
- C.
Teach only Sanskrit literature
- D.
Teach only English literature
Attempted by 3 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
A metaphor maps a concrete activity onto an abstract idea.
In reading comprehension, identify what each side of the comparison represents before choosing the phrase that captures the author’s claim.
Application
Raw fibres and British mills represent the older model: Indian scholars supply material and Western scholars process it. The contrasting image of weaving theories, folktales, poems, and books represents Indian scholars as creators of interpretations and literature—a form of intellectual agency that Ramanujan advanced in American Indology.
Contrast
Processing raw fibres in British mills belongs to the older model of external processing.
Teaching only Sanskrit literature narrows the field to one classical language instead of the broader interpretive agency described.
Teaching only English literature shifts the focus to a European-language tradition rather than Indian texts and traditions.
Result
Therefore, the metaphor is weaving theories, folktales, poems, and books.