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Indian Languages

4 UPSC Prelims MCQs tagged "Indian Languages". Free practice with answer keys, explanations, and timed mock tests on Anantam IAS.

Agriculture and Allied Activities 56 Money, Banking and Monetary Policy 43 Environmental Pollution 43 Biotechnology 37 Parliament 33 Climate Change 32 Finance and Financial Markets 29 Emerging Technologies 28 Trade and External Sector 26 Life Sciences 26 Core Concepts and Foundational Science 20 Public Finance in India 19 International Environmental Framework 18 Continents 18 Religions in India 18 Fundamental Rights 18 Concept and Salient Features of the Constitution 17 Indian Biodiversity - Fauna 17 Renewable Energy 16 Major Physical Divisions of India 16 Multilateral Groupings 16 International Institutions 15 Art and Architecture 15 Drainage System 15 Institutional Measures for Environment Conservation 14 Regional Groupings 14 Rivers and Drainage 14 Infrastructure and Investment Models in India 14 Atmosphere 13 Space Technology 13

  1. With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to

    With reference to India, the terms 'Halbi, Ho and Kui' pertain to

    1. ADance forms of Northwest India
    2. BMusical instruments
    3. CPre-historic cave paintings
    4. DTribal languages
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Halbi, Ho, and Kui are tribal languages spoken in different regions of India:

    1. Halbi (Halabi): An Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily by the Halba tribe in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. 2. Ho: An Austroasiatic language (Munda group) spoken by the Ho people, mainly in Jharkhand and Odisha. 3. Kui (Kondh): A South-Central Dravidian language spoken by the Kandha (Khond) tribe, primarily in Odisha. It is closely related to Gondi and Pengo languages.

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2021 Medium

  2. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

    Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

    1. AGeorg Buhler
    2. BJames Prinsep
    3. CMax Muller
    4. DWilliam Jones
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The person who first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka was James Prinsep.

    ![Ashoka Edicts](https://d39jluplm5thpx.cloudfront.net//Ashoka_Edict_474fd560c9.png)

    James Prinsep (1799-1840) was an English philologist, antiquary and administrator who served in the British East India Company. He played a crucial role in deciphering and interpreting the inscriptions and edicts of Emperor Ashoka, which were written in the Brahmi script.

    In the 1830s, Prinsep was able to decipher the Brahmi script and translate Ashoka's inscriptions, which provided valuable insights into the reign and policies of the Mauryan emperor. His groundbreaking work helped establish the historical significance of Ashoka and the Mauryan empire.

    ![Edicts of Ashoka Map](https://d39jluplm5thpx.cloudfront.net//Edicts_of_Ashoka_d92ad6f7db.PNG)

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2016 Medium

  3. Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

    Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

    1. AOdia
    2. BKonkani
    3. CBhojpuri
    4. DAssamese
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A

    Historical Context (2015): At the time this question was originally asked, Odia was the latest language to be granted Classical status (notified in February 2014). It was the 6th language to receive this honor.

    Criteria: To be eligible, a language must have a recorded history of 1500–2000 years, a body of ancient literature, and an original literary tradition not borrowed from another speech community.

    Timeline of Classical Languages:

    2004: Tamil

    2005: Sanskrit

    2008: Telugu & Kannada

    2013: Malayalam

    2014: Odia

    Note for the Current Exam Cycle (2025-26): While Odia was the correct answer for the 2015 paper, the list was significantly expanded in October 2024. If this question were asked today, Assamese (along with Marathi, Bengali, Pali, and Prakrit) would be the correct answer as the most recent additions to the list.

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2015 Easy

  4. Consider the following languages: 1. Gujarati 2. Kannada 3. Telugu Which of the above…

    Consider the following languages: 1. Gujarati 2. Kannada 3. Telugu Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language / Languages' by the Government?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B3 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Statement 1 is Incorrect: Gujarati has not been declared a Classical Language by the Government of India. Statement 2 is Correct: Kannada was officially accorded the status of a Classical Language in 2008, recognizing its high antiquity and rich ancient literature. Statement 3 is Correct: Telugu was officially declared a Classical Language in 2008, meeting the criteria of having an independent literary tradition and recorded history spanning over 1500-2000 years.

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2014 Medium