India Expands Classical Language Recognition: 5 New Languages Added

India Classifieds 5 New Classical Languages: A Cultural Milestone

Date: 03 OCT 2024

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the conferment of Classical Language status to five additional languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This significant decision highlights the rich linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of India, acknowledging the historical significance and profound literary contributions of these languages. With this new inclusion, the total number of languages recognized as Classical Languages has risen from six to ten, underlining the government’s commitment to promoting and preserving India’s ancient languages and literature. The recognition of these languages is expected to encourage further research, education, and appreciation of their unique characteristics and the fascinating histories they convey.

Classical Languages are carriers of Bharat’s rich and ancient cultural heritage, encapsulating the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestones. Sanskrit, renowned as the oldest living language of the Indian subcontinent, serves as the foundational text from which many other Indian languages derive, uniting them through a shared linguistic legacy. It is the language of the Vedas, which are often regarded as the most accessible ancient texts in the world, representing spiritual wisdom and philosophical thought that has shaped Indian civilization for millennia. These texts not only offer deeper insights into civilizational practices, but also reflect societal values, ethics, and scientific knowledge of the time. Additionally, Sanskrit is considered the mother of all other Indian languages, influencing their development and enriching their vocabulary and literary forms. Its grammatical precision and expressive capacity make it a vital tool for preserving the nuances of ancient wisdom that continue to resonate in contemporary discourse. Furthermore, the study of Sanskrit has inspired numerous scholars and enthusiasts worldwide, reinforcing its significance as a bridge connecting past and present, culture and identity.

Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Bengali are recognized as derivatives of Sanskrit, reflecting the rich linguistic heritage that has evolved over centuries in the Indian subcontinent. These languages, each with their unique phonetic and grammatical structures, contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of their respective regions. Furthermore, aside from West Bengal and Tripura, Bengali (or Bangla) is not only recognized as Bangladesh’s national language but also serves as a pivotal medium of expression for millions of speakers. This language enriches the region’s linguistic and cultural tapestry, fostering a strong sense of identity and continuity among its speakers. The literature, arts, and traditions associated with Bengali are celebrated both locally and globally, encapsulating the essence of the Bengali people’s history and values, while also underscoring the interconnectedness of languages derived from Sanskrit.

Point Wise Detail & Background:

The Government of India decided to create a new category of languages as “Classical Languages” on 12th October 2004 declaring Tamil as a Classical Language and setting the following as criteria for the status of Classical Language:

A.   High Antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a thousand years.

B.   A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by the generation of speakers.

C.   The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

A Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) was constituted by the Ministry of Culture under Sahitya Akademi in Nov 2004 to examine the proposed languages for the status of Classical Language.

The criteria were revised in Nov 2005 as follows, and Sanskrit was declared a Classical Language:

I. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.

II. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.

III. The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

IV.  The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

The Government of India has conferred the status of Classical Languages to the following languages so far:

Previously, a proposal from the Maharashtra Government in 2013 was submitted to the Ministry, requesting Classical Language status for Marathi, emphasizing the rich literary heritage and cultural significance of the language to the people of Maharashtra. This proposal was forwarded to the Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC), which subsequently recommended Marathi for Classical Language status, noting its historical roots and the extensive body of classical literature that has emerged from the language over centuries. During the inter-ministerial consultations on the draft note for the cabinet in 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) advised revising the criteria to make them more stringent, reflecting a desire to ensure that only languages with long historical and cultural impact could qualify for such recognition. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), via its comments, suggested that the Ministry should conduct an exercise to assess how many other languages might become eligible for Classical Language status, prompting a broader discussion about the linguistic diversity of India and the importance of preserving and promoting the country’s varied languages and dialects within the cultural framework.

Simultaneously, proposals were received from Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal for conferring Classical Language status to Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

Accordingly, the Linguistics Experts Committee (under Sahitya Akademi) in a meeting on 25.07.2024, unanimously revised the criteria as below. Sahitya Akademi has been appointed as a nodal agency for the LEC.

i.   High antiquity of (its) is early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years.

ii.  A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.

iii. Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.

iv.  The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.

The committee also recommended following languages fulfill revised criteria to be considered as Classical Language.

I.        Marathi

II.        Pali

III.        Prakrit

IV.        Assamese

V.        Bengali

Implementation strategy and targets: 

The Ministry of Education has taken various steps to promote Classical Languages in India. Here are some key initiatives:

• Establishment of Central Universities: In 2020, three Central Universities were established through an Act of Parliament specifically for the promotion of the Sanskrit language.
• Central Institute of Classical Tamil: This institute was set up to facilitate the translation of ancient Tamil texts, promote research, and offer courses for university students and language scholars of Tamil.
• Centres for Excellence: To enhance the study and preservation of other Classical Languages, Centres for Excellence were established for Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia under the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru.
• National and International Awards: Several national and international awards have been instituted to recognize and encourage achievements in the field of Classical Languages.
• Additional Benefits: The Ministry of Education provides numerous benefits for Classical Languages, including National Awards, Chairs in universities, and dedicated Centers for the promotion of these languages.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich linguistic heritage.

Major impact, including employment generation:

The inclusion of languages as Classical Language will create significant employment opportunities, particularly in academic and research fields, as universities and educational institutions will require qualified personnel to teach and conduct detailed studies in these areas. Additionally, the preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts of these languages will generate jobs in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media, fostering a thriving industry centered on historical linguistics that not only safeguards our cultural heritage but also fosters new technologies and methodologies for the study of ancient languages. This initiative will encourage collaborations between scholars, archivists, and technologists, leading to interdisciplinary projects that enhance accessibility to valuable historical documents and enrich our understanding of human civilization.

Potential Employment Opportunities:

1. Academic Positions: Increased need for faculty and researchers specializing in Classical Languages at universities and institutions.
2. Research Grants: Availability of funding for research projects that explore ancient texts, linguistic studies, and cultural heritage, leading to more research assistantships and positions.
3. Digitization Projects: Job openings for experts in digital archiving, data entry, and IT professionals to create and maintain digital repositories.
4. Translation Services: Growing demand for translators proficient in Classical Languages to work on translating ancient texts for academic and commercial purposes.
5. Publishing Industry: Opportunities for editors, proofreaders, and writers focusing on Classical Literature and educational materials.
6. Cultural Preservation: Positions in organizations focused on the preservation of linguistic heritage, involving field researchers and community engagement roles.
7. Digital Media: Jobs in content creation, social media management, and app development targeting audiences interested in Classical Languages and literature.

These developments reflect a broader trend towards valuing and integrating linguistic diversity into education and cultural preservation, fostering economic growth in various sectors.

States/districts covered:

The primary states involved are as follows:

• Maharashtra: Marathi
• Bihar: Pali
• Uttar Pradesh: Pali and Prakrit
• Madhya Pradesh: Pali and Prakrit
• West Bengal: Bengali
• Assam: Assamese

The broader cultural and academic impact of conferring Classical Language status will extend nationally and internationally, fostering greater appreciation for these languages and their rich literary traditions. The recognition is expected to inspire collaboration among scholars, promote cultural exchanges, and enhance the global understanding of India’s linguistic diversity and heritage.