In a significant decision that marks India’s commitment to protecting its heritage, the Union Cabinet has recently conferred classical language status on Assamese besides four others — Marathi, Bengali, Pali, and Prakrit. Announcing this path-breaking step Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the list of accepted classical languages will increase from six to eleven. The prestigious classification not only marks a celebration of linguistic diversity but also paves the way for extensive academic and cultural interest in these ancient tongues.
A Celebration of Assamese Heritage
Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, hailed the achievement on X (formerly Twitter). He said, “Representing the people of Assam, I would like to thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the entire Union Cabinet for their landmark decision to grant Assamese the status of a Classical Language.” This recognition bestows a status of reverence that the language so rich in history and so replete with literary inheritance and a special cultural scenario rightfully deserves.
Embracing Iconic Figures
Sincere pride is to be taken in the fact that Assamese has been declared a classical language. A house of great cultural and literary luminaries, Assam pays its debt to contemporary giants like Sankardev, Lakhinath Bezbaruah, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, and Bhupen Hazarika who have crafted Assam’s scene.
A New Era for Assamese
With its newly granted status, the Assamese language is set for renewed growth and academic exploration. This recognition will not only enhance opportunities for study and research but also promote creative expression through literature, ensuring the preservation and evolution of Assamese culture for future generations.
A Journey of Advocacy
This is the result of several decades of careful scholarship and advocacy work, spearheaded by Odisha linguist extraordinaire Debi Prasanna Pattanayak. His work, and that of the voluminous documentation presented to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have been the key to this recognition.
What Defines Classical Languages?
Indian classical languages, or Shastriya Bhasha, encompass languages with a profound historical narrative and rich literary heritage. They have significantly contributed to the cultural and intellectual landscape of India, providing invaluable insights through literature, philosophy, and religious texts. The newly recognized Assamese language joins existing classical languages such as Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia, each embodying the identity and spirit of their respective communities.
A language qualifies for classical status by meeting specific criteria laid out by the Ministry of Culture in 2014: it must have a documented history and literary tradition extending between 1500 to 2000 years. Furthermore, it should possess a vast body of respected ancient texts that distinguish it from modern forms of the language.
The Broad Implications of Recognition
The formal recognition of Assamese as a classical language offers multiple advantages. Apart from bolstering language pride within Assam, it allows for enhanced government support aimed at promoting the study and preservation of Assamese culture and literature. This includes the establishment of Centers of Excellence for advanced research at institutions like the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysore.
Additionally, the government rewards excellence in research and teaching through two annual international awards dedicated to scholars making remarkable contributions to classical Indian languages. The University Grants Commission (UGC) also plays its part by facilitating Professional Chairs in central universities, ensuring a sustainable focus on these classical tongues.
Bridging Past and Future
In 1972, MK Saikia, then principal of DR College, made a groundbreaking discovery at a villager’s residence in Nagajari Khanikargaon, Golaghat district. The stone fragment, dating back to the 5th century, has since been recognized as pivotal evidence affirming that the written tradition of Assamese exceeds 1,600 years.
This inscription has not only validated the antiquity of Assamese but also marked a significant milestone in its journey toward achieving “classical language” status. Such recognition emphasizes the rich linguistic heritage of India and the historical depth of the Assamese language.
The ancient stone fragment, a humble yet profound artifact, has illuminated a path for the Assamese language, intertwining its rich history with a vibrant future. As it stands proud among India’s classical languages, Assamese continues to inspire a renewed appreciation for its cultural and linguistic heritage.
A Step Forward for Cultural Preservation
To put Assamese in the category of classical languages means not only to acknowledge a history but to assert Indian government commitment towards safeguarding the linguistic diversity forming the bedrock of Indian culture. The more languages are added to the classics, the more interest is renewed in their literary and philosophical traditions, so that these languages shall continue to enrich the cultural tapestry of India for times to come.
In a world acknowledging the importance of globalization, the preservation of classical languages focuses us on what should be the richness of embracing our roots. The recognition of Assamese language status, therefore, marks not only a triumph of its speakers but celebration of the cultural heritage that binds all of us as a nation.