A classical language is one that has its own literary tradition as well as a large and ancient body of written literature. Classical languages typically have a high degree of diglossia, as spoken varieties diverge further from the classical written language over time. The Government of India declared in 2004 that languages that met certain criteria would be designated as "Classical Languages in India." In this article we will study Classical Languages in India which is important for the UPSC examination.

Classical Languages

• These are those languages that have an independent literary tradition and vast, ancient body of literature.
• They are the ones that have been spoken since ancient times and have further diverged from the classical written language.

Criteria for Declaring Classical Languages In India

In February 2014, the Ministry of Culture in the Rajya Sabha gave the guidelines for declaring language as classical. These are:

• The high antiquity of its early texts is recorded in history.
• A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by the generation of speakers.
• The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
• The classical language and literature are distinct from modern; there may also be a discontinuity between the classical languages.

Benefits Accorded to Classical Languages In India

• Two major annual international awards are given for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages.
• A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Indian Languages would be set up.
• University Grants Commission (UGC) is requested to create, start with at least in the Central Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for the Classical Languages so declared.

Different Classical Languages In India

There are six languages in India that have a Classical Language status, these are:

Tamil

• It was declared a classical language in 2004.
• It is a classical Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and various other parts of Southeast Asia.
• Sangam literature constitutes the earliest period of Tamil literature.
• It is one of the 22 languages in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Sanskrit

• It was declared a classical language in 2005.
• It belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of Indo-European languages.
• It is one of the 22 languages in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• It is a language of classical Hindu philosophy.
• It spread to the northwest part of the subcontinent during Bronze Age.

Kannada

• It was declared a classical language of India in 2008.
• It is one of the 22 languages in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• It is a Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Karnataka and southwest India.
• It is written in Kannada script which was evolved from the Kadamba script during the 5th century.

Telugu

• It was declared a classical language of India in 2008.
• It is one of the 22 languages in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• It is a Dravidian language spoken by people in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• It traces its origin from proto-Dravidian that was spoken during the third millennium BCE.

Malayalam

• It was declared as a classical language of India in 2013.
• It is one of the 22 languages in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• It is a Dravidian language spoken in Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep.
• Its oldest literature work is from between the 9th and 11th centuries.
• Vatteluttu script was the earliest script used to write Malayalam.

Odia

• It was declared a classical language of India in 2014.
• It is one of the 22 languages in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• It is an Indo-Aryan language, spoken in the Indian states of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand.
• It has a wide literary history and is less borrowed from other languages.
• The earliest known inscription in Odia dates back to the 10th century CE.

Conclusion

Classical languages in India are recognized as having independent literature and ancient traditions. They consist of a variety of modifications over the years that diverged over centuries. Languages of this period constitute the golden period of literature.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following languages is NOT recognized as a classical language in India?

A) Tamil
B) Hindi
C) Kannada
D) Telugu

2. Which of the following classical languages has the oldest literary tradition in India?

A) Sanskrit
B) Tamil
C) Odia
D) Malayalam

3. What is the main purpose of recognizing classical languages in India?

A) To promote regional languages
B) To preserve ancient linguistic heritage
C) To standardize linguistic education
D) To limit the use of foreign languages

4. Which classical language is associated with the Puranas and epics like the Mahabharata?

A) Kannada
B) Odia
C) Sanskrit
D) Tamil

5. How does the recognition of classical languages contribute to India's cultural heritage?

A) It focuses on foreign languages
B) It promotes traditional practices
C) It helps preserve ancient scripts and literature
D) It ignores regional languages

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the importance of classical languages in understanding India's ancient civilization.

Answer: Classical languages are key to understanding India's ancient civilization as they provide access to a rich corpus of literature, philosophical texts, and religious scriptures. Languages like Sanskrit and Tamil are essential for interpreting ancient texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These texts not only offer insights into early Hindu philosophy, rituals, and cultural practices but also reflect the social, political, and scientific advancements of the time. The study of classical languages is thus fundamental to preserving India's intellectual legacy and cultural identity.

Q2: How does the recognition of classical languages support the preservation of India's cultural diversity?

Answer: The recognition of classical languages ensures the preservation of India's diverse linguistic and cultural heritage by providing a platform for the study and promotion of ancient languages and literature. This recognition helps in safeguarding traditional knowledge systems, rituals, and performing arts that are deeply rooted in these languages. Additionally, it encourages research, teaching, and academic pursuits related to classical languages, which in turn supports the broader goal of preserving and promoting India's cultural diversity and identity.

Q3: Evaluate the role of classical languages in modern education and their relevance in contemporary India.

Answer: Classical languages continue to play a vital role in modern education, especially in fields such as history, linguistics, philosophy, and literature. In contemporary India, classical languages like Sanskrit are being used to understand ancient texts that influence modern-day practices, while languages like Tamil preserve regional cultural narratives and arts. The relevance of these languages extends beyond traditional education as they foster critical thinking, literary analysis, and an appreciation of India's historical continuity. Moreover, they help connect modern India with its ancient roots, promoting a deeper understanding of the nation's rich cultural fabric.

Previous Year Questions on Classical Languages

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following languages is classified as a classical language in India?

A) Urdu
B) Bengali
C) Sanskrit
D) English

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Sanskrit is classified as one of the classical languages in India due to its ancient heritage and significant literary contributions.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Discuss the role of classical languages in preserving India’s cultural identity and intellectual heritage.

Answer: Classical languages such as Sanskrit, Tamil, and Odia have played a significant role in preserving India’s cultural identity and intellectual heritage. These languages hold ancient texts, manuscripts, and oral traditions that define the religious, philosophical, and artistic development of India. By recognizing and promoting classical languages, India ensures that its ancient knowledge systems, literature, and cultural practices continue to be preserved and passed down to future generations, thus maintaining the country’s rich intellectual legacy.