The Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali as classical languages, expanding India's list of culturally significant tongues.
What is a Classical Language?
Classical Languages are designated to recognize their ancient legacy, cultural significance, and contributions to literature and knowledge systems. These languages reflect the intellectual and artistic evolution of the communities they represent.
Origin of the Concept: The classification began in 2004 to preserve and honor ancient languages.
Cultural Significance: They are vital to understanding historical, philosophical, and literary developments.
Role in Heritage: Classical languages act as custodians of a nation's rich traditions and ancient texts.
Criteria: Recognition is based on specific attributes like antiquity, unique literary traditions, and distinct evolution.
Current Number: With this update, India now has 11 Classical Languages.
Revised Criteria for Classical Language Designation
The criteria for recognizing Classical Languages were updated in 2005 and again in 2024 to ensure inclusivity and authenticity.
High Antiquity: Languages must have early texts or records dating back 1,500–2,000 years.
Ancient Literature: Possess significant ancient texts regarded as valuable cultural heritage.
Knowledge Texts: Include original traditions in prose, poetry, epigraphical, and inscriptional evidence.
Distinct Evolution: The classical form must be distinct from its modern counterparts or offshoots.
Revised in 2024: Criteria now emphasize prose texts, epigraphical, and inscriptional evidence, replacing the earlier focus on non-borrowed traditions.
Significance of Classical Language Recognition
Recognizing Classical Languages serves to promote, preserve, and sustain the nation's linguistic diversity.
Cultural Evolution: These languages provide insights into historical and philosophical developments.
Linguistic Research: They enable scholarly exploration across disciplines like religion and literature.
Knowledge Systems: Ancient texts act as repositories of wisdom in diverse fields.
Cultural Identity: Recognition fosters pride and preservation of cultural identities.
Global Awareness: It highlights India's rich heritage on international platforms.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
The government extends various benefits to promote and preserve Classical Languages.
Awards for Scholars: Presidential Awards and Maharshi Badrayan Samman for notable contributions.
Research Support: Creation of Professional Chairs in central universities and institutions by UGC.
Centers of Excellence: Institutions like CIIL, Mysore focus on advanced studies of classical languages.
Funding and Grants: Financial aid to promote academic work and preservation initiatives.
Publications and Resources: Support for publishing research, textbooks, and literary works.
Other Provisions to Promote Indian Languages
In addition to recognizing Classical Languages, various constitutional and policy provisions support linguistic diversity.
Constitutional Provisions
Eighth Schedule: Lists 22 official languages for enrichment and progressive use.
Article 344(1): Mandates the President to set up a commission for promoting Hindi.
Article 351: Encourages the spread and enrichment of Hindi.
Policy Measures
Project ASMITA: Aims to produce 22,000 books in Indian languages over five years.
New Education Policy (NEP): Emphasizes multilingual education and Sanskrit promotion.
Central Institute of Indian Languages: Supports classical and modern Indian languages.
Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019: Grants Central status to three Sanskrit universities.
Technological Support: Use of AI and digital platforms to promote lesser-spoken languages.
Conclusion
Recognizing languages as Classical is more than a symbolic gesture; it reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding its linguistic and cultural heritage. This initiative fosters research, academic exploration, and the preservation of ancient traditions, enriching the cultural fabric of the nation. Aspiring UPSC candidates should closely follow such developments, as they encapsulate the intersection of governance, cultural policies, and societal values.
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