1
In which year was the Sahitya Akademi Award established to promote excellence in Indian literature?
🏆 Sahitya Akademi Award
Sahitya Akademi Award
By Priya Sharma · Static GK Expert
50 Questions Awards & Honours
A comprehensive quiz covering the historical, structural, and literary aspects of the Sahitya Akademi Award in India.
2
The Sahitya Akademi recognizes literature in how many languages as per the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, plus English and Rajasthani?
3
Who was the first recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for Hindi literature in 1955?
4
Which of the following is the monetary value currently associated with the main Sahitya Akademi Award?
5
The emblem of the Sahitya Akademi Award was designed by which famous Indian filmmaker and artist?
6
Which award is given by the Sahitya Akademi specifically to young writers under the age of 35?
7
The Sahitya Akademi 'Bhasha Samman' is awarded to writers for their contribution to which of the following?
8
Which of the following authors became the first woman to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1956?
9
In which city is the headquarters of the Sahitya Akademi located?
10
Which literary work by R.K. Narayan won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960?
11
The Sahitya Akademi is an autonomous organization under which Ministry of the Government of India?
12
Which of these is NOT a criterion for a book to be considered for the Sahitya Akademi Award?
13
Which language was the latest addition to the list of languages for which the Sahitya Akademi Award is given?
14
Who selects the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Award?
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Which award is conferred by the Sahitya Akademi specifically for children's literature?
16
Which famous poet was the first to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award for Bengali literature?
17
Sahitya Akademi publishes two monthly journals. One is 'Indian Literature'. What is the name of the other?
18
Which of these works by Mulk Raj Anand received the Sahitya Akademi Award?
19
What is the primary objective of the 'Translation Prize' awarded by the Sahitya Akademi?
20
Which institution founded by the Government of India provides the funds for the Sahitya Akademi?
21
Which of the following literary figures served as the first President of the Sahitya Akademi?
22
The Sahitya Akademi presents the 'Premchand Fellowship' to researchers and scholars from which region/country?
23
Which famous Indian author returned their Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015 as part of the 'Award Wapsi' protest?
24
The Sahitya Akademi Award for a particular language is usually decided by a jury of how many members?
25
Which of these non-scheduled languages (other than English and Rajasthani) is recognized by the Sahitya Akademi for its annual awards?
26
What is the primary criteria for a book to be eligible for the Sahitya Akademi Award regarding its publication date?
27
Which of the following works by Harivansh Rai Bachchan received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1968?
28
The 'Anuvad Puraskar' (Translation Prize) of the Sahitya Akademi was instituted in which year?
29
The annual lecture series organized by the Sahitya Akademi to honor the memory of the first Prime Minister of India is called:
30
Which noted author won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his English novel 'The Shadow Lines'?
31
What is the physical prize (citation/plaque) of the Sahitya Akademi Award made of?
32
Which language's literary works were added to the Sahitya Akademi's recognition list in 2005?
33
Who was the first recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for English literature in 1960?
34
The 'Samvatsar Lecture' is a hallmark event of the Sahitya Akademi. What does 'Samvatsar' signify?
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Which of these famous authors is a winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award for Marathi literature?
36
The Sahitya Akademi Award is NOT given for which of the following genres?
37
Which Sahitya Akademi journal focuses on the critique and discussion of contemporary Indian literary works?
38
The Sahitya Akademi Award presentation ceremony is traditionally held at which event?
39
Who among the following was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest literary honor in India, in 1954?
40
The 'Bhasha Samman' award was instituted to recognize work in which specific linguistic area?
41
The Sahitya Akademi Award for English literature was first presented in which year?
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Which of the following literary forms is explicitly NOT eligible for the main Sahitya Akademi Award?
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What is the primary material used for the plaque presented as part of the Sahitya Akademi Award?
44
The Sahitya Akademi's 'Bhasha Samman' is specifically awarded to honor significant contributions to which of the following?
45
Who was the first recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for the Telugu language in 1955?
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The Sahitya Akademi Fellowship is considered the highest literary honor in India. In which year was it first conferred?
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Which of the following authors received the Sahitya Akademi Award for the book 'Aalochana'?
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What is the duration of the 'eligibility window' for a book to be considered for the annual Sahitya Akademi Award?
49
Which of these languages was recognized by the Sahitya Akademi in 2005, expanding the list of supported languages?
50
Who chairs the General Council of the Sahitya Akademi?
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Important Notes — Sahitya Akademi Award
Overview of the Sahitya Akademi Award
The Sahitya Akademi Award is a prestigious literary honor in India, conferred annually by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters. Established in 1954, this award recognizes the most outstanding literary works published in any of the 24 major Indian languages recognized by the academy.
Key Details & Significance
- Languages Covered: The award is given to books in the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, plus English and Rajasthani.
- Nature of Award: It consists of a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. (Initially, the prize money was ₹5,000 in 1954; it has been revised multiple times).
- Selection Process: Works are selected based on the recommendation of a jury of three members for each language, based on specific criteria like excellence in literature and the influence of the work on the Indian literary landscape.
- Independence: The award is considered one of the most prestigious literary honors in the country, distinct from the *Jnanpith Award*, which is given for a lifetime contribution to literature.
Essential Facts for Competitive Exams
To excel in exams like UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs, aspirants should memorize the following core statistics and historical milestones:
- First Recipients (1955): The awards were first presented in 1955. Notable inaugural winners included Makhanlal Chaturvedi (Hindi for *Him Taringini*) and R.K. Narayan (English for *Waiting for the Mahatma*).
- Eligibility: The author must be an Indian national. The book must be an outstanding contribution to the language and literature to which it belongs.
- Frequency: The award is presented annually for works published in the preceding five years.
- Translation Prize: The Akademi also presents the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for translations of significant literary works between Indian languages.
- Bhasha Samman: This is another special award instituted by the Akademi to honor writers who have contributed to languages not formally recognized by the Akademi or for significant contributions to classical and medieval literature.
Frequently Asked Exam Points
- Regulatory Body: The Sahitya Akademi is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
- Headquarters: The Akademi is headquartered in Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.
- First Woman Winner: Amrita Pritam was the first woman to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1956 for her collection of poems, *Sunehure*.
- Posthumous Awards: The award can be conferred posthumously if the author passed away after the book's publication but before the award announcement.
These notes provide a concise summary for quick revision. Ensure you track the current year’s winners from the official Sahitya Akademi website prior to your exam, as these change annually.
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About the Author
PS
Priya Sharma Static GK Expert
Indian History · Geography · Polity & Economy Specialist
With 8+ years of teaching static GK for competitive exams, Priya has helped thousands of students master the foundational subjects that appear year after year in UPSC, SSC, and Railway exams. She focuses on making history, geography, and polity approachable through well-structured MCQs and memorable explanations.
