{"id":227773,"date":"2025-09-26T15:04:03","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T09:34:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/?p=227773"},"modified":"2025-09-26T15:04:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T09:34:13","slug":"indian-languages-and-literature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/","title":{"rendered":"Indian Languages &amp; Literature: History, Works for EPFO Prep"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_77 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Linguistic_Families_in_India\" >Linguistic Families in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Classical_Languages_of_India\" >Classical Languages of India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Ancient_Indian_Scripts\" >Ancient Indian Scripts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Vedic_Literature\" >Vedic Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Epic_Literature\" >Epic Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Sangam_Literature\" >Sangam Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Sanskrit_Literature\" >Sanskrit Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Literature_in_Pali_and_Prakrit\" >Literature in Pali and Prakrit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Bhakti_and_Sufi_Literature\" >Bhakti and Sufi Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Persian_and_Urdu_Literature\" >Persian and Urdu Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Dravidian_Literature\" >Dravidian Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Modern_Indian_Literature\" >Modern Indian Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#UNESCO_Recognition_of_Indian_Literature\" >UNESCO Recognition of Indian Literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Role_of_Literature_in_Indian_Society\" >Role of Literature in Indian Society<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#Notable_Literary_Works\" >Notable Literary Works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Indian Languages &amp; Literature<\/strong>: India\u2019s rich cultural identity is deeply linked with its languages and literature. With thousands of spoken dialects and a literary tradition stretching back over three millennia, India has preserved philosophy, religion, and social reform through writings. From Vedic hymns to modern novels, languages and literature show how Indian society has evolved. For UPSC EPFO aspirants, this topic is important because it combines history, culture, and constitutional aspects in one area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Linguistic_Families_in_India\"><\/span>Linguistic Families in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Languages in India belong to multiple families, each with its own history and spread. This diversity explains why India has so many regional identities and literary styles. The largest group is Indo-Aryan, followed by Dravidian, but tribal and Himalayan languages also form a significant share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Language Family<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Features<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Indo-Aryan<\/td><td>Spoken by majority; origin in Sanskrit<\/td><td>Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odia, Urdu<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dravidian<\/td><td>Ancient, concentrated in South India<\/td><td>Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Austroasiatic<\/td><td>Tribal languages of Central &amp; NE India<\/td><td>Santhali, Mundari, Khasi<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sino-Tibetan<\/td><td>Languages of NE India &amp; Himalayas<\/td><td>Bodo, Manipuri, Naga dialects, Ladakhi<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Others<\/td><td>Regional tribal languages<\/td><td>Gondi, Oraon, Nicobarese<br><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-apfc\/?ref=conttm-aib\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">enrol in UPSC EPFO APFC Online coaching<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Classical_Languages_of_India\"><\/span>Classical Languages of India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some Indian languages are given \u201cClassical\u201d status because of their antiquity and contribution to literature. These languages have independent traditions, not borrowed from others, and show continuity over centuries. For exams, knowing the six recognized classical languages and their year of declaration is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Classical Languages<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Year of Recognition<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tamil<\/td><td>2004<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sanskrit<\/td><td>2005<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kannada<\/td><td>2008<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Telugu<\/td><td>2008<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Malayalam<\/td><td>2013<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Odia<\/td><td>2014<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ancient_Indian_Scripts\"><\/span>Ancient Indian Scripts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Scripts were essential in preserving texts and passing knowledge across generations. While the Indus script is still undeciphered, most Indian scripts later evolved from Brahmi. These scripts shaped not just literature but also regional identities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Script<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Features<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Usage<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Indus<\/td><td>Undeciphered symbols<\/td><td>Indus Valley inscriptions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Brahmi<\/td><td>Left to right; earliest deciphered<\/td><td>Ashokan edicts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kharosthi<\/td><td>Right to left<\/td><td>Gandhara region<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gupta<\/td><td>Developed from Brahmi<\/td><td>Basis of Nagari<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grantha<\/td><td>Tamil Nadu, for Sanskrit texts<\/td><td>Basis of Malayalam<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sarada<\/td><td>Kashmir script<\/td><td>Sanskrit &amp; Kashmiri<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gurmukhi<\/td><td>Standardized by Guru Angad<\/td><td>Sikh scriptures<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Devanagari<\/td><td>Widely used, standardized<\/td><td>Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Nepali<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Urdu Script<\/td><td>Derived from Persian<\/td><td>Urdu, Punjabi (Shahmukhi)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vedic_Literature\"><\/span>Vedic Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Vedas