-

CHAPTER IZ
SANSKRIT EDUCATION

SANSKRIT, EDUCATION AND CIVILISATION

TEACHING OF SANSKRIT
SANSKRIT EDUCATION I N ANCIENT PERIOD
FOREIGN INVASION AND EARLY BRITISH PERIOD
SANSKRIT EDUCATION UNDER BRITISH RULE
SANKRIT EDUCATION AFTER INDEPENDENCE
SANSKRIT EDUCATION I N KERALA
PRESENT SANSKRIT EDUCATION
CENTRES OF SANSKRIT LEARNING I N KERALA
METHODS OF TEACHING SANSKRIT AT COLLEGE LEVEL
CLASSESATPRESENT

Education, being a life-long process,

begins with language and

continues through language. Language is the medium of expression and it is

one of the noblest gifts to mankind. Of all the discoveries that have occurred
and developed in the course of human history, language is the most
significant one. Civilizations exist due to language. On the other hand, t o the
degree that language becomes sophisticated and accurate in describing the
complexity of human life, we gain power and effectiveness in meeting its
challenges.

Language represents an essential ingredient of the culture of a group

of people. Discussing the role of language and civilization, Report of the

Official l a n g w w Commission' (1957)concludes, "The story of language

therefore is the story of civilization." Place of Sanskrit in contemporary Indian
Education is as a language of cultural heritage, scientific literature and an
instrument of national integration. So the teaching of Sanskrit is necessary
for the cultural unity of the country.

M a c ~ o n d l ' (1958) in his study points out that Sanskrit culture

stands for definite fundamental values. It upholds the human

personality.

He adds that 'the intellectual debt of Europe to Sanskrit literature has been
undesirably great and may perhaps become greater in the years that have
to come.'
Regarding the importance of Sanskrit language and literature,

Winternits' (1972)aptly stresses that Sanskrit is the speech through which

the

civilisation of India ever since its formation in the Vedic period has

found its

expression for over 4000 years. The most effective form of

language is

Mother tongue.

language. The national

Next

language

to
has

Mother tongue
the

capacity

ranks Regional
in

commercial,

administrative and political unity.

Sanskrit had the position of being the

only

centuries and thus enjoyed the position,

link language even before

which English has today.

The Ancient and classical creations of the Sanskrit tongue both in

quality and in body and abundance of excellence, in their potent originality
and force and beauty, in their substance and art and structure, in grandeur
and justice and charm of speech and in the height and width of the reach of
their spirit stand very evidently in the front rank among the world's great
literatures. The language itself, as has been universally recognized by those
competent to form a judgment, is one of the most magnificent, the most
perfect and wonderfully sufficient

literary instruments developed by the

human mind, at once majestic and sweet and flexible, strong and clearlyformed and full and vibrant and subtle, and its quality and character would be
of itself a sufficient evidence of the character and quality of the race whose
mind it expressed and the culture of which it was the reflecting medium.
The mystic dimension of Sanskrit is that it is the language of mantra.
Mantras are words of power that are subtly attuned to the unseen harmonies
of the nature, matter and spirit.
The unique organization of the Sanskrit alphabet serves to focus one's
attention on quailties and patterns of articulated sound in a way that occurs
in no other language. By paying continuous attention to the point of location,
degree of resonance and effort of breath, one's awareness becomes more
and more consumed by the direct experience of articulated sound. This in
itself produces an unprecedented clarity of mind and revelry in the joy of
language. Every combination of sound in Sanskrit follows strict laws, which
essentially make possible an uninterrupted flow of the most perfect euphonic
blending of letters into words leading to sentences and verses.
Learned grammarians on phonetic principles have worked out the
complete alphabets by long before Panini codified it around 500 B.C. It is
arranged on a :horoughly scientific method, the simple vowels (short and
long) coming first, then the complex vowels (dipthongs), followed by the
consonants in uniform groups according to the organs of speech with which
they are pronounced.
Devanaagari, which means spoken by the Gods, is the script used in

Sanskrit. Devanagar; has a perfect system of phonetic representation.

According to linguists its phonetic accuracy compares well with that of the
modern phonetic transcriptions,

including computer and other logical

languages.
The inherent logic of the structure of the language helps systematic
presentation and adherence to the most clear and most pure sounds. The
Sanskrit alphabet in its spoken form is perhaps the easiest in the world to
learn and recall. Case endings and tense endings are what make Sanskrit a
language of math-like precision. By the endings added to nouns or verbs,
there is an obvious determination of the precise interrelationship of words
describing activity of petsons and things in time and space, regardless of
word order.

Essentially, the endings constitute the software or basic

programme of the Sanskrit language.

