Sahitya Akademi Award: A Complete Guide to India’s Prestigious Literary Recognition

March 28, 2025
sahitya akademi award
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • Sahitya Akademi Award is a prestigious Indian literary award given annually to authors for exceptional literary work.

  • The award is given across 24 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, and more.

  • It has recognized works by authors such as Rabindranath Tagore, Vikram Seth, and Ruskin Bond.

Table of Contents

The Sahitya Akademi Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the world of Indian literature. Established in 1954 by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s national academy of letters, this award recognizes outstanding writers for their contributions to Indian literature in various languages. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Sahitya Akademi Award, including its history, categories, nomination process, and a list of past winners.

Sahitya Akademi Award

The Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honor presented by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s national academy of literature, to authors of outstanding books of literary merit. The award recognizes authors for their work in one of India’s 24 official languages, with the primary goal of promoting Indian literature.

  • Established: 1954
  • Awarded for: Excellence in literature
  • Award Categories: Fiction, poetry, drama, and translations.

Sahitya Akademi Awards Information

AttributeInformation
Award NameSahitya Akademi Awards
Date Established12 March 1954
First Awarded In1955
Languages Covered24 Languages
Established ByGovernment of India
Organizational TypeAutonomous Organisation

All About Sahitya Akademi Award

The government of India officially introduced Sahitya Akademi on 12 March 1954. The purpose behind the setup of this institution was simple. It aimed to recognize and award notable literary works. The government believed that doing so could be quite helpful in promoting literary activities in the country. The Indian government also ensured that the literary work of all languages gets recognition so that no one feels discriminated against. The Akademi has given 24 awards to 24 different languages to date. This is done every year to promote reading habits.

History

Inauguration of Sahitya Akademi by then President S. Radhakrishnan

Sahitya Akademi has its roots tracing back to the British era in India. In 1944, the US government accepted the proposal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal. It aimed to set up a National Cultural Trust to promote regional cultural activities. This society was designed to consist of three Academies. The Academy of Letters was also a part of those three Academies.

Even after Independence, the consensus among the government was regarding establishing three Academies. One for letters, another for visual arts, and a third society for dance, drama, and music. Discussions followed on setting up these cultural societies. The government was doubtful about their autonomy and structure. However, after some discussion, the Government of India established the National Academy of Letters in 1954. This was later known as Sahitya Akademi.

Furthermore, the government decided it might be its duty to establish these societies, but once established, they can function as autonomous bodies.

Headquarters

Sahitya Akademi headquarters

The Sahitya Akademi headquarters are in New Delhi, at Ravindra Bhawan, 35 Ferozeshah Road. The head office building of Sahitya Akademi looks quite elegant, and they built it in 1961. They constructed the building to commemorate the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore.

Also, this building is home to all three national academies. The three National Academies of India are:

  1. Sangeet Natak Akademi
  2. Lalit Kala Akademi
  3. Sahitya Akademi

The Sahitya Akademi headquarters also works as a regional office and manages publications in English, Hindi, Dogri, etc.

Organizational Design

The important authorities of the institution are:

1. General Council

The general functioning and policies of the organization are discussed here.

2. Executive Board

The Executive Board plays a crucial role in adding any new language, aside from those already listed.

3. Finance Committee

The finance committee consists of a financial advisor, members nominated by the government, a vice-president of the Akademi, an executive council member, and a general council member. They are responsible for the financial aspect of the akademi.

4. Selection of Akademi Members

The government of India appoints the financial advisor, and the executive board of the Akademi appoints the secretary.

  • The author must hold Indian nationality, to be considered for the award.
  • The book or work eligible for the award must be an exceptional contribution to its respective language and literature.
  • When multiple books demonstrate equal merit, evaluators will consider additional factors such as the author’s overall literary contributions and reputation to determine the award recipient.

