TAG: GS 1: ART AND CULTURE
THE CONTEXT: The Indian government is set to modify the criteria for granting classical language status, a significant change that comes amid ongoing demands from various linguistic communities.
EXPLANATION:
- The move is particularly pertinent for languages like Marathi, which has been under consideration for this prestigious recognition for over a decade.
The Linguistics Expert Committee’s Recommendations
- On October 10, 2022, the Linguistics Expert Committee of the Union Culture Ministry submitted a report suggesting changes to the criteria for designating classical languages.
- This development followed a directive from the Centre to reassess the existing rules.
- The proposed criteria will be officially implemented following approval by the Union Cabinet and subsequent gazette notification.
- Composition of the Committee
- The committee includes representatives from the Union Ministries of Home and Culture, alongside four to five linguistic experts.
- It is chaired by the president of the Sahitya Akademi.
- Existing Classical Languages
- India currently recognizes six classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
- The last language to receive this status was Odia in 2014.
Demand for New Classical Languages
- The demand for classical language status for Marathi has been pending for more than a decade.
- In 2014, the then Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan established a committee led by Prof. Ranganath Pathare, which concluded that Marathi met all the criteria for classical status.
- Despite repeated assurances from the Centre, including statements by Union Culture Ministers over the years, the proposal has yet to be approved.
- Other languages such as Bengali, Assamese, and Maithili have also seen significant lobbying for classical status.
- However, Marathi remains at the forefront due to its historical and cultural significance.
Present Criteria for Classical Language Status
- The current criteria for a language to be designated as classical include:
- High Antiquity: Early texts or recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years.
- Ancient Literature: A body of ancient literature or texts considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
- Original Literary Tradition: The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
- Distinct Language and Literature: The language and literature should be distinct from its modern form, with possible discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or offshoots.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
- Languages granted classical status receive several benefits from the Education Ministry:
- Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in these languages.
- Establishment of a centre of excellence for studies in the classical language.
- Creation of Professional Chairs in Central universities for the classical languages by the University Grants Commission.
Political and Cultural Implications
- With Assembly elections due in Maharashtra in October, the demand for classical language status for Marathi has gained political momentum.
- Political parties, including the Congress and the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition, have been vocal in their support.
- Congress general secretary recently highlighted the decade-long wait for Marathi’s recognition, emphasizing the Modi government’s inaction.