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BA in Sanskrit at Greater Mawlai College
East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
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About the Specialization
What is Sanskrit at Greater Mawlai College East Khasi Hills?
This BA Sanskrit program at Greater Mawlai College, affiliated with NEHU, focuses on a comprehensive study of classical Indian language and literature. It delves into Vedic and classical Sanskrit texts, grammar, philosophy, poetics, and ancient Indian knowledge systems. In the Indian context, a strong foundation in Sanskrit is vital for careers in academics, research, cultural preservation, and digital humanities, reflecting a growing demand for linguistic experts and Indologists.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a passion for Indian classical language, culture, and ancient knowledge. It also suits individuals interested in pursuing higher studies in Indology, philosophy, or linguistics. Students from Arts and Humanities backgrounds, particularly those who have studied Sanskrit at the secondary level, will find this program enriching for careers in academia, translation, or heritage management.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including university professors, researchers in national institutions like IGNCA or ASI, translators, content developers for cultural organizations, and archivists. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing significantly with experience and advanced degrees. The program also prepares students for NET/JRF examinations, opening avenues for academic and research fellowships.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Sanskrit Grammar Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to understanding and memorizing core Paninian grammar rules, particularly Sandhi, Karaka, and Samasa. Use traditional methods like learning Sutras alongside modern textbook explanations to build a solid linguistic base.
Tools & Resources
Ashtadhyayi (with commentaries), Laghu Siddhanta Kaumudi, V.S. Apte''''s Sanskrit-English Dictionary, online grammar exercises
Career Connection
A strong grammatical foundation is essential for accurate interpretation of texts, crucial for research, translation, teaching roles, and competitive exams.
Engage with Core Literary Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond syllabus requirements, read simplified versions or key portions of major epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata) and classical plays (Kalidasa''''s works) to develop a deeper sense of narrative and literary style. Participate in college reading groups or discussions.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, critical editions, online resources like archive.org for classical texts, college library
Career Connection
Enhances appreciation for India''''s rich literary heritage, vital for roles in cultural preservation, creative writing, academic presentations, and cultural commentary.
Build a Strong Vocabulary Base- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice vocabulary acquisition through flashcards, mnemonic techniques, and by translating simple sentences from Sanskrit to English and vice-versa. Focus especially on root verbs (dhatus) and common suffixes/prefixes to unlock complex words.
Tools & Resources
Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, spoken Sanskrit apps (if available), vocabulary building apps, self-created flashcards
Career Connection
Facilitates faster comprehension of intricate texts, essential for advanced research, deciphering ancient manuscripts, and effective communication in Sanskrit.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in Sanskrit Debates and Oratory- (Semester 3-5)
Actively join college or inter-college debates, elocution competitions, and poetry recitations in Sanskrit. This develops confidence in oral communication, strengthens logical reasoning in the language, and hones presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Sanskrit literary clubs, cultural committees, online forums for Sanskrit speakers, mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Improves public speaking and rhetorical skills, which are crucial for educators, presenters, academic conferences, and cultural ambassadors.
Explore Indian Philosophical Systems- (Semester 3-5)
Delve deeper into the key tenets of different Indian philosophical schools beyond what''''s covered in core courses. Read introductory texts by prominent Indian philosophers to broaden intellectual horizons and develop critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Books by S. Radhakrishnan, M. Hiriyanna, lectures from NPTEL/YouTube on Indian philosophy, discussions with philosophy department faculty
Career Connection
Provides a robust critical thinking framework, beneficial for academic research, ethical leadership roles, and comparative studies in humanities.
Initiate Basic Research Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Under faculty guidance, undertake small research projects like compiling a bibliography on a specific Sanskrit author, analyzing a particular grammatical concept, or comparing two poetic styles. Learn to use academic databases effectively.
Tools & Resources
College library, Jstor (if subscribed by university), academic journals on Sanskrit studies, guidance from professors
Career Connection
Develops essential research methodology, critical analysis, and academic writing skills, preparing students for postgraduate studies and advanced research careers.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialization-Specific Textual Analysis- (Semester 6)
Choose a specific branch of Sanskrit (e.g., Poetics, Dharmaśāstra, Linguistics) that aligns with future career interests and engage in in-depth textual analysis beyond classroom requirements. Present your findings in departmental seminars.
Tools & Resources
Specialized commentaries and critical editions, research papers in chosen area, guidance from subject-matter expert faculty
Career Connection
Cultivates expertise in a niche area, making graduates highly valuable for specialized research positions, advanced academic pursuits, or curatorial roles in cultural institutions.
Prepare for NET/JRF Examinations- (Semester 6)
Start rigorous preparation for the UGC NET/JRF examination, which is crucial for pursuing teaching and research careers in Indian universities. Focus on solving previous year''''s question papers and comprehensive revision of the entire syllabus.
Tools & Resources
NET/JRF guidebooks and past papers, online coaching platforms, study groups with peers, referral from senior students
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into Ph.D. programs and secures eligibility for Assistant Professor positions in Indian higher education institutions, a highly sought-after career path.
