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Maithili is primarily spoken in the Mithila region, which includes parts of the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand, and provinces in Nepal.
Answer: True
Explanation: The linguistic data confirms that Maithili's primary domain is the Mithila region, encompassing territories within both India (Bihar, Jharkhand) and Nepal, aligning with its status as a scheduled language.
Approximately 3.2 million people speak Maithili in India, while the majority of its speakers reside in Nepal.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that approximately 21.7 million people speak Maithili in total, with about 3.2 million residing in Nepal, meaning the majority of speakers are in India.
Maithili is mainly spoken in the Santhal Pargana division of Bihar and the Purnia division of Jharkhand.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Santhal Pargana division is primarily associated with Jharkhand, not Bihar, and Maithili is spoken there. However, the Purnia division is in Bihar, not Jharkhand. The statement incorrectly assigns divisions to states.
Janakpur in Nepal and Madhubani in India are considered minor centers for Maithili culture.
Answer: False
Explanation: Janakpur in Nepal and Madhubani in India are recognized as significant cultural and linguistic centers for the Maithili language, not minor ones.
Which region is considered the primary area where the Maithili language is spoken?
Answer: The Mithila region spanning parts of India and Nepal
Explanation: The primary geographic locus for the Maithili language is the Mithila region, which extends across parts of India (Bihar, Jharkhand) and Nepal, as detailed in the supporting linguistic data.
What is the approximate total number of Maithili speakers mentioned in the source?
Answer: Around 21.7 million
Explanation: The source indicates that approximately 21.7 million individuals speak the Maithili language.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a division in Bihar where Maithili is predominantly spoken?
Answer: Patna
Explanation: While Darbhanga, Purnia, and Munger are noted divisions where Maithili is spoken, Patna is not explicitly listed as a primary division for its predominant usage in the provided text.
According to the source, which city is recognized as a significant cultural and linguistic center for Maithili in Nepal?
Answer: Janakpur
Explanation: Janakpur in Nepal is identified as a significant cultural and linguistic hub for the Maithili language.
Early linguists like John Beames initially classified Maithili as a dialect of Hindi.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Beames initially classified Maithili as a dialect of Bengali, not Hindi. Rudolf Hoernlé also considered it a dialect of Eastern Hindi but later noted its stronger similarities to Bengali.
George Abraham Grierson was the first to recognize Maithili as a distinct language and published its first grammar.
Answer: True
Explanation: George Abraham Grierson is credited with recognizing Maithili as a distinct language and publishing its first grammar, classifying it within the Bihari subgroup.
Suniti Kumar Chatterji grouped Maithili with the Magadhi Prakrit language.
Answer: True
Explanation: Linguist Suniti Kumar Chatterji's classification placed Maithili within the lineage of the Magadhi Prakrit language.
The name 'Maithili' is derived from the ancient kingdom of Mithila and is associated with the goddess Sita.
Answer: True
Explanation: The etymology of 'Maithili' is rooted in the ancient kingdom of Mithila, and it is also linked to Sita, the mythological princess of that kingdom.
The 'Charyapadas,' Buddhist verses from the 11th-14th centuries, are believed to contain early traces of the Maithili language.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scholarly analysis suggests that the Charyapadas, a collection of Buddhist mystical verses, contain linguistic elements indicative of early or proto-Maithili.
An early European reference to Maithili, called 'Tourutiana,' appeared in 1771.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'Tourutiana,' an early European designation for Maithili, was documented in 1771, indicating early scholarly interest in the language.
Maithili is classified under the Western Indo-Aryan language group.
Answer: False
Explanation: Maithili is classified under the Eastern Indo-Aryan language group, specifically within the Bihari subgroup.
How did John Beames initially classify Maithili in the 1870s?
Answer: As a dialect of Bengali
Explanation: In the 1870s, the linguist John Beames classified Maithili as a dialect of Bengali, a classification later refined by other scholars.
George Abraham Grierson is credited with which significant contribution to Maithili studies?
Answer: Recognizing Maithili as a distinct language and publishing its first grammar
Explanation: George Abraham Grierson's seminal contribution was identifying Maithili as a distinct language and producing its first comprehensive grammar.
What is the etymological origin of the name 'Maithili'?
Answer: It is derived from the ancient kingdom of Mithila and is associated with Sita.
Explanation: The nomenclature 'Maithili' originates from the historical region of Mithila and is closely associated with Sita, the mythological princess of that kingdom.
Which collection of Buddhist mystical verses is considered to contain traces of early or proto-Maithili?
Answer: The Charyapadas
Explanation: The Charyapadas, a corpus of Buddhist mystical songs, are posited by scholars to contain linguistic evidence of early or proto-Maithili.
