சம்ஸ்கிருதம் – சில கேள்விகள் https://tamilhindu.com/2009/07/sanskrit-few-questions/
The above article written in Tamil contains many detailed historical, cultural, and political arguments supporting the philosophical, linguistic, and cultural integration of Sanskrit and Tamil, refuting claims of Sanskrit as an exclusively Brahmin language or a threat to Tamil. It highlights the coexistence and mutual enrichment of these languages in Indian society across regions and religions.
It is a brilliant refutation of the canard spread by Tamil language-chauvinists and Dravidian fanatics calling themselves “Tamil purists” and ideologues in Tamil Nadu who make the case that the survival of the Tamil language hinges upon the destruction of the Sanskrit language. This toxic and perverted bias forms the fulcrum of their larger racist construct about the Aryan Vs Dravidian and Northern-Southern India divide.
The article ought to be read by even non-Tamil speaking readers. Hence below I have provided an AI-assisted English translation of it in the hope that many will disabuse themselves of the poisonous propaganda about Sanskrit to which even educated sections of our society I know fall victim.
Sudarshan Madabushi
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Is Sanskrit against rationality?
“Whatever I say, examine it carefully and then act according to your wish,” says Lord Krishna.
He did not reprimand Arjuna (Bhagavad Gita 19.63). This is a book for those with self-respect to appreciate. Sanskrit contains many passages urging us to test knowledge through experience.
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen says Sanskrit carries many atheistic ideas compared to Indian languages.
The book Yogavasitam says even if sages give irrational advice, intellectuals need not accept it; the common folk can accept advice that aligns with understanding (11.18.2.3).
Adi Shankaracharya, who wrote a commentary on Bhagavad Gita, says despite hundred statements in the Vedas that fire does not burn, one should not accept them; experience is the evidence.
This is true rationality.
Some Tamil Nadu politicians disrespect Hindus after consuming Ramzan ganji; that is not rationality but “same side goal”.
Is Sanskrit a northern language?
Mu. Varadarasan who wrote Tamil literary history says northern languages wrote literature, religious thoughts, and art principles extensively. Many northern scholars were from southern Tamil regions. The northern scholar who wrote Kavya Darsanam was Tamil from Kanchipuram named Thandi.
The advaita scholar Shankara was from south India. Ramanuja who explained Vishishtadvaita was a Tamil from Kanchipuram. There are many northern language books on Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, cooking, and culture, authored by scholars who studied Tamil arts and lifestyles.
The Tamil separatist movement flooded by Paraiyar caste leaders is a pit dug by missionaries. Ma Ramaalai Adigal led the singular Tamil movement, supported enthusiastically by communists like Jeeva. But when Jeeva met Ramaalai Adigal, he was shocked.
Jeeva, who loved Tamil intensely, had changed his name to Uyir Inban (Joy of Life). Ramaalai Adigal asked Jeeva the reason for his visit, and when Jeeva asked the meaning of the word reason, Adigal replied it was not yet decided if it was a Tamil word. Jeeva left the house and renounced his name Uyir Inban.
The incident shows the Tamil separation movement’s hostility to Sanskrit and Tamil’s bond. Pandithamani Kathiresan Chettiar and Ramaalai Adigal clashed over Sanskrit words in Tamil.
Adigal claimed Sangam literature was pure Tamil with no northern loan words. Pandithamani replied Sangam literature itself contains northern words like “Sadha” and “Thripuram.” Adigal got angry and thumped the table; Pandithamani said lawyers use strong evidence or thump tables when they lack evidence.
Many notable Tamil personalities have Sanskrit names. Political leaders, film stars, musicians, and writers with Sanskrit names are prominent in Tamil Nadu even after a century of Tamil separatism.
Many Tamil Nadu town and village names have Sanskrit origins, even if it is not recognized — such as Tiruchozhalam, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, and more.
Leading Tamil newspapers like Dinamani, Dhinamalar, Dina Thanthi, and Dinakaran have Sanskrit-derived names.
Will Sanskrit growth help BJP?
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, founded by a Congress leader K. M. Munshi, has served Indian culture and Sanskrit for many years.
Jawaharlal Nehru said without hesitation that Sanskrit is India’s greatest wealth.
Sanskrit development will help India’s rise, benefiting not only BJP but also Congress, BJP, and DMK.
Does supporting Sanskrit, a non-spoken language in daily use, have benefits?
Life is a blessing, says a TV artist Yogabhyasam. This blessing should be considered whether it is Tamil or Sanskrit.
Sanskrit is spoken simply and mixed with Tamil and other languages, so it is not perceived as a Sanskrit craze.
