Classical languages of India

The policy of the Government is to promote all Indian languages including classical languages. During October 2004, the Government released a notification regarding classification of languages as "Classical language". 

Ministry of Culture is the nodal agency for declaration of Classical languages. 

Criteria for declaration of Classical language

The criteria evolved by Government to determine declaration of a language as a Classical language is as under.

• High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1000 years.
• A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
• The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
• The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

Classical languages in India

Six Indian languages namely Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia have been accorded the status of Classical Language. The year in which these languages conferred the status of classical language is as given below :

1. Tamil - 12.10.2004
2. Sanskrit - 25.11.2005
3. Kannada - 31.10.2008
4. Telugu - 31.10.2008
5. Malayalam - 08.08.2013
6. Odia - 11.03.2014

Promotion of Classical languages

• Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) works for the promotion of all Indian languages including four classical languages viz. Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia.
• Development and promotion of Classical Tamil is done by Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT). 
• The Government of India is promoting Sanskrit Language through three Central Universities. Funds are provided to these universities for teaching and research in Sanskrit language leading to award of degree, diploma, certificate to students and no separate funds are provided for undertaking any work related to classical aspect of Sanskrit. 

Sources

1. Ministry of Culture
2. Center of Excellence for Studies in various classical languages - Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore
3. Central Institute of Classical Tamil