Learn Sanskrit 3.9

Sanskrit is an ancient and classical language of India, recognized as the medium in which the first book ever compiled - the Rigveda - was written. The Vedas, which date back to different periods according to various scholars (ranging from 6500 B.C. to 1500 B.C.), were composed in Sanskrit. It is believed that the language had already evolved into its expressive form prior to this, with different dialects being prevalent. This early form of Sanskrit is known as Vedic Sanskrit. Each Veda had its own grammar book called Pratishakhya, which explained word forms and other grammatical points. Over time, numerous schools of grammar emerged to further develop the language. A vast body of literature, including the Vedas, Brahmana-Granthas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, and Vedangas, was written in this early form of Sanskrit and is collectively referred to as Vedic Literature.

A significant milestone in the development of Sanskrit was reached with the work of Panini (500 B.C.), who consolidated the knowledge of ten prevalent grammar schools at that time into his master book of grammar called Ashtadhyayi. This work served as a guiding light for future generations. Both literary Sanskrit and spoken Sanskrit followed Panini's system of language. Even today, the correctness of Sanskrit is evaluated based on Panini's Ashtadhyayi.

Sanskrit is considered part of the Indo-Aryan or Indo-Germanic family of languages, which includes Greek, Latin, and other similar languages. William Jones, familiar with Greek and Latin, remarked that Sanskrit is more perfect than Greek, more copious than Latin, and more refined than either. He described Sanskrit as a wonderful language. It is worth noting that despite being ancient and classical, Sanskrit is still used by scholars throughout India and in some parts of the world, such as America and Germany. Sanskrit is also included in the list of modern Indian Languages in the eighth schedule of the constitution of India.