Mumbai, October 4: The Ministry of Education has granted approval for the establishment of five higher education centers dedicated to classical languages. This decision, made on October 3, aims to promote the study of Classical Assamese, Classical Bengali, Classical Marathi, Classical Pali, and Classical Prakrit.
Centers to be Established in Five States
The centers will facilitate access to and dissemination of linguistic, literary, and knowledge traditions associated with these classical languages. Located in Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Gujarat, these centers are expected to strengthen the regional ecosystem for higher education, research, and scholarship in classical languages.
Promotion of Research and Digital Learning
According to the Ministry of Education, these centers will enhance high-level academic research in classical languages. They will focus on the preservation and digitization of ancient literature and manuscripts, helping to transmit the historical and cultural heritage of these languages to future generations.
Documentation and Academic Activities
The centers will provide specialized institutional platforms for advanced research, scholarly work, and academic activities in classical languages. They will assist in the documentation, preservation, and digitization of literary resources, ensuring the long-term safeguarding of India’s rich written heritage.
Encouraging the Preservation of Classical Languages
This initiative by the Ministry of Education aims to promote the preservation of classical languages. Research conducted through these centers will enhance the study, research, and conservation of India’s classical languages, making knowledge traditions and literature more accessible to the public and researchers.
Recognition of Classical Languages
Classical languages are defined as ancient languages with their own independent literary traditions and a rich history spanning approximately 1500 to 2000 years. Currently, India recognizes a total of 11 classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Tamil was the first to be recognized in 2004, followed by Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali in 2024.