Criteria for Selecting a Sahitya Akademi Award Winner:

The criteria for selecting a Sahitya Akademi Award winner are as follows:

  1. The book must be an outstanding contribution to the language and literature it represents.
  2. It must be a creative work (not a translation, anthology, or research work for academic purposes).
  3. The book must have been first published within the five years preceding the award year.
  4. The author must be of Indian nationality and not a member of the Sahitya Akademi’s Executive Board.
  5. Posthumous works are eligible only if the author passed away within the stipulated five-year period.
  6. The award is given to an author only once in a lifetime for a specific language.

Significance of the The Sahitya Akademi Award

The Sahitya Akademi Award is one of the most prestigious literary awards in India, conferred annually by the Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters), which is an organization established by the Government of India in 1954 to promote literature in Indian languages.

Here are the key aspects of the significance of the Sahitya Akademi Award:

1. Promotion of Indian Literature

  • The Sahitya Akademi Award plays a crucial role in promoting Indian literature across its diverse languages. The award is given in 24 Indian languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, and many others. This reflects the rich multilingual heritage of the country.

2. Recognition of Literary Excellence

  • The award is considered a symbol of excellence in literature. It is given to authors whose works are considered to have made significant contributions to their respective literary fields. The recognition is based on the originality, style, depth of thought, and cultural importance of the work.

3. Encouragement to Writers

  • By conferring this award, the Sahitya Akademi provides encouragement to writers and poets, often giving them wider recognition within the literary community and beyond. This, in turn, can elevate their careers and increase the visibility of their works.

4. Honoring Literary Diversity

  • The award honors literary works in multiple languages, ensuring that regional literature from across the country is recognized alongside works in more widely spoken languages like Hindi and English. This helps foster a sense of inclusivity and unity within India’s diverse cultural landscape.

5. A Platform for Translations

  • The Sahitya Akademi also recognizes translations of literary works from one language into another. This is vital for promoting cross-cultural understanding and allowing readers access to a broader range of works from different parts of India.

6. Contribution to Cultural Heritage

  • The award not only focuses on literature but also on the preservation of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. Many works that are awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award help in documenting and safeguarding the traditional folklore, history, and philosophies of various Indian communities.

7. Influence on Indian Society

  • The Sahitya Akademi Award has a profound influence on Indian society by encouraging authors to address social issues, politics, history, and human rights, thus contributing to the intellectual and cultural discourse of the country. Authors often tackle pressing issues in their works, influencing thought and public opinion.

8. Esteem and Legacy

  • Winning the Sahitya Akademi Award brings significant esteem to the author. Many recipients of the award are among the most prominent and influential writers in Indian literature. The award has a long-standing legacy of honoring literary giants, and it continues to uphold India’s rich tradition of storytelling and artistic expression.

First Sahitya Akademi Award

The Sahitya Akademi first recognized its inaugural award in 1954. When the award was initially launched, it honored writers with a prize amount of INR 5,000. However, with changing times and needs, the amount kept on increasing. The winners of this award are rewarded with a prize money of INR 1,00,000 from 2009.

However, this prize amount was increased several times even before 2009. In 1983, it was enhanced to Rs. 10,000. In 1988, it was Rs. 25,000. Furthermore, it also witnessed an increase in 2003 when the winning amount was Rs. 50,000.

First Sahitya Akademi Award Winners

Sahitya akademi award winners Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi and R.K Narayan

The Sahitya Akademi Award, established in 1954. It recognizes outstanding writing in 24 languages, including Hindi and English. The award has separate categories for each language. The first recipient in Hindi was Makhanlal Chaturvedi in 1955, while R.K. Narayan received the first award in English in 1960.

