In India, the designation of a Classical Language is a prestigious recognition given to languages with a rich historical and literary heritage. This status is awarded by the Government of India based on specific criteria that emphasize the antiquity and uniqueness of the language. These languages are distinct from modern languages and are seen as a vital part of India’s cultural heritage.

Criteria for Classical Language Status

To qualify as a classical language in India, the language must meet the following criteria:

1. Antiquity: The language should have ancient texts or recorded history dating back at least 1500 to 2000 years.

2. Rich Literary Tradition: It must have a body of ancient literature or texts that are considered a valuable cultural heritage, passed down through generations.

3. Originality: The literary tradition of the language must be original and not derived or borrowed from another speech community.

4. Distinctiveness: The language and its literature must be distinct from the modern form of the language.

List of Classical Languages in India

As of now, eleven languages have been granted classical status in India:

1. Tamil (2004):

One of the oldest living languages in the world, Tamil has a literary tradition spanning over 2000 years.

It has a rich corpus of Sangam literature, religious texts, and classical poetry.

2. Sanskrit (2005):

Known as the mother of many Indian languages, Sanskrit is a cornerstone of ancient Indian culture.

It is the language of Vedic hymns, epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and philosophical texts like the Upanishads.

3. Kannada (2008):

Kannada boasts a literary history of more than 1500 years, with significant works like the Kavirajamarga and Pampa Bharata.

4. Telugu (2008):

With roots tracing back to 1000 years, Telugu literature includes works like the Mahabharata by Nannaya and numerous classical poems.

5. Malayalam (2013):

Malayalam evolved from Tamil and Sanskrit and has a rich tradition of poetry, drama, and prose.

It is known for its literary diversity and ancient texts like Manipravalam.

6. Odia (2014):

The Odia language has a documented literary history of over 1000 years.

It is known for its classical texts like Sarala Mahabharata and devotional songs by Jayadeva.

7. Assamese (2024):

Assamese is known for its ancient texts, including the Charyapadas, and a long tradition of prose and poetry.

8. Bengali (2024):

Bengali has a history of more than 1000 years, with literary milestones such as the Vaishnava Padavali and works of Rabindranath Tagore.

9. Marathi (2024):

Marathi’s literary heritage includes ancient inscriptions, bhakti poetry, and works of saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram.

10. Pali (2024):

The language of Theravada Buddhist scriptures, Pali has been central to the spread of Buddhism and its teachings.

11. Prakrit (2024):

Prakrit encompasses a group of languages used in ancient Jain and Buddhist texts and plays a significant role in understanding early Indian history.

Benefits of Classical Language Status

Languages recognized as classical receive several benefits to preserve and promote their heritage:

1. Research and Scholarships: Government support for research, study, and promotion of the language.

2. Awards: Two major international awards are given annually to scholars of classical Indian languages.

3. Centres of Excellence: Establishment of institutions dedicated to the study of classical languages.

4. Academic Support: University Grants Commission (UGC) creates professional chairs in central universities to support scholars.

Significance of Classical Languages

These languages reflect the profound cultural and intellectual achievements of ancient India. Their preservation ensures the continuation of India’s rich linguistic diversity and helps in fostering an understanding of the country’s historical and cultural roots.

By recognizing these languages, the Government of India not only honors their legacy but also ensures that future generations can learn about and appreciate their significance.