In 2004, the Government of India established a new category of languages called "classical languages." In 2006, criteria were set for granting classical language status. So far, six languages have been granted classical language status.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
- Financial Assistance: Financial support is provided for setting up a center of excellence for studying the language.
- Awards: Two major awards are available for scholars of eminence in the classical language.
- Professional Chairs: The University Grants Commission may be requested to create professional chairs for classical languages at Central Universities for scholars of eminence in the language.
Criteria for Declaring a Language as Classical
- High Antiquity: The language must have early texts or recorded history dating back 1,500 to 2,000 years.
- Ancient Literature: A body of ancient literature or texts must be considered valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
- Literary Tradition: The language must have an original literary tradition not borrowed from another speech community.
- Discontinuity: There may be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or offshoots, as the classical language and literature can be distinct from the modern form.
Languages conferred with Classical Language Status
1. Tamil 2004
2. Sanskrit 2005
3. Telugu 2008
4. Kannada 2008
5. Malayalam 2013
6. Odia 2014
