The Union Cabinet granted five more Indian languages with Classical Language status on October 3, 2024. The languages include Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit, making the count of ‘classical languages’ in India from six to eleven. This decision followed a revision of the eligibility criteria that previously mandated on original literary tradition. The revised criteria now focus on high antiquity, significant ancient literature, and evidence of distinctness from modern forms. This recognition acknowledges the vital role classical languages play in shaping the nation's cultural identity, ensuring future generations could access and appreciate their deep historical roots.
About Classical Languages
Indian classical languages, also known as Shastriya Bhasha or Semmozhi (in Tamil), refer to languages with a deep historical background, rich literary traditions, and a unique cultural heritage. These languages have significantly contributed to the intellectual and cultural development of the region, with their texts offering valuable insights into various domains like literature, philosophy, and religion.
Six languages were previously recognised as “Classical” in India: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014). In 2024, five new languages—Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit—are added to this classification. Tamil was the first language to receive the classical status. All these classical languages are included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Background
The Government of India introduced the category of Classical Languages in 2004, establishing specific criteria for languages to achieve this status. Initially, the requirements included having a recorded history of over 1,000 years, possessing a valuable body of ancient literature, and boasting an original literary tradition.
The Ministry of Home Affairs initially recognised Tamil and Sanskrit as Classical Languages. Later, the Ministry of Culture took over the responsibility for granting this status. To evaluate future proposals, the Ministry of Culture established the Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) on November 1, 2004.
Based on the recommendations of the LEC under Sahitya Akademi, the criteria underwent revisions in 2005. It increased recorded history from 1,000 years to 1500-2000 years and added one more criterion, i.e., classical language and literature differ from modern form and there may also be discontinuity between classical language and its later form and its offshoots.
Current Criteria for Declaring a Language as Classical Language
As per the revisions made in 2024 by the LEC, the criteria for languages to seek Classical Language status are—
- The language should have significant historical background, with its early texts or recorded history extending over 1,500 to 2,000 years.
- It should have collection of ancient literature or texts that are viewed as a heritage by generations of speakers.
- It should include knowledge texts, particularly prose works, along with poetry and evidence from inscriptions and epigraphs.
- The languages and their literature may differ from their modern versions or may not have a continuous connection with later derivatives.
Constitutional Provisions Related to Languages
The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution aims to promote Hindi and enhance the use of other major Indian languages.
Article 344(1) requires the establishment of a commission every five years to ensure the increasing use of Hindi for official purposes.
Article 351 requires the Union to promote Hindi as a means of expression for India’s diverse culture.
Originally, 14 languages were included; this number has now expanded to 22, which includes Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, and others.
Amendments
21st Amendment (1967) added Sindhi.
71st Amendment (1992) introduced Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali.
92nd Amendment (2004) included Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali.
Language of the Union
Article 120 regulates the language used in Parliament.
Article 210 regulates the language used in State Legislatures.
Article 343 designates Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union.
Regional Languages
Article 345 allows states to adopt any official language.
Article 346 defines the language used for communication between states and with the Union.
Article 347 permits the President to recognise a language spoken by a segment of a state's population.
Special Directives
Article 29 protects minority languages, ensuring citizens, right to maintain their language and culture.
Article 350 guarantees individuals can file grievances in any language used in the Union or State.
Article 350A directs states to provide instructions in the mother tongue at the primary level for linguistic minorities.
Article 350B establishes a Special Officer for linguistic minorities to ensure that constitutional protections are upheld.
Promotion of Classical Languages
The Ministry of Education has undertaken various initiatives to promote Classical Languages. These include establishing three Central Universities through an Act of Parliament to promote Sanskrit in 2020 and creating the Central Institute of Classical Tamil for translation, research, and education. Additionally, Centres for Excellence have been set up for Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia. Two prestigious international awards are presented annually to distinguished scholars of classical Indian languages. The Ministry further offers awards, university chairs, and dedicated centres to recognise and encourage achievements in Classical Languages.
Classical Language Status for Marathi
Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Maharashtra, and boasts a rich literary tradition spanning over 1,000 years. Its diverse heritage includes poetry, prose, and folklore, reflecting the unique traditions and values of its people.
Marathi's history dates back over 2,500 years, evolving from languages like Prachina Maharatthi and Maharastri Prakrta, a dialect of Prakrit languages, spoken during the Satavahana era (2nd Century BCE—2nd Century CE). The language has undergone significant changes while maintaining continuity through various historical phases. Its literary journey began with ancient works like Gathasaptasati, Lilacharitra, and Jnanesvari.
