Question

UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

Consider the following languages:

  1. Gujarati 
  2. Kannada 
  3. Telugu

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

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