Like it or not, mainstream global culture is indebted to Western Civ for its current and near-future norms. It is becoming more and more clear to me however, admittedly naive and decidedly unlearned in the primary sources of this subject, that Sanskrit and ancient Indian culture are fundamental to Ancient Greek language and mythology. I see many universities including my alma mater beginning Greek-Sanskrit divisions and majors within Classical Studies Departments. It is no suprise to me, however, based just on anecdotal evidence I have found casually looking up some Latin Etymology for self study, that Sanskrit has become fundamental. Firstly, I have come across greek etymons, however, then I see they lead to Sanskrit. A few Greek god names I came across come directly from Sanskrit, otherwise to have no ascribable meaning at all. Ipso facto, the very word “god” is Deus in Latin, and Theos in Greek; very similar to Hindu Dyaus, and universally acknowledged by Classical scholars as its etymon or cognate(because of the fabled Indo-European tongue). I guess this can be observed rather matter of factly; or it can be emphasized: The head of the Greek Pantheon, of the Olympian Gods, has traceable origin in Sanskrit! This fascinates me to no end, and it also saddens me, because as a non-scholar I can scarcely hope to attain the erudition necessary to fully understand the ramifications of Sanskrit and Indian culture on the western world. To all Indians who by birth and ancestry have proximity to this giant oasis of a culture, I can only urge you to explore it. It would certainly require less effort than myself, and the insights derived from a people once again conversing and thinking in their old tongue can hardly be enumerated.

As an aside, the english word etymology(the study of the origin of words) itself can be derived. Most students in western societies can identify ‘logy’ as the root for “the study of” which is fine although ‘logos’ has far more implications than that for both Western religion and philosophy. The other root ‘etymos’ does not mean ‘origin of words’ but rather simiply “truth.” The ancient greeks exalted as they are in the West, and deservedly so, understood the implications of etymology. In it can be found the truth of a cultures practices, and for cultures with a long and harried past of cultural exchange it can offer a path back to unrivalled order and simplicity. This is the reason I think there are those who propose the study of Sanskrit(like the gentleman above) leads to natural intelligence. I wholeheartedly believe that a study of the Latins and then the Greeks allows one to see modern Western culture with a birds eye view. The words themselves have long since lost the sharpness of their original meaning being like so much diffracted light. It is hard to describe to someone who hasn’t tried it, but I have just started learning Latin, and I can already see the ramifications.. I mean its everywhere. But Sanskrit would open up the mysterious East, that in truth may not be that mysterious after all because their progeny live among us today. Id est, many years from now maybe even the eventual intellectual dissolution of the East vs. West divide may be possible. If there are any Indians who have had the patience to read this unfortunate verbiage, I hope you study this ancient language or at the very least promote its revival. Just imagine if every relic, maxim, WORD, etc. had a context for a growing Indian child. It would promote a thirst for harmony in understanding the world around them. I cannot tell you how mad I am the Classics were removed as a requirement in the American Curriculum. I have truly been robbed. Anyway, I have rambled long enough. By Dyaus, I say claim it. And God Speed.

it has nothing to do with a “macaulayan” mindset. we do not “disparage our past and our classical language Sanskrit”. no one has time to think about “disparaging” our past and sanskrit along with it. if we disparaged our past, people would not be supporting hindutva etc.

though it is shabby that more sanskrit research is done outside of india than in india, thats a matter of statistics, we simply have fewer scholars in general than outside. the question remains, why are there more sanskrit scholars outside india than inside? thats the same as asking, why are parents pushing kids to become engineers than pursue their own interests. so, its simply the indian mindset that there are more important things than researching sanskrit.

simply, sanskrit is just not practical. just as everything else, languages EVOLVE, and its irrelevent whether or not we speak it now.

consider this: a thousand years ago, assume we had six fingers which eventually evolved into 5 (perhaps, for the good), do we need to go back to having 6???? no. 5 are fine.

I ask again, why should I learn Sanskrit?

cheers, Amercement!!!

That is the beauty is Sanskrit and no other language in the world has this advantage.