Complete Summary and Solutions for Language and Literature of India – NCERT Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India Part I, Class XI, Chapter 1

Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Language and Literature of India Class XI NCERT

Overview & Key Concepts

Chapter Goal: Explore language as a cultural lifeline and India's literary mosaic from Vedic times to Bhakti. Exam Focus: Oral traditions, diversity (Indo-Aryan/Dravidian), epics (Ramayana/Mahabharata), fables (Panchatantra), Bhakti poets. 2025 Updates: Digital preservation of oral epics, multilingual AI translations. Fun Fact: Sanskrit grammar by Panini (5th BCE) influenced modern linguistics. Core Idea: Language connects generations, fosters harmony.
Wider Scope: From oral epics to print revolution; sources: Poems (Devi Sukta, Kabir), visuals (Bengal Gazette), activities (translate poems), think/reflect (language flux reasons).
Expanded Content: Include modern echoes like regional cinema; point-wise for recall; add 2025 relevance like UNESCO intangible heritage for Bhakti.

Language in Human Life and Co-existence

Definition: Bhāṣā from Sanskrit root 'to speak'; tool for expression/communication.
Purpose: Passes knowledge, mediates relationships, evolves civilizations (e.g., Urdu from Mughal-Hindustani mix).
Co-existence: Bridges ethics/cultures; reduces conflicts via awareness.
Example: Freedom struggle literature (Bankimchandra's Bangadarshan, Bharatendu's songs).
Expanded: Evidence: Multilingualism in Mumbai (200+ languages); debates: Language as power/destruction; real: 22 official languages.

Conceptual Diagram: Language Families Tree (Page 5)

Tree diagram: Roots (Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, etc.); branches (Sanskrit, Tamil, Prakrits); visualizes diversity evolution.

Why This Guide Stands Out

Comprehensive: All periods/themes point-wise, poem integrations; 2025 with digital archives (e.g., oral epics apps), analyzed for cultural synthesis.

Science of Language and India's Diversity

Science: Panini standardized Sanskrit; languages in flux, nurtured by speakers.
Diversity: 5 families (Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burmese, Semito-Hamitic); geography shapes (mountains/rivers).
Key Languages: Sanskrit (religion/philosophy), Prakrits (dialects), Pali (Buddhist), Tamil (ancient Dravidian).
Think & Reflect: Why diversity? (Topography/cultures); endangered languages (loss of speakers).
Expanded: Evidence: Census data; debates: Classical status criteria; real: 780+ languages.

Literature Periods and Expressions

Vedic Age: Sruti (Vedas, Upanishads), Smriti (Epics, Puranas); purusharthas (Dharma/Artha/Kama/Moksha).
Post-Vedic: Drama/prose (Kalidasa’s Meghadutam, Abhijnanasakuntalam); Prakrit/Pali/Apabhramsa.
Ancient Tamil/Kannada: Sangam (Akam/Puram), Kavirajamarga; epics like Silappadikaram.
Epics/Fables: Ramayana (Valmiki, 24k verses), Mahabharata (Vyasa, 100k verses incl. Bhagavad Gita); Panchatantra morals, Jataka tales, Hitopadesa.
Bhakti Medieval: Alvars/Nayanmars (Tamil), Basavanna (Kannada), Kabir/Nanak (Hindi/Punjabi); women like Mirabai, Lal Ded.
Modern: Print press (Udant Martand 1826), English influences (Tagore, Seth); translation as genre.
Colors/Techniques: Oral (storytelling), written (Sutras); multi-lingual synthesis.
Activity: Analyze poems (Devi Sukta harmony, Kabir simplicity).
Expanded: Evidence: Manuscripts; debates: Oral vs written; real: Bhakti in folk music.

Exam Activities

Translate poems (Let us Do Q3); group poet projects (Project 1); epic comparisons (Project 2).

Summary Key Points

Periods: Vedic (Sruti/Smriti), Post-Vedic (Drama), Medieval (Bhakti), Modern (Print/English). Diversity: 5 families. Techniques: Oral preservation, translation.
Impact: Harmony/values; challenges: Language endangerment.

Project & Group Ideas

Group: Recite Bhakti vachanas; individual: Timeline of epics in languages.
Debate: Oral vs written superiority.
Ethical role-play: Multilingual policy in schools.

Key Definitions & Terms - Complete Glossary

All terms from chapter; detailed with examples, relevance. Expanded: 30+ terms grouped by subtopic; added advanced like "Sruti/Smriti", "Bhakti" for depth/easy flashcards. Table overflow fixed with word-break.

