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Source — Source: TH ///Category — GS Paper 1 ///Published — 2026-01-31 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 1 ///Source — Source: TH ///Category — GS Paper 1 ///Published — 2026-01-31 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 1 ///

Source: TH · GS Paper 1

Classical Languages of India and the Enduring Legacy of the Tirukkural

The Union Education Minister unveiled 55 literary works from the centres for classical languages and a sign‑language version of the Tirukkural, underscoring India's multilingual and inclusive vision. The article outlines the criteria, benefits and current list of 11 Classical Languages, and highlights the timeless relevance of the Tirukkural in ethics, governance and economics.

2026-01-31

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Source: TH

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Classical Languages in India

Recognition began: 2004, when the Government of India started designating languages as Shastriya Bhasha to preserve their ancient literary and cultural legacy.
Current list (as of 2024):
Tamil (2004)
Sanskrit (2005)
Kannada (2008)
Telugu (2008)
Malayalam (2013)
Odia (2014)
Marathi (2024)
Pali (2024)
Prakrit (2024)
Assamese (2024)
Bengali (2024)
Authority: Initial grant by the Ministry of Home Affairs; implementation now handled by the Ministry of Culture.

Revised Criteria (2024)

Antiquity: Early texts/recorded history spanning 1500‑2000 years.
Ancient literature: A substantial body of literature considered a heritage by generations.
Knowledge texts: Presence of prose (knowledge) texts alongside poetry, epigraphic and inscriptional evidence.
Continuity/Discontinuity: The classical form may be distinct or discontinuous from later offshoots.

Benefits of Classical Status

Government support: National awards, UGC‑funded academic chairs.
Research infrastructure: Centres of Excellence at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru.
Cultural pride: Promotion of multilingual education and research.

Tirukkural – A Timeless Classic

Author: Thiruvalluvar, circa 2,000 years ago.
Structure: 1,330 couplets (kurals) divided into three books:
Aram (Virtue)
Porul (Wealth/Economics)
Inbam (Love)
Themes: Ethics, governance, economics, human relationships – offering secular, universal wisdom.
Recent initiative: Release of a sign‑language version to make the text accessible to the hearing‑impaired, reflecting inclusive cultural policy.

Significance for India

Policy relevance: Aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 emphasizing multilingualism and inclusive education.
Constitutional backing: Articles 29 & 30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities, supporting promotion of classical languages.
Governance: Highlights the role of ancient wisdom in contemporary policy‑making, especially in ethics and public administration.

Related Legal/Constitutional Provisions

Article 29(1): Protection of interests of any linguistic minority.
Article 30(1): Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
NEP 2020: Emphasises mother‑tongue instruction and preservation of linguistic heritage.

The release of literary works and the sign‑language Tirukkural underscores India's commitment to cultural inclusivity, multilingual education, and the preservation of its rich literary heritage.