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, which was declared by the government of India in 2004.

• In 2005, the government of India declared Sanskrit as a Classical Language of India.

• The two languages, Tamil and Sanskrit, are undoubtedly the parent source for several languages belonging to the Indo-European family and the Dravidian family of languages.

• The government gave the status of classical language to Kannada and Telugu in 2008.

• Malayalam was declared a classical language in 2013.

• In 2014, Odia was also given the status of the Classical language.

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11 Classical Languages of India with Year of Declaration

Sl.No	Classical language Name	Year
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	Pali	2024
10	Prakrit	2024
11	Prakriti	2024

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Benefits of Classical Language Status

• Special Recognition and Government Support
  Languages that are given classical status receive special recognition and help from the government. This means they get more attention and resources.

• Educational Benefits
  With classical status, there are educational benefits like funding for research, setting up special centers for learning, and creating positions for expert professors at universities.

• International Awards for Scholars
  Scholars who focus on these languages can earn international awards, which helps recognize their hard work and expertise.

• Preservation of Cultural Identity and Heritage
  Classical languages help preserve the cultural identity and heritage of a community. They keep traditions alive and connect people to their roots.

• Repositories of Ancient Wisdom and Literature
  These languages hold a treasure of ancient knowledge, literature, and religious texts. For example, Sanskrit literature includes important texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and epic stories such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, which are vital for understanding Indian philosophy, spirituality, and ethics.

• Understanding Linguistic and Cultural Diversity
  Classical languages are essential for appreciating India’s rich variety of languages and cultures. For instance, Sangam Literature, written between 300 BCE and 300 CE, covers many themes like love, war, and ethics, showcasing this diversity.

Top One-liners on classical languages of India

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

FAQs on classical languages of India

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