Question map
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?
Explanation
Five languages namely, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam have been given a Classical status.[1] More specifically, Tamil was declared in 2004, Sanskrit in 2005, Telugu in 2008, Kannada in 2008, and Malayalam in 2013.[2]
From the options given in this 2014 question, only Kannada and Telugu had been declared as Classical Languages by the Government of India. Gujarati has not been accorded Classical Language status. The Government of India determines eligibility based on criteria including high antiquity of texts over 1500-2000 years, ancient literature considered valuable heritage, and an original literary tradition not borrowed from another speech community.[3]
Therefore, option C (2 and 3 only - Kannada and Telugu) is the correct answer.
Sources- [1] https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/UploadedFiles/Debates/OfficialDebatesDatewise/Floor/230/F19.02.2014.pdf
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Benefits > p. 543
- [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Criteria > p. 544
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a classic 'Finite List' question. The list of Classical Languages is short (only 6 at the time, now 11). When a government classification has fewer than 15 members, you must memorize the exact list and the year of inclusion. Laxmikanth provides this in a simple table; missing this is a penalty for skimming.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Official written answer (19 Feb 2014) lists the languages given Classical status by the Government.
- The list cites: Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam — Gujarati is not included.
- Therefore, as of that date, Gujarati had not been declared a Classical language.
- A 2014 prelims practice question listed Gujarati, Kannada and Telugu and asked which were declared classical.
- The provided answer was (c) — 2 and 3 only (Kannada and Telugu), excluding Gujarati.
- This corroborates that Gujarati was not declared classical in 2014.
Provides an explicit list of languages declared 'Classical' and their years (Tamil 2004, Sanskrit 2005, Telugu 2008, Kannada 2008, Malayalam 2013, Odia 2014) — Gujarati is not included.
A student could use this list plus the 2014 cut-off to infer Gujarati was not declared by 2014 and verify against official announcements.
Contains a test question asking which of Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu have been declared classical, implying that Gujarati's status is questioned/not assumed.
A student could treat this as an indicator that Gujarati was contested or not widely listed as classical and cross-check authoritative lists up to 2014.
States the formal criteria used by the Government of India to declare a language 'Classical' (antiquity, body of literature, originality).
A student could apply these criteria to Gujarati using known historical/literary facts (with external sources) to judge plausibility of a 2014 declaration.
Lists Gujarati among major Indian languages and situates it geographically/culturally, useful background for assessing its literary history relative to classical criteria.
A student could combine this geographic-linguistic context with the criteria in snippet 3 to evaluate whether Gujarati might meet classical-language requirements before 2014.
- Snippet contains a ranked list of languages with explicit 'Year of Declaration' entries.
- Kannada is listed with year of declaration 2008, indicating it was declared prior to 2014.
- The entry directly answers whether Kannada had been declared by that date.
- Provides the formal criteria used by the Government to designate 'Classical Language' status.
- Gives contextual support that such declarations are formal and based on set criteria, reinforcing the validity of the list in snippet 2.
- Provides a tabulated list of languages with year of declaration showing 'Telugu — 2008'.
- Explicitly labels these entries under 'Language Status' indicating Government declarations.
- Shows the official criteria used by the Government of India to classify 'Classical Languages', providing context for declarations.
- Supports understanding that declarations (like Telugu's) follow stated government criteria.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from Laxmikanth (Chapter: Official Language) or India Year Book (Culture Chapter).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The distinction between 'Eighth Schedule Languages' (Constitutional) and 'Classical Languages' (Executive Order/Ministry of Culture).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the Chronology: Tamil (2004) → Sanskrit (2005) → Telugu & Kannada (2008) → Malayalam (2013) → Odia (2014). *Update for 2025*: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali were added in Oct 2024.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: The 'Finite List' Heuristic. If a VIP club created by the Govt has <15 members (e.g., Maharatnas, Classical Languages, Major Ports), do not rely on logic. Rote memorize the names and the criteria for entry.
The provided references list languages declared as Classical and the years (e.g., Tamil 2004, Sanskrit 2005, Telugu 2008, Kannada 2008, Malayalam 2013, Odia 2014), which directly relates to whether Gujarati was declared by 2014.
UPSC often asks which languages have been granted special statuses and the years; memorising the official list and dates helps answer direct factual questions and compare timelines across language policy topics. Link this to Ministry of Culture notifications and practice recall via tables/flashcards.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Benefits > p. 543
References specify the eligibility criteria (antiquity, body of ancient literature, original literary tradition), which explain why particular languages receive the status.
Understanding criteria lets aspirants evaluate claims about other languages and answer analytical questions on policy rationale; it connects to cultural heritage, language policy and constitutional/administrative decision-making. Learn by comparing criteria across examples and applying them to candidate languages.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Criteria > p. 544
Evidence lists benefits (awards, centres of excellence, UGC steps) tied to languages once declared Classical, clarifying implications of the designation.
Questions may ask not just which languages but what policy measures follow designation; mastering these benefits links language policy to higher education and cultural administration topics. Prepare by mapping benefits to institutions (UGC, Ministry of Culture) and noting examable policy impacts.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Benefits > p. 543
Reference 2 lists languages with their years of declaration, directly showing when languages (including Kannada) received 'Classical' status.
High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask which languages have been given special statuses and when. Knowing the list and years helps answer direct factual questions and supports linkage to cultural-policy timelines. Prepare by memorising the declaration years and cross-checking with the Ministry of Culture lists.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Benefits > p. 543
Reference 3 states the Government's criteria (antiquity, body of literature, originality) used to award classical status, which underpins why languages like Kannada were declared.
Conceptual understanding is often tested (not just facts): UPSC may ask why a language qualifies as 'Classical' or ask to evaluate statements about the policy. Mastering criteria helps answer analytical questions, connect to cultural heritage and language policy topics, and frame answers critically. Study by comparing criteria with specific languages and past declarations.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Criteria > p. 544
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Benefits > p. 543
Reference [2] lists languages declared as Classical with their years (e.g., Telugu — 2008), directly answering the statement.
UPSC often asks which languages have 'Classical' status and the years; memorising the list and years helps in polity/culture MCQs and mains answers. Link this to cultural heritage topics and practice recall via flashcards and timelines.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Benefits > p. 543
Reference [3] outlines the Government's eligibility criteria used to classify Classical Languages, explaining the basis for declarations like Telugu's.
Understanding criteria is high-yield for mains and interviews (asks 'why' not just 'which'). It connects language policy to cultural history and helps frame analytical answers; study by comparing criteria and examples.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > Criteria > p. 544
The Benefits Package. Since they asked 'Which languages' here, the next logical question is 'What do they get?'. Answer: 1) Two major international awards annually, 2) A Centre of Excellence for studies, 3) Professional Chairs in Central Universities.
Apply the '1500-Year Rule'. One of the criteria for Classical status is a recorded history of 1500-2000 years. Gujarati, evolving from Gurjar Apabhramsa, is generally dated to post-1100 AD (medieval). Kannada (Halmidi inscription, 450 AD) and Telugu (Renati Cholas, 575 AD) are ancient. Gujarati is too 'young' for the club.
Link to GS-1 (Art & Culture) and GS-2 (Federalism). The demand for Classical Status is often a tool for asserting regional cultural supremacy and political bargaining (e.g., the long-standing demand for Marathi, finally granted in 2024).