Classical Language Status Granted to Bengali: Preserving a Rich Heritage

DIPAK KURMI

Bengali, one of India's most prominent and culturally significant languages, has been a cornerstone of the country's literary and intellectual history. With deep roots in the linguistic traditions of the subcontinent, Bengali has nurtured a vibrant legacy of poets, scholars, and revolutionaries who have shaped both the cultural identity of Bengal and the national consciousness of India. On October 3, 2024, in a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the conferment of Classical Language status to Bengali, alongside other languages such as Marathi, Pali, Assamese, and Prakrit. This recognition not only underscores Bengali's profound historical and literary achievements but also promotes the preservation of its linguistic heritage for future generations.

The Historical and Cultural Legacy of Bengali

Bengali, along with Assamese and Oriya, forms part of a broader linguistic group within the southeast region of South Asia. Its origins can be traced back to the Magadhi Prakrit or Eastern Prakrit, brought from the ancient region of Magadh (modern-day Bihar). The development of Bengali occurred through Magadh Apabhramsa, along with other Eastern languages. Genetically, Bengali belongs to the Indo-Aryan (IA) languages, which are part of the Indic sub-branch of the Indo-Iranian branch within the Indo-European family.

The linguistic history of the Indo-Aryan languages in the Indian subcontinent is divided into three major periods based on linguistic changes: Old Indo-Aryan (OIA) from 1500 BC to 600 BC, Middle Indo-Aryan (MIA) from 600 BC to 1000 AD, and New Indo-Aryan (NIA), which covers the period from 1000 AD to the present. Bengali, being a New Indo-Aryan language, is broadly derived from Middle Indo-Aryan sources. Some of the earliest documents reflecting the transitional shift from Middle Indo-Aryan to New Indo-Aryan can be found in the writings of Tantric Buddhists, Nathists, Saivites, and Jainas, though written records from the immediate pre-Bengali period remain sparse.

Bengali literature, beginning its journey in the 16th century, is traditionally divided into three phases: Old Bengali (950 AD to 1200/1350 AD), Middle Bengali (1350 AD to 1800 AD), and Modern Bengali (1800 AD to the present). The Middle Bengali period itself is further subdivided into Early Middle Bengali (1350 AD to 1450/1600 AD) and Late Middle Bengali (1600 AD to 1800 AD). Each of these phases contributed significantly to the evolution of Bengali as a literary and intellectual language.

A Rich Literary Tradition: From Sanskrit Epics to Revolutionary Writings

The earliest known literary works in Bengali can be traced back to the 10th and 12th centuries AD, when extensive translations of great Sanskrit epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana were undertaken. The 16th century marked a critical turning point for Bengali literature with the religious reforms led by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the sacred law promulgated by scholars such as Raghunath and Raghunandan. The centuries that followed witnessed a flourishing of original compositions in Bengali, with notable figures like Mukunda Ram, often referred to as the "Chaucer of Bengal," making significant contributions to Bengali poetry. Later literary luminaries such as Bharat Chandra and Ram Prasad further enriched the tradition of Bengali writing.

The 19th century ushered in a golden era of Bengali literature, during which influential figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar made significant contributions to social reform and intellectual awakening. Newspapers such as Samvad Kaumudi, Som Prakash, and Bande Mataram played pivotal roles during India's freedom struggle, highlighting the power of the written word in mobilizing the masses. In the realm of fiction, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee emerged as a pioneering figure, while poets such as Rabindranath Tagore, Michael Madhusudan Dutta, Sukanta Bhattacharya, and Kazi Nazrul Islam contributed significantly to the literary revolution that helped shape the struggle for Indian independence.

During this period, the slogans "Jai Hind" by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and "Vande Mataram" by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay resonated throughout the nation, inspiring a generation of freedom fighters. Moreover, the Bengali language gave birth to India's National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, and the National Song, Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra. The global influence of Bengali literature reached new heights when Rabindranath Tagore became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, further showcasing Bengali literature on the world stage.

Recognition of Bengali's Classical Status: A Milestone for Linguistic Heritage

The decision by the Union Cabinet to grant Classical Language status to Bengali marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve India's diverse linguistic heritage. This designation acknowledges Bengali's rich literary and cultural legacy, underscoring its contributions to India's intellectual and cultural history. By granting Classical Language status, the government seeks to honor the achievements of Bengal's great poets, authors, and scholars, while also promoting scholarly research and preservation of the language's historical roots.

The recognition of Bengali as a Classical Language not only highlights the language's deep connection to India's cultural identity but also reinforces the importance of linguistic diversity in the modern world. The conferment of this status paves the way for greater academic research into ancient texts, revitalizing knowledge systems, and fostering a renewed sense of cultural pride in Bengal's literary achievements. The move also aligns with the broader vision of building a culturally rooted and self-reliant India, where diverse languages and traditions are cherished and promoted for future generations.

The Global Influence of Bengali

With over 272.8 million speakers, Bengali is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. According to Ethnologue, around 100 million Bengali speakers reside in Bangladesh, while about 85 million speakers are concentrated in India, particularly in the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. The language also boasts significant immigrant communities in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Middle East, where Bengali continues to be spoken as a heritage language.

The spread of the Bengali language beyond the borders of South Asia is a testament to its cultural and intellectual vitality. The linguistic diversity of Bengali is reflected in its regional dialects and varieties, including the literary standard, Sadhubhasa (elegant or genteel speech), and the more colloquial Chaltibhasa (current or everyday speech). These varieties are not just markers of social class or education but also reflect regional differences, with dialects such as Bangla spoken primarily in Bangladesh and Rarhi and Varendri in various parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

The Structure and Grammar of Bengali

As a member of the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family, Bengali is known for its melodious quality and complex grammatical structure. The Bengali script, which consists of 12 vowels and 36 consonants, is unique in its beauty and precision. One of the most interesting features of Bengali is that its nouns do not inflect for gender. Instead, the language uses suffixes to indicate plurals, such as "-??" (ra) or "-????" (guli).

Bengali pronouns and verbs are also subject to intricate changes based on formality, distance, and number. For example, the second-person pronoun can be expressed in informal, semi-formal, and formal variations: ??? (tui), ???? (tumi), and ???? (apni). The typical sentence structure in Bengali is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV), in contrast to the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order commonly used in English. Bengali verbs are highly inflected, changing forms to indicate tense, aspect, mood, and person.

A Bright Future for Bengali

The decision to grant Classical Language status to Bengali is a momentous step in recognizing and preserving India's rich linguistic heritage. As Bengali continues to evolve and thrive, both within the subcontinent and beyond, this recognition serves as a reminder of the vital role that languages play in shaping national identity and fostering cultural pride. The government's commitment to promoting Classical Languages is an investment in the future, ensuring that the next generation can appreciate the immense contributions of languages like Bengali.

This initiative promises to inspire academic research, foster cultural pride, and enhance national integration, aligning with the broader vision of a self-reliant and culturally rooted India. By recognizing Bengali as a Classical Language, the government not only honors its past but also paves the way for a brighter future where the language's profound legacy continues to inspire and enrich the lives of millions around the world.

(Views are personal. Email: dipakzonaki.kurmi@gmail.com)