It is its mathematical precision that makes Sanskrit and computers a

perfect blend. I n fact the mere learning of Sanskrit by large numbers of

people in itself represents a quantum leap in consciousness, not to mention
the rich endowment it will make available in the scenario of future
communication.
There is no need for further elaboration on the importance of Sanskrit
language. Its specialities and features can be summarised as follows, as
evident from several writings of eminent linguistic experts, sociologists,
psychologists and educationalists from foreign countries.
Wide range of Classical literatures.
Unmatchable Vocabulary.
Rich treasure of Ideas.
Value-supported.
Wide branches of knowledge (non-fiction).
Important cultural ingredient.
Scientifically designed Grammatical Structure.
Use of Devanagari script.
Flexibility and wide variety in usage.
Secular in nature.

11.

Adaptable to modern scientific inventions.

12.

Long Historical Presence.

13.

A catalyst of civilisation.

14.

Spiritual and Cultural inclination.

15.

An evolving tool for NLP

Many studies abroad point out that Sanskrit culture and language

serve as an important factor in understanding European Culture and

civilisation. Sanskrit is rich with the areas of knowledge like Dramatics,
Music,

Aesthetics,

Astronomy,

Ayurveda,

Philosophy,

Mathematics,

Architecture, Aeronautics, Biology, Physics, Mysticism, Astrology and the

science of administration.

"The destiny of India is now being shaped in the class-room,"

remarked the Kothari Commission4 (1966). Education must relate to life,
needs and aspiration of the

people.

Quality,

competence,

morale,

motivation and character of teacher are the significant factors in developing

a progressing country.
There is no need of any description regarding the importance of
language teacher in education. Language teaching is an art as well as a
science. As an art, the imaginative and artistic abilities of the teacher help
the learners learn and achieve the ultimate aim of education with adequate
appreciation. As a science, teacher imparts the language structure, style,
teaching points and logical elements in the language. Teacher must have
depth knowledge in the subject, ability to explain the ideas, clarity in the
use of language, mannerism, wit and humour, communicative skills and
good behaviour backed up by high value-sense. The onus of language
teachers is much higher when it comes to a classical language like Sanskrit.
A variety of teaching methodologies can be adopted incorporating all these
qualities. Among other language teaching of the day, Sanskrit teaching also
faces a pseudo challenge in the event of technological advancements.

Teaching is a scientific process. Its major components are content,

communication and feedback. As a language not in regular daily use,
Sanskrit teaching puts emphasis on both content factor and language
factor.
Though the content is classical in nature for a long time,

its

contemporary relevance is evident from the growing number of learners

around the world. Like i n other languages, by using technology, teacher can
modify, improve and develop the teaching-learning activities. Teaching
technology encourages out-put of the teacher and the learner. Appropriate
teaching environments should be supplied for effective teaching. Experts
opine that predetermined teaching objectives can be achieved by
designing suitable activities.

2.3. SHORT m O R Y OF
- AS
A chief difficulty in presenting this history of Sanskrit language and
education is its temporal and spatial organization. Most of the Sanskrit
writings do not provide us with a chronological account of their
composition. W e r n scholars have generally divided the history of
Sanskrit literature into Vedic and post-Vedic period. But this is a vague
classification according t o Indian scho\ars. vaidyas (1986) argues that the
history of Sanskrit literature can be reasonably divided into at least three
periods as stated follows:
(1) Vedic and post-Vedic period (about 4500 B.C.-1800 B.C.), called Shruti

period
(2) Classical period (about 1800 B.C.-800 B.C.), called Smriti period.
(3) Modern period (about 800 0.C.- 1500 A.D.),

called Bhashya period.

However, a classification based on the general practices followed in Sanskrit

education is given below.

Sanskrit is the most ancient member of the European family of

languages. It is an elder sister of Latin and Greek from which most of the
modern European languages have been derived. The oldest preserved form
of Sanskrit is referred to as Vedic. The oldest extant example of the
literature of the Vedic period

IS

the Rig-Veda. Being strictly in verse, the

Rig-Veda does not give us a record of the contemporary spoken language.

