Question

UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

Consider the following languages:

Gujarati

Kannada

Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as a 'Classical Language/Languages' by the Government?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3: 2 and 3 only

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

- Till now only six languages have been recognised as “ Classical Languages”. Gujarati is not one of the classical languages.

Languages so far declared to be a Classical Language are:

- - Tamil (2004)

Telugu (2008)

- - Malayalam (2013)
  - Sanskrit (2005)

Kannada (2008)

- Odia (2014)

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Knowledge Box

A language is declared as a classical language if it fulfills the following criteria set by the Government –

High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
The literary tradition is original and not borrowed from another speech community.
The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

Subject: History | Miscellaneous(hist)

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