At a glance
"Classical language" is a status the Government of India gives to languages with a very old, rich and well-documented literary tradition. The status is conferred by the Union government on the advice of a Linguistic Experts Committee, and it brings central funding for research, awards and dedicated centres. India now has 11 classical languages: six recognised between 2004 and 2014 and five added together on 3 October 2024.
Key facts
- Total classical languages: 11
- First: Tamil (2004)
- Latest: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali (all on 3 October 2024)
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Culture
- Expert body: Linguistic Experts Committee, which examines proposals
- Antiquity required: early texts or recorded history of 1,500–2,000 years
- Benefits: two international awards each year for eminent scholars, a Centre of Excellence for studies in the language, and UGC professional chairs in Central Universities
- Tamil centre: Central Institute of Classical Tamil, Chennai
- Not a constitutional category: the Eighth Schedule (22 scheduled languages) is separate
How it works
| Language | Year recognised |
|---|---|
| Tamil | 2004 |
| Sanskrit | 2005 |
| Telugu | 2008 |
| Kannada | 2008 |
| Malayalam | 2013 |
| Odia | 2014 |
| Marathi | 2024 |
| Pali | 2024 |
| Prakrit | 2024 |
| Assamese | 2024 |
| Bengali | 2024 |
Criteria. The first criteria (2004) asked for over 1,000 years of recorded history. In 2005 this was raised to 1,500–2,000 years. The criteria revised in 2024 require:
- high antiquity of early texts or recorded history over 1,500–2,000 years;
- a body of ancient literature or texts regarded as heritage by generations of speakers;
- knowledge texts, especially prose, along with poetry and epigraphic and inscriptional evidence;
- recognition that the classical form may be distinct from, or discontinuous with, its current form.
The 2024 revision dropped the older requirement of an "original literary tradition not borrowed from another speech community", which opened the way for Pali and Prakrit.
Timeline
- 2004: Category created; Tamil declared the first classical language (12 October)
- 2005: Sanskrit added; antiquity bar raised to 1,500–2,000 years
- 2008: Telugu and Kannada added
- 2013: Malayalam added
- 2014: Odia added
- 2024: Criteria revised; Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali added (3 October)
Exam traps
- Sanskrit was the second classical language (2005), not the first; Tamil was first (2004).
- Telugu and Kannada were recognised in the same year (2008).
- Pali and Prakrit are classical languages but are not in the Eighth Schedule.
- Odia (2014) was the sixth, and the first from eastern India; Assamese and Bengali came only in 2024.
- Classical status is an executive decision of the Centre; it is not granted by the Constitution or by Parliament.
Quick check
- Q: How many classical languages does India have? A: 11.
- Q: Which was the sixth classical language? A: Odia (2014).
- Q: Which five languages were added on 3 October 2024? A: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali.
In the news
Every time this topic has appeared in our current affairs, newest first:
- Week of 1–7 October 2026Five Centres of Excellence approved for classical languages