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Question

Cheetahs were recently re-introduced to India from Africa. From which language is the name 'Cheetah' derived?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

Sanskrit

Understanding the Origin of the Word 'Cheetah'

The question asks about the language from which the name 'Cheetah' is derived, in the context of their reintroduction to India from Africa. While cheetahs were reintroduced from Africa, the origin of the word used to name them is rooted in an ancient language.

Tracing the Etymology of 'Cheetah'

The word 'Cheetah' comes from the Hindi word 'chītā'. The Hindi word 'chītā' is itself derived from the Sanskrit word 'chitraka' (चित्रक). In Sanskrit, 'chitraka' means 'speckled', 'spotted', or 'decorated'. This description perfectly fits the appearance of the cheetah, which is known for its distinctive spots.

The term made its way into English through Hindi during the British colonial period in India, where cheetahs were historically present.

Evaluating the Other Language Options

Let's look at why the other options are less likely or incorrect for the origin of the English word 'Cheetah':

  • Swahili: Swahili is a Bantu language spoken in East Africa, a region where cheetahs are found. While Swahili has its own names for animals, the international term 'Cheetah' does not originate from Swahili.
  • Afrikaans: Afrikaans is a West Germanic language spoken in South Africa, another region with cheetah populations. The Afrikaans word for cheetah is 'jagluiperd'. The English word does not come from Afrikaans.
  • Somali: Somali is an Afroasiatic language spoken in the Horn of Africa, also part of the cheetah's range. The Somali name for cheetah is typically 'shabeel', often referring more broadly to leopards or big cats depending on dialect, or a more specific term might exist, but the English word 'Cheetah' is not derived from Somali.
  • Sanskrit: As explained, the etymology traces 'Cheetah' back through Hindi to the Sanskrit word 'chitraka', meaning 'spotted'.

Therefore, the name 'Cheetah' in English is derived from Sanskrit, via Hindi.

Revision Table: Cheetah Name Origin

Term Origin Language Meaning
Cheetah English (Derived name for the animal)
chītā Hindi (The animal, derived from Sanskrit)
chitraka Sanskrit Speckled, Spotted
jagluiperd Afrikaans Hunting leopard (translation)
shabeel Somali Leopard/Big Cat (translation/term)

Additional Information: Cheetahs in India

Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952. The recent reintroduction effort from Africa is a significant conservation project aimed at establishing a viable cheetah population in India once again. The reintroduction involves bringing African Cheetahs (specifically the Southeast African Cheetah subspecies) to designated habitats in India, such as Kuno National Park. This project highlights the historical presence of cheetahs in India, which is reflected in the language where the name originated.

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