Elevating India's Linguistic Legacy
Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit
Accorded Classical Language Status
Jyoti Tiwari
0n October 3, 2024, the Union Cabinet made a landmark decision to confer "classical language" status upon Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Pali, and Prakrit. The classical languages serve as a custodian of Bharat's profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community's historical and cultural milestone.
Prior to this, six languages-Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014)- were officially recognised with classical language status.
Understanding Classical Language Status
The concept of "classical language" is laden with significance within the Indian linguistic framework. According to government criteria, a classical language must demonstrate high antiquity, with a recorded history extending over 1,500 to 2,000 years. It must possess a substantial body of literature that is revered as a cultural heritage, alongside an original literary tradition that is distinct from those of other speech communities. This framework aims to safeguard languages that have made significant contributions to India's cultural and intellectual heritage.
The classification of classical languages began in 2004 with Tamil, setting a precedent for subsequent recognitions. This initiative highlighted not only the importance of linguistic diversity but also the need to preserve languages that embody unique histories and traditions. The criteria were further refined in 2005 to ensure a more rigorous assessment of language heritage, including considerations of the continuity or discontinuity between classical forms and their modern descendants.
A Brief History of Classical Language Status in India
The movement for classical language status in India was first championed by the Tamil community, whose persistent advocacy set the stage for a broader national conversation. Responding to these calls, the government engaged with the SahityaAkademi and convened an expert committee tasked with formulating the criteria for classifying languages as "classical."
The committee established four foundational criteria that a language must meet to be granted this esteemed status, criteria that were subsequently accepted by the government:
1. High Antiquity: The language must possess early texts or recorded history spanning a period of 1,500 to 2,000 years.
2. Valuable Literary Heritage: It should have a substantial body of ancient literature that is revered and considered a cultural heritage by generations of speakers.
3. Original Literary Tradition: The language's literary tradition must be original and not derived from another linguistic community.
4. Distinctness from Modern Forms: There should be a clear distinction between the classical language and its modern iterations, which may also exhibit discontinuity from their classical roots.
To promote classical languages, the government established three Central universities for Sanskrit in 2020. Additionally, the Central Institute of Classical Tamil was founded to facilitate the translation of ancient Tamil texts, promote research, and offer university level courses. For the study and preservation of Classical Languages, Centres for Excellence in Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia were created under the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru.
Alongside these efforts, several national and international awards have been introduced to recognise and encourage achievements in the field of classical languages. The Ministry of Education also supports Classical Languages through initiatives such as National Awards, University Chairs, and centers dedicated to their promotion.
In November 2021, the Union Government took further steps by constituting a highpowered committee tasked with exploring and recommending pathways for the promotion and growth of Indian languages, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative reflects a commitment to enriching the linguistic and cultural heritage of India, ensuring that classical languages receive the recognition and support they deserve. The NEP states that, "In addition to Sanskrit, other classical languages and literatures of India, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Pali, Persian, and Prakrit, will also be widely available in schools as options for students, possibly as online modules, through experiential and innovative approaches, to ensure that these languages and literature stay alive and vibrant."
What Constitutes "Classical Literature" as the Foundation of Classical Language?
The term "classical literature" refers to the body of works produced during periods notable for the exceptional quality and enduring impact of their writers. This concept extends across various cultures and epochs, each with its own defining characteristics. In ancient Greece, the classical period spanned approximately from 500 to 320 BCE, marking an era of unparalleled literary achievement. Similarly, the Golden Age of Rome, which lasted from around 70 BCE to 18 CE, produced works that continue to resonate today.
Other cultures have their own interpretations of classical literature. For instance, French literature from the latter half of the 17th century is often deemed classical, as is the English literary canon from 1660 to 1714. In Japan, the period from 794 to 1185 A.D. is recognised for its classical contributions, highlighting the significance of literary excellence in that cultural context.
In the Indian milieu, classical literature is distinguished by its timelessness and continuing relevance. Much of this literature transcends specific historical moments, offering insights that remain pertinent across generations. This quality aligns with the broader definition of classical literature, which emphasises not only antiquity but also excellence in various dimensions- universality, idealism, clarity, and a humanitarian outlook.
The designation of a language as "classical" is thus rooted in its literary tradition's ability to embody these characteristics. It reflects a legacy that informs and shapes cultural identities, making the recognition of classical languages all the more vital in preserving and promoting the rich literary heritages of languages such as Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Pali, and Prakrit. By embracing these definitions, we can better appreciate the literary treasures that each classical language offers, fostering a deeper understanding of their contributions to the collective human experience.
Classical languages of India contain vast treasures of mathematics, philosophy, grammar, music, politics, medicine, architecture, metallurgy, drama, poetry, storytelling, and more. They are written by people from all walks of life and a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds over thousands of years.
The Profound Significance of Classical Language Status
Cultural Recognition and Pride: Classical status acknowledges the deep historical roots and literary heritage of a language. For communities, this recognition becomes a source of immense pride, as it validates their language as a significant contributor to the nation's cultural tapestry. It strengthens their sense of identity, fostering pride in their linguistic traditions.