Sahitya Akademi Award Winners List:

Language Title and GenreAuthor
AssameseBana Phul (Poetry)Jatindranath Dowerah
BengaliShreshtha Kavita (Poetry)Jibanananda Das
Bodo (since 2005)Jiuni Mwgthang Bisombi Arw Aroj (Poetry)Mangalshingh Hazowary
Dogri (since 1970)Nila Ambar Kale Badal (Short Stories)Narendra Khajuria
English (1960)The Guide (Novel)R.K Narayan
GujaratiMahadev Bhaini Dairy (Memoirs)Mahadev Desai
HindiHim- Tarangini (Poetry)Makhanlal Chaturvedi
KannadaSri Ramayana Darshanam (Epic)Kuvempu (K.V Puttapa)
KashmiriSumran (Poetry)Zinda Kaul ‘Masterji’
KonkaniHimalayant (Travelogue)Ravindra Kelekar
Maithili (since 1966)Mithila Baibhav (Philosophical Treatise)Yasodhar Jha
MalayalamBhasha Sahitya Charitram (History of Literature)R. Narayana Panikkar
ManipuriImphal Amasung Magi Nungshiki Phibham (Novel)Pacha Meitai
MarathiVaidik Samskriticha Vikas (Cultural History)Tarkeetha Shastri Laxman Joshi
Nepali (since 1977)Nepali Upanyas Ka Adharharu (Literary Criticism)Indra Bahadur Rai
OdiaAmrutara Santan (Novel)Gopinath Mohanty
PunjabiMere Saniya Jio (Poetry)Bhaivir Singh
Rajasthani (since 1974)Batan Ri Phulwari Vol. X (Folk Tales)Vijay Dan Detha
SanskritHistory of Dharma Shastra Vol. IV (Research)P.V Kane
Santhali (since 2005)Bhabna (Poetry)Jadumai Besra
Sindhi (since 1959)Kanwar (Biography)Tirth Basant
TamilTamil Inbam (Essays)R.P Sethu Pillai
TeluguAndhrula Sanghike Charitamu (Social History)Suravaram Pratap Reddy
UrduMaal aur Mashiyat (Philosophical Theatre)Zafar Hussain Khan

Sahitya Akademi Award Winners for English For Biography

The Sahitya Akademi Award for English literature is conferred annually to recognize exceptional works of literary merit in the English language by Indian authors. It has been awarded to authors across various genres, including fiction, poetry, and biography.

Here is a list of Sahitya Akademi Award winners for English in the category of Biography:

1. 1979 – K.K. Aziz for “The Murder of History”

  • This work critiques the distortion of historical facts in Pakistan’s textbooks. K.K. Aziz, a historian, highlighted the political manipulation of history for nationalistic purposes. The book was significant for its historical and educational value.

2. 1990 – M. Mukundan for “The Quest of the Trident”

  • This book offers a biographical narrative intertwined with the philosophical and cultural underpinnings of Indian heritage.

3. 1993 – Suresh Kohli for “Mahatma Gandhi: The Early Years”

  • This biography explores the early life and formative years of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on his influences, thoughts, and values that guided his leadership and legacy.

4. 2000 – S. Radhakrishnan for “My Life”

  • The autobiography of India’s second President, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, reflecting on his philosophical beliefs, personal life, and contributions to education and philosophy.

5. 2002 – Khushwant Singh for “The Company of Women”

  • Although known for his novels, Khushwant Singh has a long history of works encompassing biographical writing and his reflections on various personalities and events.

List Of Last Three Years Sahitya Akademi Awards

The Sahitya Akademi has already announced the winners for Yuva Purashkar and Bal Purashkar for 2023. Let’s have a quick look.

Press Release 2024

Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 winners list for Yuva Purashkar

