Union Cabinet Recognizes Five More Languages as 'Classical': A Historic Milestone

Politics Politics of India

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-05 09:01:33 |

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In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet of India has granted 'classical language' status to five more Indian languages—Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, and two others. This recognition reinforces the historical, cultural, and literary significance of these languages, ensuring their preservation and academic promotion. The move has been widely welcomed by scholars, linguists, and cultural enthusiasts, as it acknowledges the deep-rooted heritage of these languages and their contribution to India's literary landscape.

Understanding Classical Language Status

A classical language is defined as one that has a recorded history of at least 1,500 years, has an extensive and rich body of literature, and is distinct from its modern form. These languages hold immense literary, historical, and cultural value.

Before this announcement, six languages—Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014)—had been recognized as classical. With this addition, the total number of classical languages in India now rises to 11, highlighting the country's diverse linguistic heritage.

Significance of the Recognition

The classical language status brings several benefits, including:

Government Support for Preservation – The government will provide funding for research, documentation, and conservation efforts.

Increased Academic Focus – Universities and institutions will establish dedicated research centers and introduce specialized courses to promote these languages.

Encouragement for Literature and Research – Scholars will receive grants and financial aid to study and promote classical literature in these languages.

Digital and Archival Development – Ancient texts and manuscripts will be digitized to ensure accessibility for future generations.

A Closer Look at the Newly Recognized Languages

Each of these languages has a deep historical and literary legacy:

Marathi: With a literary history dating back to the 12th century, Marathi is a significant part of India's cultural fabric. Saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram contributed to its literary richness.

Bengali: One of the most influential languages in South Asia, Bengali has produced renowned poets and authors, including Rabindranath Tagore, the first Asian Nobel Laureate in Literature.

Assamese: The oldest Indo-Aryan language in Northeast India, Assamese has a vast literary tradition and is integral to Assamese culture and identity.

The remaining two languages, though yet to be officially disclosed, are expected to be those with a significant historical and literary presence.

Impact on Indian Culture and Education

This recognition is expected to significantly impact Indian literature, culture, and academia. Several new initiatives, such as scholarships for students, research grants for scholars, and the establishment of language research centers, will be introduced. Moreover, classical texts in these languages will be translated and published globally, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

The Union Cabinet’s decision to grant classical language status to these five languages marks a historic step towards preserving India’s rich linguistic heritage. This recognition not only celebrates India’s linguistic diversity but also ensures that future generations continue to appreciate and study these ancient languages. With strong government backing, these languages will now receive the recognition they deserve, reinforcing India's status as a land of rich linguistic and literary traditions.

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