11 Classical Languages of India: Custodians of a Rich Heritage

Why should we learn about the classical languages of India? We do not understand a single word spoken or written in those languages. Nor do we use them as a mode of communication. How is it even relevant to us?

Above are some of the most valid questions the present generation might have. Yet, the Government of India has officially recognized 11 languages as the classical languages of India.

In this article, we will explore these 11 and understand their significance and role in our lives.

List of 11 Classical Languages in India

1. Tamil
2. Sanskrit
3. Kannada
4. Telugu
5. Malayalam
6. Odia
7. Bengali
8. Assamese
9. Marathi 
10. Pali
11. Prakrit

Tamil

Having been acknowledged as a Classical language in 2004, Tamil is one of the oldest living languages in the world. It has been spoken for over 2,000 years. Evidence of ancient Tamil is found in inscriptions, palm-leaf manuscripts, and stone carvings. The Tamil Sangam literature, dating back to 300 BCE, is an important source of its history.

Contributions to Literature

Tamil has a rich literary tradition. Sangam poetry is a collection of ancient Tamil poems. It talks about love, war, and everyday life. Tirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar, is a famous Tamil text. It has 1,330 couplets about morality, politics, and love. Tamil literature also includes great epics like Silappathikaram and Manimekalai.

Global Influence

Tamil is not just spoken in India. It is an official language in Sri Lanka and Singapore. Tamil communities are found in Malaysia, Mauritius, South Africa, and Fiji. Tamil is taught in schools in these countries. The global Tamil diaspora continues to promote the language and its culture.

Sanskrit (2005)

Sanskrit’s timeless legacy makes it a cornerstone of India’s culture and history. It is called the "Mother of Languages" because many languages evolved from it. Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. It is also used in the Upanishads, Puranas, and Shastras. The great Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana were written in Sanskrit. Sanskrit has contributed to Indian philosophy, science, and literature for thousands of years.

Is Sanskrit dead or alive?

What is its relevance in today's world? Do you speak in Sanskrit? These are some pertinent questions that come up every now and then.

Sanskrit is considered grammatically rich and complex. While its linguistic perfection is celebrated, mastering it requires significant effort and dedication. This made it less practical as a lingua franca compared to more widely spoken languages like Hindi, Bengali, or Tamil.

For centuries, Sanskrit was largely associated with religious texts, philosophy, and elite scholarship. This created a perception of exclusivity, making it less appealing as a language for everyday use among common people. Due to this reason, languages like Pali, Prakrit, and Ardhamagadhi were some of the immediate derivatives of Sanskrit in the post Vedic period.

Further, these immediate derivatives gave way to the other vernacular languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati and many more.

Other reasons for it to have taken a back seat include Islamic and British invasion that made Urdu and English more prevalent.

Sanskrit got listed as a classical language in 2005. It is being offered as an optional language in schools to boost its usage as a spoken and written language.

Role in Modern Linguistics

The structured and logical grammar of Sanskrit influenced modern linguistics and language study. The ancient scholar Panini created the Ashtadhyayi, a detailed grammar guide. It is considered one of the first scientific studies of language. Many words in Indian and international languages come from Sanskrit roots. Today, Sanskrit is used in yoga, religious ceremonies, and academic research.

Kannada (2008)

Kannada is one of the oldest languages in the Dravidian family. It has a rich literary tradition dating back over 1,500 years. The language holds a special place in Indian culture and history.

Kannada literature is known for its significant contributions. Kavirajamarga, written in the 9th century by King Amoghavarsha I and poet Srivijaya, is the earliest known Kannada text. It is a guide to poetry and rhetoric. Other notable works include Pampa’s Adipurana and Ranna’s Gadayuddha, showcasing the glory of Kannada literature.

The Kannada script is unique and distinct. It is a rounded script, adapted from the Brahmi script, and shares similarities with Telugu. Its design is ideal for representing complex sounds, making it versatile for literature, poetry, and music. The script has evolved over centuries to its modern form.

Kannada continues to thrive with its classical status since 2008, celebrating its long history and cultural heritage.

Telugu (2008)

Telugu is a beautiful and melodious language. It is often called the "Italian of the East" because every word in Telugu ends with a vowel sound, making it musical and rhythmic. This quality gives the language its unique charm.

Telugu has a rich literary heritage. It began with Nannaya, who is considered the first Telugu poet. He translated the Mahabharata from Sanskrit into Telugu in the 11th century. His work laid the foundation for Telugu literature. Later, Sri Krishnadevaraya, a famous king and poet, contributed greatly to Telugu literature. His work, Amuktamalyada, is a classic piece of poetry filled with wisdom and devotion.

The language's beauty and depth continue to shine through its literature, music, and movies, keeping its legacy alive for generations.

Malayalam (2013)

Malayalam is the classical language of Kerala that got listed in 2013. It is known for its rich literary tradition and deep connection to Kerala's culture and identity.

One of the greatest contributors to Malayalam literature is Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, often called the father of the Malayalam language. He wrote important works like Adhyatma Ramayanam, which became a spiritual guide for Malayalis. His writings played a big role in shaping the language and its script, giving Malayalam its unique identity.