Preservation of Heritage: This status serves as a powerful mechanism for preserving the language's rich corpus of ancient texts, literature, and knowledge systems. It encourages academic research, documentation, and the safeguarding of traditional narratives, ensuring that future generations have access to their cultural and intellectual heritage.
Sociopolitical Empowerment: The recognition by a national government affirms the community's contributions to the nation's history and culture. It strengthens the sociopolitical influence of these communities, leading to greater representation in cultural and educational policies.
Historical Validation: The status serves as an acknowledgment of the language's role in shaping civilisational history. For communities, this is a formal recognition of their ancestors' contributions to philosophy, literature, and cultural practices, reinforcing their significance in the nation's historical narrative.
Revitalisation of Language: Languages with classical status often see renewed interest in learning and teaching. It encourages educational institutions to introduce the language in academic curricula, sparking a revival in language learning, both within the community and across broader academic circles.
Global Visibility: The status elevates the language's prestige on a global platform, positioning it as a language of historical significance. It can attract international interest in its literature, philosophy, and history, bringing global attention to the community's cultural contributions.
Career and Academic Opportunities: Classical status brings government funding for research, scholarships, and conservation efforts, providing economic benefits to language scholars, teachers, and cultural institutions. This fosters an intellectual ecosystem around the language, opening new career paths and avenues for research.
Employment Generation: As initiatives to document, preserve, and digitise ancient texts intensify, a wealth of job opportunities will emerge in areas such as archiving, publishing, and digital media. This professional influx will nurture a new generation of experts committed to safeguarding these languages' literary legacies.
Strategic Financial Support: Classical status will likely prompt the central government to allocate significant funding toward the development of educational frameworks, libraries, and research initiatives in each language. This financial backing is essential for sustaining libraries and institutions that champion these linguistic heritages.
Cultural and Literary Incentives: The establishment of national and international awards recognising contributions to the literature and scholarship of these languages will stimulate the production of new works. This initiative elevates the prestige of these languages within the broader tapestry of Indian literature.
Prakrit: The Language of the People
Prakrit, encompassing a range of closely related Indo-Aryan languages, qualifies as a classical language through its foundational role in the cultural and social fabric of ancient India. Derived from Sanskrit, Prakrit was crafted as simpler, more accessible alternative that resonated with the everyday lives of the masses. This linguistic evolution was significant during a time when Sanskrit was largely reserved for the elite, making Prakrit the voice of the common people. Famous British Historian and Indologist A.L. Basham emphasised that by the time of the Buddha, the vernaculars were already being used in public inscriptions and dialogues, highlighting the importance of Prakrit in democratising communication. Inscriptions from the Mauryan period, including the famous Ashokan edicts, were composed in Prakrit, further attesting to its role as a public language meant for the wider populace rather than a select intellectual elite.
Prakrit's diversity is notable, with various dialects such as Magadhi, Ardhamagadhi, and Shauraseni emerging to meet the linguistic needs of different communities. These languages not only facilitated communication but also played a critical role in the dissemination of Jain and Buddhist teachings, both of which sought to challenge the rigid structures of the prevailing Vedic tradition. The use of Prakrit in literature and drama often portrayed characters from lower social strata, allowing for a more inclusive representation of society. This characteristic is emblematic of Prakrit's broader social function-serving as a bridge between the elite and the masses. By recognisingPrakrit as a classical language, we celebrate its enduring influence on modern Indian languages and its role in fostering a cultural identity that values inclusivity and accessibility in communication and expression.
Pali: A Language of Spiritual Depth
Pali stands as a cornerstone of Buddhist literature and philosophy, earning its status as a classical language in India through its profound contributions to spiritual discourse. As the language of the Theravada Buddhist canon, Pali encapsulates the teachings of the Buddha and the monastic traditions that emerged from his insights. The Pali Canon, known as the Tipitaka, comprises three baskets of texts- VinayaPitaka (rules for monastic discipline), SuttaPitaka (discourses of the Buddha), and AbhidhammaPitaka (philosophical analyses). These texts not only provide a framework for understanding Buddhist thought but also reflect the historical context in which they were composed, making Pali a vital medium through which ancient wisdom is preserved and transmitted.
Pali's significance extends beyond its role in religion; it represents a cultural legacy that has influenced art, literature, and philosophy across Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, where Theravada Buddhism flourished. The language's roots in the MagadhiPrakrit suggest a deep connection to the vernacular of the time, making it accessible to the common people, which was crucial for the spread of Buddhist teachings. This accessibility underlines the democratic essence of Pali, as it sought to break down the barriers imposed by the more elitist Sanskrit. In recognisingPali as a classical language, we honour a tradition that not only shaped Indian spirituality but also provided a voice to the philosophies that challenged societal norms, fostering an enduring impact on spiritual and philosophical thought throughout history.
Bengali: Language that Shaped National Consciousness
With a rich tradition of poets, authors, and scholars, Bengali has not only shaped the cultural identity of Bengal but has also influenced India's national consciousness. The language has been pivotal in various historical movements, from the early translations of Sanskrit epics to the revolutionary writings of the 19th and 20th centuries. By conferring classical status upon Bengali, the government has under-scored its profound historical and literary milestones, while also promoting the preservation of its linguistic heritage for future generations.
