48. What are the criteria laid down by the Government of India for a language to be considered for classical language status

The criteria are:

1. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over 1500-2000 years.
2. A body of ancient literature/texts considered a valuable heritage.
3. The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed.
4. The classical language and literature must be distinct from modern forms, potentially with a discontinuity.