Question

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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.

1. Explain the importance of language diversity in India.
2. Differentiate between Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Languages.
3. The fusion of languages has united the country into one cultural entity.' Explain the statement with an example.

Answer 1

1. Language diversity is very important in India because it reflects the country's rich cultural and social heritage.
2. 1.  Scheduled Languages are those 22 languages which are included in the Eight Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
   2. Non-Scheduled Languages are those 99 languages which are not included in the Eight Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
3. It means that India's diverse languages and cultures have merged to form a shared sense of national identity.
   For example, the Indian Army developed the Camp language. Bollywood films are renowned for incorporating a variety of musical and linguistic styles.