The form of Sanskrit, which has been used for the last 2500 years, is
known today as Classical Sanskrit. The ancient grammarians established
the norms of classical Sanskrit. Although no records are available of their
work, their

crllbrts reached a climax in the 5th century B.C. in the great

grammatical treatise of Paninl, which became the standard for correct

speech with such comprehensive authority that it has remained so, with
little alteration until present times. Based on what the grammarians
themselves have stated, we may conclude that the Sanskrit grammar was
an attempt to facilitate discipline from within and hence it explains the
personality of the language.
The discoveries that occurred in India in the first millennia B.C. were
also the result of collaboratior~and inquiry by a community of spiritual
scientists utilizing a common scientific language, Sanskrit. The truth of this
is further accented by the fact that throughout the history and development
of Indian thought the science of grammar and linguistics was attributed a
status equal to that of mathematics in the context of modern scientific
investigation. I n deference to the thoroughness and depth with which the
ancient grammatical scientists established the science of language, modern
linguistic researchers in Russia have concluded about Sanskrit, "The time
has come to continue the traditton of the ancient grammarians on the basis
of the modern ideas in general linguistics."
Ancient India had a system of Sanskrit Education with its roots in
Vedic education. Vedic education gives details of priest-hood, religion,
philosophy, language and literature. The home of the Guru Served as the

institution where the pupil l~vedafter Upanayana ceremony. The teacher is

as respectable as the father. He discharges the duties of the guardian and
hence hold an important place in the development of a student.
There was a close association between the teacher and the pupil.
From that time onwards there occur certain changes in the general ideals,
oral instruction and in methods of teaching. The supreme aim of education
at that time was the attainment of moksha or Salvation. More importance
was given to the capacity to remember contents of learning. The teacherstudent relationship was ideal. Up to 17" century temples, Gurukulas
Patha~las,Ashramas, Math and Vidyapeedas served as the centers of
study.
Temples served as smaller but important centers of education in India
in ancient days. To some extent it is true even today. Sanskrit literature is
full of the description of temples for education of Yoga,

sadhana

(meditation), philosophy and religion, music, dance and several other art
forms (e.g., painting, sculpture), which were practiced and performed as a
way of realizing the diverse manifestations of the Almighty.
The gurukula represented a vital educational institution. Children were
taken to different teachers according to their orientations in various fields
of knowledge. These institutions were generally set up in the forest regions
away from the main habitation of populations. The secluded and peaceful
life of the forests provided children with an ideal environment for practicing
meditation and setting the mind to the desired level of concentration.
Pointing out several references of ancient Sanskrit education, Mishra
and Aparna vajpayee6 opine that almost all such inst~tutionshad some
agricultural land, antmals (e.g., cows, horses), orchards, places for special
worships, including residential huts for teachers and students. Gurukula
was usually a single person managed programme of education, but often
the senlor disciples of the guru also shared part of the burden of teaching
and training the younger students.

Some of the ancient gurukulas had graduated to centres of excellence.

Takshashila and Nalanda that comprised around 10000 students and 2000
teachers during the Buddhist period were among them.
Curriculum and methodology in Traditional Institutions
Ancient gurukula and similar institutions covered a wide range of
subjects besides grammar, literature, philosophy, and similar disciplines of
knowledge. Mathematics, Astronomy,
Martial Arts (e.g.,

Political Science, Administration,

archery), Ayurveda, Astrology, Art forms, (e.g., music,

dance) etc are also covered. All these were considered essential for leading
a healthy happy and successful worldly life. The strategy of educational
methodology was Guru-Sishya parasparya. The knowledge and the psychic
energy of the guru acquired especially through tapasya (meditation and
concentration) were considered enough to open the eyes of wisdom in a
shishya (sincere student). As a result, the guru was elevated to the level of
supreme divine trinity.
Every student was taught the methods of self-control, self-awareness
and self-discipline. The teaching methodology in a gurukula was carried out
mainly in the oral tradition following a dialectical approach, with appropriate
use of mnemonics in some courses.

Until 1100 A.D., Sanskrit was without interruption the official language
of the whole of India. The dominance of Sanskrit is indicated by a wealth of
literature of widely diverse genres including religious and philosophical;
fiction (short story, fable, novels, and plays); scientific literature including
Linguistics, Mathematics, Astronomy, and Medicine; as well as Law and
Politics.
With the foreign invasions from

1100 A.D. onwards, common

languages patronized by the foreign kings as a tactic to suppress Indian

cultural and religious tradition gradually started displacing Sanskrit.
Though, Sanskrit educatton enjoyed a highly respectable status of being the

only formal system of educat~onin the Indian society for several thousand
years, but it was demoted to a minor position by the early 15'"entury.
However, the Sanskrit system of education even during the Islamic
period remained essentially Hindu in pattern and ideas. Sanskrit schools of
learning were scattered all over India and existed in towns of special
sanctity or even of political importance.
Foreign invasions imposed supremacy of their language and culture
over the traditional Sanskrit -based culture that prevailed at that time. The
larger population dtd not easily yield to this cultural invasion and resisted
against it. Then the British took over the reigns of the country from
Mughals. This marked the beg~nningof colonial culture in India. ~ u r n a r ~

