The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the conferral of Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. 

The initiative honours the profound role these languages have played in shaping the nation's intellectual and cultural heritage. 

Let's understand more about classical languages in detail:

What are classical languages?

Classical languages are considered custodians of India’s ancient cultural heritage, preserving the rich history, literature, and traditions of their respective communities. 

By granting this status, the government aims to honor and protect these linguistic milestones, ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate the deep historical roots of these languages. 

This move also reinforces the importance of linguistic diversity and acknowledges the vital role these languages play in shaping India's cultural identity.

What is the criteria for declaring a language classical?

The designation of a language as classical recognizes its historical and cultural significance in preserving India's intellectual heritage. 

To qualify as a classical language, certain criteria need to be met, including the existence of early texts or recorded history over 1500-2000 years, a significant body of ancient literature considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers, and a distinct literary tradition that is not borrowed from other speech communities.

In 2004, the Government of India first introduced the Classical Language category, setting the original criteria. Over time, these criteria were revised, including updates in 2005 and again in 2024, following recommendations from the Linguistic Experts Committee under the Sahitya Akademi. 

The latest revision in 2024 emphasized not only the antiquity of texts but also the presence of knowledge texts, prose, and epigraphical evidence, adding that Classical Languages and literature may differ from their modern forms.

Which languages have been recognized as classical so far?

Prior to this decision, six Indian languages -- Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia -- had been accorded Classical Language status. The Union Cabinet's recent decision on October 3, 2024, has now increased the number to 11 with the addition of Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

Initially, Tamil and Sanskrit were granted Classical Language status by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Subsequently, the responsibility for implementation and future recognitions was passed to the Ministry of Culture, which established the Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) in 2004 to evaluate new proposals for classical language recognition.

How are classical languages promoted?

The Education Ministry has initiated several measures to promote Classical Languages. In 2020, three Central Universities were established to support the study of Sanskrit. 

Additionally, the Central Institute of Classical Tamil was founded to facilitate the translation of ancient Tamil texts, promote research, and offer courses to students and scholars. 

Centers of Excellence for Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia were also established under the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru.

In addition to academic initiatives, national and international awards have been introduced to recognize achievements in the field of Classical Languages. These efforts aim to ensure that Classical Languages remain vibrant and relevant, supporting research, education, and cultural preservation.

What happens when a language is declared classical?

The recognition of a language as classical creates various opportunities, especially in the academic and research sectors. This designation encourages the preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts, generating employment in fields such as archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media. 

The promotion of Classical Languages also fosters scholarly research, ensuring that the knowledge systems and literary traditions inherent in these languages are revitalized and shared with future generations.

The inclusion of new languages in the Classical Language category instills pride among speakers and strengthens national integration. 

It aligns with the broader vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) by promoting cultural preservation and contributing to the country's intellectual and economic growth.