Paromita Das
New Delhi: Sanskrit, often referred to as the mother of all languages, holds a unique and unparalleled position in world history. Rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition, this classical language has profoundly influenced many linguistic and philosophical traditions across the world, including Greek, Latin, Persian, and even modern Indo-European languages. From the Rigveda’s hymns to its impact on ancient Western and Eastern civilizations, Sanskrit has played a vital role in shaping linguistics, philosophy, mathematics, and literature globally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Jahan-e-Khusrau Sufi Music Festival 2025, reaffirmed this historical significance by quoting Hazrat Amir Khusrau, the legendary Persian-Bharatiya poet, who regarded Sanskrit as the finest language in the world. He noted that Khusrau considered Bharatiya sages to be greater than the greatest scholars of the time, a testament to the depth of Bharat’s intellectual heritage.
Sanskrit’s Role in Ancient Global Linguistics
The influence of Sanskrit extends far beyond Bharat, shaping many ancient languages and cultures. Its structured grammar, as outlined by Panini in the Ashtadhyayi (4th century BCE), set the foundation for modern linguistic studies, inspiring the grammar of Greek and Latin, which later influenced English, French, Spanish, and other European languages.
The phonetics, syntax, and vocabulary of Sanskrit bear striking resemblances to Greek and Latin, suggesting a common Proto-Indo-European root. Many fundamental words in these languages trace their origins to Sanskrit. For example:
- Sanskrit: “Matr” (मातृ) → Latin: “Mater” → English: “Mother”
- Sanskrit: “Pitr” (पितृ) → Greek: “Pater” → English: “Father”
- Sanskrit: “Gna” (ज्ञ) → Greek: “Gnosis” → English: “Knowledge”
This linguistic connection underscores the deep historical ties between Bharatiya and Western civilizations, showing how Sanskrit’s framework contributed to the evolution of global languages.
The Influence of Sanskrit on Greek and Roman Thought
The ancient Greeks, including Plato, Aristotle, and Pythagoras, were heavily influenced by Bharatiya philosophical thought. Many early Greek scholars traveled to Takshashila and Nalanda, two of Bharat’s oldest universities, where they engaged with Bharatiya sages and scholars. Concepts from Vedanta, Sankhya, and Nyaya schools of philosophy made their way into Hellenistic thought, influencing subjects such as metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology.
The Greek and Roman traditions of drama, poetry, and rhetoric were also shaped by Sanskrit texts. The concept of rasa (aesthetic essence) in Natya Shastra, written by Bharata Muni, shares similarities with Aristotle’s Poetics, which defined the elements of tragedy and drama.
Sanskrit’s Lasting Impact on Persian and Arabic Traditions
While Sanskrit is often associated with Indo-European languages, its impact extends into Persian and Arabic cultures as well. During the medieval period, Islamic scholars translated several Bharatiya Sanskrit texts into Arabic and Persian. This exchange significantly shaped mathematics, astronomy, and medicine in the Middle East.
For instance, the concept of zero (“Shunya”) and decimal place value system, which was first developed in Sanskrit texts such as Brahmagupta’s Brahmasphutasiddhanta (7th century CE), was later adopted by Arab mathematicians like Al-Khwarizmi. These ideas, in turn, reached Europe, forming the basis of modern arithmetic and algebra.
Even Persian poets like Hazrat Amir Khusrau recognized the beauty and structural sophistication of Sanskrit, acknowledging its superiority in expression, grammar, and depth of meaning.
Sanskrit’s Contribution to World Literature and Knowledge Systems
The influence of Sanskrit is not limited to linguistics and philosophy. It has played a pivotal role in global literary traditions. Some of the oldest epic tales in history—the Ramayana and the Mahabharata—are composed in Sanskrit. These narratives inspired storytelling traditions across Persia, Greece, and even the European medieval romances.
Sanskrit’s role in science, mathematics, and medicine is equally profound. The works of Aryabhata (astronomy), Charaka (medicine), and Sushruta (surgery) were translated into multiple languages, influencing scholars from China to the Middle East.
The language also had an immense impact on Buddhist and Jain traditions, spreading its influence across Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan, where Buddhist scriptures were initially composed in Sanskrit before being translated into local dialects.
Sanskrit as a Global Intellectual Heritage
Despite its enormous influence, Sanskrit has often been undervalued in modern academic discourse. While Greek and Latin are extensively studied in Western universities, Sanskrit’s role in shaping global thought, science, and linguistics has not been given equal recognition.
Bharat, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken initiatives to revive Sanskrit studies, promoting its relevance in modern science, computational linguistics, and artificial intelligence. With the rise of digital tools, Sanskrit’s structured grammar is being explored for its applications in machine learning and AI algorithms, making it a language of the future as well as the past.
Reviving Sanskrit in education systems worldwide could offer deeper insights into ancient wisdom, fostering a better understanding of human civilization’s interconnectedness. The time has come for a renewed appreciation of Sanskrit’s contribution to the world.
Conclusion: Sanskrit’s Timeless Legacy in a Modern World
The global influence of Sanskrit is undeniable. From ancient European languages to Persian, Arabic, and East Asian traditions, Sanskrit has left an indelible mark on the world’s linguistic and intellectual heritage. Its influence on Greek, Latin, and Arabic underscores its universal appeal and scientific precision.
As Bharat reclaims its historical contributions on the global stage, Sanskrit remains a living testament to the country’s intellectual and cultural grandeur. Whether in philosophy, science, linguistics, or literature, Sanskrit is not just an ancient language—it is the foundation of global knowledge systems.
With increasing recognition of its structured linguistic framework, mathematical precision, and profound literary depth, Sanskrit is poised for a revival in modern academia and technology, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
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