MUSHTAQ BALA
The renewed demand for granting classical language status to Kashmiri is not merely an emotional appeal rooted in regional pride; it is a legitimate cultural, academic and civilisational claim that deserves urgent national recognition. At a time when Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing rapid socio-political and technological change, the preservation of its linguistic heritage has become both a cultural responsibility and a constitutional necessity.
Kashmiri (Koshur) is among the oldest living languages of the Indian subcontinent, with a rich and continuous literary tradition spanning over a millennium. From the profound spiritual poetry of Lalleshwari (Lal Ded) and Sheikh Noor-ud-Din (Nund Rishi) to the modern literary contributions of eminent poets, scholars and playwrights, the language has carried within it the philosophical, mystical and humanist traditions of Kashmir. These works are not only literary achievements but also civilisational records reflecting Kashmir’s composite culture, spiritual pluralism and intellectual history.
A Language of Knowledge, Not Just Communication
Classical language status in India is accorded to languages with a long recorded history, an independent literary tradition, and ancient texts of high antiquity. Kashmiri meets these criteria in letter and spirit. The Sharda script, once widely used in Kashmir, stands testimony to the language’s ancient scholarly traditions, while the body of Kashmiri literature—both in verse and prose—reflects a highly evolved linguistic and philosophical framework.
Despite this rich legacy, Kashmiri today faces the threat of gradual marginalisation, especially in urban spaces where younger generations increasingly shift towards dominant languages for education and professional mobility. The shrinking use of Kashmiri in homes, schools and public discourse raises serious concerns about linguistic erosion and cultural amnesia.
Why Classical Status Matters
Granting classical language status to Kashmiri would not be a symbolic gesture alone. It would open doors for:
Institutional support for research, documentation and digitisation of ancient Kashmiri manuscripts.
Dedicated academic centres and chairs in universities across India.
Increased funding for preservation projects, translation initiatives and literary scholarships.
Inclusion of Kashmiri language and literature in national-level competitive examinations and curricula.
Restoration of pride among younger generations, encouraging them to reconnect with their linguistic roots.
Such recognition would also help counter the misconception that regional languages are limited to domestic or informal spaces, reaffirming Kashmiri as a language of knowledge, philosophy and literature.
The Role of Writers, Educators and Institutions
Writers, poets, teachers and cultural institutions in Jammu & Kashmir have repeatedly stressed that languages survive not only through policy support but through everyday use and creative expression. Literary conferences, translation projects, children’s literature in Kashmiri, theatre, cinema and digital content can play a decisive role in revitalising interest in the language among youth.
There is also a pressing need to strengthen Kashmiri language teaching in schools, develop contemporary reading material, and create platforms where young writers can publish and perform in their mother tongue without feeling linguistically marginalised.
A Call for National Recognition
In a culturally diverse nation like India, recognising Kashmiri as a classical language would send a powerful message: that linguistic diversity is not a burden but a civilisational asset. It would affirm that Kashmir’s cultural heritage is an integral part of India’s composite identity and deserves preservation at the highest institutional level.
The demand for classical status for Kashmiri is, therefore, not a regional plea—it is a national responsibility. Safeguarding Kashmiri today is an investment in India’s pluralistic future, ensuring that a language shaped by centuries of spiritual inquiry, poetic expression and humanist thought does not fade into cultural footnotes.
Why Kashmiri deserves Classical Language status:
Koshur is not just a spoken tongue but a civilisational legacy rooted in centuries of literature, spirituality and scholarship. Recognising it as a classical language can help preserve manuscripts, promote research, empower young writers and safeguard Kashmir’s cultural identity.
Mushtaq Bala is Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Pen, an award-winning filmmaker, cultural commentator, and advocate for peace through narrative media.
