Classical Languages of India: History, Recognition, and Preservation
Why in News?
Recently, the list of Classical Languages of India has seen a new addition, reflecting the government’s continued efforts to recognize and preserve India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
What are the Classical Languages of India?
India currently recognizes 11 Classical Languages:
Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
Criteria for Classical Language Status
The Government of India has established the following criteria for a language to be classified as Classical:
- High Antiquity: Early texts or recorded history spanning 1,500–2,000 years.
- Rich Literary Tradition: A substantial body of ancient literature regarded as heritage by generations of speakers.
- Diverse Knowledge Texts: Includes prose, poetry, epigraphy, inscriptions, and other textual evidence.
- Distinct Classical Form: Classical literature may differ from the contemporary form of the language, showing historical discontinuity.
Importance of Classical Language Status
Recognition of Historical Significance: Recognizing a language as Classical honours its historical and cultural contributions to India’s intellectual identity.
Preservation of Heritage: It safeguards and transmits ancient knowledge, philosophies, and values over millennia.
Enhancing Relevance: The status elevates the prestige of the language and encourages efforts for its promotion, study, and continued relevance in the modern era.
Steps Undertaken to Promote Classical Languages
1. Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL):
- Operates under the Ministry of Education and coordinates the promotion of all Indian languages, including Classical Languages.
2. Special Centres and Universities:
- Central Sanskrit Universities (2020): Three universities established to promote Sanskrit:
- Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi
- Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, New Delhi
- National Sanskrit University, Tirupati
- Financial Support: Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalayas and Shodha Sansthans receive assistance.
3. Central Institute of Classical Tamil (Chennai):
- Promotes and preserves Classical Tamil literature.
- Translates ancient texts, supports research, and provides courses for students and scholars.
- Key projects include translation of Tolkāppiyam and 41 ancient Tamil texts into multiple Indian and foreign languages, including Braille.
- Conducts multidisciplinary research on Dravidian comparative grammar, Tamil dialects, and Tamil Chairs in international universities.
Key Activities of Centres for Classical Languages
- Promotion and Preservation: Propagate India’s classical languages and literatures.
- Research and Documentation: Digitization of manuscripts, archaeological records, inscriptions, and archival materials.
- Publications: Books, research reports, and catalogues of manuscripts.
- Translation: Classical texts into Indian and foreign languages.
- Audio-Visual Documentation: Documentaries on scholars and texts.
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Connect classical languages with epigraphy, archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Centres of Excellence
1. Classical Telugu (CESCT, Venkatachalam, Andhra Pradesh):
- Maintains a database of ~10,000 classical epics and inscriptions.
- Edited all Telugu inscriptions in “Telugu Sasanaalu”.
- English translations of first Telugu grammar Andhra Sabda Chintamani and prosody work Kavijanasramam.
2. Classical Kannada (CESCK, University of Mysuru):
- Dedicated library, cultural lab, and conference facilities.
- Focus areas: Research, Teaching, Documentation, Dissemination.
- Publications include 7 released books and 22 ready for publication.
- Translated musical notations Sankeerthana Lakshanam into Kannada.
3. Classical Odia (CESCO, Bhubaneswar):
- Promotes and preserves Odia classical heritage.
- Studies inscriptions, murals, archaeological remains, and palm leaf manuscripts.
4. Classical Malayalam (CESCM, Tirur, Kerala):
- Operates from Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University.
- Undertakes research, preservation, and promotion of Malayalam’s classical heritage.
Way Forward
Prime Minister’s mantra, “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi,” captures India’s vision of balancing heritage with progress.
- Classical languages act as living symbols of India’s intellectual and cultural richness.
- Government initiatives connect scholars and youth with ancient traditions.
- Safeguarding these languages aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting cultural self-reliance and national integration.
- Through continued support, India ensures that its historic voices resonate in a modern, confident nation.
Source : PIB