05 Oct Cabinet approves conferring status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-3-Culture-Cabinet approves conferring status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages
FOR PRELIMS:
Discuss the significance of the Indian Cabinet’s approval to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali languages.
FOR MAINS:
Why Is It In the News?
The Indian Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the conferral of Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
What are classical languages?
Indian classical languages, also known as Shastriya Bhasha, refer to languages with a deep historical background, rich literary traditions and a unique cultural heritage. These languages have significantly contributed to the intellectual and cultural development of the region, with their texts offering valuable insights into various domains like literature, philosophy and religion.
Significance:
As custodians of India’s profound cultural heritage, the 11 classical languages mark important historical and cultural milestones for their communities. Their literary and philosophical traditions have significantly influenced various literary genres and styles.
To promote and preserve these linguistic treasures, the Indian government established the Center of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysore.
In 2004, the Indian government recognised the importance of preserving these ancient languages by designating those that meet specific criteria as “Classical Languages.”
When and how did the concept of “classical language” originate?
Following demands from various states, the UPA-1 government decided to create a category of Indian languages known as “classical Languages” and lay down various criteria for this status.
On October 12, 2004, Tamil became the first Indian language to receive a “classical state due to its high antiquity and rich literary tradition.
The following month, the Ministry of Culture set up a Linguistic Experts Committee (LBC) under the Sahitya Akademi to examine proposals for “classical langs status from various states and bodies.
On November 25, the Sanskrit war declared classical Language Subsequently, this status was conferred upon Telugu (2008 Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
What are the latest criteria for “classical languages.”
On July 25 this year, the LEC unanimously revised the criteria for classical status. The criteria now include:
- High antiquity of early texts and recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years
- A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers
- Epigraphic and inscriptional evidence
- Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry
- Classical languages and literature could be distinct from their current form or discontinuous with later forms of offshoots.
Following this, the committee recommended the addition of the five new classical languages, the proposals for which had been with the Centre for some years. The Union Cabinet approved this on Thursday.
Different types of languages:
The official language vs the national language vs classical Language
| Aspect | Official Language | National Language | Classical Language |
| Definition | A language designated by a country’s constitution or laws for official government functions. | A language that holds special status, representing the identity, culture, and unity of a nation. | A language that has a rich heritage and classical literature recognized for its ancient historical significance. |
| Purpose | Facilitates communication and documentation in government affairs and legal processes. | It reflects the cultural and historical identity of the nation and may symbolize national heritage. | Preserves and promotes ancient literature, philosophy, and cultural heritage. |
| Usage | Used for administrative purposes, court proceedings, and formal state functions. | Often used in cultural, educational, and social contexts, promoted in media and public life. | Studied for academic and cultural purposes; often used in classical literature, religious texts, and historical studies. |
| Example | Hindi: Official language of India. | India does not have a national language. | Sanskrit: Recognized as a classical language of India with a rich historical and literary tradition. |
List of Classical Languages in India:
1. Tamil
2. Sanskrit
3. Kannada
4. Telugu
5. Malayalam
6. Odia
7. Marathi
8. Pali
9. Prakrit
10. Assamese
11. Bengali
Significant impact, including employment generation:
Including Classical languages will create significant employment opportunities, particularly in academic and research fields. Additionally, the preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts of these languages will generate jobs in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media.
States/districts covered:
The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally.
Process for Recognizing a Language as Classical in India:
1. Proposal Initiation: The process begins with a state government or linguistic organization submitting a proposal for recognition.
2. Preparation of Proposal: The proposal details how the language meets criteria such as antiquity, originality, and cultural significance.
3. Ministry of Culture Review: The proposal is submitted to the Ministry of Culture, which assesses its cultural and historical value and may seek expert input.
4. Expert Committee Formation: An Expert Committee of linguists and historians may evaluate the proposal against established criteria.
5. Evaluation:
High antiquity of texts.
Original literary tradition.
Contribution to cultural heritage.
Findings and recommendations are compiled.
6. Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) Involvement:
The Ministry of HRD may be consulted regarding the academic implications of the recognition.
