India’s Classical Languages: 5 More Languages Added, Total Rises to 11
India has expanded its list of Classical Languages by granting the status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali. With this addition, the total number of Classical Languages in India has increased from 6 to 11.
The decision highlights India’s rich linguistic heritage and recognises the historical, literary and cultural importance of these languages.
A Classical Language is a language that has:
The recognition is granted by the Government of India based on linguistic, literary and historical criteria.
India now has 11 Classical Languages:
| Language | Classical Status Granted |
|---|---|
| Tamil | 2004 |
| Sanskrit | 2005 |
| Telugu | 2008 |
| Kannada | 2008 |
| Malayalam | 2013 |
| Odia | 2014 |
| Marathi | 2024 |
| Pali | 2024 |
| Prakrit | 2024 |
| Assamese | 2024 |
| Bengali | 2024 |
The question “Which is India’s oldest language?” depends on the criterion being used.
Tamil is widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously spoken living languages in the world and was also the first Indian language to receive Classical Language status in 2004.
Sanskrit, meanwhile, has one of India’s oldest literary traditions, especially through the Vedic texts.
Therefore, for competitive exams, it is safer to remember:
Tamil was the first language to be granted Classical Language status in India.
Tamil belongs to the Dravidian language family.
It has a very old literary tradition, including Sangam literature, and early Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions provide evidence of its ancient use.
Tamil received Classical Language status in 2004.
Sanskrit belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family.
Its ancient form, Vedic Sanskrit, is associated with the Vedas and represents one of the oldest literary traditions in India.
Sanskrit was granted Classical Language status in 2005.
Both Kannada and Telugu belong to the Dravidian language family.
They were granted Classical Language status in 2008.
Kannada has a long inscriptional tradition, while Telugu has a rich literary and historical heritage in southern India.
Malayalam received Classical Language status in 2013.
Odia became a Classical Language in 2014.
Before the 2024 expansion, these six languages formed India’s complete list of Classical Languages.
The Government added the following five languages to the Classical Language list:
This increased the total number of recognised Classical Languages from 6 to 11.
Classical Language status helps promote:
It also strengthens institutional support for the study and preservation of these languages.
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