Logo

Sanskrit language has functioned as a repository of various knowledge system and intellectual discourses for more than three millennia. With a view to bring out the holistic perspective of these systems and discourses, the Sahitya Akademi organized a national seminar on ‘India’s Intellectual Traditions as revealed through Sanskrit Sources’ during March 2013 at New Delhi. Most of the papers collected in this volumes were presented in this seminar. They evince fresh insights into India’s intellectual traditions. They emphasize over the scientific perspectives in Nyaya-Vaisesika philosophies and the relevance of Paninian grammar for machine translations and computational linguistics. They also establish the humanistic approach of the Tantras and contribution of Sanskrit to global culture.

I this elaborate introduction to the volume, Radhavallabh Tripathi, has presented a survey of various knowledge systems in Sanskrit in a historical perspective. The authors of the essays collected in this volume examine the system of Paninian Grammar, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Buddhist philosophy and Alankarasastra (literary theory) to explore their relevance in modern times. They also address the problems which confront society today. The hermeneutic studies made here encompass the broad outlook and logical approach to issues of life. They evolve a framework of humanistic culture and pluralism.