Classical Language Status Granted to Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese

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.

Background and Criteria

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.

Impact on Language and Employment

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.

States and Broader Cultural Impact

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.