Tezpur University has been designated as the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Assamese following approval from the Union Ministry of Education.
The decision was conveyed through an office memorandum issued on October 1 by the Language Division of the Department of Higher Education.
The initiative aims to strengthen academic research, digitisation, preservation and dissemination of Assamese linguistic and literary heritage.
The announcement was welcomed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who said the dedicated centre would create new opportunities for research and help preserve the language’s rich literary traditions.
Five Centres of Excellence Approved for Classical Languages
The Ministry of Education has approved five Centres of Excellence for the study of Classical Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit.
The institutions selected for the centres are:
- Classical Assamese: Tezpur University, Assam
- Classical Bengali: Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal
- Classical Marathi: Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune
- Classical Pali: Central University of Odisha
- Classical Prakrit: Central University of Gujarat
The centres will provide dedicated academic platforms for research and the preservation of the linguistic and literary heritage of these languages.
Focus on Research and Digital Preservation
The new centre at Tezpur University will focus on extensive research into Classical Assamese, including its historical development, literature and linguistic traditions.
Digitisation of manuscripts and archival materials will form an important part of its work.
The initiative is expected to support:
- Research into Assamese language and literature
- Digitisation of rare manuscripts and historical documents
- Preservation of literary and cultural resources
- Academic documentation and dissemination
- Greater access to historical texts for researchers and students
The centre will also help connect traditional literary resources with contemporary research methods and digital technologies.
Tezpur University’s Existing Research Foundation
Tezpur University already has an established academic foundation in Assamese language studies.
Its Centre for Assamese Studies was established in 2011 to promote research into Assamese language and culture.
One of its major achievements was the creation of an extensive digital archive containing approximately 4,000 old Assamese manuscripts and printed books.
The collection includes rare sanchi-paat manuscripts, early editions of literary works, personal diaries and handwritten materials associated with prominent literary and cultural figures.
The Department of Assamese was established in 2019 and incorporated the existing facilities of the Centre for Assamese Studies.
The newly approved Centre of Excellence is expected to build on this foundation and expand specialised research into the classical dimensions of Assamese.
Himanta Biswa Sarma Welcomes the Decision
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the approval and said the Assam government had been pursuing a dedicated institution for the study and preservation of Assamese following its recognition as a classical language.
He highlighted the importance of research, digital preservation and conservation of manuscripts and literary heritage.
According to the Chief Minister, the centre will create new opportunities for scholars and help strengthen efforts to promote Assamese linguistic and literary traditions among younger generations.
The approval also marks the establishment of a dedicated institutional framework for classical Assamese studies.
Assamese Received Classical Language Status in 2024
The Union Cabinet granted Classical Language status to Assamese in October 2024, alongside Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit.
The recognition expanded India’s list of officially recognised classical languages and created opportunities for specialised academic initiatives.
The approval of dedicated Centres of Excellence follows that recognition and provides institutional support for research and preservation.
New Opportunities for Scholars and Students
The establishment of the centre is expected to create opportunities for researchers, postgraduate students and scholars working on Assamese language, literature, manuscripts and cultural history.
It will also support the systematic documentation of historical texts and their availability for future academic work.
With its existing digital archive and Assamese studies department, Tezpur University will now serve as a dedicated national centre for Classical Assamese research.
The initiative aims to preserve the language’s literary legacy while encouraging further scholarship and wider dissemination of its heritage.