Applied Sanskrit

Overview

At Rishihood University, we recognize the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of India, and we are proud to introduce the Applied Sanskrit Minor for undergraduate learners. The Sanskrit language, one of the oldest and most influential languages in human history, has played a vital role in shaping the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual landscape of India and beyond. By offering this minor, we aim to create a unique opportunity for learners to engage with the Sanskrit language and its profound legacy in a meaningful and practical manner.

The Applied Sanskrit Minor has been carefully designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the language and its applications across various fields. We believe that the study of Sanskrit not only enriches the cultural and linguistic diversity of our academic community but also fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge.

Our five learning pillars for the Applied Sanskrit Minor offer a diverse and interdisciplinary approach to the study of this ancient language. These pillars encompass the fundamentals of the Sanskrit language, its literary and cultural impact, comparative linguistic studies, effective communication, and the exploration of Sanskrit’s contributions to mathematics, science, and aesthetics.

Through this minor, we strive to create a space for our learners to delve into the richness of the Sanskrit language, to comprehend its multifaceted significance, and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the preservation and promotion of India’s linguistic heritage. Our goal is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with the Sanskrit language in a contemporary context while appreciating its historical and cultural significance.

We invite you to explore the world of Sanskrit at Rishihood University and experience the timeless wisdom of this extraordinary language. Join us in this fascinating journey as we unravel the secrets of an ancient language that continues to inspire and enlighten generations of learners.

The Learning Pillars for a Sanskrit Minor at Rishihood University:

1. Sanskrit Language Fundamentals: Learners will learn the basics of Sanskrit language, including grammar, syntax, vocabulary, phonetics, conversational phrases, and the ability to read and write in multiple scripts.

2. Sanskrit Literature and Culture:
Learners will learn the rich literary history of Sanskrit and its impact on Indian culture and identity, as well as its influence on world history. Learners will analyze and interpret classical texts from different periods and various fields such as statecraft, logic, kamasutra, arthashastra, aesthetics, natyashastra, and Tantra.

3. Sanskrit in Comparative Contexts: Learners will explore the relationship between Sanskrit and other languages, both ancient and modern. They will study the impact of Sanskrit on other languages, examine shared grammatical features and loanwords, and analyze how Sanskrit has influenced the development of Indian culture and identity, as well as its impact on world history.

4. Sanskrit for Effective Communication: Learners will learn the structure and components of Sanskrit language and its devices for expressing complex and diverse ideas. Learners will learn to use Sanskrit for powerful meaning-making and communication, analyze examples from various sources, and examine Sanskrit non-translatables. Learners will also explore using Sanskrit to enhance one’s power of concentration, memory and logical thinking.

5. Sanskrit Mathematics, Science, and Aesthetics: Learners will learn the mathematical and scientific nature of Sanskrit language, its contributions to fields such as astronomy, mathematics, and linguistics, and its principles of aesthetics as laid out in the Natyashastra. Learners will also analyze the cultural and historical context in which Sanskrit aesthetics evolved, examine its influence on modern art forms in India and around the world, and study the use of Sanskrit in statecraft, diplomacy, governance and neuroscience. They will also gain an introduction to creative writing in Sanskrit and practice different literary genres such as poetry, drama, and prose.

The Minor in Sanskrit Studies at Rishihood will have 24 credits divided across 8 courses of 3 credits each.

Course I. Introduction to Sanskrit (3 credits)

  • Introduction to the history and evolution of Sanskrit language
  • Basic grammar, syntax and phonetics of Sanskrit language
  • Basic vocabulary and conversational phrases
  • Sanskrit written in multiple scripts.
  • Practice sessions on Conversational Sanskrit

Course II. Sanskrit Literature (3 credits)

  • Introduction to the Vaangmay of Sanskrit Literature, from Vedic period to the current times.
  • Study of classical Sanskrit literature from different periods
  • Reading and analysis of Sanskrit texts from various fields including statecraft, logic, kamasutra, arthashastra, grammar, aesthetics, natyashastra, Tantrayukti, and others
  • Study of the cultural and historical contexts in which the texts were produced.
  • Comparison of Sanskrit literature with other classical literatures from around the world

Course III. Sanskrit for Creative Writing (3 credits)

  • Introduction to creative writing in Sanskrit
  • Study of different literary genres in Sanskrit such as poetry, drama, and prose
  • Practice in creative writing exercises in Sanskrit – for fiction, children’s literature, movies, songs, AI generated art-forms
  • Analysis of creative writing pieces from Sanskrit literature and contemporary Sanskrit authors

Course IV. Sanskrit for Effective Communication (3 credits)

  • Study of the idea of mind, meaning making, and Drishti (perspective) in Sanskrit
  • Exploration of the structure and components of Sanskrit language and its devices for expressing complex and diverse ideas
  • Emphasis on using Sanskrit for powerful meaning-making and communication. How to enhance one’s power of concentration, memory and logical thinking using Sanskrit.
  • Case studies of examples from various sources, including mottos of various bodies in India and outside, such as Satyameva Jayate, Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah, Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah, bhinneka Thungal Ika, and Shan no varunah
  • Examination of Sanskrit non-translatables, such as terms that have no equivalent in other languages.

Course V. Sanskrit in Mathematics and Science (3 credits)

  • Study of the mathematical and scientific nature of Sanskrit language
  • Analysis of the use of Sanskrit in fields such as astronomy, mathematics, neuroscience, and linguistics
  • Study of the contributions of ancient Indian scholars to these fields, including Aryabhata, Varahamihira, and Panini
  • Comparative study of Sanskrit mathematics and science with other ancient and modern traditions

Course VI. Sanskrit and Aesthetics (3 credits)

  • Study of the principles of Sanskrit aesthetics as laid out in the Natyashastra.
  • Analysis of the components of Sanskrit drama, music, and art
  • Study of the cultural and historical context in which Sanskrit aesthetics evolved.
  • Comparative study of Sanskrit aesthetics with other classical aesthetics from around the world
  • Examination of the influence of Sanskrit aesthetics on modern art forms in India and around the world

Course VII. Sanskrit for Statecraft (3 credits)

  • Study of the use of Sanskrit language in statecraft, diplomacy and governance
  • Study of the Sanskrit texts related to statecraft such as the Arthashastra and the Kamandaka Niti
  • Analysis of the principles of statecraft as laid out in these texts.
  • Study of the impact of Sanskrit literature on the political and cultural landscape of India and the world in different ages

Course VIII. Sanskrit and Contemporary India (3 credits)

  • Study of the role of Sanskrit in contemporary India
  • Analysis of the use of Sanskrit in modern fields such as technology, medicine, and law
  • Study of the Sanskrit-based vocabulary and terminologies used in contemporary India.
  • Discussion on the importance of Sanskrit for Indian culture and its preservation

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