Why are Bengali, Marathi, and Oriya Not Declared as Classical Languages?

The classification of languages as classical is a complex process that involves deep historical and cultural roots. In India, certain languages like Marathi have been officially designated as classical, paving the way for recognition and preservation. However, languages like Bengali, Marathi, and Oriya face delays and challenges in achieving the same status. This article delves into the reasons behind the current state of affairs and explores the factors contributing to the exclusion of these languages from the list of classical languages.

Understanding the Classification Criteria

The Indian government has established specific criteria to classify a language as classical. These criteria include:

Literary and Historical Heritage: The language should have a rich and ancient literary tradition with a significant body of ancient literature distinct from that of other languages. Age: The language must be ancient, typically having a recorded history of over 1500 years. Distinctiveness: The language should have a distinct identity that is distinguishable from other languages, including its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics. Cultural Significance: The language should have cultural and historical significance that contributes to the heritage of the nation.

Recognizing the rich literary and cultural heritage of these languages, this article aims to shed light on the reasons why Bengali, Marathi, and Oriya have not yet been declared as classical languages.

The Case of Marathi

Marathi has a long and rich history, particularly in the context of its ancient literary tradition. The language traces its roots back to Maharashtri Prakrit, an ancient Prakrit that evolved into Marathi. However, the official declaration of Marathi as a classical language faced a few hurdles.

The process began with the contributions of scholars and experts, who submitted the necessary evidence. Unfortunately, the decision was delayed due to the change in government in 2014. Despite this delay, the Ministry of Culture eventually approved Marathi as a classical language, acknowledging its presence for over 2000 years. The official link to the evidence and documentation accepted by the government is provided here for reference: Link to Documentation.

The Challenges for Bengali and Oriya

Bengali and Oriya face similar challenges in their pursuit of classical language status. Both languages possess rich literary traditions and significant bodies of ancient texts. However, they have not yet been recognized as official classical languages. The reasons for this include:

Limited Focus: There has been a more significant focus on languages like Sanskrit and Tamil, which have been recognized for their ancient roots and extensive literature. Documented History: These languages may not have as extensive a documented history as some other languages, which often favor a longer recorded history in the classification process. Cultural Prominence: Historically, some languages might be seen as more prominent in Indian culture, leading to a greater emphasis on their preservation and recognition.

While the lack of classical language designation does not diminish the significant contributions of these languages to Indian cultural heritage, it does reflect the broader administrative and cultural decisions that govern such classifications.

Conclusion

The decision to classify a language as classical is a multifaceted process that includes historical context, existing recognition, and government policies. Bengali, Marathi, and Oriya have rich literary traditions that contribute significantly to the cultural and historical landscape of India. However, their absence from the list of classical languages may reflect broader administrative and cultural considerations rather than a lack of historical significance.

Further Reading

For more in-depth analysis and additional information, you can visit the following resources:

Wikipedia: List of Classical Languages of India Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of India: Classical Languages Classical Languages of India