Most recently Malayalam has been given ‘Classic’ status. In Malayalam, it’s called ‘Shreshta Bhasha’. During this occasion let me mention a few facts about Malayalam – My mother tongue.

For a language to be considered as classic, a few basics are to be noted. On those principles all the south Indian languages except Malayalam have already been given ‘classic designation’. What are those basic needs of a language to be declared as classic?

1. It should be at least 1500 to 2000 years old.
2. A separate branch of literature for this language.
3. Should have a tradition, cultural heritage and history.
4. Different periods of time to provide growth and nourishment of the language.
5. Certain principles and values that have been kept from ancient times and handed over to next generation and they should be well reflected in the language too.

Where is Malayalam?  

After a lot of studies, Malayalam was recommended by people appointed by central government itself. On the basis of following proofs, Malayalam has been given the classics title.

• In the second edicts of Emperor Asoka that has been dated to be in the period, B.C. 277-300, there is a word ‘Keralam’ which proved to be the solid evidence of existence of Kerala and its culture 2300 years ago.
• In ‘Puliman komb veerakkal likhita’ 2100 year old, obtained in BC first century, there is grammar exclusively written in Malayalam language.
• In the bronze remains obtained from outskirts of Eranakulam city has Malayalam words, dated AD second century.
• In Nilambur-Nedunkayam cultural remains also, dated 5 BC, Malayalam language as well as grammar can be seen.
• 40% of Sankhakala literature written in Moola Dravida Language is of Malayalam words and grammar.
• In Vanchikandam of Chilappathikaram, many words used are commonly spoken words of Malayalam today. There is clear evidence that Ilangovadikal, author of this great piece of Tamil literature was the younger brother of Chera Emperor who ruled the then cultural capital of Kerala, Kodungallur. Ilangovadikal has lived in Kerala for quite a long time.
• 40% of laws written in the oldest Dravidian grammar literary work – Kaappiyam suits only to present Malayalam, comparing other Dravidian languages.
• Concrete evidences have been obtained from the second BC inscriptions of the rock cave at Edakkapl in Wayanad district.

So, now it is cheers and celebration time for Kerala and Malayalam as it has been included in the list of ‘classical’ status of Indian languages along with Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Sanskrit.

Article Posted By : Sandhya Rani  On June 14, 2013lView All Articles

I am proud of my mother tongue and respect it a lot!

Article Source :

http://www.veethi.com/articles/malayalam-has-achieved-classical-status-article-2411.htm

Keywords :
classical status , Malayalam classical status