Language 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.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:59 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(I) Language diversity makes India perhaps the most diverse country in the world. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of different communities and helps preserve distinct regional identities.
(II) The 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution are called Scheduled Languages. The remaining languages out of the 121 major languages that are not included in the Eighth Schedule are called Non-Scheduled Languages.
(III) Despite having over 1300 mother tongues, Indians share common cultural values, festivals, and traditions, which unite them. For example, Hindi serves as a link language, drawing together speakers of Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Chhattisgarhi, and other regional tongues under one broader linguistic identity, fostering national unity.
Source: Democratic Politics II, Chapter – Power Sharing / Social Diversity
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Explanation
- (I) is 1 mark — one clear point suffices; the passage directly states India is "perhaps the most diverse country," so use that.
- (II) is 1 mark — a simple two-line contrast using the exact definition from the passage (Eighth Schedule = Scheduled; rest = Non-Scheduled).
- (III) is 2 marks — examiners expect the concept of fusion/unity + a specific example. Since the passage mentions Hindi grouping diverse languages, use that as your example. If you go beyond the passage slightly (cultural unity), keep it brief and relevant.