Jnanpith Award — Set 5
Awards & Honors · ज्ञानपीठ पुरस्कार · Questions 41–50 of 60
Who was the first recipient of the Jnanpith Award?
Correct Answer: B. G. Sankara Kurup
G. Sankara Kurup won the first Jnanpith Award in 1965 for his Malayalam poetry collection 'Odakkuzhal'. The award was established to recognize excellence in Indian literature. It is now presented annually to authors for their lifetime contribution.
In which language was the first Jnanpith Award winning book written?
Correct Answer: C. Malayalam
The first award was given to a Malayalam writer, G. Sankara Kurup. Malayalam is one of the most prominent languages in the Jnanpith tally. The award is open to all Indian languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Who was the first woman to be honored with the Jnanpith Award?
Correct Answer: C. Ashapoorna Devi
Ashapoorna Devi became the first woman recipient in 1976 for her Bengali novel 'Pratham Pratishruti'. She wrote over 200 books and was a significant figure in modern Bengali literature. Her work often focused on the evolution of the female identity.
Which language has received the highest number of Jnanpith Awards?
Correct Answer: A. Hindi
Hindi currently holds the record for the maximum number of Jnanpith laureates. Kannada follows closely in the second position. This highlights the rich literary heritage and active writing culture in these languages.
Who was the first Hindi writer to receive the Jnanpith Award?
Correct Answer: B. Sumitranandan Pant
Sumitranandan Pant won the award in 1968 for his work 'Chidambara'. He was a pioneer of the Chhayavaad school of Hindi poetry. His writing is celebrated for its focus on nature and humanism.
What is the name of the bronze statue given to Jnanpith Award winners?
Correct Answer: B. Vagdevi
Winners receive a bronze replica of Vagdevi, which is a representation of the Goddess Saraswati. The statue is based on an ancient 11th-century icon. It symbolizes the divine power of speech and wisdom.
The Jnanpith Award is given for contribution to which field?
Correct Answer: C. Literature
The Jnanpith is India's highest and most prestigious literary award. It is presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith foundation. Only Indian citizens are eligible for this honor.
Which English-language writer was the first to win the Jnanpith Award?
Correct Answer: C. Amitav Ghosh
Amitav Ghosh became the first English writer to receive the award in 2018. Before this, the award was mostly restricted to regional Indian languages. He is known for his complex historical fiction and travelogues.
Who among the following shared the 58th Jnanpith Award in 2023?
Correct Answer: A. Gulzar and Rambhadracharya
The 2023 award was jointly conferred upon Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. Gulzar is famous for his films and lyrics, while Rambhadracharya is a renowned spiritual leader. This was the second time Sanskrit literature received the honor.
Since 1982, the Jnanpith Award is given for?
Correct Answer: B. Overall contribution to literature
Initially given for a specific book, the criteria changed to lifetime contribution in 1982. This allows the foundation to honor the entire body of work of a great writer. It is a recognition of sustained excellence and impact.