Classical Languages of India

Classical Languages of India

The term "Classical Languages of India" refers to a group of languages that have a rich heritage and a long history of literary tradition. These languages have significantly contributed to the cultural and intellectual history of India. As of now, the Government of India has recognized six languages as classical: Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.

Criteria for Classical Language Status

The criteria for a language to be declared as a classical language in India are as follows:

1. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
2. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
3. The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
4. The classical language and literature being distinct from the modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

Recognized Classical Languages

Sanskrit

Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world, with a history that dates back over 3,500 years. It is the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism and has a vast corpus of literature, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Sanskrit has influenced many modern Indian languages and is considered the mother of many Indo-Aryan languages.

Tamil

Tamil is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. It has a rich literary tradition that dates back over 2,000 years. The earliest Tamil literature, known as Sangam literature, is a collection of poems and songs that provide insights into ancient Tamil society. Tamil is still widely spoken today and is the official language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry.

Kannada

Kannada has a literary history of over a thousand years. The earliest known Kannada inscription is the Halmidi inscription dated to 450 CE. Kannada literature has a rich tradition, with notable works such as the Kavirajamarga and the Vachana Sahitya. Kannada is the official language of the Indian state of Karnataka.

Telugu

Telugu has a classical literary tradition that dates back to the 11th century. The earliest known Telugu inscription is from the 6th century CE. Telugu literature flourished under the patronage of the Vijayanagara Empire, with notable works such as the Mahabharata by Nannaya and the Ramayana by Tikkana. Telugu is the official language of the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Malayalam

Malayalam evolved from Tamil and Sanskrit and has a rich literary tradition that dates back to the 9th century CE. The earliest known literary work in Malayalam is the Ramacharitam, a collection of poems from the 12th century. Malayalam is the official language of the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry.

Odia

Odia has a literary history that dates back over a thousand years. The earliest known Odia inscription is from the 10th century CE. Odia literature includes notable works such as the Sarala Mahabharata and the Chilika Mahatmya. Odia is the official language of the Indian state of Odisha.

Importance of Classical Languages

Classical languages are crucial for understanding the cultural and historical context of ancient India. They provide insights into the social, political, and religious life of the past. The study of classical languages also helps preserve the rich literary and cultural heritage of India.

See Also

• Languages of India
• Indo-Aryan languages
• Dravidian languages

References

• "Classical Languages of India". India Today. 22 October 2018.