Prelims from Sphinx – IITD Rendezvous ’08

1. Centuries ago, purchasing real estate often required having one or more limbs amputated in order to prevent the purchaser from running away to avoid repayment of the loan. Hence an expensive purchase was said to cost “_________________”

2.  In 1963, Ernesto Miranda was arrested for kidnapping and rape of a Jane Doe at a bus stop. He made a confession, not knowing he had a constitutional right to remain silent, and to have an attorney present during police questioning. At trial, prosecutors offered only his confession as evidence and he was convicted.
The Supreme Court ruled in 1966 that Miranda was intimidated by the interrogation and that he did not understand his rights. His conviction was overturned. (Miranda was later convicted in a new trial, with witnesses testifying against him and other evidence presented. )

What originated as a result?

3.  Connect:
Alotta Fagina, Ivana Humperlot, Dixie Normous, Fook Mi, Fook Yoo

4. This place was founded around AD 1100 as a seasonal camp by Tuareg nomads. After it was incorporated within the Mali Empire, in the late 13th century, the Mali sultan, Mansa Musam, built a tower for the Great Mosque (Djingereyber) and a royal residence, the Madugu. One of the world’s most famous places (!!!), name it.

5.  On April 26, 1933, a decree was issued creating this organisation. It underwent many name changes. But the one that stuck was supposedly created by a postal official who wanted a name that would fit on a regulation-sized postal rubber stamp.
It was headquartered at No.8,Prinz Albrecht Strasse. Identify.

6. X began planning a major novel about social misery and injustice as early as the 1830s, but it would take a full 17 years for his most enduringly popular work, Y, to be realized and finally published in 1862.
X was on vacation when Y (which is over 1200 pages) was published.

To enquire about how his book was doing, X sent his publishers a telegram with the contents:

?

The book had sold out within hours of reaching booksellers. His publishers – Hurst & Blackett – replied with

!