The criteria for a language to be considered “classical” are clear: the language must have a recorded history of more than 1,500 to 2,000 years, possess a body of ancient literature or texts deemed a valuable heritage, and exhibit an original literary tradition, not borrowed from other languages. By recognizing these languages as classical, the Indian government is underscoring their historical significance and opening up new opportunities for research, preservation, and cultural engagement.


Marathi, a Rich Legacy Now Strengthened

For the Marathi-speaking community, this recognition represents a significant milestone. Marathi, spoken by millions, has a long and storied literary tradition. Its classical status is expected to elevate the language globally, providing the impetus for efforts to preserve, protect, and promote it among new generations.

A central benefit of this designation will be the establishment of a *Central Institute of Classical Marathi* in Maharashtra. This institute is expected to facilitate the translation of ancient Marathi texts, promote scholarly research, and offer academic courses, similar to what has been done for Tamil and other classical languages. The central government is also expected to allocate significant funding to support Marathi schools and libraries, many of which are in urgent need of financial assistance.

With over 12,000 Marathi libraries across Maharashtra, the infusion of funds could ensure the survival and growth of these cultural institutions. Additionally, efforts are underway to introduce Marathi as a subject in universities across India, further solidifying its position as a language of literary and historical importance.


Pali and Prakrit, honoring Languages of Spirituality and Wisdom

Alongside Marathi, the recognition of Pali and Prakrit as classical languages has profound cultural and spiritual significance, particularly for India’s Buddhist and Jain communities. Both Pali and Prakrit served as vernacular languages, accessible to the common people, and played central roles in the spread of heterodox religious traditions like Buddhism and Jainism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi aptly noted that Pali and Prakrit are "languages of spirituality, wisdom, and philosophy," emphasizing their timeless impact on Indian culture and thought. These languages were the medium through which the teachings of the Buddha and Jain Tirthankaras were conveyed to the masses, allowing for greater accessibility to religious and philosophical ideas.


The Historical Importance of Prakrit

Prakrit, derived from the term *prakriti* meaning "source" or "origin," refers not to a single language but to a group of closely related Indo-Aryan languages. These languages, simpler than Sanskrit, were used by the masses and were often employed in inscriptions and public edicts, such as the famous Ashokan edicts of the 3rd century BCE.

Notable variants of Prakrit include Magadhi — the official language of the Mauryan court—and Ardhamagadhi, which became the primary language of Jain texts. Other forms, like Shauraseni, evolved into modern languages such as Hindi and Punjabi. Each of these languages played a pivotal role in disseminating religious teachings, especially in the context of Buddhism and Jainism, whose leaders sought to challenge the rigid social hierarchies and ritualism of the Vedic tradition.


Pali, the Language of the Buddhist Canon

Pali, the language of the Theravada Buddhist canon, holds special significance for Buddhists worldwide. As the language in which the Buddha’s teachings were first recorded, Pali has been instrumental in preserving the core doctrines of Buddhism for over two millennia. Its recognition as a classical language further cements its status as a critical vehicle for transmitting Buddhist thought and philosophy.


A New Dawn for Academic and Cultural Opportunities

The elevation of Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit to classical language status is expected to generate a range of employment opportunities in the fields of academia, research, and cultural preservation. With the need to preserve, document, and digitize ancient texts, jobs will likely emerge in areas such as archiving, translation, and publishing. Institutions dedicated to the study of these languages could see increased funding and resources, making way for new academic programs and research initiatives.

For Buddhism, in particular, this recognition offers exciting possibilities. One example is the potential for translating Buddhist texts into Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit, thus reaching broader audiences. Technology, especially AI, is poised to play a key role in these efforts. The Buddhist AI chatbot, NORBU (https://norbu-ai.org), has already begun translating Buddhist teachings into various Indian languages, including Pali and Marathi. As AI continues to develop, it could become a vital tool in ensuring the preservation and propagation of the Buddha's teachings in these classical languages.


Revitalizing Buddhism in Maharashtra and Beyond

Marathi-speaking Buddhists represent a significant proportion of India’s Buddhist population, accounting for over 77% of all Buddhists in the country. According to the 2011 Census, there are approximately 6.5 million Buddhists in Maharashtra, though local leaders estimate the number to be as high as 10 to 12 million. This recognition of Marathi as a classical language could thus serve to strengthen the cultural and religious identity of Maharashtra's Buddhist community, particularly the Navayana Buddhists, who have been instrumental in reviving Buddhism in modern India.


A Future Rooted in the Past

The classification of Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit as classical languages is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a step toward preserving and revitalizing India’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. These languages, each with a rich literary and philosophical tradition, are now poised to receive the attention and resources necessary to ensure their survival and continued relevance in the modern world.

For Buddhists, especially those in Maharashtra and beyond, this recognition offers hope that their religious texts and traditions will be preserved for future generations. The integration of AI and other technologies into the study and promotion of these languages could help turn them into "living languages," ensuring that the Buddha's message of compassion, wisdom, and peace continues to resonate in the 21st century.

As India continues to evolve, the classical status of Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit reminds us of the enduring power of language to shape culture, preserve wisdom, and connect us to our spiritual and historical roots.