In a significant move to recognize and preserve India's rich linguistic heritage, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the conferment of classical language status to Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese. This decision, announced on October 3, 2024, marks a historic milestone for these languages and their respective communities.
The inclusion of these five languages brings the total number of classical languages in India to 11, nearly doubling the previous count of six. The existing classical languages are Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. Tamil was the first language to be granted this status in 2004, followed by Sanskrit in 2005, and the last addition was Odia in 2014.
Criteria for Classical Language Status
To be recognized as a classical language, several stringent criteria must be met. These include high antiquity of the language's early texts and recorded history spanning at least 1,500-2,000 years. The language must also have a body of ancient literature that is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers. Additionally, the literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community. There may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its modern forms or offshoots.
Historical Context and Development
The journey towards this recognition began with a proposal from the Maharashtra government in 2013, requesting classical language status for Marathi. This proposal was forwarded to the Linguistics Experts Committee (LEC), which recommended Marathi for the status. Subsequent proposals from Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal for Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali were also considered. In a meeting on July 25, 2024, the LEC unanimously revised the criteria for classical languages, with Sahitya Akademi appointed as the nodal agency for the process.
The decision is seen as a significant boost to the cultural and academic standing of these languages. It is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, particularly in academic and research fields. The preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts of these languages will also generate jobs in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media.
Impact and Reactions
The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a 'golden letter day' for the people of Maharashtra.
This recognition is also expected to enhance the global standing and promotion of these languages. For instance, Marathi, with its rich literary tradition and historical significance, will now be categorized among India's most ancient and culturally significant languages, similar to how Sanskrit has been recognized for its profound impact on Indian culture.
The government's move is part of its broader initiative to conserve and promote India's linguistic heritage. With this status, the government will offer several benefits, including two annual international awards for scholars excelling in classical Indian languages and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for studies in these languages.
