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Classical Language Status to Five More Indian Languages | UPSC Editorials
IMPORTANT LINKS
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Analysis Based On |
Article published in The Hindu titled Union Cabinet approves classical language status for Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit |
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Topics for Prelims |
Classical languages of India, Languages in India, Buddhist Texts, Jain Texts, Literature |
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Topics for Mains |
Art and Culture, India’s Ancient Past, Buddhism, Jainism |
What is a Classical Language?
Read more about Government Schemes!
Key Criteria for Classical Language Status
These are the following key criteria for conferring classical language status to any language:
- Antiquity: Any language to be recognised as a classical language must have ancient origins, typically several hundred or thousand years old, with an established history.
- Rich Literary Tradition: The language should have a vast and rich body of ancient literature that is often seen as being of high value and culturally significant.
- Cultural Influence: The language must have had a significant impact on the culture and traditions of the region or civilizations it belonged to.
- Independence: The language should not be a derivative or modern form of another existing language; it must have an independent and unique structure.
Read more about Languages Spoken in India!
Classical Languages in India
Before these five languages, there were six languages which were recognised as classical languages in India. These are the six languages that were earlier conferred the status of classical language:
- Tamil: Tamil is one of the world's oldest languages. It has a rich literary tradition dating back over 2,000 years and thus it was recognised as a classical language in 2004.
- Sanskrit: Many ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are written in this language. This gained prominence during the Gupta Dynasty in India. It was recognised as a classical language in 2005.
- Kannada: This is also an ancient language which has documented literary history spanning over a millennium, with early texts in the 9th century. It was conferred the status of classical language in 2008.
- Telugu: It was given the status of classical language in 2008. This language has historical significance and is known for its rich literary tradition. It is important to note that Telugu literature dates back to the early centuries AD.
- Malayalam: This language was conferred the status of classical language in 2013. It is spoken majorly in Kerala. It has a long history of literature and cultural influence. It dates back more than a millennium.
- Odia: This was conferred the status of classical language in 2014. Odia is a language with a distinct literary tradition that goes back over 1,000 years. It is spoken majorly in Odisha.
Importance of Classical Languages
These are the following importance of classical languages:
- Cultural Importance: Classical languages are considered as the building block of the cultural identity of any particular region. Literature, art, and philosophy shape the cultural consciousness of entire civilizations.
- Historical Importance: It is important from a historical point of view as classical languages contain many valuable records of ancient history, customs, traditions, and philosophies, providing insights into early human civilizations.
- Linguistic Identity: Classical languages are mostly studied by linguists to understand the evolution and structure of modern languages.
Read more about Languages in Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution!
Role of Linguistic Expert Committee
In October 2004, the Central government decided to create a new category of languages called classical languages. Tamil was the first language to be recognised as a classical language. There were certain sets of criteria for conferring the status of classical language.
In November 2004, a Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) was constituted by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This was established under the Sahitya Academy to examine the eligibility of the languages which are proposed to be accorded the status of classical language. The following year, Sanskrit was accorded classical language status. Gradually, Telugu and Kannada in 2008, and Malayalam and Odia in 2013 and 2014 respectively joined the list.
What are the Benefits of Classical Language Status?
Apart from the emotional attachment and pride that people feel when their language is given such prestigious status, there are certain other benefits associated with being recognised as a classical language. These are the following benefits of being recognised as a classical language:
- International Recognition: Two major international awards are conferred every year for scholars of eminence in the classical language.
- Center of Excellence: A dedicated Centre of Excellence for studies related to the classical language is established by the government.
- Promotion and Research: Additional funding in the form of Grants and soft loans are provided for the promotion of research, study and dissemination of the classical language and its literature.
- Educational Support: Special programs are institutionalized in universities and colleges to support academic activities around classical languages.
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UPSC Practice Questions
Q1. What are the challenges faced in the preservation of India’s cultural heritage, particularly with respect to languages that have been accorded Classical Language status?
Q2. Discuss the criteria adopted by the Government of India to grant "Classical Language" status to languages. What are the benefits and implications of this status on the preservation and promotion of these languages?