Language Title and Genre Author
AssameseJaal Kota Jui (Short Stories)Nayanjyoti Sarma
BengaliDeraje Halud Ful, Gatajanma (Poetry)Sutapa Chakraborty
BodoSaikhlum (Short Stories)Self Made Rani Baro
DogriIk Rang Tere Range Chaa (Poetry)Heena Choudhary
EnglishHomeless: Growing up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India (Memoir)K. Vaishali
Gujarati…To Tame Raaji (Ghazal)Rinku Rathod
HindiSmritiyon Ke Beech Ghiri Hai Prithvi
(Poetry)
Gaurav Pandey
KannadaZero Balance (Poetry)Shruthi B. R.
KashmiriAene Baedas (Articles)Mohd. Ashraf Ziya
KonkaniPedanyacha Samaaram (Essays)Adwait Salgaonkar
MaithiliNadi Ghati Sabhyata (Poetry)Rinki Jha Rishika
MalayalamMeeshakkallan (Short Stories)Shyamkrishnan R.
ManipuriAshiba Turel (Poetry)Waikhom Chingkheinganba
MarathiUsvan (Novel)Devidas Saudagar
NepaliCanvas Ko Xitiz (Poetry)Suraj Chapagain
OdiaHu Baieaa (Short-Stories)Sanjay Kumar Panda
PunjabiKhat Jo Likhno Reh Gaye (Poetry)Randhir
RajasthaniSudh Sodhun Jag Angane (Poetry)Sonali Suthar
SanskritAward in Sanskrit will be declared at a later date.
SanthaliJangbaha (Poetry)Anjan Karmakar
SindhiPaper Parya (Articles)Geeta Pradeep Rupani
TamilVishnu Vandhar (Short Stories)Lokesh Raghuraman
TeluguDhaavlo (Short Stories)Ramesh Karthik Nayak
UrduStepney (Short-Stories)Javed Amber Misbahi

In addition to this, the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 Winners list for Bal Purashkar was also announced. Some popular names on the list are Rothindronath Goswami, Shayamalkanti Das, Pratima Nandi Narzaree, Balwan Singh Jamoria, Sudha Murty, and more. They were awarded for their works in Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, and English language respectively.

The table below to know all the winners of Bal Puraskar of 2024:

LanguageTitle and GenreAuthor
AssameseBiponna Bismoi Khel (Novel)Ranju Hazarika
BengaliMahidadur Antidote (Novel)Dipanwita Roy
BodoBuhuma Boynibw (Poetry)Virgin Jekova Machahary
DogriKukdu Kadoon (Poetry)Bishan Singh ‘Dardi’
EnglishThe Blue Horse and Other Amazing Animals from Indian History (Historical Fiction)Nandini Sengupta
GujaratiHasati Haveli (Stories)Gira Pinakin Bhatt
Hindi51 Baal Kahaniyan (Stories)Devender Kumar
KannadaChoomantrayyana Kathegalu
(Short Stories)
Krishnamurthy Biligere
KashmiriSone Gobrew (Poetry)Muzaffar Hussain Dilbar
KonkaniEk Ashil’lem Bayul (Novel)Harsha Sadguru Shetye
MaithiliAnar (Short Stories)Narayanjee
MalayalamAlgorithangalude Nadu (Novel)Unni Ammayambalam
ManipuriMalem Atiya (Novel)Kshetrimayum Subadani
MarathiSamsher Aani Bhootbangala (Novel)Bharat Sasane
NepaliDesh Ra Fuchhey (Poetry)Basanta Thapa
OdiaGapa Kalika (Short Stories)Manas Ranjan Samal
PunjabiMai Jalianwala Bagh Bolda Haan (Play)Kuldeep Singh Deep
RajasthaniMhari Dhani (Poetry)Prahlad Singh ‘Jhorda’
SanskritBubhukshitah Kakah (Short Stories)Harshdev Madhav
SanthaliMiru Arang (Poetry)Dugai Tudu
SindhiDostan ji Dosti (Stories)Lal Hotchandani ‘Lachaar’
TamilThanviyin Piranthanal (Stories)Yuma Vasuki
TeluguMaya Lokam (Novel)P. Chandrashekhar Azad
UrduBarf Ka Des Antarctica (Short Stories)Shamsul Islam Farooqi

In addition to this, the Akademi also has two other awards called the Bhasha Samman Award and Prize for Translation.

