Classical language
Context:
Recently, the Union cabinet approved classical language status for five languages: Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit and Assamese.
Relevance:
GS-01 (Culture)
Classical languages of India:
- The status of Indian classical language or Shāstrīya Bhāshā– is an umbrella term used for the languages that has high antiquity(recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years) and has valuable, original and distinct literary heritage.
- Initially, there were only 11 languages as the Classical languages of India.
- The criteria for the recognition of classical languages was established by a Linguistic Experts Committee and is under the Ministry of Culture.
- Other Recognised Classical Languages: Tamil ( 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu( 2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam( 2013) and Odia (2014).
Significance:
- The government promotes the study and preservation of such languages.
- For instance, two International awards are given annually to scholars who have made significant contributions to the research, teaching or promotion of that particular language.