‘Classical Language’
– PC : Freepik
Classical Language status update: The Central government, during the Union Cabinet meeting on Thursday, had approved to confer the status of classical language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali languages. It should be mentioned that after this addition the number of languages that have the classical status will nearly double from six to 11.Â
While the languages that earlier had the tag of classical status were Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia, Tamil (notably) was granted the status in 2004 and the last language to get it was Odia in 2014.
Criteria for granting Classical Status to languages
The early texts of the language should possess a remarkable antiquity, with a recorded history spanning approximately 1,500 to 2,000 years.
The collection of ancient literature is regarded as a cultural heritage by successive generations of speakers.
It encompasses knowledge texts, particularly prose, alongside poetry, as well as epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.
The classical languages and their literature may differ significantly from their contemporary forms or may not exhibit continuity with the later derivatives of these languages.
Our Government cherishes and celebrates India’s rich history and culture. We have also been unwavering in our commitment to popularising regional languages.
I am extremely glad the Cabinet has decided that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit will be conferred the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 3, 2024
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