Many Indian languages have links with Sanskrit, particularly the ones spoke in North Indian States. Contrary to the perception that Sanskrit is solely a language of mantras and rituals associated wit prayer and pujas, it was once the medium for significant works in science, mathematics, astronomy, and law. Religious literature constitutes less than 10% of Sanskrit works, with the rest encompassing diverse fields of knowledge. British judge and philologist Sir William Jones, in 1786, highlighted Sanskrit’s extraordinary structure, noting its affinities with Greek and Latin. His studies led to the development of the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) language theory, which posits a common origin for these languages. Scholars like Max Müller further emphasized Sanskrit’s significance, with figures like Voltaire and Immanuel Kant recognizing its profound influence on Indo-European languages and civilization.
The word "Sanskrit" itself means "prepared," "pure," or "perfect." Unlike other ancient languages, Sanskrit has retained its original purity in structure, vocabulary, and verb patterns. It has profoundly influenced many modern languages, contributing to English words like "ignite" (from agni), "name" (naama), and "serpent" (sarpa). Beyond its linguistic contributions, Sanskrit's legacy includes comprehensive knowledge systems preserved in texts such as the Vedas and the Upanishads, which address virtually every sphere of human activity.
Sanskrit words have also traveled across cultures and languages. Terms like "avatar," "jungle," and "juggernaut" derive from Sanskrit roots, showcasing its global impact. For instance, "avatar" originates from the Sanskrit avatāra, meaning "descent," while "jungle" comes from jangala, meaning "arid land." Many scientific, philosophical, and literary traditions owe their development to this ancient language.
Sanskrit’s revival as a unifying language in India has been advocated by figures like Sri Aurobindo, who emphasized its role in preserving cultural heritage. While spoken Sanskrit is now limited, its legacy endures through its contributions to modern languages, spiritual practices, and knowledge systems. It remains a timeless symbol of India's intellectual and cultural depth, revered as the mother of many languages and a link to humanity’s
https://www.navrangindia.in/2015/08/sir-william-jones-who-made-ancient.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Jones_%28philologist%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English words of Sanskrit origin html
https://www.messagetoeagle.com/how-strong-is-the-link-betweenigin-nsanskrit-and-european-languages/