LINGUISTIC JUSTICE AT LAST
Manish Modi
LINGUISTIC JUSTICE
~ Manish Modi
Prakrit and Pali Finally Get Their Due
In a long-overdue move, the Indian government has accorded classical language status to Prakrit and Pali, two ancient languages that have been the backbone of Indian literature and culture for centuries. This recognition is a significant step towards preserving India's rich linguistic heritage and acknowledging the importance of these languages in shaping the country's history.
India's Linguistic Diversity
India is a country with a rich history of linguistic diversity, and is home to several language families, including Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Sino-Tibetan, Tai-Kadai, and Andamanese.
The Government of India has awarded the distinction of classical language to Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu, and now Prakrit and Pali have been added to this list, along with Marathi, Assamese, and Bengali.
Prakrit: The Precursor to Modern Indian Languages
Prakrit, a language that flourished in ancient India from the 6th century BCE to the 8th century CE, was the precursor to many modern Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati. Its literature is replete with works of great beauty and wisdom, including the celebrated Jain literature and hundreds of works of poetry.
Pali: The Language of Buddhism
Pali, on the other hand, is the language of Buddhism and has been the liturgical language of Sri Lanka and other Southeast Asian countries for centuries. Its canonical texts, including the Pali Canon, are considered sacred by millions of Buddhists around the world.
A Long-Overdue Recognition
While this recognition is a cause for celebration, it is also a reminder that another ancient Indian language, Apabhramsha, has been overlooked. As the mother of modern North Indian languages, Apabhramsha deserves similar recognition and should be accorded the status of a classical language.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, the classification of Prakrit and Pali as classical languages is a significant milestone in the preservation of India's linguistic diversity. It is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting its cultural heritage and ensuring that these ancient languages continue to thrive for generations to come.
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