In a significant move, the Union Cabinet approved the conferral of classical language status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit on October 3, 2024. This decision, following long-pending demands, highlights India’s rich linguistic heritage and aims to preserve and promote these ancient languages.
The concept of “Classical Languages” was established in 2004 with Tamil being the first to receive this status. The criteria for classical status include high antiquity of texts dating back over 1500-2000 years, a rich body of ancient literature, and a distinct literary tradition. Revised in 2005, these guidelines have since been applied to Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. The latest additions were approved after recommendations by the Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) under Sahitya Akademi in 2024, which confirmed that Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali meet these standards.
Classifying these languages as “Classical” will foster their preservation through education, research, and documentation. Government initiatives, such as establishing Central Universities and Centres for Excellence, have already been promoting classical languages. This decision is expected to create jobs in academia, research, translation, archiving, and digital documentation, further enriching India’s linguistic legacy.
The decision primarily impacts Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Assam (Assamese), West Bengal (Bengali), and states with Pali and Prakrit speakers, such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. National and international academic institutions will benefit from the inclusion of these languages, as their recognition as Classical Languages promotes deeper cultural exploration and preservation.
Language | Date of Notification |
---|---|
Tamil | 12/10/2004 |
Sanskrit | 25/11/2005 |
Telugu | 31/10/2008 |
Kannada | 31/10/2008 |
Malayalam | 08/08/2013 |
Odia | 01/03/2014 |
India's economy is diverse, with several industries playing a crucial role in its growth and…
Japan's political leadership has seen various transitions from the Meiji era to the present day.…
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission successfully launched on Sept. 28, 2024, from Space Launch Complex-40, Cape…
The Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup, first played in 1973, is the oldest global tournament…
In a new partnership aimed at enhancing sustainability, the Adani Group will supply renewable energy…
The Women’s T20 World Cup has significantly contributed to the growth and popularity of women's…