Literature Awards
Delhi Police & SSC Exams – GK Section
Introduction
Literary awards celebrate writers, poets, and journalists for their creative excellence and contribution to society's knowledge and culture. These awards are frequently asked in competitive exams.
Mnemonic: S–J–B–P → Sahitya, Jnanpith, Booker, Pulitzer.
Stories Journey Beyond Pages!
Sahitya Akademi Award (India)
- Established: 1954
- Given By: Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters, Ministry of Culture)
- Field: Literature in 24 Indian languages
- Prize: Plaque and ₹1 lakh cash
- Frequency: Annual
- Categories: Poetry, Fiction, Drama, Essays, Criticism
Mnemonic: Sahitya = Stories in 24 Indian tongues.
Jnanpith Award (India’s Highest Literary Honor)
- Established: 1961
- Given By: Bharatiya Jnanpith Organization
- Field: Lifetime contribution to literature
- Eligible: Any of the 22 official languages
- Prize: Citation, statue of Saraswati, ₹11 lakh
- Frequency: Annual
Mnemonic: Jnanpith = Journey of Knowledge through Language.
Booker Prize (International – English Literature)
- Established: 1969
- Given By: Booker Prize Foundation, UK
- Field: Best original English-language novel
- Prize: £50,000
Mnemonic: Roy, Desai, Adiga Booked the Booker!
Pulitzer Prize (International – Literature & Journalism)
- Established: 1917
- Founded By: Joseph Pulitzer
- Given By: Columbia University, USA
- Field: Journalism, Literature, Music
- Prize: Gold medal + $15,000 cash
Mnemonic: Pulitzer = Pen Power Prize.
Summary Table – Literature Awards
| Award | Country / Organization | Field | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahitya Akademi | India | 24 languages | National-level recognition |
| Jnanpith | India | Literature • Lifetime | Highest literary honor |
| Booker Prize | UK | Fiction Novel | Global fiction award |
| Pulitzer Prize | USA | Journalism, Literature, Music | Top media & writing honor |
Mnemonic: Sahitya Writes, Jnanpith Inspires, Booker Globalizes, Pulitzer Publishes.
PYQs – Literature Awards (Delhi Police, SSC)
Which is the highest literary award in India?
A) Sahitya Akademi B) Jnanpith C) Booker Prize D) Padma Bhushan
Show Answer
B) Jnanpith Award
The Sahitya Akademi Award is given in how many Indian languages?
A) 18 B) 22 C) 24 D) 28
Show Answer
C) 24
The Booker Prize is awarded in which field?
A) Drama B) Poetry C) English Fiction D) Science
Show Answer
C) English Fiction
The Pulitzer Prize was established by —
A) Alfred Nobel B) Joseph Pulitzer C) Booker Foundation D) Jnanpith Organization
Show Answer
B) Joseph Pulitzer
Who was the first recipient of the Jnanpith Award?
A) Mahadevi Verma B) G. Sankara Kurup C) Amitav Ghosh D) Qurratulain Hyder
Show Answer
B) G. Sankara Kurup (1965)
Which of the following awards is international in nature?
A) Sahitya Akademi B) Jnanpith C) Booker Prize D) Padma Shri
Show Answer
C) Booker Prize
The Pulitzer Prize is associated with —
A) Medicine B) Literature and Journalism C) Sports D) Peace
Show Answer
B) Literature and Journalism
Who won the Booker Prize for The White Tiger?
A) Salman Rushdie B) Arundhati Roy C) Kiran Desai D) Aravind Adiga
Show Answer
D) Aravind Adiga
Who among the following won the Pulitzer Prize for Interpreter of Maladies?
A) Kiran Desai B) Jhumpa Lahiri C) Arundhati Roy D) Shashi Tharoor
Show Answer
B) Jhumpa Lahiri
Which Indian organization gives the Sahitya Akademi Award?
A) Ministry of Culture B) Bharatiya Jnanpith C) Sahitya Akademi D) ICCR
Show Answer
C) Sahitya Akademi
Quick Revision – One-Line Memory
| Award | Country | For | Hint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahitya Akademi | India | Best literary work in 24 languages | Annual, Language diversity |
| Jnanpith | India | Lifetime contribution to Indian literature | Highest literary honor |
| Booker | UK | English fiction novel | International fame |
| Pulitzer | USA | Journalism, Fiction, Music | Media & writing excellence |
Mnemonic: Sahitya Writes, Jnanpith Inspires, Booker Globalizes, Pulitzer Publishes.
Final Concept Recap
- Sahitya Akademi Award (India) – Literary excellence in Indian languages
- Jnanpith Award (India) – Highest literary honor for lifetime achievement
- Booker Prize (UK) – Best English-language novel
- Pulitzer Prize (USA) – Top honors in journalism and literature
From Sahitya to Pulitzer — words that move hearts win the world’s greatest honors.
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