A Classical Language is a language with a rich literary heritage, historical significance, and cultural influence over an extended period. These languages typically have ancient origins, a well-documented body of literature, and have contributed significantly to philosophy, science, and religion.
Introduction India, a land of linguistic diversity, has always prioritized the preservation and promotion of its rich linguistic heritage. Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of certain languages, the Government of India grants the status of ‘Classical Language’ to those that meet specific criteria. This recognition brings numerous benefits, facilitating research, preservation, and scholarly engagement. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts to enhance classical languages have gained new momentum, ensuring their continued relevance in contemporary times.
Global Case Studies on Classical Language Promotion
Many countries have implemented strategic policies to preserve and promote their classical languages, ensuring their continued relevance in modern society. Greece has taken significant steps to maintain the legacy of Ancient Greek by making it a compulsory subject in secondary schools, funding research programs in universities, and creating digital archives to store historical texts. The Greek government also emphasizes the importance of Ancient Greek in understanding philosophy, literature, and democracy, making it a cornerstone of national identity. Israel provides one of the most remarkable examples of language revival, where Hebrew, once a primarily religious and classical language, was successfully modernized. Through language standardization efforts led by the Academy of the Hebrew Language, immersive education programs (Ulpan), and making Hebrew the official language of governance, Israel managed to transition it into everyday use, integrating it into all aspects of life, including media, business, and technology. Ireland has focused on revitalizing Gaelic (Irish) through dedicated language schools known as Gaelscoileanna, where children are taught entirely in Irish. The Irish government also offers public services in Gaelic, provides financial incentives for learning the language, and mandates its use in state broadcasting and literature, resulting in a significant increase in Gaelic speakers. China has integrated Classical Chinese into its education system, requiring students to study ancient texts as part of their curriculum. The government supports the promotion of traditional literature, organizes Classical Chinese calligraphy competitions, and funds research institutions dedicated to ancient texts, ensuring that the language remains an essential part of China’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
Crucial Role in India’s Cultural Integration & Soft Power
Classical languages play a crucial role in India’s cultural integration by acting as a unifying force across regions, preserving historical continuity, and fostering a shared national identity. These languages, including Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, and newly added ones like Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, carry centuries of literary, philosophical, and spiritual heritage. Ancient scriptures, epics, and knowledge systems written in these languages continue to influence India’s traditions, rituals, and ethical values, creating a common cultural foundation. The study and promotion of classical languages strengthen inter-regional connections, as many modern Indian languages and dialects have roots in them, fostering linguistic harmony and deeper understanding among communities.
From a soft power perspective, classical languages enhance India’s global influence by showcasing its rich civilizational history, knowledge traditions, and philosophical depth. Sanskrit texts in Ayurveda, yoga, and Vedanta attract global scholars and practitioners, reinforcing India’s intellectual leadership. Tamil literature, with its Sangam poetry and philosophical texts, has cultural resonance in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and beyond. Similarly, Pali and Prakrit languages, which preserved Buddhist teachings, serve as a bridge between India and Buddhist-majority nations like Japan, Thailand, and Myanmar. The Modi government’s initiatives, such as establishing Centers of Excellence for classical studies and promoting digital archiving, have further revitalized these languages, making them accessible to global audiences. By leveraging classical languages in cultural diplomacy, India strengthens its historical connections with the world, positioning itself as a knowledge hub and reinforcing its soft power on the global stage.
Modi Government Initiatives:
Languages Recognized as Classical Languages The Government of India has conferred classical language status to the following languages:
- Tamil (2004)
- Sanskrit (2005)
- Telugu (2008)
- Kannada (2008)
- Malayalam (2013)
- Odia (2014)
- Marathi (2024)
- Pali (2024)
- Prakrit (2024)
- Assamese (2024)
- Bengali (2024)
This recognition is based on specific criteria, such as the language’s antiquity, extensive literary tradition, and unique cultural heritage.
Efforts to Enhance Classical Languages
Since coming to power, the Modi government has taken several steps to ensure the preservation and promotion of India’s classical languages:
- Expansion of Classical Language List: The recent inclusion of Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali in 2024 demonstrates the government’s commitment to recognizing and preserving linguistic heritage.
- Strengthening Institutional Support: The Ministry of Education, through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, has strengthened research and development efforts for classical languages.
- Digitization and Online Accessibility: The government has launched digitization projects to make ancient manuscripts and texts available online, ensuring easy access to researchers and enthusiasts worldwide.
- Increased Funding for Research and Scholarships: The government has significantly increased funding for scholarships, research grants, and awards to encourage scholars to pursue advanced studies in classical languages.
- Integration with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP 2020 emphasizes multilingualism and the importance of classical languages, encouraging their integration into the educational curriculum at various levels.
- Promotion through Cultural Events and Conferences: Regular national and international conferences, symposiums, and cultural events have been organized to generate global interest in India’s classical languages.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
Languages that receive the classical designation are eligible for several government-sponsored benefits aimed at their preservation and promotion:
- Awards and Scholarships: The Government grants awards and scholarships to scholars, researchers, and students pursuing studies in classical languages. This encourages academic engagement and sustains interest in these linguistic traditions.
- Centers of Excellence: Dedicated centers of excellence are established to conduct research, preserve ancient manuscripts, and document linguistic traditions. These centers act as repositories of knowledge and facilitate scholarly research.
- Professional Chairs in Universities: The creation of professional chairs in central universities ensures continued academic focus on classical languages. These chairs are occupied by eminent scholars who contribute to teaching and research.
- Research and Documentation: Funds are allocated for projects that document and publish critical editions of ancient texts, dictionaries, and lexicons, preserving invaluable knowledge for future generations.
Institutions Promoting Classical Languages
Several institutions play a key role in advancing the study and research of classical languages in India:
Tamil: The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai, established in 2008.
Sanskrit: Central Sanskrit University (New Delhi), Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University (New Delhi), and National Sanskrit University (Tirupati).
Telugu: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Telugu, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
Kannada: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada, Mysuru, Karnataka.
Malayalam: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Malayalam, Tirur, Malappuram, Kerala.
Odia: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The classical language status provides a significant boost to India’s linguistic heritage, ensuring these languages continue to thrive. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government has intensified its efforts to preserve, research, and promote these languages through institutional support, digital initiatives, and increased funding. By strengthening these initiatives, India is taking decisive steps toward ensuring that its classical languages remain an integral part of its cultural and intellectual landscape for generations to come.