Which classification best describes Maithili within the Indo-Aryan language family, according to the source?
Answer: Eastern Indo-Aryan (Bihari subgroup)
Explanation: Maithili is linguistically classified as belonging to the Eastern Indo-Aryan languages, specifically within the Bihari subgroup.
The Devanagari script is the only writing system ever used for the Maithili language.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historical and contemporary usage demonstrates that while Devanagari is predominant, the Tirhuta and Kaithi scripts have also been employed for writing Maithili.
Which script is considered the original script for Maithili, although Devanagari is now predominantly used?
Answer: Tirhuta
Explanation: The Tirhuta script, also known as Mithilakshara, is considered the historical and original script for Maithili, though Devanagari is now more commonly used.
Gopal Jee Thakur was the first Member of Parliament to deliver a speech in Maithili in the Indian Parliament.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gopal Jee Thakur holds the distinction of being the inaugural Member of Parliament to address the Indian Parliament in the Maithili language.
Jyotirishwar Thakur wrote the Varna Ratnakara, the first known Maithili prose work, in the Devanagari script.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Varna Ratnakara, attributed to Jyotirishwar Thakur, is recognized as the earliest known Maithili prose work, and it was historically composed using the Tirhuta (Mithilakshar) script, not Devanagari.
Vidyapati Thakur, a 14th-century poet, wrote extensively on themes of love and devotion, influencing literature in Assam and Bengal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vidyapati Thakur's prolific works, focusing on themes of love and devotion, significantly influenced literary traditions in regions such as Assam and Bengal.
Rabindranath Tagore imitated Vidyapati's style under the pseudonym Bhanusimha.
Answer: True
Explanation: The renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore drew inspiration from Vidyapati's style, composing works under the literary pseudonym Bhanusimha.
The Varna Ratnakara is considered the earliest known prose work in any modern Indian language.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jyotirishwar Thakur's Varna Ratnakara is recognized not only as the earliest Maithili prose work but potentially as the first prose work in any modern Indian language.
Who holds the distinction of being the first Member of Parliament to speak in Maithili in the Indian Parliament?
Answer: Gopal Jee Thakur
Explanation: Gopal Jee Thakur achieved the milestone of being the first Member of Parliament to deliver a speech in the Maithili language within the Indian Parliament.
Who is credited with writing the Varna Ratnakara, considered the earliest known prose text in Maithili?
Answer: Jyotirishwar Thakur
Explanation: The Varna Ratnakara, recognized as the earliest known prose work in Maithili, is attributed to the scholar Jyotirishwar Thakur.
The poet Vidyapati Thakur, active in the 14th-15th centuries, is known for his works on:
Answer: Love and devotion
Explanation: Vidyapati Thakur, a prominent 14th-15th century poet, is celebrated for his extensive compositions centered on themes of love and devotion.
Maithili was officially recognized as a scheduled language in India in 2003.
Answer: True
Explanation: Maithili was formally included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003, granting it official recognition.
The state of Jharkhand granted Maithili the status of a second official language in March 2018.
Answer: True
Explanation: In March 2018, the government of Jharkhand officially designated Maithili as its second official language.
On Constitution Day 2024, the President of India launched the Hindi version of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: False
Explanation: The event on Constitution Day 2024 involved the launch of the *Maithili* version of the Indian Constitution by the President of India, not the Hindi version.
During the Malla dynasty's rule in Nepal, Maithili dramas were produced, but the language did not spread widely.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Malla dynasty's rule in Nepal, Maithili dramas were indeed produced, and the language experienced significant proliferation throughout the region.
The British Raj's takeover of the Darbhanga Raj led to a significant promotion of the Maithili language.
Answer: False
Explanation: The British Raj's administration following the takeover of the Darbhanga Raj exhibited a lackadaisical approach towards the promotion of the Maithili language, necessitating subsequent revival efforts.
The Maithil Mahasabha, founded in 1910, was instrumental in campaigning for Maithili's official recognition.
Answer: True
Explanation: Established in 1910, the Maithil Mahasabha played a pivotal role in advocating for the official recognition of the Maithili language.
Maithili was accepted by the Sahitya Akademi in 1965.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sahitya Akademi, India's national academy for literature, officially recognized Maithili in 1965.
Maithili was granted classical language status by India in October 2024.
Answer: False
Explanation: While classical language status was considered in October 2024, Maithili did not receive it at that time due to procedural reasons, specifically the lack of a proposal from the Bihar government.
In what year was Maithili officially included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: 2003
Explanation: Maithili was officially recognized as a scheduled language in India when it was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in the year 2003.
Which Indian state granted Maithili the status of a second official language in March 2018?
