NCERT Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Knowledge Traditions Practices of India: Chapter 1 — Language and Literature of India
This chapter introduces the significance of language as a fundamental aspect of human life and culture. It highlights language's role in expression, communication, and preserving knowledge across generations. The text discusses the origins of language, its connection to thought and action, and its integral part in social and cultural lives. It explores how language mediates relationships, influences civilizations, and has historically shaped kingdoms and rulers. The chapter also touches upon the intermingling of cultures and languages, using the example of Urdu and Hindustani. Furthermore, it emphasizes language's role in promoting co-existence by fostering understanding of cultural practices and ethical norms, thereby reducing societal conflicts. The chapter underscores that language gives distinctive meaning to experiences and is crucial for understanding and reflection.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Knowledge Traditions Practices of India |
| Book | Knowledge Traditions Practices of India |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — Language and Literature of India |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 573 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the fundamental role of language in human life and culture.
- Recognize language as a medium for expression, communication, and knowledge preservation.
- Appreciate the historical and social significance of language in shaping civilizations.
- Identify the connection between language, culture, and co-existence.
- Understand the concept of oral traditions and their importance.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bhāṣā | The Sanskrit word for 'Language', derived from the root 'Bhāṣ' meaning 'to speak' or 'to say'. |
| Kavaad Banchana | A traditional form of oral storytelling where 'Kavaad' means panel of a door and 'Banchana' means to narrate and show an illustrated story on the panel. |
| Phad singers | Singers who perform narratives of folk deities using a 'Phad', which is a scroll depicting these narratives. The Bhopas of Rajasthan are examples. |
| Oral traditions | The transmission of knowledge, stories, and culture through spoken words rather than written records. |
| Śruti | Literally 'that which is heard'; refers to Vedic scriptures in Hinduism, considered divinely revealed. |
| Smṛti | Literally 'that which is remembered'; refers to Hindu religious texts that are based on tradition and memory, such as the Puranas and Epics. |
| Purāṇa | Ancient Indian literature containing cosmological and genealogical narratives of deities, sages, and kings. |
| Epics | Long narrative poems, typically concerning the deeds of heroic figures or the history of a nation, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. |
| Dialects | A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group. |
| Co-existence | The state of living together peacefully in the same place or period. |
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Practice questions
- What is the Sanskrit word for 'Language' and what is its root meaning? Answer: The Sanskrit word for 'Language' is Bhāṣā, derived from the root Bhāṣ, meaning 'to speak' or 'to say'.
- Explain Kavaad Banchana and Phad singers as forms of oral tradition. Answer: Kavaad Banchana is oral storytelling using illustrated door panels, while Phad singers narrate folk deity stories using scrolls.
- How does language contribute to the evolution of human civilization? Answer: Language mediates relationships and is instrumental in the evolution of human civilization by facilitating communication, cultural transmission, and shared understanding.
- What is the role of language in promoting co-existence? Answer: Language promotes co-existence by fostering understanding of each other's cultural practices and ethical norms, thereby reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is a traditional form of oral storytelling involving illustrated panels?
Explanation: Kavaad Banchana is defined as a traditional form of oral storytelling using illustrated panels of a door.
Q2. The Sanskrit word 'Bhāṣā' is derived from which root, and what does it mean?
Explanation: The chapter states that 'Bhāṣā' is derived from the root 'Bhāṣ', which literally means 'to speak' or 'to say'.
Q3. Phad singers are associated with which state in India?
Explanation: The text specifically mentions the Bhopas of Rajasthan as phad singers.
Q4. According to the chapter, what is a primary source of conflict in societies?
Explanation: The chapter states that 'Source of conflict in societies lies in misunderstanding and lack of awareness about each other's cultural practices and ethical norms.'
Q5. The intermingling of Mughals with natives in India led to the birth of which languages?
Explanation: The chapter provides the birth of Urdu and Hindustani in India as an example of intermingling of cultures and languages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of 'Bhāṣā' in Sanskrit?
'Bhāṣā' is the Sanskrit word for language, derived from the root 'Bhāṣ', which means 'to speak' or 'to say'.
What are Kavaad Banchana and Phad singers?
Kavaad Banchana is a traditional oral storytelling form using illustrated panels, while Phad singers narrate folk deity stories using scrolls.
How is language important for human civilization?
Language mediates relationships and is crucial for the evolution of human civilization by enabling communication, cultural transmission, and shared understanding.
What role does language play in promoting harmony between people?
Language promotes harmony by fostering understanding of different cultural practices and ethical norms, which helps reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.
Can languages without a script fulfill the urge for expression?
Yes, languages without a script can fulfill the urge for expression of creative thoughts, ideas, and mutual interactions, connecting speakers and listeners.
What is an example of language evolution due to cultural intermingling in India?
The birth of Urdu and Hindustani in India is cited as an example of languages evolving from the intermingling of Mughals with the native population.
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NCERT Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India — Knowledge Traditions Practices of India — Chapter 1 — Language and Literature of India. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.