Explanation:

Government of India has awarded the distinction of classical language to Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia.(recently added).           Criteria for Classical Languages in India:
 High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.