The journey of Bengali can be traced back to the MagadhiPrakrit, evolving through distinct phases that have contributed to its rich literary tradition. From its earliest texts in the 10th and 12th centuries to the golden era of the 19th century, Bengali literature has produced influential figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, whose works have reached a global audience and showcased the depth of Bengali culture. By elevating Bengali to classical status, the government acknowledges its role as a custodian of ancient cultural legacies and aims to facilitate scholarly research and revitalisation of its literary traditions. This initiative not only celebrates the past but also inspires future generations to engage with and appreciate the language's immense contributions to India's diverse cultural landscape.
Assamese: The Language with Rich and Multifaceted
Historical Lineage
Language plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural identity, and Assamese is central to the heritage of the Asomiya people. With roots in Sanskrit, Assamese has evolved from the MagadhiApabhramsa and boasts a rich historical lineage that dates back to the 7th century A.D.
The history of Assamese is complex and multifaceted. Scholars trace its origins to various linguistic influences, with early mentions found in texts such as the Katha Gurucharit. The language was significantly shaped by the PracyaApabhramsa, which migrated to the Assam valley, transforming into what we now recognise as Assamese. A pivotal moment in the language's history occurred during the 1959-60 language movement, which resulted in Assamese being declared the official language of Assam. The rich literary tradition of Assamese can be categorised into five distinct periods:
1. The Formative Phase (800-1300 A.D.): This era features the esoteric verses of the Buddhist Charyapadas and early Sanskrit literature.
2. Pre-Vaishnavite Literature (1300-1550 A.D.): Notable works from this period include those by poets such as Hem Saraswati and MadhavKandali.
3. Era of Sankari or Vaishnavite Literature (1550-1650 A.D.): This period saw the crystallisation of Assamese as a distinct language.
4. Post-Sankardeva Era Literature (1650-1850 A.D.): This phase includes Buranjis (chronicles of the Ahom court) and the emergence of modern Assamese writing.
5. Contemporary Era (1830 onwards): This period features the evolution of standard Assamese and the development of new genres, such as drama and novels, showcasing the language's ongoing adaptability and relevance.
The conferral of classical status to Assamese carries profound significance for its preservation and promotion. This recognition not only acknowledges the rich literary heritage and historical significance of the language but also enhances its prestige within the broader linguistic landscape of India.
Marathi: A Language Shaped by Time and Tradition
Marathi, an Indo-Aryan language predominantly spoken in Maharashtra, has a literary tradition spanning over a thousand years. Marathi traces its roots back over 2,500 years, evolving from languages such as PrachinaMaharatthi, MaharastriPrakrta, and Apabhramsa Marathi. Its first known inscription, the Naneghata inscription, dates back around 2,200 years and features the term "Maharathino," confirming its ancient origins. The transition from Maharashtra Prakrta to modern Marathi involved gradual changes in pronunciation and grammar.
The earliest literary work in Marathi, Gathasaptasati, is approximately 2,000 years old, showcasing the richness of early Marathi poetry. Subsequent works like Lilacharitra and Jnanesvari indicate that Marathi had developed into an expressive language by the 1st century CE.
Marathi's deep historical roots are evidenced by numerous stone inscriptions, copper plates, and ancient texts. The Naneghata inscription is crucial in illustrating Marathi's use over 2,500 years ago, while references in works by authors like Kalidasa underscore its historical significance.
Prominent scholars such as Rajaramshastri Bhagwat and S.V. Ketkar have traced the evolution of Marathi, emphasising that it is a continuation of MaharastriPrakrta. With around 110 million native speakers, Marathi ranks among the world's top 15 languages, maintaining a vibrant literary heritage enriched by contributions from saints like SantDnyaneshwar and Tukaram.
The recognition of Marathi as a Classical Language will enhance its educational initiatives, encourage research, and support its continued vitality in modern society.
Government of India’s Other Initiatives to Promote Languages
National Translation Mission (NTM)
• Aims to make higher education accessible by translating academic texts into the 22 languages of the Eighth Schedule.
• Encourages innovation by developing modern terminologies in traditional languages through translation.
Special Centralised Universities & Departments
• Central Sanskrit University
• Kendriya Hindi Sansthan (KHS)
• National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language
• National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), New Delhi
• Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore
• Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai
Initiatives Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
• Medium of Instruction (Up to Class 5)
• Encourages the use of the mother tongue as the medium of instruction.
• Provision of books in local languages.
• Teachers encouraged to be bilingual while imparting education.
Technical Education in Mother Tongue
• AICTE permits technical education institutions to offer courses in local languages.
SWAYAM MOOCS Portal
• Provides regional language books for technical subjects.
DIKSHA Portal
• Offers books for Classes 1 to 12 in 33 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Indian Languages
• AICTE Automation AI Tool: Developed to translate English language online courses into 11 Indian languages.
Bhashini:
• A government initiative to provide digital services in 121 local languages across India.\
(The author is a Delhi-based web content writer. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com). Views expressed are personal.