Bhāṣā

Sanskrit for language; root 'to speak'. Ex: Expression tool. Relevance: Origin of communication.

Sruti

Heard/revealed literature. Ex: Vedas/Upanishads. Relevance: Sacred oral core.

Smriti

Remembered/recorded. Ex: Epics/Puranas. Relevance: Human-authored ethics.

Prakrit

Common dialect. Ex: Drama dialogues. Relevance: Colloquial bridge to modern.

Pali

Buddhist Prakrit. Ex: Dhammapada. Relevance: Jataka tales morals.

Apabhramsa

Medieval transitional. Ex: Jain teachings. Relevance: Basis for regional languages.

Sangam

Ancient Tamil assembly. Ex: Tolkappiyam grammar. Relevance: Akam/Puram poetry.

Tinai

Tamil landscape categories. Ex: Kurinchi (mountains). Relevance: Nature-poetry link.

Purusharthas

Life goals. Ex: Dharma/Artha/Kama/Moksha. Relevance: Vedic ethics.

Bhakti

Devotional movement. Ex: Alvars/Nayanmars. Relevance: Anti-caste harmony.

Vachanas

Kannada Bhakti poems. Ex: Basavanna. Relevance: Social reform.

Nirguna

Formless devotion. Ex: Kabir. Relevance: Unity beyond rituals.

Kavya

Classical poetry. Ex: Kalidasa. Relevance: Epic tradition.

Panchatantra

Fable collection. Ex: Moral stories. Relevance: Global influence (Aesop).

Jataka Tales

Buddha's past lives. Ex: Suvarna Samma. Relevance: Wisdom narratives.

Hitopadesa

Worldly wisdom. Ex: Mitralabha. Relevance: Niti-vidya ethics.

Udant Martand

First Hindi newspaper (1826). Ex: Freedom voice. Relevance: Print revolution.

Bengal Gazette

First Indian newspaper (1780). Ex: Hicky's critiques. Relevance: Journalism birth.

Panini

Sanskrit grammarian (5th BCE). Ex: Ashtadhyayi. Relevance: Linguistic science.

Kavaad Banchana

Oral storytelling. Ex: Illustrated panels. Relevance: Pre-script tradition.

Phad Singers

Rajasthani scroll narrators. Ex: Folk deities. Relevance: Village rituals.

Bangadarshan

Bankimchandra's magazine. Ex: Social issues. Relevance: Awakening tool.

Kavivachansudha

Bharatendu's voice against authority. Ex: Prabhat Pheri songs. Relevance: Anti-colonial.

Indo-Aryan

Language family. Ex: Sanskrit/Hindi. Relevance: Northern roots.

Dravidian

Southern family. Ex: Tamil. Relevance: Ancient literature.

Austro-Asiatic

Eastern family. Ex: Munda. Relevance: Tribal links.

Tibeto-Burmese

Northeastern. Ex: Bodo. Relevance: Himalayan diversity.

Semito-Hamitic

Western traces. Ex: Kashmiri. Relevance: Minority integration.

Alvars/Nayanmars

Tamil Bhakti saints. Ex: Vishnu/Shiva devotion. Relevance: 6th-7th CE surge.

Vedangas

Vedic adjuncts. Ex: Grammar/phonetics. Relevance: Study aids.

Upanishads

Contemplative texts. Ex: Taittiriya advice. Relevance: Life mysteries.

Devi Sukta

Rigveda harmony hymn. Ex: Shared sacrifice. Relevance: Unity mantra.

Kuruntokai

Tamil love poem. Ex: Kapilar's thief metaphor. Relevance: Sangam emotion.

Raghuvarsha

Kalidasa life stages. Ex: Childhood learning. Relevance: Human growth.

Silappadikaram

Tamil epic. Ex: Kannagi justice. Relevance: Cultural details.

Manimekalai

Buddhist sequel. Ex: Madhavi's nun path. Relevance: 30 cantos ethics.

Kavirajamarga

First Kannada work. Ex: 9th CE. Relevance: Jaina poets.

Adikavi

First poet. Ex: Valmiki/Pampa. Relevance: Epic origins.

Tip: Group by period/family; examples for recall. Depth: Debates (e.g., classical criteria). Errors: Confuse Sruti/Smriti. Interlinks: To modern lit. Advanced: Multilingualism metrics. Real-Life: Festival recitals. Graphs: Timeline charts. Coherent: Evidence → Interpretation. For easy learning: Flashcard per term with example.

