Q1. [4]
Linguistic diversity of India
How many languages do we have in India ? The answer depends on how one counts it. The latest information that we have is from the Census of India held in 2011. This census recorded more than 1300 distinct languages which people mentioned as their mother tongues. These languages were grouped together under some major languages. For example, languages like Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi, Rajasthani and many others were grouped together under 'Hindi'. Even after this grouping, the Census found 121 major languages. Of these, 22 languages are now included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and are therefore called 'Scheduled Languages'. Others are called 'Non-Scheduled Languages'. In terms of languages, India is perhaps the most diverse country in the world.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
- (36.1) How many languages were recorded as mother tongues in the 2011 Census of India ? [1]
- (36.2) How were the languages grouped together in the Census report ? [1]
- (36.3) How does the inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contribute to linguistic diversity ? Explain. [2]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 32/2/1 Q36
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:59 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(36.1) The 2011 Census of India recorded more than 1300 distinct languages as mother tongues.
(36.2) The languages were grouped under some major languages. For example, Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi, Rajasthani and many others were grouped together under 'Hindi'. After such grouping, 121 major languages were identified.
(36.3) The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution includes 22 languages, known as 'Scheduled Languages'. This gives official recognition to these languages, acknowledging their importance and protecting them. The remaining languages are called 'Non-Scheduled Languages'. By formally recognising 22 out of 121 major languages, the Constitution ensures that major linguistic groups receive constitutional status, thereby respecting and preserving India's rich linguistic diversity.
Source: Linguistic Diversity of India, Democratic Politics II (CBSE Class 10)
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Explanation
- (36.1) is a direct recall — state the exact figure (more than 1300). One line is sufficient.
- (36.2) requires you to explain the grouping method with an example from the passage (Hindi grouping). Examiners expect the example.
- (36.3) carries 2 marks — mention the number (22), the term 'Scheduled Languages', the contrast with 'Non-Scheduled Languages', and link it to constitutional recognition/protection of diversity. Avoid going beyond the passage for a source-based question.
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