The cabinet Thursday approved classical language status for Malayalam, subject to the outcome of a case in the Madras High Court, an official statement said.
Both Telugu and Kannada have been notified as classical languages earlier.
According to a statement, the cabinet approved a proposal to classify Malayalam as a classical language subject to the outcome of the hearing on a writ petition in the Madras High Court.
According to the statement, the benefits extended to a classical language allow giving two major annual international awards for scholars, setting up a centre of excellence, and urging the University Grants Commission to start professional chairs in central universities.