are the earliest literary works of India. They are collections of hymns, rituals, and philosophical thoughts that became the foundation of Hindu religion. Composed in Sanskrit, they also provide insight into society, economy, and politics of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rigveda \u2013 hymns dedicated to deities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Samaveda \u2013 chants used in sacrifices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yajurveda \u2013 formulas for rituals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Atharvaveda \u2013 charms, spells, and daily concerns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads \u2013 texts explaining rituals and philosophy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-eo\/?ref=conttm-aib&amp;next=https:\/\/u1.oliveboard.in\/exams\/?c=epfoeo&amp;i=epfoeo#mtestdata\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">attempt UPSC EPFO APFC + EO\/AO Mock tests<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Epic_Literature\"><\/span>Epic Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Indian epics are among the longest and most influential works of world literature. They blend mythology, history, and ethics while shaping Indian culture for centuries. Their stories have been retold in multiple languages and continue to influence art, drama, and religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ramayana<\/strong> \u2013 story of Rama, attributed to Valmiki.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mahabharata<\/strong> \u2013 attributed to Vyasa, includes the Bhagavad Gita, and is the world\u2019s longest epic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sangam_Literature\"><\/span>Sangam Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sangam literature of Tamil Nadu is one of the earliest secular literatures of India. Composed by poets in assemblies called Sangams, it describes everyday life, trade, love, and warfare of early Tamil society. Its realism makes it unique compared to other ancient texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Themes divided into <strong>Akam (love\/inner life)<\/strong> and <strong>Puram (war\/public life)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important works include <strong>Tolkappiyam<\/strong> (grammar) and the Five Epics like Silappatikaram and Manimekalai.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-eo\/?ref=conttm-aib&amp;next=https:\/\/u1.oliveboard.in\/exams\/?c=epfoeosec&amp;i=epfoeo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Attempt Sectional mock tests for UPSC EPFO APFC + EO\/AO<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sanskrit_Literature\"><\/span>Sanskrit Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sanskrit remained the language of learning and culture for centuries. It produced works in almost every field, including religion, philosophy, science, and drama. Writers like Kalidasa created masterpieces that are still celebrated as world classics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kalidasa \u2013 Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Meghaduta.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kautilya \u2013 Arthashastra on politics and economics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kalhana \u2013 Rajatarangini, a historical chronicle of Kashmir.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical texts \u2013 Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Literature_in_Pali_and_Prakrit\"><\/span>Literature in Pali and Prakrit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike Sanskrit, which was elite, Pali and Prakrit were closer to common speech. They became the medium of Buddhist and Jain teachings, making religion accessible to the masses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pali:<\/strong> Tripitaka (Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma), Jataka tales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prakrit:<\/strong> Jain Agamas, Kalpa Sutra, Samayasara.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhakti_and_Sufi_Literature\"><\/span>Bhakti and Sufi Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From the 12th century, Bhakti and Sufi movements spread across India. Their literature, composed in local languages, carried messages of devotion, social equality, and unity. They challenged caste and orthodoxy, making them powerful social reform movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bhakti saints: Kabir, Tulsidas, Meera Bai, Surdas, Guru Nanak.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sufi poets: Amir Khusrau, Baba Farid, Bulleh Shah.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/upsc-epfo-eo\/?ref=conttm-aib&amp;next=https:\/\/u1.oliveboard.in\/exams\/lessons\/obnotesplus\/?c=epfoeon&amp;testid=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">get UPSC EPFO Notes for exam preparation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Persian_and_Urdu_Literature\"><\/span>Persian and Urdu Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule enriched Persian and Urdu writings. Court chronicles, poetry, and ghazals became popular, blending Indian and Persian traditions. Urdu in particular grew as a language of both culture and common people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Persian works: Abul Fazl\u2019s Akbarnama, Jahangir\u2019s Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urdu works: Jayasi\u2019s Padmavat, Ghalib\u2019s ghazals, Iqbal\u2019s poetry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dravidian_Literature\"><\/span>Dravidian Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Indian languages developed their own literary traditions independent of Sanskrit. They produced both devotional and secular works and shaped the cultural identity of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tamil \u2013 Sangam texts, Bhakti hymns of Nayanmars and Alvars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Telugu \u2013 Nannaya, Krishnadevaraya\u2019s Ashtadiggajas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kannada \u2013 Pampa, Ranna, Basavanna\u2019s Vachanas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Malayalam \u2013 Ramacharitam, works of Ezhuthachan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Indian_Literature\"><\/span>Modern Indian Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Colonialism, printing, and rising nationalism gave birth to modern Indian literature. Writers used their works to inspire reform and independence, while also experimenting with new forms of prose and poetry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bengali \u2013 Bankim Chandra (Anandamath), Tagore (Gitanjali).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hindi \u2013 Bharatendu Harishchandra, Premchand (Godan).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marathi \u2013 Tukaram, Lokmanya Tilak (Kesari writings).