In Karnataka near Shimoga, a village named Madur has 3,000 people who speak Sanskrit in their homes, schools, offices, fields, and markets, and 150 work in IT fields.
The Sanskrit Bharati movement made millions fluent in Sanskrit, with classes in India and worldwide, employing hundreds of full and part-time teachers for 25 years.
Over 100 Sanskrit magazines exist, including Santamama for children.
Scholars like Dr. V. Raghavan have written Sanskrit dramas and short stories. Sanskrit dictionaries exist in Thailand, and Sanskrit movies by G.V. Iyer are watched by millions.
Sanskrit news is broadcast on TV.
An American space scientist at MIT teaches Sanskrit. Harvard, Yale, Chicago, and Oxford universities offer Sanskrit courses.
Thus, the claim Sanskrit is not spoken is false; no linguist says Sanskrit has lost vitality.
The English national anthem “God Save the King” metered “Santhatham Bahimam” is composed by Srimuttuswami Dikshitar from Thiruvarur; his Sanskrit compositions are enjoyed by thousands.
Sanskrit is still vibrant; because of this, a major Tamil Nadu leader’s book is translated into Sanskrit — by Kannan, grandson of Tamil separatist leader Ki.A.Pe. Viswanathan.
Kamarajar said, everyone in this country should learn Sanskrit, the cradle of Indian culture.
What is Sanskrit’s role in Tamil life?
The Tamil tradition considers Tamil and Sanskrit harmoniously divine. Tamil poets and writers find Sanskrit a source of inspiration.
Sanskrit influences sculpture, dance, literary theories, logic, linguistics, botany, lexicography, mathematics, history, Ayurveda, and astrology.
Sanskrit books helped create statues of Valluvar in South Kumari district.
Poet Bharathidasan used the Sanskrit loan word “pathrika” (newspaper) in his poem instead of Tamil alternatives.
In Tamil Nadu temples, Sanskrit worship is explained as uniquely sonic and powerful, making Sanskrit suitable for worship.
Some demand removing Sanskrit from temples, but Sanskrit deeply influences Tamil life.
Is Sanskrit only for Brahmins?
Sri Sringeri Shankaracharya says this idea is against Dharma.
In Karnataka, 30 Sanskrit schools are run by non-Brahmins.
In 2006 Tamil Nadu plus two exams, Muslim girl Selvi Musibira Maimoon scored 198/200 in Sanskrit.
Labourer Kaurisankar is pursuing a Sanskrit PhD at Chennai University; he is not Brahmin.
Lubna Mariam from Bangladesh came to India to study Sanskrit; she is Muslim.
A priest won Sahitya Akademi award translating a Sanskrit Jesus poem.
Last year in Chennai, Stella Mary College students won prizes in Valmiki Ramayana quiz.
An Islamic scholar wrote a Tamil poem on Adi Shankara’s spiritual teaching.
Swami Vivekananda, who popularized Upanishads in the West, was not Brahmin.
Epic leaders Rama and Krishna were not Brahmins; Rama was Kshatriya, Krishna was Yadava.
Maharishi Vyasa compiling Vedas was not Brahmin; Valmiki and Kalidas were not Brahmins.
Many foreign Sanskrit scholars were not Brahmins.
Ambedkar, the non-Brahmin who drafted India’s constitution, resolved to make Sanskrit India’s official language; due to politics, this was not accepted.
Socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia supported Sanskrit and was non-Brahmin.
Beethoven, the Western classical maestro who wrote symphony on Gita’s themes, was not Brahmin.
Thus, the Brahmin/non-Brahmin divide is artificial.
Does Sanskrit threaten Tamil?
The threat to Tamil is not from Sanskrit but English and satellite TV. English infiltrates Tamil through cartoons; protecting Tamil requires awareness and activism against TV influence.
Sanskrit is the golden vessel that carries Tamil nectar.
Sanskrit has no place in Tamil literary tradition?
Tolkappiyam calls itself “grammar rich in northern dialect.” Ancient Tamil grammar discusses Sanskrit connections. Ilango Adigal knew Valmiki Ramayana. Tamil classical literature has Sanskrit words.
Sangam literature contains Sanskrit.
Scripts call poets like Tiruppan Azhwar Sanskritized names.Sanskrit and Tamil languages should support each other.
Is Sanskrit education religious?
The 1994 Supreme Court ruled Sanskrit teaching is not against secularism.
Sri Sringeri Shankaracharya says Sanskrit is not Brahmin-only. Before foreigners came, Indian scholars were proficient in their mother tongue and Sanskrit. Tamil scholars excelled in Sanskrit and led India culturally.
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