Classical Languages of India and the Enduring Legacy of the Tirukkural | 31 Jan 2026

Source: TH 

Recently, the Union Education Minister released 55 literary works developed by centres for  classical languages, along with a sign-language version of the Tirukkural. 

• The initiative aims to place India’s linguistic heritage at the centre of education, research and cultural pride, in line with the vision of inclusive and multilingual India. 

Classical Languages 

• About: In 2004, the Government of India began recognising certain languages as Classical Languages (Shastriya Bhasha) to preserve their ancient literary, cultural and civilisational legacy. 
  • India currently recognises 11 Classical Languages- Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014), Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali (all 2024). 
    • The Ministry of Home Affairs initially granted the status to Tamil and Sanskrit, and the Ministry of Culture took over the responsibility for further implementations and future recognition. 
• Criteria for Classical Status: The criteria for Classical Language status were revised in 2005 and again in 2024 based on recommendations of Linguistic Experts Committees (LEC) under the Sahitya Akademi. 
  • The revised criteria introduced in 2024 are as follows: 
    • High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years.  
    • A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.  
    • Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.  
    • The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.  
• Benefits of Classical Language Status: Classical Languages receive government support through national awards, UGC-funded academic chairs, and Centres of Excellence at Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru for research and preservation.  

Tirukkural 

• The Tirukkural, authored by Thiruvalluvar nearly two millennia ago, is a timeless Tamil classic that offers universal and secular wisdom on ethics, governance, economy, and human relationships through 1,330 concise couplets.  
  • Structured around Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), and Inbam (love), it presents a holistic guide to righteous living and social harmony.