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assamese \u2013 Shankardev\u2019s works.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Punjabi \u2013 Waris Shah\u2019s Heer-Ranjha, Guru Granth Sahib.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian English \u2013 R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, later Arundhati Roy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Related Articles<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian Music<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/temple-architecture-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Temple Architecture in India<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-paintings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian Paintings<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-dance-forms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian Dance Forms<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNESCO_Recognition_of_Indian_Literature\"><\/span>UNESCO Recognition of Indian Literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some Indian manuscripts and traditions have received UNESCO recognition, underlining their global importance. This makes them high-value facts for exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rigveda manuscripts \u2013 Memory of the World Register.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vedic chanting \u2013 Intangible Cultural Heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ramcharitmanas and Mahabharata manuscripts preserved in Indian archives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tamil Sangam texts acknowledged internationally for antiquity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_Literature_in_Indian_Society\"><\/span>Role of Literature in Indian Society<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Literature has always been more than storytelling in India. In ancient times, it preserved philosophy and rituals. In medieval times, Bhakti and Sufi texts united people. In colonial times, literature spread reform and nationalism. Today, Indian writing continues to engage with identity, equality, and modern global concerns while staying rooted in tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-notable-literary-works\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Notable_Literary_Works\"><\/span>Notable Literary Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Indian literature evolved in stages \u2014 from the sacred Vedas and epics of the ancient period, to devotional and courtly works of the medieval age, and finally to reformist and nationalist writings during colonial rule. These texts not only enriched culture but also shaped religious practices, political thought, and social reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ancient-works\">Ancient Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ancient literature was dominated by Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, and Tamil. These works conveyed religious philosophy, ethics, grammar, and stories of gods and heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Work<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Author<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Language\/Period<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rigveda<\/td><td>Unknown sages<\/td><td>Vedic Sanskrit<\/td><td>Oldest hymns, foundation of Indian culture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Upanishads<\/td><td>Various sages<\/td><td>Sanskrit (Vedic Age)<\/td><td>Philosophical concepts like Brahman, Atman<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ramayana<\/td><td>Valmiki<\/td><td>Sanskrit (Epic Age)<\/td><td>Ideal of dharma through Rama\u2019s life<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mahabharata<\/td><td>Vyasa<\/td><td>Sanskrit (Epic Age)<\/td><td>Longest epic, includes Bhagavad Gita<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Arthashastra<\/td><td>Kautilya (Chanakya)<\/td><td>Sanskrit (Maurya Age)<\/td><td>Politics, statecraft, and economics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Charaka Samhita<\/td><td>Charaka<\/td><td>Sanskrit<\/td><td>Classical text on medicine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Silappatikaram<\/td><td>Ilango Adigal<\/td><td>Tamil (Sangam Age)<\/td><td>One of Tamil\u2019s Five Great Epics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tolkappiyam<\/td><td>Tolkappiyar<\/td><td>Tamil<\/td><td>Early grammar and poetics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Manimekalai<\/td><td>Sattanar<\/td><td>Tamil<\/td><td>Epic on Buddhist themes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rajatarangini<\/td><td>Kalhana<\/td><td>Sanskrit (12th c.)<\/td><td>Historical chronicle of Kashmir<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-medieval-works\">Medieval Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Medieval India saw the rise of Bhakti and Sufi poetry, along with Persian chronicles in royal courts. Regional languages flourished, producing devotional and romantic works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Work<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Author<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Language\/Period<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Padmavat<\/td><td>Malik Muhammad Jayasi<\/td><td>Awadhi (16th c.)<\/td><td>Sufi romance with allegorical meaning<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ramcharitmanas<\/td><td>Tulsidas<\/td><td>Awadhi (16th c.)<\/td><td>Popular Bhakti version of Ramayana<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sur Sagar<\/td><td>Surdas<\/td><td>Braj (16th c.)<\/td><td>Devotional poems on Krishna<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Poems of Meera Bai<\/td><td>Meera Bai<\/td><td>Rajasthani\/Braj<\/td><td>Bhakti songs of Krishna devotion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Guru Granth Sahib<\/td><td>Compiled by Guru Arjan<\/td><td>Punjabi (17th c.)<\/td><td>Sacred scripture of Sikhism<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Diwan-e-Ghalib<\/td><td>Mirza Ghalib<\/td><td>Urdu (19th c.)<\/td><td>Masterpieces of Urdu ghazal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tuzuk-i-Baburi (Baburnama)<\/td><td>Babur<\/td><td>Chagatai Turkish<\/td><td>Memoirs of the Mughal emperor<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Akbarnama &amp; Ain-i-Akbari<\/td><td>Abul Fazl<\/td><td>Persian (16th c.)<\/td><td>Court history of Akbar<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri<\/td><td>Jahangir<\/td><td>Persian (17th c.)