The Indian government recently granted classical language status to five more languages, bringing the total to eleven. These languages, with their ancient roots and rich literary traditions, represent the diverse cultural heritage of India.
Recently, the Narendra Modi Cabinet took a significant step towards recognizing and promoting India’s linguistic heritage by approving the classical language status for five additional languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that Prime Minister Modi has consistently focused on the revitalization of Indian languages. With this latest approval, the total number of recognized classical languages in India has risen to eleven.
Classical languages
Classical languages are defined by their ancient roots, unique traditions, and rich literary heritage. They continue to influence various literary styles, philosophical discourses, and cultural expressions. The Indian government initiated the recognition of classical languages in 2004, establishing specific criteria such as antiquity, literary richness, and uniqueness. The currently recognized classical languages, Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia, alongside the newly added Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, highlight India's rich and diverse cultural and linguistic heritage.
Tamil
Designated as a classical language in 2004, Tamil holds a prominent place in India’s linguistic heritage. This traditional Dravidian language is not only spoken in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu but also finds its speakers in Sri Lanka and several Southeast Asian countries.
Tamil boasts a rich literary history, with its earliest phase known as Sangam literature, which dates back to the first few centuries of the Common Era. This literary tradition showcases the depth and vibrancy of Tamil culture, featuring poetry and prose that delve into various aspects of life, love, and philosophy. In recognition of its significance, Tamil is listed among the 22 languages in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its importance in the cultural fabric of India.
Sanskrit
Sanskrit was recognized as a classical language in 2005 and is revered as one of the oldest languages in the world. Belonging to the Indo-European family, specifically the Indo-Aryan branch, Sanskrit has played a pivotal role in the development of many modern Indian languages. It is often associated with ancient Hindu texts and philosophies, which have greatly influenced Indian culture, religion, and literature.
The language began to spread to the northwest regions of the Indian subcontinent during the Bronze Age. Sanskrit is also included in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Kannada
In 2008, the Indian government officially announced Kannada as a classical language. This Dravidian language is predominantly spoken in the Indian state of Karnataka and holds a significant place in the region's cultural identity. The Kannada script evolved from the Kadamba script during the fifth century, and the language has a long-standing literary tradition that dates back over a thousand years.
Kannada literature is known for its diversity and depth, encompassing poetry, drama, and prose. As one of the 22 languages in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution, Kannada continues to thrive and evolve, reflecting the dynamic culture of Karnataka.
Telugu
Also recognized as a classical language in 2008, Telugu is primarily spoken in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu boasts a rich literary heritage that includes classical poetry and modern literature. Its inclusion in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the language's cultural significance and its role in shaping the identity of Telugu speakers. The vibrancy of Telugu literature continues to resonate through various forms, including film, theater, and poetry, making it an integral part of India's diverse linguistic landscape.
Malayalam
Malayalam was officially recognized as a classical language in 2013. It is predominantly spoken in the Indian state of Kerala, as well as in Lakshadweep and Puducherry. The language's earliest literary works can be traced back to the ninth and eleventh centuries.
Malayalam literature is characterized by its rich traditions and diverse forms, including poetry, short stories, and novels. The first script used to write Malayalam was Vattezhuthu, which evolved into the script used today. As part of the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution, Malayalam's recognition as a classical language highlights its importance in preserving the cultural heritage of Kerala.
Odia
In 2014, Odia was designated as an Indian classical language, further enriching the tapestry of India's linguistic diversity. As an Indo-Aryan language, it is predominantly spoken in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
Odia has a long literary tradition that has withstood the test of time, with its roots stretching back to the tenth century CE. Odia has developed a distinct identity over centuries. It is also included in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Marathi
Marathi is primarily spoken in Maharashtra and is part of the Indo-Aryan language family. With a rich literary tradition dating back to the 13th century, it has produced renowned writers like Sant Tukaram and PL Deshpande, whose works capture the essence of Marathi culture. As one of the 22 languages in the Indian Constitution's eighth schedule, Marathi's classical status underscores its historical significance and ensures its continued relevance in modern society.
Pali
Pali holds a significant place in the history of Indian languages, primarily due to its association with Theravada Buddhism. It is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that served as the liturgical language of early Buddhist scriptures, including the Pali Canon. Pali's influence extends beyond religious texts, contributing to the philosophical and cultural landscape of India. It is also one of the 22 languages recognised in the Indian Constitution's eighth schedule.
Prakrit
Prakrit is a historical Indo-Aryan language that played a vital role in the cultural and literary traditions of ancient India. It emerged as a spoken language during the early centuries of the Common Era, evolving from Sanskrit and serving as a medium for various literary works, including poetry, plays, and philosophical texts. Prakrit languages were commonly used in regions like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, and they greatly influenced the development of modern Indian languages.
Assamese
Assamese is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in the northeastern state of Assam. With a rich literary heritage that dates back to the 14th century, Assamese boasts a diverse array of poetry, prose, and folk traditions. The language has evolved over the centuries, drawing influences from various cultures and languages, which is reflected in its unique vocabulary and syntax. Assamese literature flourished with the contributions of notable poets and authors, making significant strides in both classical and modern literature.
Bengali
Bengali is an Indo-Aryan language predominantly spoken in the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh. With a literary tradition that spans over a thousand years, Bengali has produced a wealth of poetry, prose, and philosophical texts, making it one of the richest literary languages in the world.
The language's development was greatly influenced by key literary figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature, and Kazi Nazrul Islam, known as the national poet of Bangladesh. Bengali is characterised by its distinct script and phonetic richness, which contribute to its expressive power.
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