Sanskrit is our pride and it is well known that different branches of knowledge have been developed through the medium of the language. The need for understanding this ancient provenance in the light of modern values is strongly felt. The department of Sanskrit Studies and the School of Humanities, University of Hyderabad will jointly organise a National Seminar between 11-13 February 2008 on the theme of Sanskrit in the Modern Context.
There is a mine of information on various sciences like medicine, mathematics, metallurgy, botany and so on. Ayurveda and other Indian systems are now well regarded in the West. Botanical knowledge in the Vrikshayurveda texts needs probing. Information on preservation of seeds, soil testing, methods of increasing production, classification of land, cultivation and so on are described in these texts. Varahamihira'sBrihatsamhita can be studied for scientific theories ranging from seismic studies to ecology, calculation of planetary movements to preparing perfumes. Recent studies and experimental investigations have shown the deep scientific basis of Sanskrit texts.
Pali and Prakrit texts will also figure in this Seminar because of their close connection with the Sanskrit tradition. The atomic theory for example has been put forth in these texts. Metallurgical investigations can find Sanskrit texts useful because they embody indigenous knowledge on making iron structures, which are rust proof like the Qutub Minar and other items of engineering skill. Medieval texts like the Rasopanishad and Rasendrachudamani describe chemical and metallurgical procedures. In Yukti Kalpataru King Bhoja describes processes and techniques of ship building.
Grammar and cognitive science are areas in which Sanskrit has contributed immensely. Panini'sAshtadhyayi is a seminal text and it is well recognised that Computer Science has derived much from it. In philosophy, needless to say, Sanskrit has a great tradition. Modern concerns with the linguistic turn in philosophy; our premium on reasoning and logic, the renewed interest in epistemological questions can be explored with the Sanskrit philosophical texts as a point of reference. Prof. Ingall'sefforts at building bridges between Indian and Western systems of logic are a guide. In Economics, we have Kautilya'smasterpiece on management and administration and political and economic organisation.
Sanskrit, as is well known, is a repository of religious and spiritual knowledge. The Seminar will encourage papers on this ancient provenance in the light of modern needs and concerns. There is a felt need for a kind of ecumenism and cooperation between different religious traditions and the Sanskrit texts can be a point of reference for such an activity. The Aestheticians in Sanskrit have their obvious resonances in a post modern context. Their pronouncement on a range of creative issues needs analysis in the light of contemporary concerns. The Indian Epic tradition and its modern relevance is yet another area. An important area for investigation is the way Sanskrit and the Indian Bhashas relate to one another. The growth of Prakrit, Apabramshas, both Paisachi and Shauraseni needs to be documented. Indian music and its Sanskrit context can be the subject of a paper or two.
The above write up is only indicative and hardly exhaustive. Abstracts on any aspect of ?Sanskrit in the modern context? may be sent to smc.hcu@gmail.com before October 31, 2007. The selected Paper readers will be informed by 15th November 2007. Fully written papers (reading time 20 minutes, discussion 10 minutes) should reach us by 1 January 2008.
Accommodation and local hospitality will be provided. Selected participants will be entitled to travel reimbursement according to rules.
Last Date to send the Abstracts: 31st October 2007 Intimation of Acceptance: 15th November 2007 Full paper due: 1st January 2008
(The writer is Professor & Dean, School of Humanities,University of Hyderabad.)