Bhasha Samman

  1. The Bhasha Samman was set up by the Government of India in 1996. The government’s motivation to encourage all languages and not just recognized ones led to the establishment of this Samman.
  2. The Sahitya Akademi gives the Bhasha Samman to writers or scholars who work extraordinarily in promoting a particular language.
  3. The Bhasha Samman is conferred with a plaque and a prize money of Rs. 1,00,000.
  4. 3 to 4 people receive Bhasha Samman every year.
  5. Shri. Dharikshan Mishra for Bhojpuri was the first winner of this award.

Prize for translation

  1. Besides writing, the Akademi also awards writers for splendid work in translation in any of 24 languages.
  2. The Prize for Translation started in 1989 and has been honoured to writers.
  3. Initially, the winners were awarded an amount of Rs 10,000 in 1989. However, the prize money has now increased to Rs. 50,000 from 2009.
  4. Bikram K Das won the first prize for his English translation of the Oriya novel “Paraja” in 1989.
  5. Noor Nabi Abbasi was the first Hindi translator to win the Prize of Translation for translating the English Autobiography. The original work was called Many Worlds by K.P.S Menon.

To know more about the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Award, let’s have a look at the winners list from the years 2022 and 2021.

Sahitya Akademi Award 2022 list

LanguageTitle and GenreAuthor
AssameseBhool Satya (short stories)Manoj Kumar Goswami
BengaliBirbal (Novel)Tapan Bandopadhyay
BodoSansrini Modira (Poetry)Rashmi Choudhary
DogriCheevRoopak (Drama)Veena Gupta
EnglishAll The Lives We Never Lived (Novel)Anuradha Roy
GujaratiGher Jatan (Autobiographical Essays)Gulam Mohammad Shaikh
HindiTumadi Ke Shabd (Poetry)Badri Narayan
KannadaBahutvada Bhaarata Mattu Bouddha Taatvikate (Collection of articles)Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy
KashmiriZael Dab (Literary Criticism)Farooq Fayaz
KonkaniAmrutvel (Novel)Maya Anil Kharangate
MaithiliPen Drive Me Prithvi (Poetry)Ajit Azad
MalayalamAshaantee Seethayanam (Literary Criticism)M. Thomas Mathew
ManipuriLeironnung (Poetry)Koijam Shantibala
MarathiUjavya Sondechya Bahulya (Novel)Praveen Dashrath Bandekar
NepaliSaino (Drama)K.B Nepali
OdiaDayanadi (Poetry)Gayatribala Panda
PunjabiMain Aynghosh Nahi (Short Stories)Sukhjit
RajasthaniAlekhun Amba (Play)Kamal Ranga
SanskritDeepmanikyam (Poetry)Janardan Prasad Pandey ‘Mani’
SanthaliSabarnaka Balire Sanan Panjay (Poetry)Kajli Soren (Jagannath Soren)
SindhiSindhi Sahit Jo Mukhatasar Ithihas (Literary History)Kanhaiyalal Lekhwani
TamilKaala Paani (Novel)M. Rajendran
TeluguManodharmaparagam (Novel)Madhuranthakam Narendra
UrduKhwab Saraab (Novel)Anis Ashfaq

Sahitya Akademi Award 2021 winners list

LanguageTitle and GenreAuthor
AssameseIyat Ekhan Aaronya Asil (Novel)Anuradha Sharma Pujari
BengaliMitjafar O Ananya Natale (Play)Bratya Basu
BodoKhora Sayao Are Himalay (Poetry)Mwdai Gahai
DogriName Tunnel (Short Stories)Raj Rahi
EnglishThings to Leave Behind (Novel)Namita Gokhale
GujaratiGandh Manjusha (Poetry)Yagnesh Dave
HindiSamrat Ashok (Play)Daya Prakash Sinha
KannadaGandhi Kathana (Biography)D.S Nagabhushana
KashmiriTawazun ( Criticism)Wali Mohd. Aseer Kashtawari
KonkaniRaktachandan (Poetry)Sanjiv Verenkar
MaithiliPangu (Novel)Jagdish Prasad Mandal
MalayalamHrudyaragangal (Autobiography)George Onakkoor
ManipuriManipurida Punshi Warigee Sahitya (Criticism)Thokcham Ibhohanbi Singh
MarathiBaluchya Awashthantarachi Diary (Short Stories)Kiran Gaurav
NepaliUsha Anirudha (Epic Poetry)Chhabilal Upadhyay
OdiaSarijaithiba Apera (Poetry)Hrushikesh Mallick
PunjabiSullan Da Salan (Short Stories)Khalid Hussain
RajasthaniMugtee (Poetry)Meethesh Nirmohi
SanskritSrijati Shankhnadam Kil Kavita (Poetry)Vindeshwariprasad Mishr ‘Vinay’
SanthaliMane Rena Arhang (Short Stories)Niranjan Hansada
SindhiNena Ninadakhra (Poetry)Arjun Chawla
TamilCivappuk Kazuttu Tan Oru Paccaip Paravau (Short Stories)Ambai
TeluguVallankitaalam (Poetry)Gorati Venkanna

