Exploring the Last Strongholds of Sanskrit in India
H1: Exploring the Last Strongholds of Sanskrit in India
Sanskrit, the language of Gods, is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical fabric of India. Dropping from a classic liturgical language to a spoken dialect, its presence is still felt in a handful of villages around the country. In this article, we will explore the states of India where Sanskrit is still predominantly spoken, emphasizing its significance and the efforts made to preserve it.
Analysis of Sanskrit in India
Sanskrit, considered as Dev Bhasha, or the language of the gods, has a rich history dating back around 3500 years. Often referred to as the 'mother of all languages,' Sanskrit is a member of the Indo-European language family. It was the primary language and lingua franca of ancient and medieval India, with its earlier form, Vedic Sanskrit, prevalent from 1500-500 BCE. Its script, Devnagari, means 'the script of the city of gods,' highlighting its divine association.
The Language of the Gods, Dev Bhasha
The term Dev Bhasha translates to 'the language of the gods,' signifying its divine origin. This language has been meticulously crafted over millennia to express complex emotions and ideas with precision. The derivation of the word 'Sanskrit' from 'Sam' meaning 'samyak' (entirely) and 'Krit' (done) encapsulates its purpose: to be a perfectly refined and entirely done language in terms of communication.
Usage of Sanskrit in Villages
Despite its decline in mainstream usage, Sanskrit is still spoken in select villages across India. These villages have made significant efforts to preserve and promote the language, thus ensuring its continuity. Here are some of the places where Sanskrit is still predominantly used:
Mattur, Karnataka
Known as 'India’s Sanskrit village,' Mattur is a quaint and peaceful hamlet located along the Tunga river in Karnataka. Here, people use Sanskrit regularly in their daily communication, and the villagers, especially those leading a Vedic lifestyle, chant ancient texts and conversate in the language. The villagers, fluent in Sanskrit, even pass on the language to their children, with every home boasting at least one Sanskrit pundit. Mattur serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Sanskrit in India.
Jhiri, Madhya Pradesh
This remote village in Madhya Pradesh, situated 150 km north of Indore, has witnessed a remarkable transformation. In the last 16 years, the population has shifted from speaking Jhiri’s local dialect to predominantly using Sanskrit. Thanks to the efforts of an organization called Samskrit Bharti and the activism of Vimla Tewari, Sanskrit has taken root in the daily lives of the villagers. Now, men, women, and children in Jhiri all actively use Sanskrit, making it their primary means of communication.
Hosahalli, Karnataka
Similar to Mattur, Hosahalli in Karnataka is another vibrant village where Sanskrit is used extensively. Located on the banks of the Tunga River, Hosahalli and Mattur are often mentioned together due to their commitment to Sanskrit. In Hosahalli, the practice of using Sanskrit in daily life, including quarrelling and gossiping, has become a common occurrence. Children in this village are taught Sanskrit and even use it to communicate with their elders, a practice that has been instrumental in preserving the language.
Sasana, Odisha
Situated in the coastal Gajapati district of Odisha, Sasana is a village where most inhabitants are Brahmins. The village has around 50 households with 300-odd members, and the dwellers here not only use Sanskrit but also teach it in their homes as a means of preserving the language. The presence of Sanskrit pundits in every home further emphasizes the village's dedication to maintaining the language.
Baghuwar, Madhya Pradesh
Located in Kareli Tehsil, 15 km from Narsinghpur, Baghuwar is a village where Sanskrit is the primary language. Nearly everyone in Baghuwar is well-versed in Sanskrit, contributing to its preservation. The village’s commitment to sustaining the language is a shining example of community effort.
Ganoda, Rajasthan
Ganoda, located in the Banswara district of Rajasthan, is an interesting case study. In the past, people here spoke the local language, Wagadi, but now most of the residents speak Sanskrit. This change occurred after the establishment of a Sanskrit-based institute that provided education up to the college level. The teacher's encouragement for everyone to switch to Sanskrit helped facilitate the language's widespread use. As a result, even the elders began to learn and use Sanskrit, significantly impacting the local language scenario.
Mohad, Madhya Pradesh
Mohad is a village panchayat located in Madhya Pradesh’s Burhanpur district, 25 km from Maheshwar and 60 km from Khargone. Despite its relative isolation, Mohad is home to many families who have been speaking Sanskrit for generations. The villagers have been able to maintain the language despite the surrounding linguistic diversity, making it a notable stronghold of Sanskrit.
The efforts made by these villages to preserve Sanskrit have been significant. Despite the language's declining popularity in other parts of India, these communities continue to use, teach, and promote Sanskrit, ensuring its survival in the modern world. Their commitment highlights the importance of cultural heritage and traditional language preservation.