Q1. The origin of the Rajasthani language is most widely traced back to which of the following linguistic forms?
Language and Literature of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
112 RAS Prelims MCQs on Rajasthani language and literature cover the origin and dialects of the language, the Dingal and Pingal styles, bardic and Jain literature and major authors. Questions pair works with their writers and dialects with regions, so remember each text with its author, its language form and its theme.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 112 questions
Q2. Which scholar first comprehensively classified the dialects of Rajasthan in the Linguistic Survey of India?
Explanation
George Abraham Grierson provided the first systematic and scientific classification of Rajasthani dialects in his monumental work, the Linguistic Survey of India. He categorized the language into five primary groups. This effort established a scholarly framework for understanding the linguistic diversity of the region, distinguishing Rajasthani as a distinct group from Hindi or Gujarati.
Q3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the relationship between Rajasthani and Gujarati?
Explanation
Rajasthani and Gujarati share a unified linguistic ancestry originating from Old Western Rajasthani, often referred to as Maru-Gurjar. This common language flourished between the 11th and 14th centuries. Over time, distinct regional influences led to their divergence into separate literary traditions. This shared history explains the many grammatical and lexical similarities still observed today.
Q4. The literary style developed by the intermixing of Marwari and Gujarati languages, prominently used by the Charans of Rajasthan, is known as:
Explanation
Dingal is a specialized literary style of the Rajasthani language, primarily used in heroic poetry. It developed through the fusion of Marwari and Gujarati elements. Traditionally patronized by the Charan and Bhat communities, it is known for its strong phonetic qualities and archaic vocabulary. This style served as the primary vehicle for recording Rajputana’s martial history.
Q5. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below.
| Scholar | Theory on Origin of Rajasthani |
|---|---|
| A. George Grierson | i. Sauraseni Apabhramsha |
| B. L.P. Tessitori | ii. Gurjari Apabhramsha |
| C. K.M. Munshi | iii. Nagari Apabhramsha |
| D. Sunitikumar Chatterjee | iv. Saurashti Apabhramsha |
Explanation
Different scholars proposed various theories regarding the origin of the Rajasthani language based on linguistic evolution. George Grierson linked it to Nagari Apabhramsha, while L.P. Tessitori pointed toward Sauraseni Apabhramsha. K.M. Munshi associated its development with Gurjari Apabhramsha, and Sunitikumar Chatterjee suggested Saurashti Apabhramsha. These diverse perspectives highlight the complex transition from ancient Prakrit forms.
Q6. Which of the following sub-dialects does not belong to the Marwari dialect?
Explanation
Marwari is the most widely spoken dialect of Rajasthan, featuring several sub-dialects such as Mewari, Godwadi, and Dhatki. These sub-forms share core grammatical structures and vocabulary. However, Jagrauti is a sub-dialect of Dhundhari, primarily spoken in the Karauli region. This distinction is based on the geographical distribution and phonetic variations found across eastern and western regions.
Q7. The Vagadi dialect, spoken predominantly in Dungarpur and Banswara, was classified by George Grierson under which category?
Explanation
Vagadi is spoken in the southern districts of Dungarpur and Banswara. George Grierson classified this dialect as Bhili due to the heavy influence of the local Bhil tribes’ speech patterns. It serves as a linguistic bridge between Rajasthani and Gujarati. The dialect is characterized by specific phonetic shifts and a vocabulary reflecting the regional tribal heritage.
Q8. In which language was the famous epic Prithviraj Raso composed by Chand Bardai?
Explanation
Prithviraj Raso was composed by Chand Bardai in Pingal, the literary form based on Braj. Dingal is the form based on Marwari.
Q9. Consider the following statements regarding the Mewari dialect:
I. It is predominantly spoken in Udaipur, Bhilwara, and Chittorgarh districts.
II. Maharana Kumbha’s literary plays frequently utilized this dialect.
III. It has no sub-dialects and remains completely homogenous across the Mewar region.
Which of the combinations given below is correct?
I. It is predominantly spoken in Udaipur, Bhilwara, and Chittorgarh districts.
II. Maharana Kumbha’s literary plays frequently utilized this dialect.
III. It has no sub-dialects and remains completely homogenous across the Mewar region.
Which of the combinations given below is correct?
Explanation
Mewari is spoken mainly in Udaipur, Bhilwara and Chittorgarh and Maharana Kumbha used it in his literary plays. It has sub-dialects and is not homogeneous, so III is wrong.
Q10. The historical text ‘Veli Krisan Rukamani ri’ was authored by which of the following personalities?
Explanation
Veli Krisan Rukamani ri was written by Prithviraj Rathore of Bikaner. It describes the marriage of Krishna and Rukmini.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Sauraseni (Gurjari) Apabhramsha |
| 2 | (a) George Abraham Grierson |
| 3 | (c) Both share a common origin in Old Western Rajasthani (Maru-Gurjar). |
| 4 | (d) Dingal |
| 5 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 6 | (b) Jagrauti |
| 7 | (d) Bhili dialect |
| 8 | (c) Pingal |
| 9 | (a) I and II only |
| 10 | (d) Prithviraj Rathore |
Key facts from Language and Literature of Rajasthan
- The Rajasthani language is traced to Sauraseni (Gurjari) Apabhramsha.
- George Abraham Grierson classified the dialects of Rajasthan in the Linguistic Survey of India.
- Dingal is the literary style based on Marwari used by the Charans; Pingal is the style used for Prithviraj Raso.
- Veli Krisan Rukamani ri was written by Prithviraj Rathore.
- Batan ri Phulwari, a collection of folk tales, is by Vijaydan Detha.
- Early Jain literature flourished in forms such as Ras, Phagu and Charchari.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Language and Literature of Rajasthan?
This page has 112 practice MCQs on Language and Literature of Rajasthan (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who classified the dialects of Rajasthan?
George Abraham Grierson, in the Linguistic Survey of India. His grouping of the dialects of Rajasthani into regional families is still the starting point for questions on dialects such as Marwari and Dhundhari.
Who wrote Batan ri Phulwari?
Vijaydan Detha, a well-known Rajasthani author. The work is a large collection of traditional folk tales retold in Rajasthani, and it is one of the most quoted books in modern Rajasthani literature.
Is Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule?
No. As of now Rajasthani has not been added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, though its inclusion has long been demanded. The language is nevertheless spoken by millions and has a rich literary tradition of bardic and Jain works.