Classical Languages of India are those languages that have been recognized for their rich heritage, literary tradition, and historical significance. As of now, there are 11 Classical Languages of India recognized by the Government of India. These 11 Classical Languages of India are Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali.
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Tamil, the First Classical Languages of India
In 2004, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, for the first time, created a new category of languages known as Classical Languages. On 12 October 2004, the Government of India, declared Tamil as the first Classical Language of India.
The Government also set up criteria to declare the classical languages. In November 2004, the Government also constituted a Linguistic Experts Committees (LEC) by the Ministry of Culture under Sahitya Akademi to examine the proposed languages for the status of Classical Language.
Sanskrit, the Second Classical Languages of India
In 2005, the Linguistic Experts Committees modified the criteria for Classical Language. Based on the modified criteria, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, on 25 November 2005, notified to add Sanskrit as the second Classical Language of India.
Additions, from 2008 to 2014, to the Classical Languages of India
- On 31 October 2008, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, notified Telugu and Kannada as two more Classical Language.
- On 8 August 2013, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, added Malayalam in the list of Classical Language.
- On 1 March 2014, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, added Odia in the list of Classical Language.
Updated Criteria for Classical Language
The original criteria were defined in 2004 and was subsequently updated in 2005 and 2024. The revised criteria as of 2024 is given below:
- High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years.
- A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.
- Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.
- The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.
5 New Languages added to Classical Languages of India in October 2024
Based on the recommendations of the Linguistic Experts Committees (LEC) by the Ministry of Culture, criteria for Classical Language were modified. Based on the modified criteria, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 3 October 2024, has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages.
How many Classical Languages are there in India?
As of January 2025, there are 11 Classical Languages of India. The complete list of 11 Classical Languages of India is given below:
| SN | Classical Language | Recognition Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tamil | 12 October 2004 |
| 2. | Sanskrit | 25 November 2005 |
| 3. | Telugu | 31 October 2008 |
| 4. | Kannada | 31 October 2008 |
| 5. | Malayalam | 08 August 2013 |
| 6. | Odia | 01 March 2014 |
| 7. | Marathi | 03 October 2024 |
| 8. | Pali | 03 October 2024 |
| 9. | Prakrit | 03 October 2024 |
| 10. | Assamese | 03 October 2024 |
| 11. | Bengali | 03 October 2024 |
Also checkout the 12 most spoken languages in India.
While Pali and Prakrit are dead language, the remaining 9 are considered as living language. Sanskrit is considered living in the Indian classical context due to its widespread popularity and use, although it is extinct in the linguistic sense that it no longer has native speakers.
Why is a language declared as Classical?
The designation of a language as classical is intended to recognize its historical significance and its role as a guardian of Bharat’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage. These languages have been essential in preserving and transmitting India’s ancient knowledge systems, philosophies, and values across generations for thousands of years.
By recognizing these languages as classical, the government acknowledges their deep-rooted antiquity, vast literary traditions, and their invaluable contribution to the cultural fabric of the nation. This recognition highlights the significant cultural and linguistic contributions these languages have made to India’s heritage. It will not only elevate their stature but will also facilitate efforts toward the promotion, preservation, and further research of these languages, ensuring their continued relevance in the modern world.
What steps have been taken to promote classical languages?
The Ministry of Education has taken various steps for advancing Classical Languages of India. In 2020, three Central Universities were established through an Act of Parliament to promote Sanskrit. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil was created to facilitate translating ancient Tamil texts, promoting research, and offering courses for university students and language scholars.
To further enhance the study and preservation of the Classical Languages of India, the Centres for Excellence for studies in Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia were established under the auspices of the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru. Additionally, several national and international awards have been introduced to recognize and encourage achievements in the field of Classical Languages. Other benefits provided by the Ministry of Education include National Awards for Classical Languages, university chairs, and centers dedicated to promoting Classical Languages.
What is the impact of a language being declared classical?
The inclusion of languages as Classical Languages will create significant employment opportunities, especially in the academic and research sectors. Additionally, the preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts in these languages will generate jobs in areas such as archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media.
Recognizing the languages as classical encourage scholarly research, preservation, and the revitalization of ancient texts and knowledge systems, which are essential to India’s intellectual and cultural identity. Furthermore, it instills a sense of pride and ownership among the speakers of these languages, promoting national integration and aligning with the broader vision of a self-reliant and culturally rooted India.
Source(s):
1. Government of India Press Release: Cabinet approves conferring status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages
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