Question

In 2004, the Government of India decided to create a new category of languages known as 'Classical Languages'. What are the latest criteria, announced in 2024, for inclusion of languages within this category?

1. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
2. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.
3. Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.
4. The classical languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.
5. The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

• A. Only I, II, III & V
• B. Only II III & IV
• C. Only I, II & III
• D. Only I, II, III & IV

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Only I, II, III & IV

Answer 2

The criteria for a language to be recognized as ’Classical Language’ include high antiquity, a body of ancient literature, a distinct literary tradition, and the preservation of ancient texts, among others.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (D).