Which of the following are basic guidelines for declaring a language 'Classical'?

1.High antiquity of its early texts or recorded history over 1500-2000 years.

2.A body of ancient literature considered a valuable heritage by generations.

3.The literary tradition being original and not borrowed from another speech community.

4.The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, with a possible discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms.

A1 and 2 only

B1, 2, 3 and 4 ✓ Correct

C1, 3 and 4

D1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (B) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

All four criteria together define a 'Classical' language in India, covering antiquity, heritage literature, originality and distinctness from later forms.

Statement 1 requires high antiquity of early texts or recorded history of 1500 to 2000 years.

Statement 2 requires a body of ancient literature valued as heritage by generations.

Statement 3 requires the literary tradition to be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

Statement 4 requires the classical form to be distinct from the modern, allowing a discontinuity with later forms.

These guidelines are applied by the government before conferring classical status.

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