(2000) considen colonial culture as a major force in the downfall of

Sanskrit education because it dispensed with many ideas and practices
underlying Sanskrit education. This is especially true with Varanasi that was
known as the seat of Sanskrit learning. With the larger social and economic
changes introduced by the British in the country the supremacy of the guru
and many of the cultural practices and ideas behind Sanskrit education
(e.g., the non-eligibility of women and lower classes for Sanskrit education)
were put to questfon (Kumar, 2000). These changes forced even the
practitioners of Sanskrit education (pandits) to search for an alternative
self-definition, The wider system of education introduced by the British and
formal schools established in different parts of the country swept away the
dominant influence of Sanskrit schools on education.
However certain individuals showed genuine interest to Sanskrit
Literature and culture. I n the year 1783, Sir William Jones came to India as
a judge of the Supreme Court. His interest to learn Sanskrit grew so strong
that within six years he not only mastered the language but also translated
Kalidasa's Shakuthala. Another English man who already knew Sanskrit was
Charles Wilkins. The writings and translations of these two English-Sanskrit
Scholars attracted the attention of other European scholars to Sanskrit
language and literature in the last two decades of the 18'~
century. This
new enthusiasm for Sanskrit must have been one of the reasons that
actuated Lord Cornwallins to start in 1791, the Banaras Pathasala, and later

known as Sanskrit College. I n the 1820s other institutions were established

by way of encouragement to the study of Sanskrit, like the Puna Sanskrit
College[l821], the Sanskrit College at Culcutta[l824], The Oriental College
in Delhi [I8251 and Oriental College a t Agra [1827].
The great German scholar Max Mulle$, who did more than anyone to
introduce Sanskrit to the West in the latter part of the 19th century,
contended that without a knowledge of the language (Sanskrit), literature,
art, religion and philosophy of India, a liberal education could hardly be
complete

--

India being the intellectual and spiritual ancestor of the race,

historically and through Sanskrit. Max Muller also pointed out that Sanskrit
provides perfect examples of the unity and foundation it offers t o the Celtic,
Teutonic, Slavonic, Germanic and Anglo-Saxon languages, not t o mention
its influence

an Asian languages. The transmission of Buddhism to Asia can

be attributed largely to the appeal t o Sanskrit. Even in translation the

works of Sanskrit evoked the supreme admiration of Western poets and
philosophers like Emerson, Whitman, Thoreau, Melville, Goethe, Schlegel
and Schopenhauer.

Before the Charter Act of 1813, the East India Company had no
interest

in

the

revival

and

improvement

of

literature

and

the

encouragement of the learned natives of India. The British system of

education started intensely affecting the Sanskrit system in around 1790s.
From 1813 to 1823 the Sanskrit system of education was run on the
Western lines and it developed into the present pattern. British rulers
informally initiated a deliberate rnove to discourage Sanskrit studies across
the country. They adopted several means of economic and political
exploitation that finally resulted in the weakening of the indigenous culture
and its replacement by Western cultural values. For example, scholars with
'big titles" (offered by the British) were hired as regular teachers on paid
salaries. Biswas and ~ g r a w a l , '(1986) opine that this change was a
downfall of Sanskrit education in particular, and of the overall education in
general.

William Carey (1767-1837) William Hodge Mill (1792-1853) and John

Muir (1810-1882) are some of the pioneers who have played remarkable
role in constructing the psychology of the Indians coming out of the
Institutions of English education according to the educational vision of
Macaulay. All these three Oriental scholars were acclaimed Sanskrit
scholars, who have done some original work in translating Christian
scriptures and theology into Sanskrit and vice versa.

Richard Fox ~ o u n g "(1981) writes about William Carey: "In order t o

understand what he wanted to do with India's sacred language, one must
note that Carey had two reasons for being interested in its utilization for
evangelism. First, he saw that Sanskrit acted as a stabilizing force upon the
unsettled dialects amidst which he worked. Second, he has Intransigently
opposed Brahminical privileges, one of which was hegemony over Sanskrit."
I n the R c s t half of 19'\entury,

when the British rule was gaining

ground in India, Sanskrit education was almost neglected. The three major
measures taken during the regime of Willam Bentick to discourage the
Sanskrit system of education were cessation of payment of stipends to
future students, discontinuance of appointments of new teachers and
appropriation of funds for the promotion of English system of education
rather than the Sanskrit system.
After the Wood's Despatch, Sanskrit was altogether discarded and was
replaced by English as medium of instruction. The only aspect left out was
the study of Sanskrit language and literature as an optional subject in
Universities. The content of Sanskrit literature was replaced by the Western
knowledge. Later, the Western knowledge monopolized the scene and
included the study of Sanskrit language and literature as one among the
several subjects and languages of study at school, college and university
level.

