Study Sanskrit to Enter the Field of Manuscriptology

There is need for talented students to study and teach Sanskrit, says Dipti Tripathi, director, National Mission of Manuscripts, and former head, department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi.

Why should one study Sanskrit?

Our historic scriptures have answers to our economic, social and scientific problems. And all that vast knowledge is documented only in Sanskrit. The knowledge is applicable everywhere from architecture to engineering and from medicine to literature. I believe students from all fields should be taught Sanskrit so that they can read old scriptures to buoy their knowledge. Old scriptures even have useful management principles, but modern practitioners are deprived of all these.

In that case, why is Sanskrit not taught in other disciplines?

You realise its importance only when you study it but professionals in other areas are averse to it. This language is caught in a vicious circle. It is studied by low scorers who have no other option of higher studies. They end up as teachers, who aren't able to attract young minds to the language because they themselves are not convinced of its importance. To break this cycle, bright students should learn the language.

Where must studying Sanskrit be made mandatory?

It should be made mandatory for scholars doing research in the areas of philosophy, ancient Indian history and also sociology.

Are old scriptures written in Sanskrit relevant today?

Yes they are. Whether it's the economic crisis or the importance of the environment, everything is emphasised in the scriptures.

What career options does the language offer?

One can become a teacher, or enter the field of manuscriptology and palaeography.

 

Author: Vimal Chander Joshi (HT Horizons)

Date: 31st December, 2010

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