Classical Languages in India
Article 343 of the Indian Constitution designates Hindi as the official language of the Union.
Sanskrit, on the other hand, holds a unique position under Article 351, which identifies it as a foundational source for many Indian languages, including Hindi.
Criteria for Declaring a Language as Classical
The Government of India uses specific criteria to classify a language as “classical.” These include:
A long-standing recorded history or early texts dating back 1500 to 2000 years.
A rich body of ancient literature that is considered a valuable cultural and literary heritage by its speakers.
An original literary tradition, not derived from any other speech community.
A clear distinction between the classical form and the modern version of the language, including possible discontinuity between the two or with its later derivatives.
