One app for all your study abroad needs
Sanskrit is the oldest language in our civilization. All ancient texts and scriptures are written only in Sanskrit. Sanskrit literature is made up all books written in Sanskrit. All of these texts date back to the Vedic period. From the sacred books of the Vedas to the philosophical meanings of the Upanishads, Sanskrit has dominated all ancient texts. In this section, we will learn about Sanskrit literature and its role in ancient times. This is a subject of our culture and traditions and may appear in the various competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, and EPFO. Continue reading to enhance your knowledge about such topics.
Table of Contents
Sanskrit Literature: Historical Background
Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world, which has a great value in human history. Sanskrit dates back millions of years and is also known as the “language of the gods” in Hinduism. Sanskrit is written across many genres, including poetry, epics, philosophy, science, and religious literature.
- Sanskrit originated during the Vedic period, circa 1500 BCE.
- The Vedas are the oldest sacred scriptures in Hinduism.
- The Sanskrit used in the Vedas is called the Vedic Sanskrit. This Sanskrit evolved over time into Classical Sanskrit.
Also Read: Know All About The Indian History
Vedic Literature
Vedic literature are oldest and most sacred text in Hinduism. Hinduism is made up of four Vedas: the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
- Each Veda is divided into four sections: the Samhitas (hymns), Brahmanas (rituals and ceremonies), Aranyakas (theological arguments), and Upanishads (philosophical discourses).
- The Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedas written in Sanskrit, and it represents the religious beliefs of the Aryans.
- The Upanishads are another important Hindu scripture that covers the concepts of Brahman (the universal soul) and Atman (the individual soul).
Classical Sanskrit Litertaure
After the Vedic period, Vedic Sanskrit evolved into Classical Sanskrit. This period is known for epic poetry, drama, and other texts on philosophy, science, and art. Here are some detailed explanations of classical Sanskrit genres.
Epics
There are two great epics in Hinduism, Mahabharata and the Ramayana which are written in Sanskrit and have a lasting impact on the culture of HInduism.
- The Mahabharata: Mahabharata is the longest epic in the world, composed by Sage Ved Vyasa. It consists of around 1,00,000 verses. This epic tells the story of the conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas, which resulted in the battle of Kurukshetra. Mahabharat’s story covers a variety of issues, including Dharma, politics, ethics, and philosophy. The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse scripture based on the Mahabharata, is one of the most important works in Hindu philosophy.
- The Ramayana: Ramayana was written in Sanskrit by the sage Valmiki. It tells the story of Price Rama and his victory over evil. The Ramayana is another important Hindu scripture which is a spiritual and moral guide.
Also Read: Marathi Literature: Oldest Literary Traditions In India
Drama
Sanskrit drama has a rich history, which combines elements of poetry, music, and dance. It usually tells stories with mythological and historical themes. Some of the most popular dramatists are:
- Bhasa: Bhasa is a dramatist known for his famous works such as Svapnavasavadattam.
- Kalidasa: He is a poet and dramatist known for his works such as Shakuntala.
Poetry
Sanskrit poetry is also known as Kavya. It is known for its use of metaphors and poetic elements. Some of the famous poets in Sanskrit literature include:
- Bharavi: Bharavi is a great poet known for his epic poem Kiratarjuniya, which portrays a conflict between Arjuna and a god.
- Magha: Magha is famous for his detailed writing style. Hishupala Vadha is one of his most popular poems, and it tells the story of Krishna killing Shishupala. It is part of the epic Mahabharata.
Religious Texts
Sanskrit literature is a foundation for religious knowledge and beliefs. The majority of its texts focus on spiritual meaning. Some notable religious texts in Classical Sanskrit literature are:
- The Puranas: Puranas are ancient forms of literature that are highly valued in Hindu philosophy. Puranasa narrates the history of the universe, the stories of gods and sages, and divine acts. Some well-known puranas are the Bhagavata Purana, the Vishnu Purana, and the Shiva Purana.
- Dharma Shastra: These are legal and ethical texts that provide a code of conduct for an individual or society. The most famous Dharma shastra is Manusmriti, also known as Laws of Manu.
Science and Mathematics
Sanskrit literature also has important works in science, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Notable works include
- Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita: Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita which serve as the foundation texts for Ayurveda and Indian medicine. They cover topics such as astronomy, surgery, medicine, and treatment for diseases.
- Aryabhatta: It is one of India’s oldest texts on mathematics and astronomy. It introduced the concepts of zero, algebra, trigonometry, and celestial mechanics.
Also Read: All You Need to Know About Rajasthani Literature
Legacy and Modern Influence of Sanskrit Literature
Sanskrit literature had a positive influence on India’s cultural, religious, and intellectual history. The texts are written in Sanskrit and appear in a variety of art and literature.
- These writings have been discovered across Asia in various countries countries, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia.
- Sanskrit literature also contributed majorly to the development of many of the classical languages of India.
- It also influenced the development of modern Indian languages such as Hindi and Bengali.
- Despite the decline of Sanskrit as a spoken language, it is still regarded as a language with rich traditions.
- In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Sanskrit literature as it is accessible to the general public.
- In India, Sanskrit is still taught in schools and universities, which helps to preserve and promote Sanskrit literature.
- The Indian government and other institutions have also taken steps to promote Sanskrit as a classical language.
Sanskrit is a vast language that offers a glimpse of ancient India’s spiritual, intellectual, and artistic achievements. Sanskrit literature continues to inspire and influence both readers and researchers. Its legacy reflects the richness of the Indian civilisation as a valuable part of the world’s cultural heritage.
Related Posts
FAQs
Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world, which has a great value in human history. Sanskrit dates back millions of years and is also known as the “language of the gods” in Hinduism. Sanskrit is written across many genres, including poetry, epics, philosophy, science, and religious literature.
Some of the notable writers and poets of Sanskrit literature are Sage Ved Vyasa, Sage Valmiki, Kalidasa, Bhasa, Bhairavi and Aryabhatta.
There are four vedas in sanskrit literature namely, the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
This was all about the “Sanskrit Literature”. For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section and Study Material Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.