UPSC Prelims 2008 Q17: Art & Culture – Cultural Institutions & Awards
Recently, the manuscripts
of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO's Memory of World Register?
- (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka
- (b) Mahabharata
- (c) Ramayana
- (d) Rig - Veda
Answer: (d) Rig - Veda
Explanation
A recent UNESCO Memory of World Register inclusion
Among these ancient Indian texts, one's manuscripts were recently added to this prestigious UNESCO heritage list.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka | Incorrect | Not the specific recent inclusion referenced here |
| (b) Mahabharata | Incorrect | Also not the specific recent inclusion |
| (c) Ramayana | Incorrect | Also not the specific recent inclusion |
| (d) Rig-Veda | Correct | Rig-Veda manuscripts were recently included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, recognizing their historical and cultural significance |
Rig-Veda's UNESCO inclusion:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Register | UNESCO Memory of the World Register |
| Significance | Preserves and recognizes ancient manuscript heritage |
Answer: (d) Rig-Veda.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Abhidhamma Pitaka is not the specific recent inclusion referenced here.
- (b) Incorrect. The Mahabharata is also not this specific recent inclusion.
- (c) Incorrect. The Ramayana is also not this specific recent inclusion.
- (d) CORRECT. Rig-Veda manuscripts were recently included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.
Key point
Rig-Veda manuscripts were recently included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.
Remember
Rig-Veda manuscripts have been included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Rig-Veda's specific UNESCO inclusion with other famous ancient Indian texts (Mahabharata, Ramayana).
- Not knowing the Memory of the World Register's purpose in preserving significant manuscripts.
- Mixing up different ancient scriptures' distinct recognition histories.
Exam tip
Rig-Veda manuscripts = recently added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. A specific, time-bound heritage fact.
Sources
- UNESCO — Memory of the World Register: Rig-Veda manuscripts at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune (2007)
- Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune — Rig-Veda manuscript collection