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BA-HONOURS in Sanskrit at City College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Sanskrit at City College Kolkata?
This Sanskrit Honours program at City College, Kolkata, focuses on an in-depth study of ancient Indian language, literature, philosophy, and culture. It emphasizes critical analysis of classical texts, grammar, poetics, and philosophical systems. The program delves into India''''s rich intellectual heritage, crucial for fields like Indology, language research, and cultural preservation, reflecting a growing demand for experts in traditional knowledge systems in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in classical Indian thought, linguistics, and cultural studies, especially those who appreciate the intricacies of Sanskrit. It attracts fresh graduates seeking entry into academia, research, or heritage management. It also caters to individuals aiming for careers in manuscriptology, archiving, or educational institutions, offering a profound grounding in India''''s foundational language.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including academics, research, archiving, journalism, and cultural heritage management. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in specialized roles. Opportunities exist in government bodies like ASI, university departments, and cultural organizations. The program aligns well with competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, where Sanskrit is an optional subject.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Sanskrit Grammar Fundamentals- (undefined)
Dedicate time daily to systematically learn and practice basic Sanskrit grammar (Sandhi, Samasa, Karaka, Declensions, Conjugations). Utilize reference books like Laghu Siddhanta Kaumudi and online grammar tools. Regular practice is crucial for understanding complex texts.
Tools & Resources
Laghu Siddhanta Kaumudi, Ashtadhyayi (basic portions), Sanskrit Dictionary (Monier-Williams), Online grammar exercises on Sanskrit websites
Career Connection
A strong grammatical foundation is indispensable for advanced textual analysis, translation, and research, which are core skills for academic and research roles.
Engage with Classical Texts Actively- (undefined)
Beyond classroom lectures, read prescribed classical Sanskrit poetry and prose texts independently. Focus on word-by-word interpretation, poetic devices, and the cultural context. Join peer reading groups to discuss and deepen understanding of intricate verses and narratives.
Tools & Resources
Original texts with commentaries, Translation aids (e.g., Gita Press editions with Hindi/English), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills essential for academia, content creation, and any role requiring deep understanding of historical texts.
Build a Foundational Knowledge of Indian Philosophy- (undefined)
Start with an overview of major Indian philosophical schools (Darshanas) covered in early semesters. Create concept maps for Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika. Watch introductory lectures and read secondary literature to grasp core tenets and arguments before tackling primary texts.
Tools & Resources
Introductory books on Indian Philosophy, NPTEL/SWAYAM lectures on Philosophy, Concept mapping software
Career Connection
Crucial for understanding the intellectual underpinnings of Sanskrit literature and culture, opening doors to philosophical research, teaching, and UPSC preparation.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects on Specific Texts/Topics- (undefined)
Beyond assignments, choose a particular text, author, or philosophical concept and conduct a short research project. Focus on literature review, critical analysis, and presenting findings. This can be done individually or in small groups.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Shodhganga), University library resources, Mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Develops research aptitude, academic writing skills, and the ability to contribute original insights, highly valued in advanced studies and research careers.
Participate in Sanskrit Elocution and Debates- (undefined)
Actively participate in college or inter-college Sanskrit recitation, elocution, and debate competitions. This enhances verbal fluency, pronunciation, and the ability to articulate complex ideas effectively in Sanskrit, building confidence and public speaking skills.
Tools & Resources
Sanskrit speech clubs, Online Sanskrit speaking courses, Recorded speeches of scholars
Career Connection
Improves communication and presentation skills, valuable for teaching, public relations, cultural diplomacy, and media roles involving Sanskrit.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (undefined)
Identify how Sanskrit knowledge connects with other fields like history, anthropology, linguistics, computer science (NLP for Sanskrit), or performing arts. Attend workshops or seminars that explore these linkages, broadening your perspective and potential career avenues.
