Online Lecture Series on “Women’s Writings in Sanskrit”

6th to November 22nd, 2023

The Online Lecture Series on Women in Sanskrit Literature, organized by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at Chanakya University from November 6th to November 22nd, 2023, presented a comprehensive exploration of Sanskrit poetesses. Conceptualized by Dr. Ramakrishna Pejathaya, the series featured eminent speakers who delved into various aspects of women’s writings in Sanskrit.Shatavadhani Dr R Ganesh commenced the series, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Indian tradition in Session 1. Subsequent sessions discussed the topics such as poetesses known through anthologies by Sri Arjun Bharadwaj (Session 2), women’s writings in Prakrit by Prof KS Kannan (Session 3), and the Varadāmbikāpariṇaya of Tirumalāmbā by Dr Naresh Keerthi (Session 4). Prof SR Leela and Dr Arathi Kaundinya explored Madhurāvijaya of Gaṅgādevī and Raghunāthābhyudaya of Rāmabhadrāmbā in Sessions 5 and 6, respectively. Additional sessions by Sri Vasuki HA, Dr Ramakrishna Pejathaya, Prof Gauri Mahulikar and Smt Sreelalitha R highlighted the works of Devakumarika, Lakshmi Rajni, Sundari, Kamala, Pandita Kshama Rao, and Vijjika by discussing their salient features. Sri Shashi Kiran BN concluded the series with a unique play, Vanitakavitotsava, emphasizing the strength and resourcefulness of Sanskrit poetesses. Sessions were conducted on Microsoft Teams, attracting an estimated 100 attendees. Key takeaways included the need for authentic translations, encouragement of cross-cultural studies, and the importance of studying Vyakarana. Each session included a welcome note, speaker insights, discussions,and concluded with a Vote of Thanks, contributing to a successful exploration of the rich heritage of Sanskrit literature authored by women.