On October 03, 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved to granting the classical language status to five more Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali. The move is acknowledging the rich cultural and historical significance of these languages, which further strengthens India’s diverse linguistic heritage. Classical languages are essential for preserving the ancient cultural traditions and distinct identities of their respective communities.
Background and Criteria for Classical Language Status
The Government of India first introduced the concept of Classical Language on 12 October, 2004, when Tamil was declared a Classical Language. To qualify for this prestigious status, a language must meet specific criteria, highlighting its antiquity and cultural importance.
Initially, the criteria were as follows:
High Antiquity: The language must have a recorded history of more than 1,000 years.
Ancient Literature: The language should have a body of ancient texts or literature that is valued as cultural heritage by generations of speakers.
Original Tradition: The language’s literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another community.
To evaluate potential Classical Languages, a Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) was established by the Ministry of Culture under the Sahitya Akademi in November 2004. This committee was tasked with examining languages for Classical status based on the outlined criteria.
In November 2005, the criteria were revised to make them more comprehensive, and Sanskrit was added to the list of Classical Languages. The revised criteria required:
Antiquity: The language must have early texts or recorded history dating back 1,500 to 2,000 years.
Valued Literature: The ancient literature or texts of the language must be considered valuable heritage for generations of speakers.
Originality: The language’s literary tradition should be original and not derived from other languages or communities.
Distinct Tradition: The classical form of the language should be distinct from its modern form, with potential gaps between the classical and modern versions.
Previous Recognized Classical Languages
Before this recent approval, the Indian government had already conferred the status of Classical Language to the following languages:
- Tamil on 12 October, 2004
- Sanskrit on 25 November, 2005
- Telugu on 31 October, 2008
- Kannada on 31 October, 2008
- Malayalam on 8 August, 2013
- Odia on 1 March, 2014
Journey Towards Recognition of Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali
The proposal to grant Classical Language status to Marathi was first initiated by the Maharashtra Government in 2013. This proposal was forwarded to the Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC), which recommended that Marathi should be recognized as a Classical Language. However, during the inter-ministerial discussions in 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) suggested revising the criteria to make them stricter. At the same time, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) advised that a study be conducted to determine how many more languages could potentially be eligible for Classical Language status.
In the following years, proposals were also received from Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal, advocating for Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali to be recognized as Classical Languages. The LEC thoroughly reviewed the history and literature of these languages and made recommendations in their favor.
On 25 July, 2024, the Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC), under the Sahitya Akademi, held a meeting and revised the criteria for granting Classical Language status to further refine the selection process. These new guidelines emphasized not only antiquity and originality but also the inclusion of prose texts, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence, alongside traditional poetry.
The following languages were found to meet the revised criteria:
- Marathi
- Pali
- Prakrit
- Assamese
- Bengali
Benefits of Classical Language Status
Recognizing a language as classical is more than an honorary title. It leads to various benefits that help in the promotion and preservation of the language:
National Awards: Special national awards are established to recognize significant contributions to the promotion and study of Classical Languages.
University Chairs: Chairs are established in universities across India, encouraging deeper academic research into the language.
Centers of Excellence: Dedicated centers for Classical Language studies are created to foster research, translation, and documentation efforts.
Government Initiatives for Promotion of Classical Languages
To promote Classical Languages, the Ministry of Education has already taken several initiatives. In 2020, three central universities were established specifically to promote Sanskrit. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil was created to facilitate the translation of ancient Tamil texts and promote research. Likewise, Centres for Excellence in Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia were established under the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru.
With the new languages added to the Classical category, more initiatives are expected to follow. These include translating ancient texts, organizing research programs, and offering scholarships for scholars focusing on these languages.
Employment Opportunities and Cultural Impact
The recognition of new Classical Languages opens the door for significant employment opportunities, particularly in academia and research. Some of the key areas where jobs are likely to increase include:
Academic Roles: With new Chairs and Centers of Excellence, there will be demand for professors, researchers, and scholars specializing in these languages.
Archiving and Preservation: There will be an increased need for experts to preserve, digitize, and document ancient texts in these languages.
Translation and Publishing: Translators and publishers will be in demand to make ancient literature accessible to modern readers.
Cultural Promotion: Experts in cultural studies and heritage conservation will be required to promote these languages both nationally and internationally.
Beyond employment, the inclusion of these languages as classical will have a broader cultural impact. It will promote pride in the linguistic and cultural heritage of the respective states. In particular, it will encourage younger generations to engage with their native languages, preserving them for future generations.
States Involved
The primary states involved in this recognition are-
- Maharashtra (for Marathi)
- Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh (for Pali and Prakrit)
- West Bengal (for Bengali)
- Assam (for Assamese)
However, the cultural and academic impact of recognizing these languages as Classical Languages will extend beyond state borders, with national and international implications for cultural preservation and research.
Conclusion
The decision to confer Classical Language status on Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali marks a significant step towards preserving India’s rich and diverse linguistic heritage. These languages, with their deep historical roots and cultural importance, will now be afforded the recognition they deserve, ensuring their continued study and promotion for generations to come. This move not only strengthens the cultural fabric of India but also creates new avenues for academic research, job creation, and the preservation of our ancient traditions.
