- Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages are institutional mechanisms created to preserve, promote, and advance India’s classical language heritage through research, teaching, and documentation.
- These centres function under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and are aligned with the broader objective of safeguarding India’s linguistic, literary, and cultural traditions.
- They focus on classical languages recognised by the Government of India, including
- Sanskrit
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Odia
- The centres aim to promote advanced research and higher learning in classical languages, including
- Critical editions of ancient texts
- Translation of classical works into modern languages
- Comparative linguistic and cultural studies
- They support interdisciplinary research, linking classical languages with philosophy, history, science, mathematics, medicine, arts, and cultural studies.
- Capacity building is a key objective, with emphasis on
- Training scholars and teachers
- Supporting young researchers and doctoral studies
- Developing modern pedagogical tools for classical language education
- Digital preservation forms an important component, involving
- Digitisation of manuscripts and inscriptions
- Creation of digital archives, dictionaries, and corpora
- Use of technology to enhance accessibility and global outreach
- The centres also organise
- Seminars, conferences, and workshops
- Public lectures and outreach programmes
- National and international academic collaborations
- They contribute to the revival of classical knowledge systems and help integrate India’s intellectual heritage into contemporary academic discourse.
- By institutionalising support for classical languages, these centres strengthen cultural continuity, national identity, and soft power, while ensuring that ancient linguistic traditions remain relevant in modern times.
- The initiative aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the promotion of Indian languages, knowledge systems, and cultural rootedness.
Central Institute of Classical Tamil
- Central Institute of Classical Tamil is a national-level research institute dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of Classical Tamil language and literature.
- It was established in 2008 following the declaration of Tamil as a Classical Language by the Government of India.
- The institute functions under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
- Headquarters of the institute is located at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Objectives
- Promote advanced research in Classical Tamil language, literature, history, and culture.
- Establish Tamil as a classical language of global academic standing.
- Encourage interdisciplinary studies linking Tamil with history, archaeology, philosophy, science, and linguistics.
- Preserve ancient Tamil texts and intellectual traditions.
Core Functions
- Conducts textual research on ancient Tamil works such as Sangam literature, epics, grammar texts, and commentaries.
- Supports translation projects to make classical Tamil texts accessible in Indian and foreign languages.
- Undertakes manuscriptology and epigraphy studies, including inscriptions and palm-leaf manuscripts.
- Publishes research journals, monographs, critical editions, and reference works.
- Organises national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops on Classical Tamil studies.
Academic and Research Activities
- Funds research fellowships, doctoral and post-doctoral studies in Classical Tamil.
- Collaborates with universities and research institutions in India and abroad.
- Develops digital archives, lexicons, and databases of Classical Tamil texts.
- Encourages comparative studies between Tamil and other classical languages.
Cultural and Educational Significance
- Strengthens India’s linguistic and cultural heritage through institutional support.
- Plays a key role in sustaining Tamil’s classical identity beyond regional boundaries.
- Contributes to India’s soft power by promoting Tamil studies internationally.
