Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of India's linguistic diversity and official language policies at the state level. Different states in India recognise various languages as official, reflecting historical, cultural, and demographic patterns. Urdu, which has a rich literary and cultural tradition, holds official status in certain states and union territories. Recognising where it is officially used is important for exams on polity, geography, and general awareness.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- We are asked to identify the Indian state where Urdu is an official language.
- The options are Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir.
- We assume “official language” refers to language status granted by the state government or constitution.
- No numerical calculations are needed, only factual recall.
Concept / Approach:
Jammu and Kashmir historically recognised Urdu as its official language for administration and government communication, even though a large part of the population speaks Kashmiri and other regional languages. While Urdu is used and recognised in several parts of India and appears in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the specific state in this question that is strongly associated with Urdu as the official language is Jammu and Kashmir. This fact is traditionally highlighted in school-level civics and GK resources.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the Indian state most commonly associated with Urdu as an official language. Jammu and Kashmir is known for this.
Step 2: Evaluate the other options. Andhra Pradesh has Telugu as its primary official language; Arunachal Pradesh has English as the official language; West Bengal uses Bengali.
Step 3: None of these other states treat Urdu as the main official language in the way Jammu and Kashmir historically does.
Step 4: Select Jammu and Kashmir as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by recalling typical polity questions: which state has Urdu as its official language? Standard answers and exam notes consistently mention Jammu and Kashmir in this context. Although language policies and administrative arrangements have evolved over time, for the purpose of classical GK questions, this association remains the reference point.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Andhra Pradesh: Its main official language is Telugu, not Urdu.
- Arunachal Pradesh: English is the official language for this state, given its multi-ethnic composition.
- West Bengal: Bengali is the primary official language; Urdu has a presence but does not hold the same official status as in Jammu and Kashmir in standard GK references.
Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to assume that any state with a sizable Urdu-speaking population automatically has Urdu as an official language, which is not always correct. Another mistake is to confuse the Eighth Schedule recognition of Urdu at the national level with state-specific official language policy. Carefully distinguishing these levels helps in avoiding such errors during exams.
Final Answer:
Urdu enjoys official language status, in the classic GK sense, in the state of
Jammu and Kashmir.
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