<\/td><td>Autobiography of Jahangir<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh<\/td><td>Badauni<\/td><td>Persian<\/td><td>Critical history of Akbar\u2019s reign<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-modern-works\">Modern Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the colonial period, literature became a tool for reform and nationalism. Regional literatures grew, while Indian English writing also gained prominence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Work<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Author<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Language\/Period<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Anandamath<\/td><td>Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay<\/td><td>Bengali (1882)<\/td><td>Inspired nationalism; \u201cVande Mataram\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gitanjali<\/td><td>Rabindranath Tagore<\/td><td>Bengali\/English (1910s)<\/td><td>Won Nobel Prize in 1913<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Godan<\/td><td>Munshi Premchand<\/td><td>Hindi (1936)<\/td><td>Landmark novel on rural society<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kesari (editorials)<\/td><td>Bal Gangadhar Tilak<\/td><td>Marathi (1890s)<\/td><td>Political writings during freedom struggle<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heer Ranjha<\/td><td>Waris Shah<\/td><td>Punjabi (18th c.)<\/td><td>Classic romantic folk epic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Discovery of India<\/td><td>Jawaharlal Nehru<\/td><td>English (1944)<\/td><td>Blend of history and nationalism<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Geetanjali (translated)<\/td><td>Rabindranath Tagore<\/td><td>English<\/td><td>Made Tagore globally famous<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Essays &amp; poems<\/td><td>Subramania Bharati<\/td><td>Tamil<\/td><td>Patriotism and social reform<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Untouchable<\/td><td>Mulk Raj Anand<\/td><td>English (1935)<\/td><td>Exposed caste discrimination<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>The Guide<\/td><td>R.K. Narayan<\/td><td>English (1958)<\/td><td>Modern Indian novel on social themes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q1. How many languages are included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?<br><\/strong>A1. The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution currently lists 22 languages, which are recognized for their cultural and historical importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q2. Which is the official language of India as per the Constitution?<br><\/strong>A2. The official language of India is Hindi in the Devanagari script, and English is allowed as an associate official language for administrative purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q3. Name the six classical languages of India.<br><\/strong>A3. The six classical languages are Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia. These were recognized by the Government of India at different times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q4. What criteria are used for granting classical language status in India?<br><\/strong>A4. A language must have high antiquity, a rich body of ancient literature, an independent literary tradition, and clear distinction from its modern forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q5. Which is considered the oldest Indian literary work?<br><\/strong>A5. The Rigveda is considered the oldest Indian literary work, composed around 1500 BCE in Vedic Sanskrit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q6. What are the two great epics of Indian literature?<br><\/strong>A6. The Ramayana by Valmiki and the Mahabharata by Vyasa are the two great epics, both composed in Sanskrit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q7. What is Sangam literature and which language is it written in?<br><\/strong>A7. Sangam literature is a collection of early Tamil poetry, composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE. It reflects love, war, ethics, and the social life of ancient Tamil society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q8. Who is the author of Arthashastra and what is its subject?<br><\/strong>A8. Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, wrote Arthashastra. It is a comprehensive treatise on politics, economics, law, and administration during the Mauryan period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q9. Which language was used for early Buddhist texts?<br><\/strong>A9. Early Buddhist texts, including the Tripitaka, were written in Pali, a language closer to the speech of common people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q10. Which language was used for Jain religious texts?<br><\/strong>A10. Many Jain texts, including the Agamas, were written in Prakrit. Over time, Sanskrit and later regional languages were also used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q11. Who wrote Abhigyan Shakuntalam and in which language?<br><\/strong>A11. Kalidasa, the famous classical Sanskrit poet and playwright, wrote Abhigyan Shakuntalam, which is regarded as one of the finest works in world drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q12. Which Persian work describes Akbar\u2019s administration in detail?<br><\/strong>A12. The Ain-i-Akbari, written by Abul Fazl, describes Akbar\u2019s administration, revenue system, and policies in great detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q13. Which Bhakti poet wrote Ramcharitmanas?<br><\/strong>A13. Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi in the 16th century. It retells the Ramayana in a devotional style accessible to the common people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q14. Who is regarded as the greatest Urdu poet of the 19th century?<br><\/strong>A14. Mirza Ghalib is regarded as the greatest Urdu poet of the 19th century, known for his ghazals that reflect love, philosophy, and human emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q15. Which Indian writer won the Nobel Prize in Literature and for which work?<br><\/strong>A15. 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With thousands of spoken<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":229510,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,10210,62,10321],"tags":[17980,11528],"class_list":["post-227773","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-epfo","category-government-exams","category-upsc-epfo","tag-indian-languages-literature","tag-upsc-epfo","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Indian Languages &amp; Literature: History, Works for EPFO Prep<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn Indian languages &amp; literature for UPSC EPFO: classical texts, scripts, Bhakti-Sufi works, modern writings, and key authors.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/indian-languages-and-literature\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Indian Languages &amp; Literature: History, Works for EPFO Prep\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Indian Languages &amp; Literature: India\u2019s rich cultural identity is deeply linked with its languages and literature. 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