Text Book Questions & Answers - NCERT Exercises

Direct from chapter activities (pages 17-18). Answers based on content, point-wise for exams.

Let us Do Questions

1. There are many categories of languages—classical languages, modern Indian languages, tribal and minor languages. Why are they called so? Find what this categorisation mean.

Answer:

Classical: Ancient lit (e.g., Tamil/Sanskrit); Modern: Evolved regional (Hindi/Bengali); Tribal/Minor: Indigenous/endangered.
Meaning: Preserves heritage; diversity reflection.

2. What makes a language a classical language? Define it.

Answer:

High antiquity (1500+ yrs lit), original tradition, distinct community/grammar.
Ex: Tamil (Sangam), Sanskrit (Vedas).

3. Select poem from one language and translate it into as many languages as possible with your friend.

Answer:

Example: Kabir's "Aisi vani boliye" – Translate to English/Hindi/Tamil; discuss ego/sukh.
Process: Use tools/friends for 3-5 langs.

Project Work

1. In groups of four select five poets from five different Indian languages and collect information about their work, time, life and philosophy to carry out the project.

Answer:

Example Poets: Kabir (Hindi, 15th CE, Nirguna), Mirabai (Rajasthani, devotion), Basavanna (Kannada, equality), Tagore (Bengali, humanism), Andal (Tamil, mysticism).
Report: Timeline, quotes, philosophy slides.

2. The Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata have been written in almost all Indian languages. Pick any three or four languages and collect information on the origin and writing of the two epics. Compare and contrast the commonalities and difference in different languages.

Answer:

Languages: Sanskrit (Valmiki/Vyasa), Tamil (Kamban), Kannada (Pampa), Hindi (Tulsidas).
Common: Moral quests; Diff: Regional flavors (e.g., Tamil social justice).

Tip: Practice translations (Q3); reports (Projects). Full marks: Point-wise, examples.

Key Concepts - In-Depth Exploration

Core ideas with examples, pitfalls, interlinks. Expanded: All concepts with steps/examples/pitfalls for easy learning. Depth: Debates, analysis. Table overflow fixed.

Oral Traditions

Steps: 1. Hear/recite, 2. Preserve via memory. Ex: Kavaad Banchana. Pitfall: Loss without speakers. Interlink: Sruti. Depth: Pre-script expression.

Language Diversity

Steps: 1. Geography shapes, 2. Families evolve. Ex: 5 families. Pitfall: Endangerment ignore. Interlink: Harmony. Depth: Tolerance base.

Bhakti Movement

Steps: 1. Devotion surge, 2. Vernacular poems. Ex: Kabir vachanas. Pitfall: Ritual overemphasis. Interlink: Social reform. Depth: Anti-hierarchy.

Epics as Morals

Steps: 1. Narrative build, 2. Ethical layers. Ex: Gita paths. Pitfall: Myth only view. Interlink: Purusharthas. Depth: Life guidance.

Print Revolution

Steps: 1. Press intro (1800), 2. Prose rise. Ex: Bengal Gazette. Pitfall: Oral neglect. Interlink: Modern. Depth: Direct author-reader.

Translation Genre

Steps: 1. Source interpret, 2. Target adapt. Ex: Ramanujan Tamil-English. Pitfall: Essence loss. Interlink: Global reach. Depth: Cultural bridge.

Synthesis in Urdu

Steps: 1. Persian-Hindustani mix, 2. Forms like ghazal. Ex: Ghalib. Pitfall: Invasion negativity. Interlink: Co-existence. Depth: Harmony example.

Vedic Ethics

Steps: 1. Rituals/mantras, 2. Contemplation. Ex: Taittiriya advice. Pitfall: Archaic view. Interlink: Upanishads. Depth: Truth/welfare.

Fable Morals

Steps: 1. Story/animal chars, 2. Lesson end. Ex: Panchatantra consequences. Pitfall: Childish dismiss. Interlink: Hitopadesa. Depth: Niti wisdom.

Classical Status

Steps: 1. Antiquity check, 2. Lit richness. Ex: 6 languages. Pitfall: Bias claims. Interlink: Preservation. Depth: Heritage value.

Language Flux

Steps: 1. Speakers change, 2. Adaptation. Ex: Prakrits to modern. Pitfall: Static assumption. Interlink: Diversity. Depth: Living entity.

