Establishment of Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages in India

The Ministry of Education has approved the establishment of five Centres of Excellence for Classical languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit. These centres aim to preserve ancient languages and their literature through research and digitization efforts. Located at prominent universities, they will serve as platforms for advanced academic activities. The recognition of these languages as Classical Languages in 2024 further emphasizes their significance. Odisha's Chief Minister has welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance for the Pali language. Discover more about this initiative and its impact on language preservation.

By Ambika Singh Oct 5, 2026, 21:37 IST

Introduction to the Centres of Excellence

The Ministry of Education has sanctioned the creation of five Centres of Excellence dedicated to the Classical languages of Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit. These centres aim to go beyond just language teaching.

Significance of the Initiative

This initiative marks a crucial advancement in the preservation of India's ancient languages along with their rich literary and knowledge traditions. The newly approved centres will not only focus on language instruction but will also promote research, preservation, and digitization of ancient texts and manuscripts, thereby broadening the reach of these languages.

Locations of the Centres

The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has identified several prominent universities and institutions across various states for establishing these centres. The aim is to foster a strong academic environment for the study and research of these classical languages.

Selected Institutions for Each Language

Institutions Selected for Centres of Excellence

Classical Assamese – Tezpur University, Assam

Classical Bengali – Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal

Classical Marathi – Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra

Classical Pali – Central University of Odisha, Odisha

Classical Prakrit – Central University of Gujarat, Gujarat

These centres will serve as institutional platforms for advanced research and academic activities related to their respective languages.

Scope of Work

The Ministry of Education has outlined that these Centres of Excellence will engage in documentation, preservation, and digitization of ancient literature and manuscripts. This effort aims to protect the written heritage while making these resources accessible to students, researchers, and scholars. Additionally, the centres will work to promote the literary and knowledge traditions of these classical languages to a broader audience.

Recognition of Classical Languages

Recognition granted to five languages in 2024

In October 2024, the languages Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali were officially recognized as Classical Languages, increasing the total number of such languages in India to eleven. This recognition is based on criteria such as ancient history, an independent literary tradition, and a rich written heritage.

Response from Odisha's Chief Minister

Odisha CM expresses happiness

Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, has expressed his delight regarding the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Classical Pali at the Central University of Odisha. He emphasized that this initiative is a source of pride for the state and will enhance the study and preservation of the Pali language.