Explore the Classical Languages of India: History, Literature & Significance
Tamil (declared in 2004) is the oldest of the Dravidian languages and one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. It has a rich literary tradition dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE, with its earliest epic, the Tolkappiyam, believed to have been composed around that time.
Sanskrit (2005) is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was the primary language of Hinduism for centuries. It is considered a sacred language by Hindus and is still used in religious ceremonies and rituals. Sanskrit has a vast and rich literary tradition, including the Vedas, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.
Kannada (2008) is a Dravidian language spoken primarily in the state of Karnataka. It has a long literary history dating back to the 9th century CE. Kannada literature is known for its rich vocabulary and its use of complex metaphors and similes.
Telugu (declared in 2008) is a Dravidian language spoken primarily in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It has a long literary history dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
Malayalam (declared in 2013) is a Dravidian language spoken primarily in the state of Kerala. It has a rich literary tradition dating back to the 10th century CE.
Odia (declared in 2014) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in the state of Odisha. It has a rich literary tradition dating back to the 12th century CE.
These languages are all considered to be of great cultural and historical importance to India. The Indian government provides financial support for the preservation and promotion of these languages.