Women in Bhakti

Steps: 1. Mystic expression, 2. Devotion voice. Ex: Mirabai agony. Pitfall: Marginalize. Interlink: Equality. Depth: Feminist precursors.

Sangam Landscapes

Steps: 1. Nature categorize, 2. Emotion link. Ex: 5 tinais. Pitfall: Abstract miss. Interlink: Tamil. Depth: Eco-poetry.

Journalism Role

Steps: 1. Critique policies, 2. Awaken masses. Ex: Hicky sarcasm. Pitfall: Censor forget. Interlink: Freedom. Depth: Social catalyst.

Advanced: Motif analysis, period catalogs. Pitfalls: Period mix. Interlinks: To global lit. Real: Podcast epics. Depth: 14 concepts details. Examples: Real poems. Graphs: Family trees. Errors: Family confusion. Tips: Steps evidence; compare tables (periods/languages).

Historical Perspectives - Detailed Guide

Evolution of literature/language; expanded with points; links to periods/debates. Added global context, Indian milestones.

Ancient Vedic (2000 BCE-1000 CE)

Sruti/Smriti foundations.
Sanskrit standardization.

Depth: Ritual to philosophy shift.

Post-Vedic Drama (500 BCE-500 CE)

Kalidasa/Bhasa plays.
Prakrit dialogues.

Depth: Epic adaptations.

Sangam Tamil (300 BCE-300 CE)

Tolkappiyam grammar.
Akam/Puram forms.

Depth: Landscape emotions.

Medieval Bhakti (6th-17th CE)

Vernacular surge; Kabir/Nanak.
Women voices.

Depth: Social synthesis.

Print Era (19th CE)

Newspapers/magazines.
English influences.

Depth: Freedom awakening.

Modern Synthesis (20th-21st CE)

Tagore Nobel; translations.
Digital oral revival.

Depth: Global Indian lit.

Tip: Link to timelines. Depth: Reflexive evolutions. Examples: Kalidasa. Graphs: Period chronology. Advanced: Post-2025 lit fests. Easy: Bullets impacts.

Literary Examples - From Text with Simple Explanations

Expanded with evidence, interpretations; focus on appreciation, analysis. Added poem breakdowns.

Example 1: Devi Sukta Analysis (Rigveda)

Simple Explanation: Unity hymn.

Step 1: Harmony call (sangacchadvam).
Step 2: Shared sacrifice like gods.
Step 3: Minds/voice agreement.
Step 4: Vedic ethics core.
Simple Way: Move → Speak → Unite.

Example 2: Taittiriya Upanishad Appreciation

Simple Explanation: Guru advice.

Step 1: Truth/duty commands.
Step 2: No neglect (pramada).
Step 3: Welfare focus.
Step 4: Gurukul farewell.
Simple Way: Speak truth → Live duty → Serve all.

Example 3: Kuruntokai Poem (Kapilar)

Simple Explanation: Love duality.

Step 1: Thief metaphor (night lover).
Step 2: Fragrance/hair contrast.
Step 3: Dawn family facade.
Step 4: Sangam emotion depth.
Simple Way: Steal night → Hide day.

Example 4: Kabir Dohas

Simple Explanation: Simplicity wisdom.

Step 1: Ego-less speech.
Step 2: Cool body/joy others.
Step 3: Nirguna harmony.
Step 4: Social mirror.
Simple Way: Speak pure → Spread peace.

Example 5: Panchatantra Fable

Simple Explanation: Moral consequence.

Step 1: Donkey/jackal feast.
Step 2: Bray alerts farmer.
Step 3: Thrashing lesson.
Step 4: Silence wisdom.
Simple Way: Eat quiet → Escape safe.

Example 6: Jataka Tale (Suvarna Samma)

Simple Explanation: Benevolence act.

Step 1: Blind parents care.
Step 2: King wounds, regrets.
Step 3: Goddess heals.
Step 4: Sight restored.
Simple Way: Care → Test → Reward.

Tip: Practice self-appreciate; troubleshoot (e.g., metaphor symbolism). Added for poems, fables.

Interactive Quiz - Master Language and Literature of India

10 MCQs in full sentences; 80%+ goal. Covers periods, poets, concepts, examples.

Quick Revision Notes & Mnemonics

Concise, easy-to-learn summaries for all subtopics. Structured in tables for quick scan: Key points, examples, mnemonics. Covers periods, concepts, techniques. Bold key terms; short phrases for fast reading. Overflow fixed.

