Why Sanskrit is not dead after all
Sanskrit is experiencing a resurgence in Nepal with rising enrolment in gurukuls and Sanskrit universities, with around 25,000 students currently studying the language. The revival is driven by factors such as ritual economics, Hindu nationalism, and the lure of free room and board.
Sanskrit, once considered a 'dead language,' is witnessing a resurgence in Nepal. Enrolment is rising in traditional institutions, with around 1,000 students studying at gurukuls in the Devghat area. Nepal Sanskrit University has seen a significant increase in students, with 1,088 enrolled at Balmeeki Campus in Kathmandu. The government allocated Rs 1.40 billion for the university's 12 constituent and 19 affiliated campuses in the last fiscal year. Nationwide, around 25,000 students are studying Sanskrit, with 500 gurukuls operating across the country. The renewed appeal lies in Sanskrit's growing link to livelihoods, with demand for individuals skilled in karmakanda and yoga.
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