Tools & Resources
Interdisciplinary seminars, Research papers on Sanskrit and technology/social sciences, Networking with professors from other departments
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic understanding and prepares for niche roles in digital humanities, cultural heritage informatics, or cross-cultural studies.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for NET/JRF and Further Studies- (undefined)
Begin preparing for national-level examinations like UGC NET/JRF for Assistant Professorship and PhD admissions. Focus on in-depth understanding of all syllabus areas, practice previous year papers, and consider joining coaching or study circles for structured preparation.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF Sanskrit syllabus and previous papers, Standard reference books for each subject area, Online mock tests
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing an academic career as a professor or researcher in universities and colleges across India.
Undertake an Internship in a Relevant Sector- (undefined)
Seek internships at institutions like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National Mission for Manuscripts, academic research projects, or NGOs working in cultural preservation. This provides practical exposure to real-world application of Sanskrit knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Institutional career cells, Online internship portals, Networking with faculty and alumni
Career Connection
Offers invaluable practical experience, builds professional networks, and often leads to full-time employment opportunities in heritage, research, or cultural organizations.
Develop Advanced Translation and Editorial Skills- (undefined)
Undertake advanced translation projects, potentially involving lesser-known texts, or participate in editorial work for Sanskrit journals or publications. Focus on accuracy, nuance, and maintaining the original spirit of the text. This can also include learning DTP tools for Sanskrit.
Tools & Resources
Specialized translation workshops, Collaboration with academic journals, DTP software for Indian languages
Career Connection
Opens up careers in publishing, technical writing, translation services, content development, and working with international Indological projects.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate taking up Honours in a subject must have obtained: (i) A minimum of 50% marks in the aggregate and 45% marks in the subject or related subject at the previous qualifying examination. OR (ii) 55% marks in the subject or related subject at the previous qualifying examination.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 128 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNGA CC1 | Classical Sanskrit Poetry I | Core | 6 | Raghuvamsham (Kalidasa), Kiratarjuniyam (Bharavi), Meghadutam (Kalidasa), Introduction to Mahakavya, Poetic elements |
| SNGA CC2 | History of Sanskrit Literature I | Core | 6 | Vedic Literature (Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas), Ramayana and Mahabharata, Puranas and Upapuranas, Classical Sanskrit Period (Kalidasa, Bhasa), Prominent authors and their works |
| ENVS AECC1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural resources and their management, Ecosystems and biodiversity, Environmental pollution and control, Environmental ethics and human rights |
| SNGA GE1 | Generic Elective I | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject chosen from another discipline (e.g., Philosophy, History, Bengali), Fundamentals of the chosen discipline, Core concepts, Basic theories, Introductory texts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNGA CC3 | Sanskrit Prose and Grammar I | Core | 6 | Dashakumaracharitam (Dandin), Kadambari (Bana), Elementary Karaka and Samasa, Sandhi and Subanta, Classical Sanskrit Prose style |
| SNGA CC4 | Sanskrit Drama I | Core | 6 | Abhijnanashakuntalam (Kalidasa), Mricchakatikam (Shudraka), Elements of Sanskrit Drama, Natyashastra concepts, Major dramatists and their works |
| ENGC AECC2 | English Communication / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Grammar and composition, Reading comprehension, Letter writing and report writing, Communication skills (verbal & non-verbal), Listening skills |