Numerous stone inscriptions, copper plates, and historical texts demonstrate Marathi's deep roots. Scholars have traced its evolution, emphasising its connection to Maharastri and Apabhramsa Marathi. With 110 million native speakers, Marathi ranks among the top 15 most spoken languages globally.
Classical Language Status for Bengali
Bengali, a part of the Indo-Aryan language family, originated from Magadhi Prakrit and evolved through Magadh Apabhramsa. Its literary history spans three phases: Old Bengali (10th–14th century), Middle Bengali (14th–18th century), and Modern Bengali (18th century–present).
Bengali literature has significantly influenced India’s cultural and intellectual landscape, with notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and Kaji Nazrul Islam contributing to its rich heritage. The language's recognition as Classical honours its past and promotes India’s linguistic diversity.
Classical Language Status for Assamese
Assamese, the official language of Assam, has a rich linguistic heritage rooted in Sanskrit and Magadhi Apabhramsa. Its evolution dates back to the 7th century CE, with various scholars debating its origins. Assamese shares a common heritage with Oriya and Bengali, descending from Magadhi Apabhramsa.
The language has a significant literary history, divided into five periods: Formative (1800–1300 CE), Pre-Vaishnavite (1300–1550 CE), Vaishnavite (1550–1650 CE), Post-Sankardeva (1600–1850 CE), and Contemporary (1830 CE onwards). Notable works include the Charyapadas, Srikrishna Kirtan, and Buranjis.
Notable Assamese authors, such as Jatindranath Dowerah and Dr. Pranavjyoti Dekar have been conferred with Sahitya Akademi Awards for their contributions in the field of Indian liaterature being honoured.
Classical Language Status for Pali
Pali, recently recognised as a Classical Language by the Indian government, holds significant literary importance. Its origin is debated among scholars, with theories linking it to Pataliputra, Magadha, or a vernacular language.
Pali has been crucial for understanding ancient India, with its literature offering valuable insights. Pali is a sacred language of Buddhist and Jain sects. It was used by Lord Buddha, who lived around 500 BCE, to share his teachings. The Buddhist canon, Tipitaka, ‘Threefold Basket’ has been written in Pali and it comprises of:
- Vinaya Pitaka: Monastic rules and ethics
- Sutta Pitaka: Buddha’s speeches and dialogues
- Abhidhamma Pitaka: Ethics, psychology, and philosophy
Additional Pali literature includes the non-canonical Jataka Kathas which narrates the tales of Buddha’s past lives, reflecting shared moral values and cultural traditions.
Classical Language Status to Prakrit
Prakrit is a Middle Indo-Aryan language and is integral to understanding India's rich linguistic and cultural heritage. It serves as the foundation for many modern Indian languages and encapsulates the diverse traditions and philosophies that have shaped the subcontinent’s historical narrative. Renowned scholars, including Panini and Samantbhadra, have contributed to its grammatical structure.
Prakrit was the medium for sermons by influential figures like Buddha and Mahaveer, enabling them to effectively communicate their teachings to the masses. The language's impressions are evident in regional literature, with dramatic, poetic, and philosophical works contributing to various fields. Prakrit inscriptions also provide vital historical records, offering insights into India’s past.
As a language of the masses, Prakrit has played a pivotal role in shaping India's religious, philosophical, and literary landscapes. Its influence could be seen in languages like Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi, which trace their development back to Prakrit. Preserving and promoting Prakrit literature would ensure a deeper connection to India’s cultural roots and linguistic diversity, fostering a richer understanding of the country’s heritage.
Impact of Recognition as a Classical Language
Recognising languages as Classical Languages have a profound impact on employment, academia, and cultural preservation. It would create jobs in research, archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media, particularly in preserving and digitising ancient texts.
It also helps to fosters scholarly research, preserving and revitalising ancient knowledge systems crucial to India’s cultural identity. The government has reinforced the importance of linguistic diversity, safeguarded the cultural heritage of diverse communities and aided in promoting India's profound cultural legacy. Moreover, it inspires pride and ownership among speakers, promoting national integration and aligning with India’s vision of self-reliance and cultural roots.
Conclusion
The recognition of Classical Languages underscores the government’s commitment to preserving India's linguistic diversity. This initiative acknowledges the historical and literary significance of these languages and is expected to foster academic and research opportunities, enhance global collaborations, and contribute to the nation's cultural and economic growth. By safeguarding these languages, the government reinforces its vision of cultural self-reliance and national integration, aligning with the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and a culturally rooted India.
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