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The Evolution of Scripts: Tracing the Roots of Indian Writing Systems

Description: This quiz delves into the fascinating evolution of scripts used in India, tracing the roots of writing systems that have shaped the country's rich linguistic heritage.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian scripts writing systems language evolution historical linguistics
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Which ancient script is considered the earliest known form of writing in India?

  1. Brahmi

  2. Kharoshthi

  3. Gupta

  4. Devanagari


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Brahmi, an abugida script, emerged around the 3rd century BCE and served as the foundation for numerous scripts used in India and Southeast Asia.

What is the primary distinguishing feature of an abugida script?

  1. Consonant-vowel combinations

  2. Logographic characters

  3. Syllabic representation

  4. Alphabetic symbols


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

An abugida script represents consonants with inherent vowels, and vowel modifications are indicated by diacritical marks.

Which script was widely used in ancient India alongside Brahmi?

  1. Kharoshthi

  2. Gupta

  3. Devanagari

  4. Tamil


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Kharoshthi, another abugida script, was prevalent in the northwestern regions of ancient India and was used for writing Prakrit languages.

What significant role did the Gupta Empire play in the evolution of Indian scripts?

  1. Standardization of Brahmi

  2. Development of new scripts

  3. Adoption of foreign scripts

  4. Promotion of regional scripts


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

During the Gupta period, Brahmi underwent significant standardization, leading to the emergence of various regional scripts with common roots.

Which script emerged as the dominant writing system in North India after the Gupta period?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Kannada

  3. Telugu

  4. Bengali


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Devanagari, derived from the Gupta script, became the primary script for writing Sanskrit and various North Indian languages.

What is the unique characteristic of the Tamil script among Dravidian scripts?

  1. Absence of vowel signs

  2. Use of diacritical marks

  3. Logographic characters

  4. Syllabic representation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Unlike other Dravidian scripts, Tamil does not employ vowel signs, relying on inherent vowel sounds associated with consonants.

Which script is primarily used for writing the Malayalam language?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Kannada

  3. Telugu

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Malayalam, a Dravidian language, has its own unique script that evolved from the Grantha script.

What is the significance of the Grantha script in the evolution of Indian scripts?

  1. Origin of Devanagari

  2. Base for Dravidian scripts

  3. Source of Bengali script

  4. Foundation of Gurmukhi script


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Grantha script served as the foundation for the development of several Dravidian scripts, including Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Which script is used for writing the Gurmukhi language?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Kannada

  3. Telugu

  4. Gurmukhi


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Gurmukhi, a script derived from the Devanagari script, is primarily used for writing Punjabi.

What is the primary script used for writing the Odia language?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Kannada

  3. Telugu

  4. Odia


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Odia, an Indo-Aryan language, has its own unique script that evolved from the Brahmi script.

Which script is employed for writing the Kannada language?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Kannada

  3. Telugu

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Kannada, a Dravidian language, has its own script that originated from the Kadamba script.

What is the distinguishing feature of the Telugu script among Dravidian scripts?

  1. Use of vowel signs

  2. Absence of diacritical marks

  3. Logographic characters

  4. Syllabic representation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Unlike Tamil, Telugu employs vowel signs to represent vowel sounds associated with consonants.

Which script is primarily used for writing the Bengali language?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Kannada

  3. Telugu

  4. Bengali


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Bengali, an Indo-Aryan language, has its own unique script that evolved from the Brahmi script.

What is the significance of the Sharada script in the evolution of Indian scripts?

  1. Origin of Devanagari

  2. Base for Dravidian scripts

  3. Source of Bengali script

  4. Foundation of Gurmukhi script


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Sharada script, used in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, is considered the ancestor of the Devanagari script.

Which script is employed for writing the Gujarati language?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Kannada

  3. Telugu

  4. Gujarati


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Gujarati, an Indo-Aryan language, has its own unique script that evolved from the Devanagari script.

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