Classical Languages in India

sfg-2026
ForumIAS LATEST
      1. FRC 2027: SFG Residential program | accepting application for Tranche-2 Click Here to know more →
      2. CSAT Classes for Prelims 2027 by Rishi Bhargav sir starts 16 Nov. at 5 PM Click Here to know more →
      3. Prelims Sprint classes 2027: Starts 2nd Nov. at 4:30 PM | First class open to all. Click Here to know more →

News: At the 93rd edition of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan,a resolution was passed demanding the declaration of Marathi as a Classical Languages in India .

Facts:

About Classical languages:

  • Currently, six languages enjoy the ‘Classical Languages in India ’ status namely Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).

Guidelines for declaring a Classical Languages in India

  • 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 valuable heritage by generations of speakers;
  • The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community;
  • The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

Benefits provided to a classical language:

  • Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages.
  • A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages is set up.
  • The University Grants Commission (UGC) is requested to create to start at least in the Central Universities,a certain number of Professional Chairs for the Classical Languages so declared.
Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community