After the end of the 0rit:ish rule in 1947, the government greatly
realized the importance of public education to serve the different

developmental needs of the independent nation. Hence, such schools got

multiplied, and as the population grew exponentially over the years, the
government set up schools even in remote ~ r a areas
l
t o futfil the
educational needs of the individuals and the developmental needs of the
nation. Because these schools linked individuals with larger social, national
and international contexts, they seemed to serve the vital needs of the
society by providing people with job opportunities in a number of settings.
The Indian Constitution provides more importance to Mother tongue.
The 'three ianguage formula' at the Secondary stage has emerged on the
national consensus. But, the divergent standards in language teaching in
different regions of the country resulted in low standards of achievement in
language learning. Though many commissions have examined these
aspects, none has included any linguistics in these panels. In spite of its
wide necessity and propaganda efforts Sanskrit Language has never
received the treatment it deserves. Unfortunately the prospects, importance
and future of Indian Languages have not discussed in the Constituent
Assembly or in the Indian Parliament. What was discussed is whether
English

or

Hindi

should

be

the

national

official

language.

There is a controversy about learning Sanskrit within the framework of the

three-language formula. Each Indian language has a component of Sanskrit
within it. Ifthe similarities are exploited, then Sanskrit could form as a part
of mother tongue teaching a t the school stage.

Introduction of degrees
Misra and A Vajpayee point out that the establishment of Sanskrit
universities in some parts of the country has marked another process of
modernization of Sanskrit education. These universities differed from other
universities and similar educational institutions in the following two
respects:

(1) Their course curriculum is traditional and much typical of traditional

Sanskrit schools.
(2) The medium of instruction and examination is Sanskrit.

Almost all Sanskrit schools and colleges today are affiliated to these
universities for recognition of the education they provide. For different

levels of education these universities have introduced separate degrees

(Michaels1' (2001)), which are recognized by the state and central

governments as equivalent to other similar level of degrees offered by
universities in general (e.g.,

B.A., M.A.,

Ph.D.).

With these degrees the

students acquire the minimum eligibility to apply for a large variety of jobs
available in the government sector, and compete with those who hold
degrees from other kind of universities. I n ancient days, Sanskrit learning
essentially dictated a way of life, which was much different from that of the
individuals who did not attend these schools.

Through the introduction of degrees and other regular college classes

these value system has changed a lot among Sanskrit teachers and
students.
I n 1921, there were 21 Universities in India and some of them started
functioning Sanskrit Department:. The Universities of Calcutta and Bombay
made Sanskrit as a 'Second Language' as a compulsory subject at the
Entrance and Intermediate Examinations. Majority of students in these
Universities who were appeared for the Entrance and Intermediate
Examinations were taken Sanskrit as their Second Language. Madras
University has given an opportunity to learn Sanskrit as an optional
substitute to modern language.
Several Vidyapeetaas and Universities award titles such as Prajna,
Visharad, Shastri etc to successful candidates through the medium of
Sanskrit or Regional language. Government had provided some grants to
schools and colleges to impart modern education and the study of Indian
Languages. Among these selected languages Sanskrit was also included. I n
some regions Sanskrit was compulsory, but in most places Sanskrit was
allowed to take as an optional to the mother tongue.
The usage of dialectical tutorial way as in ancient system was
completely replaced by Lecture Method. Examinations gave high priority to
memory and retention capacity of the student. The main and basic ideals of
rich traditional Sanskr~t system were almost neglected in India. The
National Movement encouraged establishing "The National Council of

Education" and this council had started a National College at Calcutta. Some
Gurukulas were established to propagate and revive the ancient Indian
culture and civilisation. Such efforts brought light to the revival of the
Sanskrit Education system t o some extent through native medium.
Professor's conference
A conference of Professors of Sanskrit in Indian Universities was

conducted by the Ministry of Education. Government of India on 30th

September and 1" October 1955 under the Chairmanship of Shri. Humayun
Kabir. The conference made several suggestions for the improvement of
Sanskrit learning. The conference opined that it is necessary to seek the
advice of teachers in the reconstruction of syllabus.
Suneeth Kumar Chatterji Commission

According to the directions of Professors conference, the Central

Government has appointed a Commission under the leadership of Dr.
Suneeth Kumar Chatterji in 1956. This commission has put forwarded
several valuable directions for strengthening Sanskrit education in India.
The c ~ m m i s s i o n ' (1957)
~
urged the centre and the state Governments to
take special efforts to organise the survey and collection of Sanskrit
manuscripts, its preservation, cataloguing and publication. I t also issued
directives regarding the qualifications of teachers.