Answer: Jharkhand
Explanation: In March 2018, the state of Jharkhand officially conferred upon Maithili the status of a second official language.
What significant event related to the Maithili language occurred on Constitution Day 2024?
Answer: The President of India launched the Maithili version of the Indian Constitution.
Explanation: On Constitution Day 2024, the President of India formally launched the Maithili translation of the Indian Constitution, marking a significant event for the language.
During which period did Maithili spread widely in Nepal, with the production of numerous dramas?
Answer: The Malla dynasty's rule
Explanation: Maithili experienced significant proliferation and literary production, including numerous dramas, during the Malla dynasty's rule in Nepal.
What was the impact of the British Raj's takeover of the Darbhanga Raj on the Maithili language, according to the text?
Answer: It was met with a lackadaisical approach, requiring later revival efforts.
Explanation: The British administration's approach to the Darbhanga Raj following its takeover was characterized by a lack of proactive promotion for the Maithili language, necessitating subsequent revival initiatives.
The Maithil Mahasabha organization, established in 1910, played a key role in:
Answer: Campaigning for the official recognition of Maithili
Explanation: The Maithil Mahasabha, founded in 1910, was instrumental in spearheading campaigns for the official recognition of the Maithili language.
In which year did the Sahitya Akademi officially accept Maithili?
Answer: 1965
Explanation: Maithili received official acceptance from the Sahitya Akademi in the year 1965.
Why did Maithili miss out on being granted classical language status in October 2024, according to the source?
Answer: There was a lack of a proposal from the Bihar government.
Explanation: Maithili's omission from the list of languages granted classical status in October 2024 is attributed to the absence of a formal proposal submitted by the Bihar state government.
Sotipura, or Central Maithili, is spoken mainly in districts like Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur in India.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sotipura, or Central Maithili, is primarily spoken in districts such as Darbhanga and Madhubani, not Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur, which are associated with Bajjika.
Bajjika is recognized as a distinct language in Nepal and is primarily spoken in western Bihar districts.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bajjika, also known as Western Maithili, is recognized as a distinct language in Nepal and is predominantly spoken in western Bihar districts.
The Thethi dialect is predominantly spoken in the Bhagalpur and Munger districts of Bihar.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Thethi dialect is primarily spoken in the Kosi, Purnia, and Munger divisions of Bihar, not exclusively Bhagalpur and Munger.
The Angika dialect is primarily spoken in the Santhal Pargana division of Jharkhand and surrounding Bihar districts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Angika dialect is predominantly spoken in districts such as Bhagalpur and Munger in Bihar, and in the Santhal Pargana division of Jharkhand.
All dialects of Maithili are considered mutually unintelligible by native speakers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the source indicates that all the various dialects of Maithili are considered intelligible to native Maithili speakers.
The dialect known as Bajjika is also referred to as:
Answer: Western Maithili
Explanation: The dialect Bajjika is also identified as Western Maithili, spoken predominantly in specific districts of Bihar and Nepal.
Which dialect is primarily spoken in the Kosi, Purnia, and Munger divisions of Bihar, according to the source?
Answer: Thethi
Explanation: The Thethi dialect is predominantly spoken in the Kosi, Purnia, and Munger divisions of Bihar.
The Angika dialect of Maithili is predominantly spoken in districts like Bhagalpur and Banka in Bihar, and which districts in Jharkhand?
Answer: Godda, Sahebganj, Dumka
Explanation: The Angika dialect extends into Jharkhand, being predominantly spoken in districts such as Godda, Sahebganj, and Dumka, in addition to its prevalence in Bihar.
Maithili phonology includes nasal counterparts for all its vowel sounds.
Answer: True
Explanation: A key feature of Maithili phonology is the presence of nasal counterparts for all its vowel sounds.
Epenthesis in Maithili involves the addition of sounds at the beginning of words.
Answer: False
Explanation: Epenthesis in Maithili pronunciation is characterized by the transposition of final vowel sounds, specifically /i/ and /u/, rather than the addition of sounds at the beginning of words.
The retroflex nasal /ɳ/ typically occurs word-initially in Maithili.
Answer: False
Explanation: The retroflex nasal /ɳ/ in Maithili typically occurs non-initially, often preceding a homorganic stop, and is primarily found in Sanskrit loanwords.
Which of the following is a characteristic of Maithili phonology mentioned in the text?
Answer: All vowels have nasal counterparts.
Explanation: A notable feature of Maithili phonology is the existence of nasal counterparts for all of its vowel sounds.
The phenomenon of 'epenthesis' in Maithili pronunciation involves:
Answer: Transposing final /i/ and /u/ sounds.
Explanation: In Maithili phonetics, epenthesis refers specifically to the backward transposition of final /i/ and /u/ sounds within words.