Manipuri language is classical

Free Thinker *

Earlier the Union Home Ministry was doing the job of conferring classical status to Indian languages – now it is done by the Ministry of Culture. In the beginning only Tamil and Sanskrit were declared classical. Interestingly Tamil was given classical status in 2004, before Sanskrit got it in 2005.

We are told that there is a Linguistic Expert Committee to decide the status of languages – whether they are classical or non-classical, modern or non -modern, medieval or non-medieval etc.

A few days back five more languages have been included in the list of Indian classical languages including Pali and Pakrit. Manipuri language is also a language of antiquity but yet to be accorded classical status.

Earlier linguists called it a Tibeto-Burman Language but now the new generation of linguists says that it is more indigenous. Nonetheless Manipuri language is one of the oldest in this sub-continent called Akhand Bharat situated between Sindhu and Irrawaddy (West to East), Himalayas and Hind Mahasagar (North to South).

An Indian language is normally accorded classical status - if it has a recorded history for about thousand years and it should have texts of high antiquity and literature having valuable heritage for generations of speakers. It is good news for Marathi, Assamese and Bengali that they are now classical languages recognized by the Government of India.

The Union Cabinet took a decision on 3rd Oct, 2024 to accord the status of classical language to 5 more languages. Now we have 11 classical languages namely Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Pali, Pakrit, Assamese, Marathi, and Bengali.

There is still a competition going on – which one is the oldest language - Sanskrit or Tamil or any other . Some scholars say Sanskrit is the mother of all major Indian languages in the country. On the other hand Dravidian scholars opine that Tamil is the oldest language.

The Prime Minister in Tamil Nadu once said that Tamil is the oldest language. These days many are constantly claiming that Tamil is one of the oldest languages of the world. I have seen some unique promotions all over – spreading the news that Tamil Language is the oldest in all.

That is perhaps from the staunch Tamil lovers. No doubt, Tamilians are very proud of their culture, language and tradition. They are the people who promote everything Tamil including films.

We are told that even in Parliament next to Hindi and English, Tamil is the most spoken floor language. Most of the MPs from Tamil Nadu speak in their language even though they know English very well – they feel proud to speak in their own mother-tongue.

But as a lay man I believe that after Sanskrit and Tamil the languages which are added in the classical list seems to be more on the basis of democratic demands and political persuasion. Sometimes I wonder whether pressure becomes more important than the historicity and richness of a particular language.

One gentleman asked me – what are the benefits of a language after being conferred classical status. To me, the first benefit is the psychological advantage, thinking that my language is one of the classical languages of the country–that pride will be there.

Another advantage is that the Government of India gives some funds for the promotion of the language, for instance Rs 1 or 2 crore in a year. This is just the beginning, funding is likely to be increased in the years to come.

For Sanskrit, 3 Central Universities were set up through an Act of Parliament to promote Sanskrit. It was done in 2020, when our Dr Rajkumar Ranjanji was also in the Ministry of Education.

The Central Institute of Classical Tamil was established to facilitate translating ancient Tamil texts, promoting research, and offering courses for university students and language scholars. For the promotion and preservation of other classical languages various programs have been opened under the aegis of the Central Institute of Indian Languages.

Government of India’s decision to accord classical status to 5 more languages is a kind of recognition to these languages for their contribution in shaping the Great Indian Cultural paradigm. I strongly believe that other Indian languages like Manipuri have made tremendous contributions in strengthening India’s linguistic, intellectual and cultural heritage.

In fact Manipuri language spoken by more than 3 million people not only in India but also in Bangladesh and Myanmar has vastly contributed in the form of art and literature, dance and drama to the Great Indian Tradition.

Due to the encouragement of the Government of Manipur, Manipur University and various organizations the ancient Manipuri script is now being revived and studied in Schools, Colleges and now University. This will further enrich the Great Tradition.

Oral tradition of Manipuri language is more ancient than many of the established Indian languages. Its written form or script was developed in the 11th and 12th century AD, according to Prof Yashobanta of Manipur University. Linguistic experts maintain that a good number of archaic Tibetan words and expressions are present in Manipuri language such as ‘Kham nung sowa’ etc.

Demands for tribal status of the people and classical status for their language are not antagonistic rather complementary – because these are democratic aspirations.