Marathi Language Declared a Classical Language: A Recognition of Cultural and Historical Heritage
In a landmark decision, the Government of India has officially declared Marathi as a classical language. Marathi, with its 2000-year-old rich heritage, has been honored for its significant contribution to cultural and literary traditions. This declaration is a moment of pride not only for Marathi speakers but also for the entire country. For years, the Maharashtra government and various Marathi scholars have been advocating for this recognition.
What is a Classical Language?
A classical language is one that has made a significant contribution to cultural and literary traditions and has an ancient legacy that is distinct from modern languages. The Government of India introduced the concept of classical languages in 2004, with specific criteria:
Ancient History: The language must have a recorded history of at least 1500 to 2000 years. Marathi’s history dates back over 2000 years.
Authentic Literary Tradition: The language must have a substantial body of ancient literature, considered a valuable cultural heritage. Works like "Dnyaneshwari" and "Tukaram Gatha" are prime examples of Marathi's rich literary tradition.
Independence from Other Languages: The language must have developed independently, with a strong, original literary tradition. Marathi’s literature is largely self-sufficient and unique.
Distinct from Modern Forms: The classical form of the language should be distinct from its modern variant. The transition from Maharashtri Prakrit to modern Marathi clearly reflects this distinction.
The Journey of Marathi Towards Classical Status
The journey to gain classical status for Marathi began in 2012, when a committee led by Prof. Ranganath Pathare was formed. This committee compiled historical evidence proving the ancientness of the Marathi language, tracing its evolution from Maharashtri Prakrit to Marathi. The committee’s report, submitted to the central government, demonstrated that Marathi has existed for at least 2500 years.
Despite the report, consistent efforts from scholars, linguists, and literary figures were required to push this cause forward. Finally, in 2024, the central government’s cabinet made the historic decision to grant classical status to Marathi.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
When a language is granted classical status, it opens up a wealth of opportunities for preservation and promotion through government support. Marathi will benefit from various initiatives aimed at fostering its growth and research:
Study and Research on Marathi Dialects: With the new status, in-depth study of Marathi dialects will be encouraged, preserving the unique linguistic features and contributions from different regions of Maharashtra.
Translation and Research of Ancient Texts: Ancient Marathi texts will receive attention for translation and research, allowing scholars to explore Marathi's literary treasures like "Dnyaneshwari" and "Lilacharitra."
Educational Development: The classical status will enhance Marathi education across universities in India. New academic programs and courses dedicated to the study of Marathi literature and language will be introduced.
Funding and Projects: The central government will provide significant funding for projects aimed at promoting and developing Marathi. Various initiatives, including digitization, linguistic research, and more, will receive financial support.
Employment Opportunities: Classical status opens up new employment avenues in translation, literary research, and digital platforms. Projects related to the preservation and promotion of Marathi literature will create jobs in areas like translation, publishing, and digitization.
A Moment of Pride for Marathi Speakers
The recognition of Marathi as a classical language is a source of immense pride for Marathi speakers worldwide. This decision is not only a celebration of the linguistic richness of Marathi but also marks the beginning of a new era in its preservation and growth. With this status, Marathi will receive the global recognition it deserves, strengthening its cultural identity and literary legacy.
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