Kerala has been proud of its genuine interest to Sanskrit Language

and

its

high

ideals

from

ancient

time

onwards.

'Sidharupa',

'Samasachakram', 'Balaprobodhini' etc are the evidences of the efforts

taken by the Gurus of Kerala in propagating Sanskrit Language and
Literature. I n early days for primary education, there were certain centres
where the Asans took classes. Most of such teachers used their home as the
place of education and students resided with them.
The alphabets, functional forms of Mathematics and moral lessons
were the topics at that time. The students learn the essential knowledge in

Ayurveda,

Arithmetic,

Jyotlsha, Puranas and literature.

They

study

'Sriramodantha', 'Amarakosa' and certain poetry and dramas in Sanskrit.

Teachers did neither earn 5alary or collected fees from the students and
commercial reasons were absent in

education.

I n the second stage, students were engaged in detailed study of

poetry and prose. They have to study 'Srikrishnavilasa',

'Reghuvamsa',

'Kuvalayananda' etc. The main aim is to know about 'Lokavyutpathi'. Later

certain Gurukulas came in to being in Payyur, Kudallur, and Kodungallor
giving more emphasis for the study of Sastras. Kudallor is considered as the
central place of Vyakarana. For centuries, large number of eminent scholars
have come out from this study centre and propagated the importance of
Sanskrit Grammar. Scholars compare the Gurukula in Kodungallor with
Nalanda University. It is interesting to note the subject taught in Kerala was
in the traditional system. The subjects included Mimamsa, Vedantha,
Smrithi, Vyakarana, Vaidhyam, Vishavaidhyam, Manthravadam, Astrology,
Arithmetic, Natyam, Music, Thantram, Scripture, Rajaneeti, Treatement of
elephants, different diamonds,

Vadyam,

Magic etc. There is much

peculiarity in teaching methods also. High importance was given to

memorization, recitation and the ability to by heart verses.
Higher education of Sanskrit in Kerala is indebted to several lords and
kings besides scholars. The kings of Kolathunad, Kadathanadu, Kozhikkodu,
Vettam, Thrikkannamathilakam, Kodungalloor, Thripunithura, Chempakaseri
and Panthalam have patronised Sanskrit education and these centres were
equal to Universities. Then study process was through higher texts to
Sastra. Suneeth Kumar Chattej i commission remarks that all the people of
Kerala irrespective of caste, creed and religion are studying Sanskrit which
cannot be seen in other parts of India.

I n 1973, Government of Kerala had appointed a committee headed by

Dr. N. V. Krishna Warrier to exarnine the problems of Sanskrit education in
Kerala. The Committee is of the view that Sanskrit is suffering a lot in the
state and hence they suggested various administrative and academic steps

for the encouragement of Sanskrit education. Present Sanskrit community

is highly indebted to N. V. Krishna Warrier commission since the academic
stability for Sanskrit is obtained by the measures suggested by the
commission.
The major recommendations of the commission indude the necessity
to adopt new teaching methods and techniques. The commission also calls
for a new national body for the propagation of Sanskrit education. Sree
Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit was formulated in the lines of such
recommendation. The commission has stressed the urgent need for
improving the quality of Sanskrit education. Sanskrit may be included as an
optional subject in secondary and college classes. The committee further
says, 'At the school stage, the mother-tongue or the regional language,
which is closely related to Sanskrit, should be generally employed as the
medium of teaching Sanskrit and that occasionally Sanskrit also should be
employed when the direct and conversational method is resorted to."
2.4.2.

f
l

I n Kerala, Sanskrit is taught in upper primary and high xhool level

classes as an optional subject in the place of the first paper of the regional
language. There are Sanskrit schools in which Sanskrit is taught as the
main language. I n such schools Sanskrit is compulson/ subject while it is
optional in academic schools.

Academic School

.Paper 1

Sanskrit
(Optional)

Sanslvit School

Sansloit

No. Periods=4

Paper 2

No. Periods=:!

Malamlam

Sanslort

Besides the above schools, Kerala Kalarnadalam Cheruthuruthi offers

Sanskrit as a compulsory subject, for their students from eight standard
onwards. Some schools under Central Board of Secondary Education also
have Sanskrit in their curriculum in ninth and tenth classes. Rashtriya
Samskritha Sansthan offers Madyarna, which is equivalent to SSLC.

I n Pre- degree or Plus-Two level classes, Sanskrit can be studied at

two different levels. One is as a Second language and the other is under
h u m a n i t i i group. Both are optional. I n the event of de-linking of PreDegree to Plus-TWOcourses in higher secondary schools, though Sanskrit
can be studied as the Second language in some of the Higher Secondary
Schools, only a minimum number of them have started Sanskrit as part 3.

Part IEnglish

Part IEnglish

1-cond

Language

Part 111 Humanities

- Sanskrit (Sastra)

1 - Indian History

(Optional)
~ m ~ ~ p t i o n aSanskrit
~

1 Sanskrit (Optional)
1 - Sanskrit (Sahitya)

1 Part I 1 Second Language

Part 111 Humanities

I Sanskrit (Optional)
( - Sanskrit (Sahitya)

- Sanskrit (Sastra)

- Economics

I - History

1
/
1

II
1

Kerala Kalamadalam, Cheruthuruthi also teaches Sanskrit in classes XI

and XI1 as a compulsory subject. Rashtriya Samskritha Sanstahan has a
title course named Prak Sastri, which is equivalent to Plus-two.

Most of the Universities in India have Sanskrit Departments at

present. There is no uniformity in the field of Sanskrit study in College level
classes. Some Universities have started Research works in addition to the

teaching facility.

Rashtriya Samskritha Sansthan offers the following

courses in higher education level:

o

Sastri, equivalent to BA in Sanskrit.

Acharya, equivalent t o MA in Sanskrit.

Siksha Sastri, eqiovalent to Sanskrit %Ed.

Slksha Acharya, equivalent t o M.M.

Siksha Varidhi, equivalent to Ph.D.

Graduate level Sanskrit courses in colleges and university centres of Kerala

are give11below:

BA

Sanskrit as an Additional

language (Optional)

language (Optional)

BA(Malayalam/Hindi/Music)
Sanskrit BA

Sanskrit(special) offers five specializations viz. Vedanta, Vyakarana,

Sahitya, Nyaya and lyothisha.
Post-Graduate level Sanskrit coufses in different colleges and university
centres of Kerala are:
o

MA (Sanskrit Language and Literature)

MA (Sanskrit Language and Literature-Credit and Semester System)

Sanskr~tPaper for MA(Malayalam/Hindi/Music)

Sanskrit(Specia1)-Any one from Vedanta, Vyakarana, Sahitya, and

NYaYa
Facilities for educational studies in Sanskrit and research exist in

Kerala University, MG University, Calicut University, and Sree

Sanskaracharya University. Research assistance is also available from
Guruvayoor Vidyapeetham.

Several traditional ashrams and spiritual groups are also giving nonacademic Sanskrit Education to inquisitive persons. Initiatives of East-West
Universe of Unitive Sciences (Narayana Gurukulam), Bharathiya Vidya
Bhavan,

Sri

Ramakrishna

Mission,

Amrithanandamayi

Math,

Viswa

Samskritah Prathishtan etc are contributing commendably in this regard.

The important Sanskrit learning centers in Kerala are:

(A) ColleQez

-Government Sanskrit College, Pattambi.

-Government Sanskrit College, Trippunithura.
-Government Sanskrit College, Thiruvananthapuram

(B)University
-Sri Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady.
(C)

Learning Centres affiliated to Rashtriva Samskritha Sansthan.

-Guruvayoor Kendriya Sanskrit Vidyappetha

- A d a m Samskrlta Vidyapeetharn, Balussery, Calicut
-Samskrita Vidyapeetham, Kodungallur

From Guru-sishya Parasparya way of teaching to the present system

of teaching the methodological aspect of Sanskrit education has also
changed a lot. Different portions require different style of teaching and
learning. Any enquiry regarding the constructs of language education needs
to take the stock of existing popular methods.

(A) Lecture Method

For many years, the lecture method was the most widely used
instructional strategy in college classrooms. Although the usefulness of
other teaching strategies is being widely examined today, the lecture

method still remains an important way to communicate information. The

advantages of the lecture method are that:
I t provides a way to conimunicate a large amount of information to a
larger number of audiences.
It maximizes instructor control
It is Non-threatening t o students.

The disadvantages are that lecturing:

Minimizes feedback from students.
Assumes an unrealistic level of student understanding and

comprehension.
Often disengages students from

the

learning process causing

information to be quickly forgotten.

(B) Direct Method

Direct method is a method of teaching a classical or foreign language

through conversation, discussion and reading in the language itself, without
the use of vernacular language, with out translation and without the study
of formal grammar.

But, popularly direct method is applied during

classroom lectures. The advantages of this method are:

The student thinks in Sanskrit itself.
r

Least or no use of local language.

Adequate emphasis on pronunciation.

