UPSC Prelims 2014 Q8: Art & Culture – Literature & Languages
Consider the following languages:
1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language/Languages' by the
Government?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Classical Languages
| Language | Declared classical? | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Gujarati | No | Not declared |
| 2. Kannada | Yes | 2008 |
| 3. Telugu | Yes | 2008 |
All classical languages of India:
| Language | Year |
|---|---|
| Tamil | 2004 (first) |
| Sanskrit | 2005 |
| Kannada and Telugu | 2008 |
| Malayalam | 2013 |
| Odia | 2014 |
| Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali | 2024 |
Benefits: national awards for scholars, a Centre of Excellence for the language, and university chairs.
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Gujarati has not been declared a classical language.
- (b) Incorrect. Kannada is also a classical language.
- (c) CORRECT. Kannada and Telugu were declared classical languages in 2008.
- (d) Incorrect. Gujarati is not on the list.
Key point
Classical languages: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada and Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014), plus five more in 2024.
Remember
Kannada and Telugu = classical since 2008.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every major Scheduled language is classical.
- Forgetting that Kannada and Telugu got the status together in 2008.
- Thinking Hindi or Gujarati is on the list.
Exam tip
Before 2024 the list was mostly southern: Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, plus Sanskrit and Odia.
Sources
- Ministry of Culture — Classical languages of India
- Press Information Bureau — Cabinet approves classical language status for five more languages (3 October 2024)