In 2004, the Indian government introduced the concept of “classical languages” to recognize the cultural and historical importance of certain languages. Tamil was the first to receive this prestigious status. Since then, languages such as Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia have also been recognized. In a significant development in October 2024, the government added five new languages—Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit—to this list, bringing the total to 11 classical languages.
This expansion reflects India’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich linguistic heritage, ensuring that languages with deep historical, literary, and cultural value are given the recognition they deserve. Each of these five new classical languages met the government’s stringent criteria for the designation.
India’s Classical Languages:
Classical languages of India are those with significant historical and literary heritage. The full list now includes:
1. Tamil (2004)
2. Sanskrit (2005)
3. Telugu (2008)
4. Kannada (2008)
5. Malayalam (2013)
6. Odia (2014)
7. Marathi (2024)
8. Bengali (2024)
9. Assamese (2024)
10. Pali (2024)
11. Prakrit (2024)
Criteria for Classical Language Status:
The recognition of a language as “classical” is based on clear criteria, first introduced in 2004 and updated in 2024. Key factors include:
• High Antiquity: The language must have ancient texts or historical records dating back 1500–2000 years.
• Rich Literary Tradition: A body of ancient literature that holds value across generations.
• Originality: The literary tradition must be original, not borrowed from another language.
• Distinctiveness: The language should differ significantly from its modern form or linguistic offshoots.
In 2024, the criteria were refined further, emphasizing the inclusion of knowledge texts, epigraphical evidence, and a distinct literary tradition.
New Languages Recognized in 2024:
Marathi
• Antiquity: Originating from Maharashtri Prakrit, with inscriptions dating back to the 1st century BCE.
• Literary Tradition: A rich history, with notable works like the “Dnyaneshwari” and “Tukaram Gatha” from the 13th century.
Bengali and Assamese
• Antiquity: Both evolved from Magadhi Prakrit, with early inscriptions and texts dating from the 6th to 12th centuries.
• Literary Tradition: Bengali boasts classical works like “Charyapada” (8th century CE), while Assamese has a strong cultural and literary heritage from early eastern Indian languages.
Pali and Prakrit
• Antiquity and Tradition: These languages were associated with the Buddhist and Jain traditions. Pali was used in the Theravada Buddhist Canon (Tipitaka), while Prakrit includes a range of dialects that supported religious movements like Jainism.
Constitutional Provisions Related to Languages:
• Article 343: Declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language, with English continuing for official use.
• Article 345: Allows states to adopt their own official languages.
• 8th Schedule: Lists India’s official languages, which has grown from 14 to 22 over time.
Benefits of Classical Language Status:
• Cultural Preservation: Ensures the protection and promotion of ancient texts and knowledge systems.
• Government Support: Scholars studying these languages receive awards and financial backing for research.
• Employment Opportunities: Archiving, translation, and research create jobs and academic roles.
• National Pride: Fosters a sense of pride in linguistic heritage, promoting national integration.
Challenges in Preserving Classical Languages:
• Lack of Native Speakers: Many classical languages, like Pali, are no longer spoken in everyday life.
• Limited Digital Resources: The process of digitizing ancient manuscripts is slow and expensive.
• Educational Integration: These languages are often missing from school curriculums, leading to a decline in knowledge among younger generations.
Recommendations for the Future:
• Educational Outreach: Integrate classical languages into curricula, especially in regions with historical ties to these languages.
• Digital Preservation: Prioritize the digitization of ancient texts to make them widely accessible.
• Public Awareness: Promote the importance of classical languages through cultural events and academic collaboration.
By focusing on these areas, India can preserve its linguistic heritage and ensure that these classical languages continue to thrive for future generations.