UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >   With reference to cultural history in India,... Start Learning for Free
With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?
  • a)
    It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.
  • b)
    It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.
  • c)
    It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.
  • d)
    Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the followi...
Option c is the correct answer.
  • Statement a is correct: Apabhramsa is an umbrella term which means dialects other than Sanskrit. It represents a transition from Middle to Modern Indo-Aryan Group of languages The word, ‘Apabhramsa’ implies deviation from standard Sanskrit.
  • Statement b is correct: Apabhramsha became a literary language and was used to write several texts, legends, etc. The development of ‘Apabhramsa’ (corrupt or non-grammatical) took place by 6th-7th century AD. Apabhramsa developed its own identity by the 7th century AD. This can be highlighted by the fact that Bhamaha, a renowned poet of Kashmir from the 6th or 7th century AD, divided poetry into Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsa.
  • Statement c is incorrect: By the middle of the second millennium, Apabhramsa and to a lesser degree Prakrit had come to be used almost exclusively by the Jains, whereas brahmanas monopolized Sanskrit. Literary texts in Apabhramsa were produced largely in western India. Dandin defines Apabhramsa as, “What is called ‘Apabhramsa’ is the language of the Abhiras and others when used in literary works. Statement d is correct: In the course of time many spoken forms called “Apabhramsa” developed in different part of the country. These Apabhramsa’s developed into regional languages. Among the Dravidian languages Tamil is the oldest. Medieval period also saw the development of Hindi from the ancient Apabhramsa language. Major texts in Apabhramsa language and writers are: Pushpadanta’s Mahapurana (Digambara Jain text), Dhanapala’s Bhavisayattakaha, etc.
Free Test
Community Answer
With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the followi...
Introduction:
Apabhramsa is an important term in the cultural history of India. It refers to a group of dialects that emerged from the corruption and modification of the classical Sanskrit language. This language played a significant role in the development of various regional languages in India, including Hindi.

Explanation:
The incorrect statement regarding Apabhramsa is option 'C', which states that it was exclusively used by the Brahmanas. This statement is incorrect because Apabhramsa was not limited to the usage of a specific social or religious group.

Apabhramsa as an umbrella term:
- Apabhramsa is an umbrella term that includes various dialects and languages that evolved from Sanskrit. It encompassed multiple regional languages such as Braj Bhasha, Avadhi, Maithili, and Rajasthani, among others.
- These languages were spoken and used in different regions of India, and they had their own unique characteristics and literature.

Apabhramsa as a literary language:
- Apabhramsa was not only a spoken language but also a literary language. It was extensively used to write various texts, including poetry, songs, and narratives.
- The most famous example of Apabhramsa literature is the 'Katha literature' which consists of stories and fables written in Apabhramsa.

Hindi's roots in ancient Apabhramsa:
- Hindi, one of the major languages of India, traces its roots to ancient Apabhramsa. As Apabhramsa evolved over time, it gave rise to various regional languages, including Hindi.
- The development of Hindi as a separate language can be attributed to the influence of Apabhramsa and its subsequent transformation into a distinct language.

Conclusion:
Apabhramsa is an important linguistic and cultural aspect of India's history. It was an umbrella term that included various dialects and languages, which were not limited to the usage of specific social or religious groups. Apabhramsa also served as a literary language and played a significant role in the development of Hindi and other regional languages.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

Top Courses for UPSC

With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice With reference to cultural history in India, which one of the following statements is incorrect regarding ‘Apabhramsa’?a)It is an umbrella term which includes dialects other than Sanskrit.b)It was a literary language and was used to write several texts.c)It was exclusively used by the Brahmanas.d)Hindi has its roots in ancient Apabhramsa language.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev