The Origins of Sanskrit: Myths and Facts

The etymology and origins of Sanskrit have long been a subject of debate and discussion. Many scholars and enthusiasts have asked whether Sanskrit derived from Latin or Greek. However, historical evidence points to a different conclusion. This article delves into the historical context and linguistic evidence surrounding the origins of Sanskrit, addressing the common myths and providing factual insights.

Show Me the Evidence: Linguistic Precedents and Historical Context

The evidence suggests that all Latin words are pre-existing in Sanskrit, and Latin itself is derived from Hebrew and ancient Germanic languages. Latin, being a relatively late development, could not have been the source of an older language like Sanskrit. Hebrew and Sanskrit being older than Latin, challenge any notion that one derived from the other.

Latin used to be the official language of many European nations. However, this was not due to the development of regional languages but because of political and cultural dominance. It would be absurd to suggest that Sanskrit derived from Latin, given the historical timeline and linguistic evidence.

The Historical Journey of Sanskrit: From Rigvedic Dialect to Modern Language

Indo-Aryan nomads arrived in the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE via Syria/Iran, bringing with them the Rigvedic dialect. This dialect, while a significant early form of Sanskrit, lacked a script and formal grammatical structure. It was simply a dialect, not a fully developed language.

Historically, the Rigvedic dialect shares a striking similarity with the Old Slavic languages including Russian, Ukrainian, Kazakhstan, and Avestan-Mittani languages. The Rigvedic and Old Slavic languages exhibit a word-for-word correspondence. This linguistic closeness also extends to the gods and deities worshipped in these cultures, with shared names and attributes such as Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Soma.

Further evidence for the connection between Sanskrit and Mittani can be found in the list of Vedic Sanskrit gods, which mirror those found in Mittani. The Mittani language, existing before Sanskrit, is a clear indicator that the Rigveda originated in Syria/Iran, from where it was then transmitted to India.

The Evolution of Sanskrit: From Rigvedic Dialect to Modern Literary Form

Modern Sanskrit developed during the Gupta Dynasty, a period marked by significant cultural and literary advancements in India. Devanagari script emerged much later, only in the 4th century CE. Prior to that, Sanskrit was primarily transmitted orally and written in the Brahmi script, with the earliest scholarly inscriptions dating to around the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE.

No original speakers of Sanskrit existed, as the language was primarily used for scholarly and religious purposes. The linguistic historian Mozhi GnaayRu ThEvanEya PaavaaNar identified two-fifths of Sanskrit's word stock derived from Rig Vedic dialects, another two-fifths from Pali (the medium of early Buddhist scriptures), and the remaining one-fifth as derivations with no logical verb roots.

The original name for Sanskrit in Tamil, Samaskirthum, was later deformed into Sanskrit. This suggests that Sanskrit originated as a literary and scholarly language, not a spoken one. It is often perceived as an artificial construct, serving more as a code for writing and chanting than a living spoken language.

Analyze the Bias and Rhetoric in the Controversy

It is often argued that Sanskrit promotes racial discrimination and misogyny. Words and practices within the language, such as caste-based discrimination and derogatory terms for lower castes, have been subjected to critical scrutiny. This has led to calls for the ban of Sanskrit, which advocates argue is not a spoken language but a coded and biased form.

Sanskrit is not a devabasha (divine language) but a scholarly and, in many respects, artificial construct. It has been adapted and influenced by local languages over time, leading to its evolution and development into a sophisticated literary language. However, it does not have a history as a vernacular or spoken language among the general populace.

Conclusion

The origins of Sanskrit are rooted in historical and linguistic evidence rather than speculation and conjecture. While it shares certain linguistic similarities with other ancient languages, it stands as a unique testament to the cultural and religious development of ancient India. Understanding the true nature of Sanskrit requires separating myth from fact, ensuring a balanced and inclusive perspective that respects the historical and cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.