7. Cabinet Approval:
The proposal is forwarded to the Union Cabinet for approval, which considers national interest and cultural preservation.
8. Official Notification:
Upon approval, the language is officially designated as a Classical Language, and an announcement is made.
9. Implementation and Promotion:
Various ministries collaborate to promote preservation, academic research, and job creation related to the newly recognized language.
Reasons Behind Recent Additions of Classical Languages in India:
1. Marathi
Cultural Significance:Marathi has a rich literary tradition, with historical texts and works that date back centuries, reflecting the culture and history of Maharashtra.
Literary Heritage: The language boasts a diverse body of literature, including poetry, drama, and prose, highlighting its originality and contribution to Indian literature.
2. Pali
Historical Importance: Pali is the language of many ancient Buddhist texts, making it crucial for understanding Buddhist philosophy and history.
Cultural Relevance:Recognizing Pali helps preserve the cultural and spiritual heritage of Buddhism, which has significant historical roots in India.
3. Prakrit
Linguistic Heritage: Prakrit languages are the historical languages from which several modern Indian languages evolved. Their recognition aids in understanding linguistic development in India.
Ancient Literature: The language has a body of ancient literature, including plays and poems, which contribute to the understanding of early Indian culture.
4. Assamese
Cultural Identity:Assamese reflects the unique cultural identity of Assam and the Northeast, showcasing its historical narratives and traditions.
Literary Tradition: The language has a rich literary heritage with contributions from various poets and writers, emphasizing its historical significance.
5. Bengali
Historical Context:Bengali has a long history of literature and arts, with notable contributions to Indian literature, music, and cinema.
Cultural Influence:The language serves as a medium for expressing the rich cultural and social heritage of Bengal, making its recognition essential for preserving this identity.
Significance of Conferring Classical Language:
1. Cultural Preservation:
Recognizing these languages helps preserve their rich literary and cultural heritage, safeguarding the unique identities of their respective communities.
2. Promotion of Linguistic Diversity:
This designation acknowledges the linguistic diversity of India, fostering appreciation for regional languages alongside national languages.
3. Boost to Academic Research:
Classical Language status encourages scholarly research and documentation of ancient texts, stimulating interest in historical linguistics and literature.
4. Employment Opportunities:
The recognition is expected to create job opportunities in fields like translation, archiving, publishing, and education, enhancing the language economy.
5. Enhanced Educational Curriculum:
Including these languages in academic curricula promotes their study among younger generations, ensuring their survival and relevance.
6. Strengthening National Identity:
Recognizing these languages contributes to national pride and unity, emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic heritage.
7. Support for Language Revitalization:
The status encourages initiatives aimed at revitalizing and promoting the use of these languages in contemporary contexts, including digital platforms.
8. Fostering Interdisciplinary Studies:
Classical Languages facilitate interdisciplinary studies in history, anthropology, and philosophy, enriching academic discourse.
9. Global Recognition:
The designation elevates the global status of these languages, attracting interest from international scholars and institutions.
10. Encouraging Multilingualism:
Recognizing multiple classical languages promotes multilingualism, enriching India’s cultural landscape and encouraging communication among diverse communities.
Conclusion:
The Indian Cabinet’s decision to give Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali is an essential step in preserving India’s rich linguistic heritage. This recognition shows the cultural and historical importance of these languages and helps protect the identities of their communities. By promoting diversity and encouraging academic research, this initiative creates job opportunities and inspires young people to connect with their roots. Additionally, recognizing these languages enhances India’s cultural richness and supports multilingualism. As India faces modern challenges, preserving classical languages is essential for maintaining its heritage, and establishing institutions for these languages ensures their wisdom influences the future.
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PRELIMS QUESTION:
1. The recognition aims to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of these languages.
2. The criteria for Classical Language status include high antiquity of texts and a substantial body of original literature.
3. This decision was made during the UPA-1 government in 2004.
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 1 only
Answer: A
MAINS QUESTION:
Q. Evaluate the role of the Indian government in promoting regional languages through the status of Classical Language. What are the expected benefits for academic research and employment opportunities in this context?
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