Additional Honors by Sahitya Akademi

  • The Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, presents the Sahitya Akademi Award to honor exceptional writers for their contributions to Indian literary heritage and to promote excellence in literature.
  • The Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar honors authors whose work significantly contributes to children’s literature. Eligible books must have been first published within the five years preceding the year of the award.
  • The Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar recognizes authors aged 35 and below for their published works.

Sahitya Akademi Award UPSC and Other Exams

The Sahitya Akademi Award holds significance for aspirants aiming to crack competitive exams in India, particularly the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Here’s why:

  • GK and Current Affairs: Exam questions often touch upon recent Sahitya Akademi Award winners, the recognized languages, or the award’s history and importance. This makes staying informed about the awards crucial.
  • Cultural and Literary Awareness: Understanding these awards demonstrates your knowledge of India’s rich literary heritage, a valuable asset for IAS aspirants.
  • Essay and Writing Skills: Knowing about the awards can enrich your essays and descriptive writing in exams by allowing you to discuss literature’s role in Indian society.
  • Interview Discussions: Be prepared to answer questions about your views on the Sahitya Akademi Awards during your interview stage.
  • Regional Language Exams: For exams conducted in regional languages, knowledge of the Sahitya Akademi Awards specific to that language can be an advantage.

Conclusion

The prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards have been celebrating writers and literature for a long time. Over the years, it has honored several renowned and underrated writers as well. This award has also been of great support for the regional literature of the country. Thus, it won’t be wrong to say that ever since its establishment, the academy has been doing a splendid job in preserving as well as promoting the linguistic and cultural diversity of India.

FAQ: Sahitya Akademi Award

Q1. When was Sahitya Akademi established?

The Sahitya Akademi was established in 1954.

Q2. Where are the headquarters of Sahitya Akademi located?

The headquarters of Sahitya Akademi is located in Delhi.

Q3. How many total Sahitya Akademi Awards are given?

The Sahitya Akademi gives a total of 24 awards every year.

Q4. Who was the first Sahitya Akademi Winner for the Hindi language?

The first Sahitya Akademi Award winner for Hindi was Makhanlal Chaturvedi in 1955 for his poetry collection Him Tarangini, celebrating literary excellence.

Q5. Who won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022 for the English language?

Anuradha Roy won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022. Her English novel All the Lives We Never Lived was chosen for the award.

Q6. Which Chief Minister has won the Sahitya Akademi Award?

Bratya Basu, a Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal’s Education Minister, won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021 for his Bengali play Mirjafar.

Q8. Who was the first Indian woman to win the Sahitya Akademi Award?

Amrita Pritam was the first female recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, which she won in 1956 for her work. The Bhartiya Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honor, recognized her in 1982 for her work Kagaj te Canvas (Paper and Canvas).

Q9. Who invented the Sahitya Akademi Award?

The Government of India developed the concept of Sahitya Akademi.

Also Read:-

The Bharat Ratna Award Winners: Year Wise List

Dadasaheb Phalke Award List from 1969.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award: List of Awardees

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