Subtopic	Key Points	Examples	Mnemonics/Tips
Periods	Vedic: Sruti/Smriti; purusharthas. Post-Vedic: Drama/Kavya. Medieval: Bhakti/vachanas.	Devi Sukta; Kalidasa; Kabir.	VPM (Vedic, Post, Medieval). Tip: "Vedic Poets Meditate" – Timeline climb.
Families	Indo-Aryan: Sanskrit north. Dravidian: Tamil south. Others: Austro/Tibeto.	Hindi; Kannada; Munda.	IDAT (Indo, Dravid, Austro, Tibeto). Tip: "India's Diverse Ancient Tongues" – 5 roots.
Epics/Fables	Ramayana: Rama exile; 24k verses. Mahabharata: Gita; 100k verses. Fables: Morals/animals.	Valmiki; Vyasa; Panchatantra.	RMF (Rama, Maha, Fables). Tip: "Rama's Mighty Fables" – Ethical tales.
Bhakti	Saints: Kabir/Nanak/Mirabai. Streams: Nirguna/Saguna. Women: Lal Ded/Akka.	Vachanas; Dohas; Hymns.	KNW (Kabir, Nanak, Women). Tip: "Kindly Nirvana Welcomes" – Devotion flow.
Modern	Print: Udant/Bengal Gazette. English: Tagore/Derozio. Translation: Ramanujan.	1826 papers; Gitanjali.	PET (Print, English, Translation). Tip: "Print Empowers Translations" – Awakening era.

Overall Tip: Use VPM-IDAT-RMF-KNW-PET for full scan (5 mins). Flashcards: Front (term), Back (points + mnemonic). Print table for wall revision. Covers 100% chapter – easy for exams!

Key Terms & Processes - All Key

Expanded table 30+ rows; quick ref. Added advanced (e.g., Tinai, Vachanas). Overflow fixed with word-break/overflow-wrap.

Term/Process	Description	Example	Usage
Bhāṣā	Sanskrit for language	To speak root	Expression
Sruti	Heard literature	Vedas	Sacred oral
Smriti	Remembered texts	Epics	Ethics
Prakrit	Common dialect	Drama women	Colloquial
Pali	Buddhist Prakrit	Jatakas	Morals
Apabhramsa	Transitional medieval	Jain teachings	Regional base
Sangam	Tamil ancient lit	Tolkappiyam	Akam/Puram
Tinai	Landscape categories	Kurinchi mountains	Nature poetry
Purusharthas	Life goals	Dharma/Moksha	Vedic ethics
Bhakti	Devotion movement	Alvars	Harmony
Vachanas	Kannada free verse	Basavanna	Reform
Nirguna	Formless bhakti	Kabir	Unity
Kavya	Classical poetry	Meghadutam	Epic
Panchatantra	Fable morals	Donkey jackal	Consequences
Jataka	Buddha births	Suvarna Samma	Wisdom
Hitopadesa	Worldly counsels	Mitralabha	Niti
Udant Martand	First Hindi paper	1826 Kolkata	Freedom
Bengal Gazette	First Indian news	Hicky 1780	Critique
Panini	Sanskrit grammar	Ashtadhyayi	Linguistics
Kavaad Banchana	Oral panels	Story show	Pre-script
Phad Singers	Rajasthani scrolls	Deity songs	Village
Bangadarshan	Bankim magazine	Social issues	Awakening
Kavivachansudha	Bharatendu voice	Authority critique	Songs
Indo-Aryan	Northern family	Sanskrit	Philosophy
Dravidian	Southern family	Tamil	Ancient
Austro-Asiatic	Eastern tribal	Munda	Diversity
Tibeto-Burmese	Northeast	Bodo	Himalayan
Semito-Hamitic	Western traces	Kashmiri	Integration
Alvars/Nayanmars	Tamil saints	Vishnu/Shiva	6th CE
Vedangas	Vedic aids	Grammar	Study
Upanishads	Mystery enquiries	Taittiriya	Life
Devi Sukta	Harmony hymn	Rigveda	Unity
Kuruntokai	Tamil anthology	Kapilar love	Sangam
Raghuvarsha	Kalidasa stages	Life growth	Human
Silappadikaram	Tamil epic	Kannagi	Culture
Manimekalai	Buddhist poem	30 cantos	Ethics
Kavirajamarga	First Kannada	9th CE	Jaina
Adikavi	First poet	Valmiki	Origin

Tip: Examples memory; sort subtopic. Easy: Table scan. Added 10 rows depth.

