Question : Status of Classical Language to Marathi

(a) the total number of classical languages recognized by the Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the criteria adopted by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government has received any proposal from the State Government of Maharashtra for conferring the status of classical language to Marathi language;

(d) whether the Government has taken any decision on the above proposal; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the status of the proposal?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM AND
MINISTER OF STATE FOR CIVIL AVIATION

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)


(a)&(b): So far six languages i.e. Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia have been granted classical status. The criteria for declaring a language as classical language is given as under :-

(i) High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
(ii) A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of
speakers.
(iii) The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
(iv) 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.

(c) : Yes, Madam.

(d)&(e): In view of pending writ petitions in the High Court of Madras, further action could not be taken.