Education Ministry approves setting up of five Centres of Excellence in classical languages

This development is a significant step in acknowledging and preserving India's diverse linguistic heritage, a core component of GS Paper 1. The recent addition of Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali brings the total number of recognized classical languages in India to 11 (previously Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia). Classical language status is granted based on criteria such as high antiquity of early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years, a body of ancient literature considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers, and an original literary tradition. UPSC often tests knowledge of these criteria and the languages recognized. The creation of Centres of Excellence underscores the government's commitment to promoting these languages, moving beyond mere recognition to active preservation and research.

From a governance perspective (GS Paper 2), the establishment of these centres aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes the promotion of Indian languages, arts, and culture. The Ministry of Education plays a central role in this initiative, partnering with established institutions like Visva Bharati University and the Central University of Odisha. This collaborative approach ensures that the preservation efforts are grounded in academic rigor. Furthermore, the initiative reflects a broader policy shift towards recognizing and valuing regional identities within the national framework, promoting a sense of cooperative federalism in cultural matters. The focus on digitisation is also crucial, ensuring that ancient texts and knowledge are accessible to a wider audience and preserved for future generations.

The promotion of classical languages has broader social implications. By investing in the study of languages like Pali and Prakrit, which are deeply intertwined with the early history of Buddhism and Jainism respectively, the government is facilitating a deeper understanding of India's philosophical and spiritual traditions. This contributes to a more nuanced appreciation of India's composite culture. Additionally, the elevation of regional languages like Marathi, Assamese, and Bengali to classical status fosters regional pride and strengthens linguistic identities, which is crucial in a diverse nation like India. This initiative can also stimulate academic interest and employment opportunities in the fields of linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.