RAS question
The 'Dingal' and 'Pingal' refer to:
Correct answer: (D) Two literary languages of medieval Rajasthan.
Dingal and Pingal refer to two literary languages or styles of medieval Rajasthan, with Dingal linked to western Rajasthani-Marwari literary tradition and Pingal to eastern Rajasthan.
Explanation
Dingal and Pingal are best understood as literary traditions of Rajasthan, not administrative or political categories. Dingal is a Rajasthani literary language associated with western Rajasthan and Marwari usage, especially in Charan poetry. Cambridge University Press, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society describes Dingal as often regarded as Old Western Rajasthani or the poetic form of middle Marwari, and also calls the Vacanika a Dingal work. Pingal is a literary style associated primarily with early modern eastern Rajasthan. This is why the correct option is the literary-language option: the pair marks two regional literary traditions of medieval Rajasthan, rather than institutions, fort types, or dynasties.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Dingal and Pingal describe literary languages or styles connected with poetry and literary works, not taxation.
- (B) They are not categories of forts; Dingal and Pingal belong to Rajasthani literary production and regional literary styles.
- (C) They do not name royal families, because they refer to literary traditions associated with western and eastern Rajasthan.
Concept
This tests medieval Rajasthan's literary culture, especially the distinction between Dingal and Pingal traditions. It recurs in RAS because Rajasthan history questions often connect language, courtly literature, Charan poetry, and regional cultural identity.