Consider the following statements:
1. The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists 22 languages recognized as scheduled languages of India.
2. Sanskrit is the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.
3. Konkani, spoken in the Western coastal regions of India, was added to the Eighth Schedule in the 71st amendment of the Constitution.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?

Correct option is C

The Correct Answer is: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:
All the given statements are correct:

• Statement 1 is correct – The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution currently includes 22 scheduled languages.

• Statement 2 is correct – Sanskrit is a liturgical language used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it is included in the Eighth Schedule.

• Statement 3 is correct – Konkani was added to the Eighth Schedule through the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, along with Manipuri and Nepali.

Information Booster:
• The Eighth Schedule originally contained 14 languages.
• Four languages – Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali – were added through the 92nd Amendment (2003).
• The total now stands at 22 scheduled languages.
• The Eighth Schedule relates to the official recognition and promotion of languages.
• Articles 344 and 351 of the Constitution deal with the provisions of the Eighth Schedule.
• Languages in this schedule are entitled to official development and representation on bodies like the Official Languages Commission.

Additional Information:
• Sanskrit – Classical language listed in the Eighth Schedule.
• Konkani – Spoken in Goa and parts of coastal Karnataka, added in 1992 (71st Amendment).
• 22 Scheduled Languages include Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Malayalam, etc.