11 Classical Languages of India: Recent Updates

Understanding the classical languages of India is crucial for those preparing for competitive exams like WBCS, UPSC IAS Prelims, SSC, and RRB NTPC. This article highlights the significance of these languages and important questions related to them.

The official language of India

• India has the fourth highest number of languages (447) in the world after Papua New Guinea (840), Indonesia (710), and Nigeria (524).

• The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists 22 languages.

• According to Article 343, the official language of India should be Hindi in the Devanagari script.

• In 2004, the Government of India decided to grant the status of “classical languages” to certain languages that have rich traditions and independent origins.

• The concept of “classical language” originated in Europe. In 2004, the Government of India declared Tamil as a classical language.

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What is classical language?

A Classical Language is a language that has a rich heritage and historical significance, often with ancient origins and a substantial body of literature. Here are some key aspects that define a Classical Language:

• Historical Antiquity: The language has ancient roots, typically with texts or records dating back at least 1500-2000 years.

• Literary Heritage: It possesses a significant collection of ancient literature that is considered valuable and influential.

• Originality: The literary tradition of the language is original and not derived from another language.

• Distinctiveness: There is a clear distinction between the classical form of the language and its modern versions or dialects.

These languages are recognized for their contributions to culture, literature, and history.

Criteria for Declaring Classical Languages of India

The criteria for declaring a language as a Classical Language in India are quite specific and aim to recognize the historical and cultural significance of the language. Here are the main criteria:

• High Antiquity: The language must have early texts or recorded history dating back 1500-2000 years.

• Ancient Literature: It must possess a significant body of ancient literature or texts that are considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.

• Original Literary Tradition: The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

• Distinctiveness: The classical language and its literature should be distinct from its modern form or its offshoots, indicating a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms.

These criteria ensure that the language has a rich historical background and a significant cultural impact. Currently, languages like Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali have been granted this status.

Classical Languages of India

• Tamil was the first classical language of India, declared by the Government of India in 2004.

• Sanskrit was declared a classical language in 2005 by the Government of India.

• Tamil and Sanskrit serve as parent sources for several languages in the Indo-European and Dravidian language families.

• The Government of India granted Kannada and Telugu the status of classical languages in 2008.

• Malayalam was given the status of a classical language in 2013.

• Odia was recognized as a classical language in 2014.

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11 Classical Languages of India with Year of Declaration

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Benefits of Classical Language Status

• Special Recognition and Government Support
  • Classical languages receive special recognition and additional support from the government, ensuring more attention and resources for their development.

• Educational Benefits
  • Includes funding for research, establishing special learning centers, and creating positions for expert professors in universities.

• International Awards for Scholars
  • Scholars of classical languages are eligible for prestigious international awards, recognizing their dedication and expertise.

• Preservation of Cultural Identity and Heritage
  • Helps maintain cultural identity and heritage, keeping traditions alive and connecting communities to their roots.

• Repositories of Ancient Wisdom and Literature
  • These languages are rich with ancient knowledge and literature, such as:
    • Sanskrit: Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, and Ramayana, which are key to understanding Indian philosophy and spirituality.

• Understanding Linguistic and Cultural Diversity
  • Classical languages highlight India’s linguistic and cultural richness, as seen in works like Sangam Literature (300 BCE–300 CE), which explores themes like love, war, and ethics.

Top One-liners

Question 1. When was Tamil declared a classical language?
Answer: 2004

Question 2. When was Sanskrit declared as a classical language?
Answer: 2005

Question 3. When was Kannada declared as a classical language?
Answer: 2008

Question 4. When was Telugu declared as a classical language?
Answer: 2008

Question 5. When was Malayalam declared as a classical language?
Answer: 2013

Question 6. When was Odia declared as a classical language?
Answer: 2014

Question 7. Which state is Malayalam the official language of?
Answer: Kerala

Question 8. In which script are most of the classical languages written?
Answer: Brahmi-derived scripts such as Devanagari, and Eastern Nagari.

Question 9. Recently, which language has been claimed to have the status of classical language?
Answer: Marathi language

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