#282: Classical Languages

New additions and all that you need to know

Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Pali & Prakrit.

Criteria

• MUST possess body of ancient literature

• History of at least 1500-2000 years

• Documented in early text

• Original literary tradition

Benefits

• Central Govt. push for promotion & preservation

• Professional Chairs for CL in Central Uni

• Centre of Excellence for studies in CL

• Int'l awards for scholars of CL

11 Languages now (year of declaration)

• Tamil: 2004

• Sanskrit: 2005

• Telugu & Kannada: 2008

• Malayalam: 2013

• Odia: 2014

Ongoing Discussions and Movements

Continuous discourse around recognition of additional languages as classical

Prominent movement going around for Maithili which has classic historical significance

Challenges and Controversies

Allocation of resources is topic of debate with some languages receiving more attention and funding over others.

Fresh debates on equity and representation in the preservation of linguistic heritage.