Government grants ‘Classical Language’ status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali; we delve into the significance and implications of this recognition

He added, “Each of them are beautiful languages, highlighting our vibrant diversity. Congratulations to everyone.”

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

This significant move, which brings the total count to 11, highlights the cultural and historical importance of these languages, while also emphasising the Indian government’s efforts to preserve and promote regional linguistic heritage.

Regional languages have played a historical role in advancing the nation’s march to progress, and Modi Ji has been working towards strengthening them further.

Blessed with glorious histories and rich heritages, Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese languages have…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 3, 2024

But what does it mean for a language to be designated as a ‘Classical Language’? To understand the implications and criteria behind this classification, we delve into what makes a language ‘classical’ and why this recognition matters for linguistic and cultural identity.

Key criteria for a language to be considered a ‘Classical Language’

Srivatsa T J, a linguistic expert from Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “To achieve Classical Language status, a language must meet a specific set of criteria as outlined by government bodies like the Ministry of Culture in India.” 

These criteria generally include:

Antiquity: The language should have a long history, with its early texts or literary traditions dating back at least 1,500 to 2,000 years.

Rich literary tradition: The language must have an extensive body of literature highly regarded for its cultural, scholarly, or historical significance. This literature should not only be old but must also stand the test of time in terms of relevance and influence.

Independent tradition: The language should be distinctive and not merely a derivative of another classical language. It must have its literary traditions that are independent of external influences.

Cultural impact: The language must have contributed significantly to developing the country’s culture, intellectual traditions, and history.

ASSAMESE IS NOW A CLASSICAL LANGUAGE

On behalf of the people of Assam, I extend my gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and the entire Union Cabinet for the historic decision to accord Assamese the status of Classical Language. Assamese joins a select group… pic.twitter.com/bIsMRfU0NB

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 3, 2024

Impact on the preservation and promotion of languages through this status

Srivatsa says, “Receiving Classical Language status greatly impacts the preservation and promotion of the language, both academically and culturally. This recognition often leads to increased government funding and institutional support for research, translation, and documentation of the language. Universities and research institutions are encouraged to set up specialised programs to study and preserve the literary traditions of the language.”

From a cultural standpoint, she adds that the status “elevates the importance of the language in the public consciousness, leading to increased efforts to protect oral traditions and folklore associated with the language.” 

Most happy to share that Bengali/ Bangla has been finally accorded the status of a classical language by Government of India.

We had been trying to snatch this recognition from Ministry of Culture, GOI and we had submitted three volumes of research findings in favour of our…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 3, 2024

Does achieving classical status help a language adapt to modern-day challenges?

Srivatsa notes that achieving Classical Language status can aid a language in addressing contemporary challenges like digitalisation and globalisation, but its effectiveness depends on how this recognition is utilised.

While the status often attracts government funding and cultural initiatives that support digital archives, language-learning tools, and online dictionaries, she emphasises that classical status alone does not ensure adaptation. Active efforts are necessary to digitise ancient texts, develop modern terminologies, and teach these languages for their historical significance and relevance in today’s globalised world.