WORLD SANSKRIT DAY

Here are some key points about the Sanskrit language:

1. Historical Significance: Sanskrit is one of the world's oldest languages and is often referred to as the "mother of all languages." It has a documented history spanning over 3,500 years.

2. Classical Language: Sanskrit is considered a classical language of India and is revered for its precision, structure, and aesthetics. It has served as the medium for many classical Indian texts, including religious scriptures, philosophical treatises, poetry, and scientific writings.

3. Religious Texts: Many of the most important religious texts in Hinduism, such as the Vedas (the oldest sacred scriptures), Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and various Puranas, were originally composed in Sanskrit. It also influenced the religious and philosophical thought of other Indian religions, such as Buddhism and Jainism.

4. Linguistic Significance: Sanskrit has had a profound impact on the development of linguistics as a field of study. Ancient Indian grammarians, such as Panini and Patanjali, laid down comprehensive grammatical rules and structures for the language, which continue to be studied and admired by linguists.

5. Pan-Indian Influence: Sanskrit served as a lingua franca for scholarly communication across the Indian subcontinent for centuries. It allowed scholars from different regions to access and contribute to a shared body of knowledge.

6. Classical Literature: Some of the greatest literary works in Sanskrit include the Mahabharata and the Ramayana (epic poems), Kalidasa's plays and poems, and the works of Bhasa, a renowned playwright. Sanskrit literature encompasses a wide range of genres, from poetry and drama to philosophy and scientific treatises.

7. Modern Relevance: While Sanskrit is no longer a widely spoken language, it continues to be studied and used for specific purposes. It remains the liturgical language for many Hindu rituals and ceremonies. Additionally, there are efforts to revive and promote Sanskrit as a classical language in contemporary education.

8. Alphabet: Sanskrit is written in the Devanagari script, which is also used for several modern Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, and Nepali.

9. International Interest: Sanskrit has garnered interest and respect worldwide, not only for its historical significance but also for its influence on linguistics, philosophy, and literature.

10. Cultural Heritage: Sanskrit is considered a crucial part of India's cultural heritage, and its preservation and promotion continue to be a matter of national and cultural pride.

The classification of a language as "classical" is typically based on specific criteria that recognize its historical, literary, and cultural significance. These criteria may vary from country to country, but in the Indian context, the following criteria are often considered when designating a language as classical:

1. Historical Antiquity: The language should have a long and continuous history, dating back at least a thousand years or more. This criterion helps establish the language's ancient roots and its enduring presence in the culture.Languages has to be a minimum old of 2500 years

2. Ancient Literature: The language should possess a substantial body of ancient literary texts, including religious scriptures, epics, poetry, and philosophical treatises. These texts should have had a significant impact on the culture and intellectual heritage of the region.

3. Cultural Significance: The language should have played a pivotal role in the cultural, religious, and intellectual development of the region. It should have been a medium for the expression of ideas, beliefs, and artistic creativity.

4. Recognition by Scholars: Recognition as a classical language often comes from scholars, linguists, and experts who acknowledge its historical importance and contributions to literature, philosophy, and other fields.