Saraswati Award — Set 1
Awards & Honors · सरस्वती पुरस्कार · Questions 1–10 of 50
The Saraswati Samman and Vyas Samman are prestigious literary awards instituted by which foundation?
Correct Answer: B. K.K. Birla Foundation
Both awards were established in 1991 by the K.K. Birla Foundation to promote Indian literature. The foundation aims to recognize outstanding literary works published in various Indian languages. These honors are among the most respected private literary awards in the country.
What is the primary language requirement for a literary work to be considered for the Vyas Samman?
Correct Answer: C. Hindi only
The Vyas Samman is exclusively awarded to outstanding literary works published in the Hindi language. To be eligible, the work must have been published within the last 10 years. It is named after the legendary sage Ved Vyas, the author of the Mahabharata.
How many Indian languages mentioned in the VIII Schedule of the Constitution are eligible for the Saraswati Samman?
Correct Answer: C. 22
The Saraswati Samman is open to works in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It recognizes exceptional prose or poetry published during the preceding 10 years. This broad scope reflects India's vast and diverse linguistic heritage.
Who was the first recipient of the Saraswati Samman for his four-volume autobiography?
Correct Answer: D. Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Harivansh Rai Bachchan received the inaugural Saraswati Samman in 1991 for his autobiography 'Kya Bhoolun Kya Yaad Karun'. He was a renowned Hindi poet and part of the Chhayavaad movement. His work is celebrated for its deep introspection and literary excellence.
The Saraswati Samman carries a citation, a plaque, and a cash prize of approximately how much?
Correct Answer: C. 15 Lakh Rupees
The prize money for the Saraswati Samman was increased to 15 lakh rupees to reflect its high status. It is considered one of the most generous and prestigious literary awards in India. The award ceremony usually attracts major figures from the world of literature and arts.
Which eminent scholar and critic was the first to receive the Vyas Samman in 1991?
Correct Answer: B. Ram Vilas Sharma
Ram Vilas Sharma won the first Vyas Samman for his critical work 'Bharat ke Pracheen Bhasha Parivar aur Hindi'. He was a highly influential Marxist critic and historian of Hindi literature. This award recognized his immense contribution to linguistic and literary research.
Who won the Saraswati Samman in 2022 for the Tamil book 'Surya Vamsam'?
Correct Answer: B. Sivasankari
Sivasankari is a prolific Tamil writer who received the honor for her memoir. The book provides a detailed account of her life journey and literary career. She is the third Tamil writer to win this prestigious pan-Indian award.
Which work by Dr. Madhav Hada was selected for the 32nd Vyas Samman (2022)?
Correct Answer: C. Pachrang Chola Pahar Sakhi Ri
The correct answer is 'Pachrang Chola Pahar Sakhi Ri'. Dr. Madhav Hada's book is a critical study focusing on the life and works of the poet Mira Bai. It explores the cultural and social context of medieval Rajasthan through Mirabai's lens. This award highlights the importance of critical and research-based Hindi literature.
In which year did the K.K. Birla Foundation announce the first sets of Saraswati and Vyas Samman?
Correct Answer: B. 1991
The year 1991 marked the beginning of these awards as part of a mission to encourage Indian literature. The foundation also established the Bihari Puraskar specifically for Rajasthani writers around the same time. These initiatives have significantly boosted the morale of regional language authors.
Who was the first woman to win the Saraswati Samman?
Correct Answer: B. Balamani Amma
Balamani Amma, a legendary Malayalam poet, won the award in 1995 for her collection 'Nivedyam'. She is often referred to as the 'Amma' or mother of Malayalam poetry due to her maternal themes. Her daughter is the famous bilingual writer Kamala Das.