Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Nobel Prize in Literature is one of the most prestigious literary honours in the world. Knowing the first Indian to win this prize is a very common exam question, as it connects world level recognition with Indian cultural history. The question focuses on national pride and awareness of major milestones in literature.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet, novelist and philosopher, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in nineteen thirteen for his work Gitanjali and other writings. He was the first Asian as well as the first Indian to receive a Nobel Prize in any category. The other options refer to personalities who received Nobel Prizes in Peace or Economics, or did not receive a Nobel at all.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the connection between Rabindranath Tagore and the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Step 2: Note the year nineteen thirteen as an early date in Nobel history for India.
Step 3: Compare this with Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize, not the Literature prize.
Step 4: Remember that C V Raman won in Physics and Amartya Sen in Economics, again not in Literature.
Step 5: Conclude that Rabindranath Tagore is the only correct option in the context of literature.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by listing known Indian Nobel laureates by field. Tagore is linked with Literature, Raman with Physics, Mother Teresa with Peace as a naturalised Indian citizen, and Amartya Sen with Economic Sciences. Since the question clearly asks for Literature and the first Indian, Tagore fits both conditions.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mother Teresa: She received the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work, not for literary contributions.
Sarojini Naidu: A celebrated poet and freedom fighter but not a Nobel laureate.
C V Raman: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery now called Raman effect, not in Literature.
Amartya Sen: Received the Nobel in Economic Sciences for welfare economics, again not for literature.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing different Nobel categories is a frequent problem in exams. Students may also mix up chronology and pick a more recently popular personality. To avoid these errors, always connect each name with its correct Nobel field and remember that Rabindranath Tagore is both the first Indian Nobel laureate and the only one among the options to receive the prize in Literature.
Final Answer:
The first person from India to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature was Rabindranath Tagore.
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