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Das, A. The forgotten scripts and languages of India. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/56776 (accessed on 01 September 2024).
Das A. The forgotten scripts and languages of India. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/56776. Accessed September 01, 2024.
Das, Anurodh. "The forgotten scripts and languages of India" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/56776 (accessed September 01, 2024).
Das, A. (2024, July 21). The forgotten scripts and languages of India. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/56776
Das, Anurodh. "The forgotten scripts and languages of India." Encyclopedia. Web. 21 July, 2024.
The forgotten scripts and languages of India
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Today, India stands as a mosaic of linguistic range, with over 700 languages spoken throughout its tremendous expanse. Among these, 22 languages hold the repute of reputable languages of India, as enshrined in its charter.....

sanskrit anurodh das brahmi script prakrit script language forgotten languages of india forgotten scripts of india lost languages lost scripts

1. Introduction

Today, India stands as a mosaic of linguistic range, with over 700 languages spoken throughout its tremendous expanse. Among these, 22 languages hold the repute of reputable languages of India, as enshrined in its charter. Yet, amidst this linguistic tapestry, there exists a language regularly not noted, its importance lost within the cacophony of modernity – Sanskrit.

Sanskrit, frequently relegated to the realm of academia and spiritual discourse, holds a pivotal place in India's cultural history. Despite its ancient origins and profound impact on Indian literature, philosophy, and way of life, Sanskrit remains in large part marginalised in cutting-edge discourse. It is a language that echoes the knowledge of the Vedas, the majesty of the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the profundity of the Upanishads.

But why is Sanskrit, the language of historic know-how and non secular texts, often relegated to the sidelines of modern-day Indian society? One cause may also lie in its perceived inaccessibility and antiquity. Sanskrit, with its complex grammar and syntax, can seem daunting to modern learners, especially in a world ruled by English and other widely spoken languages.

Moreover, the decline of Sanskrit as a spoken language may be attributed to historical and socio-political elements. With the advent of colonialism and the imposition of British rule in India, Sanskrit, along with other indigenous languages, confronted suppression and marginalization. The British training device, with its emphasis on English as the medium of coaching, similarly eroded the fame of Sanskrit in Indian society.

In post-independence India, the point of interest on modernization and improvement relegated Sanskrit to the periphery of public discourse. The upward thrust of Hindi and other local languages as symbols of linguistic identity in addition marginalised Sanskrit, relegating it to the world of religious rituals and educational scholarship.

Despite these demanding situations, Sanskrit continues to exert a profound impact on Indian subculture and society. Its effect can be visible in diverse domain names, consisting of literature, tune, dance, and philosophy. Many of India's classical texts, inclusive of the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the works of Kalidasa, are written in Sanskrit, testifying to its enduring legacy.

Moreover, Sanskrit serves as the muse for many contemporary Indian languages, supplying a wealthy repository of vocabulary, grammar, and literary conventions. The effect of Sanskrit may be seen in languages like Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and Telugu, amongst others, enriching their linguistic background and cultural identification.

Yet, notwithstanding its profound affect and cultural significance, Sanskrit remains largely inaccessible to the majority of Indians. Less than 0.0002% of India's populace consider Sanskrit as their mother tongue, and only a fragment of the population possesses a working know-how of the language. This stark reality underscores the need for concerted efforts to sell Sanskrit training and recognition among the Indian population.

In recent years, there has been a renewed hobby in Sanskrit among Indian youngsters and students. Initiatives aimed at selling Sanskrit training and scholarship have received traction, with universities and educational institutions providing guides in Sanskrit language and literature. The authorities have also taken steps to sell Sanskrit schooling through the establishment of Sanskrit colleges and the inclusion of Sanskrit as an elective subject within the college curriculum.

Moreover, the arrival of the digital generation has made Sanskrit extra handy to a global target audience. Online sources, mobile apps, and digital libraries offer possibilities for people to analyze Sanskrit at their own tempo, regardless of geographical limitations. This democratization of Sanskrit education has the capacity to revitalize interest within the language and foster a brand new era of Sanskrit students and fans.

In addition to Sanskrit, India is home to a diverse array of languages and dialects, each with its personal specific records and cultural significance. Tamil, the major language of Tamil Nadu, predates Sanskrit, tracing its roots back to antiquity. With a rich literary lifestyle and a colourful cultural historical past, Tamil has endured the vicissitudes of time, ultimately a symbol of resilience and continuity.

However, amidst the wealthy tapestry of India's linguistic diversity, there exist languages teetering on the brink of extinction. Nihali, Darma, AKA, and Bhumji are a few of the languages categorised as endangered in India, with dwindling numbers of audio systems. The plight of these languages underscores the urgent want for concerted efforts to maintain and revitalize India's linguistic heritage.

The Andamanese languages, spoken by using indigenous tribes inside the Andaman Islands, face a fair graver hazard, with fewer than 20 speakers last. These languages, as soon as vibrant and thriving, now stand at the precipice of oblivion, their survival striking in the stability. The lack of linguistic range represents no longer simplest a cultural tragedy but additionally a diminishment of humanity's collective background.

Moreover, India's linguistic variety is mirrored in its myriad scripts, each a testimony to the rich tapestry of it's cultural history. While scripts like Devanagari and Roman are widely recognized and used, many others languish in obscurity. The Brahmi script, which served as the precursor to numerous Indian scripts, together with Devanagari and Tamil, is a high instance.

The Grantha script, as soon as regular in Tamil Nadu and Southeast Asia, fell into disuse with the ascendancy of Devanagari. Similarly, the Kalinga script, derived from Brahmi, gave way to a Bengali-derived script that evolved into Oriya. The Takri script, as soon as used along Devanagari, has faded into obscurity, known to a handful of students and lovers.

In an age dominated by globalization and the proliferation of overseas languages, the indigenous languages and scripts of India frequently discover themselves relegated to the outer edge. The allure of English, visible because the language of possibility and progress, has brought about a overlook of India's linguistic background. Yet, the protection of those languages and scripts is essential for shielding India's cultural identity and historical past.

Amidst the demanding situations posed with the aid of globalisation and modernization, there exists a growing popularity of the importance of preserving India's linguistic variety. Efforts are underway to record and revitalise endangered languages, with initiatives aimed at recording oral histories, documenting linguistic traditions, and promoting language revitalization efforts.

But the onus does not rest solely on linguists and students; it is incumbent upon all Indians to take delight in their linguistic history and include the variety that defines India. While studying overseas languages is commendable, it need not come on the price of neglecting one's own linguistic roots.

In this regard, Sanskrit occupies a special place, serving as a bridge between India's beyond and present. While it could no longer be spoken as widely as it was as soon as it changed into, Sanskrit continues to exert a profound impact on Indian tradition, language, and notion. By mastering Sanskrit, people can gain insight into the rich tapestry of Indian civilization, tapping into a reservoir of wisdom and expertise that spans millennia.

Similarly, familiarising oneself with scripts like Brahmi can deepen one's appreciation for India's linguistic background. These scripts, regularly not noted in preference of more widely used ones, represent the keystones of India's cultural legacy, embodying the ingenuity and creativity of its ancient scribes and scholars.

In the end, India's linguistic variety is a testimony to India's wealthy cultural heritage and historical legacy. Sanskrit, Tamil, and endless different languages and scripts endure witness to the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity of the Indian humans. By embracing and celebrating this range, we are able to make certain that India's linguistic historical past stays vibrant and alive for generations to come.

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