Malayalam is closely tied to Kerala’s traditions and culture. It reflects the region's festivals, art forms like Kathakali, and its natural beauty. The language has evolved while preserving its connection to Kerala's roots, making it an important part of the state's identity.

Odia (2014)

Odia is one of the classical languages of India. It has a rich history and a distinct literary tradition. It is deeply rooted in the culture of Odisha.

One of its most famous literary contributions is the Sarala Mahabharata. Written by Sarala Das in the 15th century, it is a retelling of the Mahabharata in the Odia language. This work is not just a translation but an interpretation with a unique Odia perspective. It made the epic accessible to the common people.

Odia evolved from the Prakrit languages, which were widely spoken in ancient India. Over time, it developed its own script and grammar. This evolution helped Odia stand out among other Indian languages. Its literary history is rich, with works in poetry, prose, and drama reflecting Odisha's traditions and spirituality.

Odia got listed in 2014 and continues to flourish, keeping its classical heritage alive while adapting to modern times.

Bengali

Bengali is a prominent Indian language with a rich literary history. It evolved from Magadhi Prakrit, gaining its modern form around the 10th century. Bengali literature is celebrated worldwide, with Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel laureate, as its most famous figure. His works, like Gitanjali, exemplify the depth of Bengali literature. The language has played a crucial role in India’s cultural and political movements, especially during the Bengal Renaissance.

Assamese

Assamese is the principal language of Assam and evolved from Magadhi Prakrit and early Sanskrit. Its literary tradition includes works like the Kirtan-ghosha by Srimanta Sankardev, which enriched Assamese culture with spiritual and philosophical depth. Assamese reflects the region’s unique history, blending local and foreign influences, and is closely tied to the state’s vibrant festivals and traditions.

Marathi

Marathi is one of the oldest languages of the Indo-Aryan group, dating back over a thousand years. It evolved from Maharashtri Prakrit, with early works like the Gatha Saptashati. Marathi literature thrived during the Bhakti movement with saints like Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar producing devotional poetry. It remains a vital cultural language, deeply connected to Maharashtra's traditions, arts, and identity.

Pali

Pali is an ancient language closely associated with Theravada Buddhism. It is the language of the Tripitaka, the Buddhist canonical texts. Pali evolved as a simplified version of Sanskrit, making it easier for common people to understand spiritual teachings. It played a major role in spreading Buddhism across Asia and remains important for Buddhist studies worldwide.

Prakrit

Prakrit is a group of ancient languages that evolved from Vedic Sanskrit. It was widely spoken by the common people in ancient India and is simpler than classical Sanskrit. Prakrit was used in early Jain and Buddhist scriptures, such as the Agamas and Therigatha. Its regional variants, like Maharashtri and Magadhi, influenced the development of many modern Indian languages, including Marathi, Gujarati, and Bengali.

Criteria for Classical Language Recognition

Out of the 19500 spoken languages in India, the Government of India recognizes languages as "classical" based on specific criteria. These criteria ensure that the language has a rich heritage and historical significance.

Antiquity

The language must have early written or oral texts that are at least 1500–2000 years old. These texts should provide evidence of its ancient origins.

Original Literary Tradition

The language must have a literary tradition that is original and not borrowed from another language. This tradition should include unique literary works that highlight its independent development.

Distinct from Modern Forms

The classical language must have clear distinctions from its modern versions. While there may be a connection, the older form should stand apart in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and usage.

Cultural and Historical Value

The language should have significant cultural and historical importance, contributing to the nation’s heritage and identity.

Recent Updates

In 2024, there were discussions about revising these criteria to include additional considerations, such as the impact of the language on neighboring cultures and its influence on regional art forms. These updates aim to make the process more inclusive while preserving the historical benchmarks.

Languages meeting these criteria are recognized as classical, ensuring their preservation and promoting research into their historical and cultural contributions.

Challenges in Preserving Indian Classical Languages

Many classical languages are no longer spoken in daily life, leading to a decline in practitioners and fluency. Ancient manuscripts and texts often remain undigitized, making them less accessible for study and preservation. English and other widely spoken languages dominate in education and communication, reducing the emphasis on classical languages.

The Indian government supports classical languages through grants and specialized institutions like the Central Institute of Classical Tamil. Recognition of classical status also promotes cultural pride and funding.

Efforts are being made to digitize ancient texts, create online courses, and develop language-learning apps. These make classical languages accessible to a global audience.

Festivals, literary awards, and public events celebrate classical languages, encouraging interest and participation among younger generations.

These efforts aim to revive interest in classical languages and ensure their survival for future generations.

Conclusion: Classical Languages in India

Classical languages safeguard India's ancient heritage through timeless texts and traditions. They are the foundation of many modern Indian languages, carrying historical and cultural legacies forward.

These languages are integral to research and education, providing insight into philosophy, history, and linguistics. Through structured curriculums, they connect learners to India’s rich heritage.

Classical languages attract worldwide attention from scholars, linguists, and historians. Their study enhances global understanding of ancient civilizations and cultural evolution.

If you too want to learn any of the classical languages of India, you can explore online language classes.