Literary Techniques Step-by-Step

Step-by-step breakdowns of core processes. Descriptions for easy understanding; focus on actionable steps with examples. Overflow fixed in tables.

Process 1: Oral Storytelling (Kavaad Banchana)

Step 1: Select panels/illustrations.
Step 2: Narrate sequentially.
Step 3: Engage audience gestures.
Step 4: Relive experiences.
Step 5: Preserve traditions.

Visual: Panel → Tale → Memory chain.

Process 2: Fable Moral Building (Panchatantra)

Step 1: Animal characters setup.
Step 2: Conflict/action plot.
Step 3: Consequence reveal.
Step 4: Moral explicit end.
Step 5: Logic/simple apply.

Visual: Beasts → Drama → Lesson.

Process 3: Bhakti Vachana Composition

Step 1: Devotion theme choose.
Step 2: Vernacular simple words.
Step 3: Metaphor/rhythm add.
Step 4: Social message embed.
Step 5: Recite/sing share.

Visual: Heart → Words → Reform build.

Process 4: Epic Narrative (Ramayana)

Step 1: Hero journey outline.
Step 2: Ethical dilemmas layer.
Step 3: Verse/sloca form.
Step 4: Regional adapt.
Step 5: Moral inspiration.

Visual: Exile → Quest → Dharma stack.

Process 5: Translation Adaptation

Step 1: Source essence capture.
Step 2: Target idiom fit.
Step 3: Rhythm/poetry retain.
Step 4: Cultural notes add.
Step 5: Creative bridge.

Visual: Original → Interpret → New voice.

Process 6: Print Journalism (Bengal Gazette)

Step 1: Events/policies observe.
Step 2: Sarcasm/critique write.
Step 3: Prose format.
Step 4: Public forum share.
Step 5: Opinion voice.

Visual: Observe → Critique → Awaken.

Tip: Follow steps like poet; apply to examples (Sukta/vachanas). Easy: Number + example per step.

Complete Summary and Solutions for Language and Literature of India – NCERT Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India Part I, Class XI, Chapter 1 – Explanation, Questions, Answers

Language and Literature of India

Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Language and Literature of India Class XI NCERT

Overview & Key Concepts

Language in Human Life and Co-existence

Conceptual Diagram: Language Families Tree (Page 5)

Why This Guide Stands Out

Science of Language and India's Diversity

Literature Periods and Expressions

Exam Activities

Summary Key Points

Project & Group Ideas

Key Definitions & Terms - Complete Glossary

Bhāṣā

Sruti

Smriti

Prakrit

Pali

Apabhramsa

Sangam

Tinai

Purusharthas

Bhakti

Vachanas

Nirguna

Kavya

Panchatantra

Jataka Tales

Hitopadesa

Udant Martand

Bengal Gazette

Panini

Kavaad Banchana

Phad Singers

Bangadarshan

Kavivachansudha

Indo-Aryan

Dravidian

Austro-Asiatic

Tibeto-Burmese

Semito-Hamitic

Alvars/Nayanmars

Vedangas

Upanishads

Devi Sukta

Kuruntokai

Raghuvarsha

Silappadikaram

Manimekalai

Kavirajamarga

Adikavi

Text Book Questions & Answers - NCERT Exercises

Let us Do Questions

1. There are many categories of languages—classical languages, modern Indian languages, tribal and minor languages. Why are they called so? Find what this categorisation mean.

2. What makes a language a classical language? Define it.

3. Select poem from one language and translate it into as many languages as possible with your friend.

Project Work

1. In groups of four select five poets from five different Indian languages and collect information about their work, time, life and philosophy to carry out the project.

2. The Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata have been written in almost all Indian languages. Pick any three or four languages and collect information on the origin and writing of the two epics. Compare and contrast the commonalities and difference in different languages.

Key Concepts - In-Depth Exploration

Oral Traditions

Language Diversity

Bhakti Movement

Epics as Morals

Print Revolution

Translation Genre

Synthesis in Urdu

Vedic Ethics

Fable Morals

Classical Status

Language Flux

Women in Bhakti

Sangam Landscapes

Journalism Role

Historical Perspectives - Detailed Guide

Ancient Vedic (2000 BCE-1000 CE)

Post-Vedic Drama (500 BCE-500 CE)

Sangam Tamil (300 BCE-300 CE)

Medieval Bhakti (6th-17th CE)

Print Era (19th CE)