Chennai's 60-Year Quiz Legacy: A Cultural Phenomenon Endures
In the heart of Chennai, a remarkable intellectual tradition has flourished for over six decades, captivating minds and even altering personal milestones. The annual open quiz, originally associated with the now-closed Landmark bookstore, has seen participants reschedule weddings and travel from distant cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, and Dubai just to compete. Dr. Navin Jayakumar, an ophthalmologist and the quiz's longtime conductor, recalls these dedicated enthusiasts who have kept the spirit alive through 60 years, including during the pandemic when it transitioned online.
A Thriving Tradition in Modern Times
Today, the quiz continues to draw massive crowds, with approximately 450 teams of three each gathering at The Music Academy every August 15th, now under the sponsorship of Zifo. Despite the rise of other entertainment forms and the popularity of pub quizzes, this event remains a cornerstone of Chennai's cultural calendar. "It's all about enjoying the process. It is a sport," emphasizes Navin, highlighting its enduring appeal as a communal intellectual pursuit.
Historical Roots and Evolution
Chennai's tryst with quizzing dates back to the 1950s, beginning with intercollegiate events. Saranya Jayakumar, Navin's 85-year-old mother, reminisces about participating in quizzes during her studies at Queen Mary's College and Presidency College. "Being a book worm helped. Also, I was in the quiz capital of the country, Kolkata, for long," she notes, adding that women have always been interested, though many get consumed by household responsibilities.
Navin's journey as a quizmaster started at Madras Medical College. In the 1980s, at historian S. Muthiah's request, he began conducting the annual quiz at the Chennai Book Fair. This led to the founding of the Quiz Foundation of India in December 1987, alongside fellow quizzer Gopal Kidao, one of India's oldest active quizzing groups. Their goal was to encourage quizzing beyond college years, allowing any group of three friends or family to form a team.
Personal Stories and Changing Dynamics
Aparna Sriram from Porur, a participant for 25 years, shares how quizzes were a family affair initially, with her parents joining in. "It was like a once in a year gala," she says, describing how they prepared by watching TV quizzes and tackling newspaper ones. Now, with her parents older, she teams up with friends and even won the women's annual quiz last year. "The kind of questions have changed, they are a little trickier, but the love remains," she reflects.
The evolution of question-framing is stark. Gopal points out that in earlier days, references were limited to newspapers and library books, with simpler queries like the capital of Peru. Today, with AI, entire quizzes can be generated with a click, and questions must be more nuanced due to the vast information available.
The Rise of Pub Quizzes and Gender Inclusivity
While some crowds have shifted to pub quizzes in Chennai, which focus on fun pop culture with quirky twists, Navin stresses that the core value remains bringing people together. Arjun Mohan, a regular quizmaster at Watson's in T-Nagar since 2018, explains that pub quizzes are lighter, with simple yet twisted questions, and prizes sometimes include alcohol. "The best part is that people who've never taken part in quizzes join in," he says.
A concern for Navin is the male dominance in quizzing. To address this, on March 8, International Women's Day, they are hosting the Purple Riband Quiz, an all-women's event with questions about women, conducted by women. Hosts range from Saranya at 85 to a 13-year-old, showcasing a push for inclusivity.
Origins and Legacy
Open quizzing in India originated in Calcutta among church parishes, open to anyone, with Neil O'Brien, father of well-known quizzer Derek O'Brien, as a key figure. Chennai's quiz legacy, built over decades, continues to adapt, proving that in an age of digital distractions, the thrill of intellectual competition still unites communities.
