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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2: "Khwabgah" (pages 62-99) and Chapter 3: "The Nativity".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What word in Chapter 1 refers to an evening of entertainment poetry or concert of Indian classical music?
(a) Mahfil.
(b) Arifa.
(c) Yeswi.
(d) Naga.

2. What word in the novel refers to the shrines over the grave of a revered religious figure?
(a) Nahins.
(b) Aamdeeds.
(c) Kuches.
(d) Dargahs.

3. Why does the narrator say that "Not many noticed the passing of the friendly old birds" (5) in the Prologue?
(a) "There was so much else to look forward to."
(b) "There were so many atrocities to face."
(c) "There was too much to worry about."
(d) "There was so much death around."

4. What do the protagonist and the Englishman share with one another in Chapter 1?
(a) A Coca Cola.
(b) A bottle of whiskey.
(c) A cigarette.
(d) A plate of rice.

5. Why did the soldiers save Anjum's life, according to the narrator in Chapter 2?
(a) Because they believed it was bad luck to kill a hijra.
(b) Because she held them at gunpoint until they fled.
(c) Because she was in disguise.
(d) Because she was pregnant.

Short Answer Questions

1. What poison has killed the white-backed vultures?

2. How many siblings did Afrab have when he/she was born?

3. What was the charge that Saddam's father faced when he was arrested?

4. For how long does the narrator say the white-backed vultures have been the custodians of the dead in the Prologue?

5. How old was Antun when she announced her decision to leave the Khwabgah?

(see the answer key)

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