What is a classical language?

• A classical language in India is defined as a language with a high degree of antiquity, a rich and original literary heritage, and a significant impact on the cultural and intellectual development of the region.

Criteria for declaring a language as ‘Classical’ in India

• The guidelines for declaring a language as ‘Classical’ are:
  • High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;
  • A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers;
  • The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community; 
  • The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

How are the Classical languages promoted?

• Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages;
• A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages; 
• The University Grants Commission is requested to create a certain number of Professional Chairs for the Classical Languages so declared.

Current status

• At present, six languages enjoy the ‘Classical’ status: 
  • Tamil (declared in 2004), 
  • Sanskrit (2005), 
  • Kannada (2008), 
  • Telugu (2008), 
  • Malayalam (2013), and 
  • Odia (2014).