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21 Aug 2024

The Rich Tapestry Of Sanskrit: A Language Born in India

Written by

The Logical Indian

Introduction

Sanskrit, an ancient and classical language, holds a special place in the rich tapestry of Indian history and culture. It is not just a language; it is a key that unlocks the doors to the past, offering insights into the roots of Indian civilisation. Originating in India, Sanskrit’s journey is nothing short of marvellous, shaping literature, religion, and philosophy.

The Dawn of Sanskrit

The roots of Sanskrit can be traced back to the Vedic period, with the compilation of the Rigveda, the world’s first-ever book, believed to have taken place between 6500 BC and 1500 BC. Sanskrit’s evolution is marked by the development of Vedic Sanskrit, a language slightly different from its modern form, as seen in the Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, and Vedangas. Panini, a linguistic luminary around 500 BC, played a pivotal role in shaping the language. His Ashtadhyayi, a comprehensive grammar book, became the touchstone for correctness in Sanskrit.

A Language of Perfection

Sanskrit, belonging to the Indo-Aryan or Indo-European language family, has been hailed by scholars like William Jones, who found it more perfect, copious, and refined than Greek and Latin. Despite its ancient origins, Sanskrit is still used today as a medium of expression by scholars not only in India but also in countries such as America and Germany.

Sanskrit’s Divine Origin and Legacy

According to Indian tradition, Sanskrit is considered eternal, self-born, and divine. It is believed that a self-born deity created it, and it has been used since the time of the Vedas, making it everlasting. The language has been a wellspring, giving rise to Pali and Prakrit, which, in turn, influenced Buddhist and Jain literature. Pali was chosen for Buddhist ideas, while Prakrit spread Jain doctrines.

The Mother of Indian Languages

Hindi, the official language of India, has evolved from Shauraseni Apabhramsha, a derivative of Sanskrit. The southern part of India saw the development of languages such as Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu, which belong to the Dravidian family but have been enriched by Sanskrit.

The Breadth of Sanskrit Literature

Sanskrit literature, as vast as human life, revolves around the four Purusharthas: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. The Vedas, the foundational texts, lay the groundwork for Dharma. Vyasa’s Mahabharata, considered an encyclopaedia of knowledge and Valmiki’s Ramayana, written around 500 BC, are both timeless epics that influenced later literature. The classical period saw the emergence of great poets like Kalidasa, Ashvaghosha, Bharavi, and others, contributing to Mahakaavyas, historical Kavyas, lyric poetry, and various other genres.

Sanskrit’s Golden Era

The Gupta period marked the classical era of Sanskrit literature, witnessing the flourishing of Puranas and the development of drama as a distinct genre. Notable dramatists like Shudraka, Bhasa, Ashvaghosa, and Kalidasa left an indelible mark with their plays.

Beyond Literature: Sanskrit in Science and Philosophy

Sanskrit’s importance goes beyond literature; it extends to scientific and philosophical realms. It covers disciplines such as lexicography, metrics, grammar, law, politics, medicine, astronomy, astrology, and mathematics. Sanskrit, a language born in the cradle of ancient India, is not just a relic of the past. It continues to be relevant today, serving as a sacred language in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Its influence is visible in modern Indian languages, and it remains a subject of academic study globally.

Conclusion

The journey of Sanskrit is a testament to the intellectual and cultural richness of ancient India. From its roots in the Vedic period to its standardisation by Panini and its flourishing in the classical era, Sanskrit has left an indelible mark on literature, religion, and philosophy. As we celebrate the marvel of Sanskrit, let us recognise its origin in the heart of India, a language that transcends time and continues to be a source of inspiration and knowledge.

References

Central Sanskrit University
https://www.sanskrit.nic.in/about_sanskrit.php
Lumen Learning
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldcivilization/chapter/sanskrit/

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IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. The Logical Indian is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian Millennials. IndiaFirst Life and The Logical Indian have come together to showcase India’s rich history of innovation in different fields of life which have made a significant mark on humanity and globally. The information presented here is the result of a collaborative effort between The IndiaFirst Life, Dentsu Creative & The Logical Indian. All research and fact-finding is credited to Dentsu Creative in association with The Logical Indian.