Demand to recognize Marathi as classical language
Recently Marathi language is being demanded to be recognized as a classical language.
It is to be known that from the year 2013, the bill related to recognition of this language as classical language is pending with the Parliament.
Key Points:
- Official Languages are listed under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- As per Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Indian Constitution, the eighth schedule includes the recognition of the 22 languages.
- Similarly, in order to preserve and promote the ancient literary tradition of certain ancient languages, the Central Government has given the status of classical language.
There are currently six classical languages in India.
- Tamil (2004)
- Sanskrit (2005)
- Telugu (2008)
- Kannada (2008)
- Malayalam (2013)
- Odia (2014)
In 2014 the following guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Culture to declare a language as ‘classical language’:
- The recorded history of the language concerned should be ancient by 1500 – 2000 years.
- The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community
- A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers
- 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.
- 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.
How are the Classical languages promoted? Various benefits:
- Grant of Rs. 100 crore will be given once for research and development of the language.
- Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages.
- A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages is set up.
- The University Grants Commission is requested to create, to start with at least in the Central Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for the Classical Languages so declared.
Source – The Hindu
