Marathi Given the Status of Classical Language by Central Government
Central Government has given Marathi the status of classical language along with four others
The Union Cabinet in a meeting held on October 03, has granted Marathi the status of Classical Language along with four others. These are Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This latest inclusion raises the total number of recognized classical languages in India to eleven.
This decision has brought immense joy and sense of pride to the people of Maharashtra, who have been demanding the inclusion of Marathi in the list of classical languages for a long time.
Prior to this inclusion, there were six languages classified as Classical Languages, namely, Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. The five languages that have now been included in the list of classical languages have fulfilled the revised criteria for being classified as a classical language.
Revised Criteria for Classical Languages
The revised criteria for classical languages were finalized during a meeting on July 25, 2024 and include:
- High antiquity of early texts/recorded history spanning 1500–2000 years
- A rich body of ancient literature considered a valuable heritage by generations
- Original literary traditions distinct from other speech communities
- The presence of knowledge texts, including prose and epigraphical evidence
The five languages recently elevated to the classical language status have all fulfilled the above criteria.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his happiness over the decision on X. He wrote, “Our government cherishes and celebrates India’s rich history and culture. We have been unwavering in our commitment to popularizing regional languages.”
Our Government cherishes and celebrates India's rich history and culture. We have also been unwavering in our commitment to popularising regional languages.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 3, 2024
I am extremely glad the Cabinet has decided that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit will be conferred the…
The demand to include Marathi in the list of classical languages dates back to over a decade.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
- A language with classical language enjoys several benefits including:
- The establishment of Centers of Excellence for classical language studies
- The creation of professional chairs in Central Universities
- Two annual international awards for distinguished scholars in classical languages
मराठी भाषेला अभिजात भाषेचा दर्जा मिळाला आहे. केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडळाने घेतलेल्या निर्णयाबद्दल मुख्यमंत्री @mieknathshinde, उपमुख्यमंत्री @Dev_Fadanvis, उपमुख्यमंत्री @AjitPawarSpeaks आणि मराठी भाषा विभागाचे मंत्री @dvkesarkar यांनी केंद्र सरकारचे आभार मानले आहेत. #अभिजातमराठी pic.twitter.com/YlUqQJxgTO
— MAHARASHTRA DGIPR (@MahaDGIPR) October 3, 2024
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar expressed joy and satisfaction over the inclusion of Marathi in the national list of Classical Languages.
