Status of Classical Languages of India – UPSC Notes – Art and Culture

Classical Languages of India are languages that have a long history of written literature and their own unique literary traditions. Currently, six languages in India are recognized as “Classical Languages of India.” Any language that has its own literature and a large, ancient body of written script can be considered a Classical Language of India. Even though Hindi is the official language of India, there are 22 other languages in the country, as mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

In 2004, the Indian Government decided to declare languages meeting specific criteria as “Classical Languages of India.” These languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ministry of Culture provides guidelines that a language must fulfill to be categorized as a classical language in India. Let’s talk about the criteria for being Classical Languages of India and explore the six languages that hold the status of classical languages in the country.

What are the Classical Languages of India?

The Classical Languages of India are languages with a rich literary and historical heritage, acknowledged for their cultural and historical significance. These languages boast a documented literary tradition that dates back to ancient times.

In terms of official recognition, the Government of India has conferred classical status upon specific languages. This recognition is based on criteria such as antiquity, unique linguistic features, and cultural importance. Currently, the Government of India has officially recognized six languages as classical languages.

List of 6 Classical Languages of India

The six Classical Languages of India are:

1. Tamil: This Dravidian language spoken in Tamil Nadu was declared a Classical Language of India in 2004. It boasts a substantial body of classical literature, encompassing epic poems, devotional hymns, and philosophical works.
2. Sanskrit: Belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of Indo-European languages and considered the language of Hindu philosophy, Sanskrit was accorded Classical Language status in 2005.
3. Kannada: Another Dravidian language spoken widely across Karnataka, whose script evolved from the Kadamba script during the 5th century, was declared a Classical Language of India in 2008.
4. Telugu: A Dravidian language predominantly spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Telugu received Classical Language status in 2008. It has contributed significantly to poetry, drama, and various literary genres.
5. Malayalam: A Dravidian language with its oldest literary works dating back to the 9th to 11th centuries, predominantly spoken in the state of Kerala, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep. It was declared a Classical Language of India in 2013.
6. Odia: An Indo-Aryan language with its earliest literary works traceable to the 10th century, widely spoken in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. It received the status of “Classical Languages of India” in 2014.

Classical Languages of India Criteria

The criteria for a language to be designated as a “Classical Language of India” include the following guidelines:

1. Ancient Origins: The language should have ancient roots, with evidence of its script or recorded history spanning a substantial period of 1500 to 2000 years.
2. Original Literature: The literary works in the language should be original and not borrowed from any other language or speech community.
3. Antique Texts: There must be a collection of antique texts associated with the language, and these texts should be regarded as a valuable cultural heritage passed down through generations of speakers.
4. Distinguishing from the Modern: The language and its literature should be distinct from modern forms, and there may be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later manifestations.

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FAQs of Status of Classical Languages in India

1. What are the Classical Languages of India?
   • The Classical Languages of India are Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. They were designated as classical languages by the Government of India.
2. Which was the first Classical Language in India?
   • Tamil was the first Classical Language in India, declared so in 2004. It has a rich literary tradition dating back to the Sangam period.
3. Who grants the status of Classical Languages of India?
   • The Government of India grants the status of Classical Languages of India based on criteria established by the Ministry of Culture and the Rajya Sabha.
4. What is the criteria for becoming a Classical Language of India?
   • The criteria set by the Rajya Sabha include being documented in early texts, possessing uniqueness, and having a body of texts valued by the speakers of that heritage.
5. What are the benefits of the status of “Classical Languages of India”?
   • The status brings eligibility for international awards for researchers, establishment of a center of excellence for classical language studies, and the creation of professional chairs for classical languages by UGC.
6. Which was the second Classical Language of India?
   • Sanskrit was declared the second Classical Language of India in 2005. It is listed in the 8th schedule of the Constitution of India and is associated with traditional Hindu philosophy.
7. What qualifies a language to be recognized as a classical language?
   • The criteria include antiquity, uniqueness, a substantial body of ancient literature, a long history of literary excellence, and a literary tradition spanning several centuries. The language must also be distinct from its contemporary form.
8. What is the significance of classical languages in India?
   • Classical languages have played a crucial role in shaping India’s cultural, intellectual, and literary heritage. They have contributed significantly to literature, poetry, drama, philosophy, and religious texts, forming an integral part of the country’s identity.