There are three words given which have something in common among themselves. Out of the four alternatives, choose the most appropriate description about these words.
Prakrit : Pali : Sanskrit
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) - They are old languages of India
Prakrit, Pali, and Sanskrit are all ancient languages that originated in the Indian subcontinent.
- Prakrit: Prakrit languages were vernacular Middle Indo-Aryan languages spoken in ancient India. They evolved from Old Indo-Aryan languages and were used in various regions of the Indian subcontinent. Prakrit was the language of common people and was used in everyday communication and literature.
- Pali: Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language that was used in the Indian subcontinent around the time of the Buddha. It is particularly known for being the language of the Theravada Buddhist scriptures, including the Pali Canon. Pali was used for Buddhist teachings and literature.
- Sanskrit: Sanskrit is one of the oldest classical languages of India and is considered the mother of many Indian languages. It is a classical language of ancient India and is known for its rich literature, including the Vedas, Upanishads, epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and various other texts on philosophy, science, and arts.
The statement "They are old languages of India" accurately describes these three languages because they are all ancient languages that have historical significance in the Indian subcontinent.