Dr. Ramakrishna Pejathaya, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
ramakrishna.p@chanakyauniversity.edu.in
32
Credits
About the Minor :
Sanskrit, one of the oldest classical languages, stands as a testament to the rich design of ancient Indian civilisation. Rooted in antiquity, Sanskrit serves not only as a linguistic medium but also as a repository of profound philosophical insights, scientific theories, social practices, literary treasures, and cultural nuances. Offering a Sanskrit minor course presents an invaluable opportunity for students to embark on a journey through time, exploring the linguistic, literary, and cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.
The study of Sanskrit is not merely an academic pursuit but a gateway to understanding the essence of Indian civilization. Its origins trace back to the Vedic period, where it served as the language of mantras and rituals. Over millennia, Sanskrit evolved into a sophisticated medium of expression, giving rise to a vast corpus of literature encompassing epics, poetry, dramas, philosophical treatises, and scientific texts.
Moreover, Sanskrit serves as a linguistic bridge, connecting diverse cultures and influencing the development of numerous languages across Asia. Its grammatical structure and phonetic intricacies have fascinated linguists and philologists for centuries, highlighting its significance beyond geographical boundaries.
In today’s globalized world, the relevance of Sanskrit extends beyond academic circles. Its profound impact on fields such as empirical science, philosophy, linguistics, literature, and cultural studies underscores its enduring legacy. By delving into Sanskrit studies, students not only will gain linguistic proficiency but will also develop critical thinking skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a deeper appreciation for diverse worldviews.
Objectives of the Minor
To enable students to engage in fluent conversation in Sanskrit.
To introduce students to the fundamentals of Sanskrit language, grammar, and syntax.
To familiarise students with classical Sanskrit literature, including poetic and shastric texts.
To develop students’ proficiency in reading, writing, and translating Sanskrit texts.
To provide an interdisciplinary perspective on Sanskrit studies, integrating insights from linguistics, history and philosophical discourses.
To cultivate critical thinking skills through the analysis and interpretation of Sanskrit texts within their historical and cultural contexts.
Focus area of the minor:
Linguistics Spoken Sanskrit
Introduction to Sanskrit Grammar
Sanskrit Phonetics and Script
Sanskrit Composition and Translation
Literary Studies: Sanskrit Literature and Poetics
Textual Study of Shastric Literature
Introduction to Vedic Studies and Darshanas
Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Sanskrit in Comparative Linguistics
Sanskrit and Cultural History of India
Sanskrit and Social Sciences
Sanskrit Literature on Hard Sciences
After the completion of this minor students will be able to:
Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and translating Sanskrit texts, enabling them to engage with classical Sanskrit literature and primary sources independently.
Participate better in the discussion related to Indian culture and intellectual traditions.
Analyze Sanskrit texts within historical and cultural contexts.
Integrate insights from linguistics, history, philosophy, and religious studies.
Acquire skills for conducting research in Sanskrit studies.
Contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Sanskrit language and culture.
Gain valuable skills applicable to academia, research, translation, and cultural heritage management.
Course Title
Key points
Credits
Sanskrit communication: Beginner
Basics of language, phonetics, introduction to common Sanskrit words and phrases, building a foundational vocabulary for day-to-day communication, basic sentence structure in Sanskrit, understanding subject-object-verb order and its variations, numbers and counting, basic grammar etc.
Keeping the Panchatantra as the primary text, the course will embark on an enriching journey to explore and unravel the intricate concepts of Karaka and Samasa. The course will also examine several other grammatic and poetic nuances.
3
Krit & Taddhita: Selections from Subhashitas
Informed by carefully chosen Subhashitas, the course will embark on a captivating exploration, delving into the grammatical realms of Krt and Taddhita.
3
Introduction to Bharatiya Darshanas
Explore the profound philosophical traditions of ancient India in our “Introduction to Bharatiya Darshanas” course, delving into the diverse perspectives of Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta to deepen your understanding of reality and self. Engage with primary texts, historical contexts, and contemporary relevance to uncover the timeless wisdom of Indian philosophical thought.
3
Scientific literature in Sanskrit
The purpose of this course is to break both the stereotypes by understanding India’s contribution to Science and Technology by drawing upon literature available in Sanskrit language. Based on selections from the Veda to the Kerala School of Mathematics and Astronomy (15th – 17th century CE) the course will be an opportunity for the student to re-examine their understanding of science and also find out how Indian scientists approached empirical problems and express the solution uniquely.
3
Textual study of a classical text
Interesting Sanskrit texts that students like will be picked, and the course will discuss it using traditional methods. The course will discuss how to understand and analyse the sentences using certain tools such as shabda vrittis and arthavada.
3
Dissertation/internship
Dissertation: Students will be helped in writing and researching. The output will be dissertation.
Internship: The students will be introduced to workplace experience
3
Sanskrit Manuscriptology and Textual Criticism
Types of Manuscripts, reading, interpreting & editing, preserving, digitization.
4
Literature and Linguistics
Concise history of Sanskrit literature from Vedas to contemporary literature. Language families, Syntax, Semantics, Phonetics, Phonology, Pragmatics, Morphology etc.
4
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