Question 1

In which year was the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honor, instituted?

Accepted Answer

1961. The Jnanpith Award was formally established in 1961 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith trust. It was created to recognize outstanding contributions to Indian literature by Indian citizens. The first actual presentation of the award happened a few years after its institution.

Question 2

Who was the first recipient of the Jnanpith Award in 1965?

Accepted Answer

G. Sankara Kurup. G. Sankara Kurup, a renowned Malayalam poet, received the inaugural award for his collection 'Odakkuzhal'. This collection is famously known as 'The Bamboo Flute' in English. His win marked the beginning of this prestigious literary tradition in India.

Question 3

Which bronze statue is presented to the winners of the Jnanpith Award?

Accepted Answer

Statue of Goddess Saraswati. Winners receive a bronze replica of Vagdevi, which is a form of Goddess Saraswati. This specific icon is modeled after an 11th-century statue found in the Bhojshala temple. It symbolizes knowledge, music, and the arts in Indian culture.

Question 4

The Jnanpith Award is conferred for literary works in languages listed in which schedule of the Indian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Eighth Schedule. The award covers all 22 languages recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, English was later included as an eligible language for the award. This ensures representation of the diverse linguistic heritage of India.

Question 5

Who was the first woman to receive the Jnanpith Award?

Accepted Answer

Ashapoorna Devi. Ashapoorna Devi, a celebrated Bengali novelist, won the award in 1976. She was recognized for her famous novel 'Pratham Pratishruti'. Her writings often explored the domestic lives and struggles of women in Bengal.

Jnanpith Award — Set 1