Develop Digital Sanskrit Skills- (Semester 6)
Learn to use digital tools for Sanskrit studies, including optical character recognition (OCR) for Devanagari, creating digital editions of texts, and utilizing Sanskrit corpora for linguistic analysis. Explore basic programming for text processing.
Tools & Resources
Sansknet portal, Indology tools, Python for basic text processing, online Sanskrit dictionaries and databases, digital humanities workshops
Career Connection
Opens up new opportunities in digital humanities, computational linguistics, and archiving roles, bridging traditional scholarship with modern technology and expanding career options.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 6 semesters
Credits: 140 (for Honours program) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANS-C-101 | Sanskrit Literature: History and Introduction | Core | 6 | History of Vedic Literature, Vedic Deities, Vedic Sakhas, Upanisads, Ramayana and Mahabharata |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental Pollution |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 (From other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANS-C-102 | Sanskrit Prose and Poetry | Core | 6 | Kalidasa''''s Abhijnanasakuntalam, Banabhatta''''s Kadambari, Sudraka''''s Mrichchakatika, Bhavabhuti''''s Uttararamacharita, Magha''''s Sisupalavadham |
| AECC-2 | English/MIL | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Usage, Essay Writing, Official Correspondence, Communication Skills |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 (From other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANS-C-201 | Sanskrit Grammar | Core | 6 | Panini''''s Astadhyayi Introduction, Sandhi (junction rules), Karaka (case relations), Samasa (compounds), Lakar Prakaran (tenses and moods) |
| SANS-C-202 | Indian Philosophy | Core | 6 | Charvaka philosophy, Buddhism and Jainism, Nyaya-Vaisesika systems, Samkhya-Yoga principles, Mimamsa and Vedanta schools |
| SANS-C-203 | Sanskrit Poetics | Core | 6 | Alamkaras (figures of speech), Rasas (aesthetic sentiments), Dhvani theory, Riti and Guna (styles and qualities), Vakrokti (oblique expression) |
| SEC-1 | Sanskrit and Computer | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Sanskrit Keyboard Layout, Unicode and Devanagari Script, Online Sanskrit Dictionaries, Sanskrit Software and Apps, Digital Libraries of Sanskrit Texts |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 (From other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANS-C-204 | Vedic Sanskrit | Core | 6 | Vedic Accent and Pronunciation, Rigveda Samhita selections, Brahmanas and Aranyakas, Upanishadic thought, Nirukta and Vedic Etymology |
| SANS-C-205 | Dharmsastra and Arthasastra | Core | 6 | Manusmriti and its social laws, Kautilya''''s Arthasastra principles, Ancient Indian Political Thought, Judicial System in ancient India, Concept of Dharma and Artha |
| SANS-C-206 | Epigraphy and Palaeography | Core | 6 | Origin of Indian Scripts, Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts, Major Indian Inscriptions (Ashokan Edicts), Numismatics (Ancient Indian Coins), Decipherment techniques |
| SEC-2 | Translation Skills (Sanskrit to English and vice-versa) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Principles of Translation, Lexical and Contextual Equivalence, Grammatical Structures in Translation, Cultural Contexts in Translation, Practice Translations of varied texts |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 (From other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANS-C-301 | Critical Study of Sanskrit Texts | Core | 6 | Textual Criticism methodologies, Manuscripts and their variations, Principles of textual editing, Interpretation of ancient commentaries, Historical and literary context of texts |
| SANS-C-302 | Modern Sanskrit Literature | Core | 6 | Twentieth-Century Sanskrit authors, Contemporary Sanskrit literary movements, Themes in modern Sanskrit poetry, Sanskrit prose and drama today, Adaptations and innovations |
| SANS-DSE-1(A) | Sanskrit Linguistics | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Phonology of Sanskrit, Morphology (word formation), Syntax (sentence structure), Semantics (meaning), Etymology (word origins) |
| SANS-DSE-2(A) | Manuscriptology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Types of Indian Manuscripts, Preservation and Conservation, Cataloguing Principles, Editing Techniques for Manuscripts, Digitalization of Manuscript Heritage |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANS-C-303 | History of Sanskrit Grammatical Literature | Core | 6 | The Paninian School, Non-Paninian Grammatical Traditions, Katyayana''''s Varttikas, Patanjali''''s Mahabhasya, Bhartrhari''''s Vakyapadiya |
| SANS-C-304 | Sanskrit and Science | Core | 6 | Ancient Indian Mathematics (Aryabhata, Brahmagupta), Indian Astronomy (Jyotisha), Ayurveda (Indian Traditional Medicine), Metallurgy and Chemistry in ancient India, Vastu Sastra (Architecture) |
| SANS-DSE-3(A) | Comparative Philology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Indo-European Language Family, Historical Linguistics Introduction, Sound Laws (Grimm''''s, Verner''''s), Language Change and Evolution, Cognates and Reconstructions |
| SANS-DSE-4(A) | Aesthetics | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Rasa Theory of Bharata, Dhvani Theory (Anandavardhana), Alamkara Theory, Guna-Riti Theories, Concept of Aesthetic Experience |
