Sanskrit

Sanskrit is an ancient Indo-European language that has been used for over 3,500 years. It is the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, and was also used extensively in Buddhism and Jainism. Sanskrit is also the basis for many modern languages in the Indian subcontinent, including Hindi and Nepali.

History

Sanskrit is believed to have originated from the Vedic Sanskrit found in the Rigveda, a collection of ancient Indian hymns. The language evolved over time, with Classical Sanskrit emerging around 500 BCE. This form of the language was standardized by the ancient Indian grammarian Pāṇini in his work, Ashtadhyayi.

Characteristics

Sanskrit is highly structured and has a complex grammatical system. It is written in several scripts, including Devanagari, Brahmi, and Sharada. The language is known for its extensive vocabulary and rich collection of literature, including religious texts, philosophical treatises, and poetry.

Modern Usage

While Sanskrit is no longer spoken as a first language, it is still used in religious rituals and scholarly discourse. It is also studied for its literary and linguistic value. In India, Sanskrit is recognized as one of the 22 scheduled languages and is taught in schools and universities.

See Also

• Vedic Sanskrit
• Classical Sanskrit
• Pāṇini
• Ashtadhyayi
• Devanagari
• Brahmi
• Sharada script