India, with its rich linguistic heritage, has recognized several languages as “Classical Languages.” As of the latest update, six languages have been granted the status of Classical Language by the Government of India. These languages are:
- Tamil (declared in 2004)
- Sanskrit (declared in 2005)
- Kannada (declared in 2008)
- Telugu (declared in 2008)
- Malayalam (declared in 2013)
- Odia (declared in 2014)
As of October 2024, the Indian government has approved classical language status for five additional languages, expanding the list beyond the original six. The newly included languages are:
- Marathi
- Bengali
- Assamese
- Pali
- Prakrit
What is a Classical Language?
A Classical Language is a language that holds a significant place in the culture and heritage of a country due to its rich history, literary tradition, and influence over a long period. In India, the term refers to languages with a well-documented and ancient lineage, often with a large body of literature and texts.
The Ministry of Culture in India confers this status based on the recommendations of a committee of experts. The languages that meet certain criteria are recognized as classical, which brings them into a special category with various benefits such as government funding for research, promotion of literature, and more.
Criteria for a Classical Language
For a language to be declared classical, the following criteria must be met, as outlined by the Government of India:
- Antiquity: The language must have an early textual history of at least 1,500 to 2,000 years.
- Independent Tradition: The language should have a vast and rich literary tradition, not borrowed from other languages.
- Distinctiveness: Its literary tradition must be distinct from modern versions of the language or other languages.
- Heritage: It must hold significance in the cultural and literary history of the country, influencing other languages and cultures.
Significance of Classical Language Status
The recognition of classical language status holds immense cultural, historical, and academic significance. Once a language is declared classical, it benefits from:
- Special Grants: Financial support from the government for the development of the language, including establishing chairs in universities dedicated to its study.
- Research and Preservation: Promotion of research in the classical language, particularly focusing on ancient texts and literature to ensure they are studied, preserved, and transmitted to future generations.
- Cultural Identity: Recognition of a language as classical reinforces the cultural identity of its speakers, fostering pride and continuity in linguistic heritage.
- Prominent Literary Traditions: Encouraging and promoting the study and recognition of the historical and literary works in the language.
MCQs For Prelims 2025
1. Which of the following Indian languages was the first to be declared as a Classical Language by the Government of India?
A) Sanskrit
B) Tamil
C) Kannada
D) Telugu
Answer: B) Tamil
Explanation: Tamil was the first Indian language to be declared as a Classical Language in 2004.
2. Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a language to be declared as a Classical Language in India?
A) The language must have a rich and ancient literary tradition.
B) It should be an independent linguistic tradition, distinct from modern languages.
C) The language should have an early textual history of at least 500 years.
D) The literary tradition must not be borrowed from another tradition or language.
Answer: C) The language should have an early textual history of at least 500 years.
Explanation: The minimum requirement for antiquity is at least 1,500 to 2,000 years, not 500 years.
3. Which of the following Indian languages were granted Classical Language status in 2024?
A) Marathi, Bengali, Pali
B) Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam
C) Sanskrit, Odia, Prakrit
D) Maithili, Assamese, Tamil
Answer: A) Marathi, Bengali, Pali
Explanation: In 2024, Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese were granted Classical Language status.
5. Which Indian classical language was recognized most recently before 2024?
A) Telugu
B) Odia
C) Malayalam
D) Kannada
Answer: B) Odia
Explanation: Odia was granted classical language status in 2014, the most recent recognition before the additions in 2024.