| SNGA GE2 | Generic Elective II | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject chosen from another discipline (e.g., Political Science, Economics, History), Advanced topics in the chosen discipline, Analytical frameworks, Case studies, Relevant theories |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNGA CC5 | Indian Philosophy I (Orthodox Schools) | Core | 6 | Sankhya Karika (Ishvarakrishna), Yoga Sutras (Patanjali), Nyaya Siddhanta Muktavali (Vishvanatha), Vaisheshika Darshana, Epistemology and Metaphysics |
| SNGA CC6 | Vyakarana (Grammar) & Linguistics I | Core | 6 | Siddhanta Kaumudi (Bhattoji Dikshita), Laghu Siddhanta Kaumudi (Varadaraja), Panini''''s Astadhyayi (Basic concepts), Philology and Etymology, Linguistic theories in Sanskrit |
| SNGA CC7 | Classical Sanskrit Literature II (Poetry & Prose) | Core | 6 | Naisadhiyacharitam (Sriharsha), Harshacharitam (Bana), Kavyadarsha (Dandin), Subhashita collections, Literary styles and figures of speech |
| SNGAS SEC A1 | Sanskrit and Computer Application / General Knowledge of Sanskrit | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Sanskrit computing tools, Digital Sanskrit dictionaries and texts, Sanskrit transliteration and fonts, Current trends in Sanskrit research, Important literary figures and concepts |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNGA CC8 | Indian Poetics & Literary Criticism I | Core | 6 | Sahityadarpanam (Vishvanatha), Kavyaprakash (Mammata), Dhvani theory (Anandavardhana), Rasa theory (Bharata Muni), Alankara and Riti schools |
| SNGA CC9 | Vedic Literature I | Core | 6 | Selections from Rigveda, Selections from Atharvaveda, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Isavasya Upanishad, Introduction to Vedangas (Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana) |
| SNGA CC10 | Dharmaśāstra and Arthaśāstra | Core | 6 | Manusmriti (selected chapters), Kautilya''''s Arthaśāstra (selected chapters), Sources of Dharma, Concept of Danda and Nyaya, Ancient Indian statecraft and society |
| SNGAS SEC B1 | Translation (Sanskrit to English/MIL) / Applied Grammar | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Principles of translation, Practical translation exercises (Sanskrit to English/MIL), Usage of Tenses and Moods, Voice and Transformation of sentences, Punctuation and idiom usage |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNGA CC11 | Indian Philosophy II (Heterodox Schools & Vedanta) | Core | 6 | Buddhist Philosophy (Four Noble Truths, Kshanabhangavada), Jain Philosophy (Anekantavada, Syadvada), Mimamsa Darshana (Purva Mimamsa), Advaita Vedanta (Shankara''''s philosophy), Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (Ramanuja''''s philosophy) |
| SNGA CC12 | Ancient Indian Social and Political Institutions | Core | 6 | Varna and Ashrama systems, Family and Marriage institutions, Education system (Gurukul), Concept of Kingship and Dandaniti, Ancient Indian administrative systems |
| SNGAS DSE A1 | Discipline Specific Elective A1 (e.g., Epigraphy and Numismatics) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts, Ashokan inscriptions, Gupta inscriptions, Indian numismatics (ancient coins), Sources and methods of epigraphic study |
| SNGAS DSE A2 | Discipline Specific Elective A2 (e.g., Dramaturgy and Poetics - Advanced) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Dasha Rupaka (Dhananjaya), Abhinavagupta''''s theories of Rasa, Types of Sanskrit Plays (Nāṭaka, Prakaraṇa, Bhāṇa), Stage conventions and dramatic elements, Comparative study of Eastern and Western dramaturgy |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNGA CC13 | Poetics & Metrics II | Core | 6 | Chhanda Shastra (Prosody), Vrittaratnakara (Kedara Bhatta), Figures of speech (Alankara), Guna and Dosha in poetry, Analytical study of famous poems |
| SNGA CC14 | Sanskrit and Computer Application / Research Methodology | Core | 6 | Digital humanities in Sanskrit studies, Natural Language Processing for Sanskrit, Research design and formulation of hypothesis, Data collection and analysis methods, Bibliography and academic writing |
| SNGAS DSE B1 | Discipline Specific Elective B1 (e.g., Comparative Philology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Indo-European language family, Sanskrit''''s position in IE family, Sound changes and phonetic laws, Morphological and syntactic comparison, Etymology and historical linguistics |
| SNGAS DSE B2 | Discipline Specific Elective B2 (e.g., Puranic Literature) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature and characteristics of Puranas, Mahapurana and Upapurana, Themes and narratives in Puranas (creation, dissolution, genealogies), Cultural and religious significance of Puranas, Influence on Indian society and arts |