This method requires high level of preparation from the part of the teacher.
(C) Translation /Classical Method

The use of mother tongue is the most prominent aspect of this

method. Teachers need to be good translators. This is a word-by-word and
sentence-by-sentence approach. The advantages are:
Grammar teaching gets enough emphasis

Comparativeiy this method is easy to handle by the teacher.

This is one of the ancient methods and do not encourage the thinking
process in Sanskrit.

(D)Combined Method
This method tries to combine the advantages of direct method and
translation method and minimizes their disadvantages.

(E) Eliciting Method

Eliciting Method is mainly used for teaching poetry. Under this method
each word is described in detail with its formation, derivatives, technical
terms, etc. Rasa, Dhwani, Alankara etc are dealt in this method.
( F ) Dandanvayi (Inductive method) for teaching poetry

Prose order is the most important aspect in this method. So it is easy

to understand and comprehend the poetry through this method.

R N

Safaya calls dandanvayi and khandanvayi as inductive and deductive

methods respectively.
( G ) Khandanwyi (Deductive method) for Teaching poetry

Verb is the most important factor in Khandanvayi method. Questions

regarding the verbls in the content of the study are continuously asked
under this method, leading to the uncovering of the full picture depicted in
the poem.
(H) Commentary method

Commentary method can be used for all subject areas. As far as the
commentator is concerned, commentary is more personified and in that
sense each commentary is unique.

(I)
Sutra method

Meaning of the sutra is explained with apt examples. Here

memorization is given high priority.

(3) I n d u d v a method (Aagamana Vidhl)

Inductive method is used for teaching grammar. Attention of students
is drawn from common examples to corresponding rules.
(K) DedKthre method (Nigarnana Vidhl)

This method follows the reverse procedure of Aagamana Vidhi. Rules

are explained first followed by examples. Examples are observed leading to

generalization and hence the conviction of the rule.

( L ) Samvada
Though this method can be applied for all subject areas, traditionally it
is used for teaching Sastra subjects. This has close resemblance to
discussion method. Dialectical counterparts are required to apply this
method, either as teacher and student/s or among students or among
teachers. This is considered as a scholarly method and needs heavy
preparation and expertise, especially to establish pooorvapaksha and
sidhanthapaksha.
(M) Sastradha

Traditional vakhayardha sadas has been using this method. The same
person can assume the role of dialectical counterparts here. He may
establish arguments and defense or offence it. It is not uncommon that the
spectators and other participants intervene in the arguments. This is also a
scholarly method requiring more dexterity.
CONCLUSION

Sanskrit education, which occupied a very respectable place in the

traditional Indian society, have lost much of their popularity in recent years,
specially with the availability of other possible options of education that

seem to make greater economic promises to the larger section of the Indian
population.
During the last few years, the government of India has felt a need for
the revival of Indian traditional knowledge and wisdom in relation t o
Sanskrit. There are certain areas of knowledge where a mutual interaction
and dialogue between traditional scholars and modern scientists is
seemingly possible. Several new scientific areas are being identified where
traditional and modern scholars can together make significant contributions.
Sanskrit teachers in higher education level,

who

have the

great

responsibility of breeding such a generation, need to review their academic

methods and strategies in this view.

Government of India. (1957) Report of the Official Language Commission,

Government of India Press, New Delhi: p.8
Macdonell.

(1958)History of

Sanskrit

Literature,

Delhi:

Munshiram

Manoharlal, p.42
winternits. (1972) A History of Indian Literature, University of Culcutta,
WB: p.6
Government of India. (1966) Kothari Commission Report, New Delhi.
Vaidya, C.V. (1986) History of Sanskrit literature. Parimal Publications,
Delhi.
Mishra, R C and Aparna Vajpayee. Sanskrit schools in India, Department of
Psychology, Bamras Hindu University.

' Kumar, N . (2000) Lessons front schools: The history of education in

Banaras. Sage, New Delhi.
Max Muller,

F. (1993) History

of Ancient Sanskrit Literature So far as i t

illustrates

the primitive religion of the Brahmans HC., (Reprint Allahabad

1859 edn.)

p.326

Biswas, and Agrawal, S.P. (1986) Development of

historical Survey of
Concept
lo Richard

education in India: A

educational documents before and after independence,

Publishing Company, New Delhi.

Fox Young, (1981) Resistant Hinduism :Sanskrit sources on anti-

Christian

alopologetics in early nineteenth-century India, The De Nobili

Research

Library, Vienna: p.33.

l1

Michaels, A. (2001) The Pandit: Traditional scholarship in India. Manohar,

New Delhi.
l2

Government of India, (1957) Report of the Sanskrit Commission, Ministry

of Education, New Delhi: p.36.