Sanskrit Syllabus under CBCS Scheme - Bangalore University

The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) implemented by Bangalore University offers a structured and flexible approach to learning, allowing undergraduate students to engage with Sanskrit as a foundational language. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between classical linguistic heritage and contemporary academic requirements, focusing on both literary appreciation and grammatical proficiency.

Overview of the Curriculum Structure

The Sanskrit curriculum under the CBCS scheme is typically divided across the first four semesters for BA, BSc, and BCom programs. Each semester introduces a unique blend of poetry, prose, drama, and grammar, progressively increasing in complexity.

Semester	Primary Focus
Semester I	Basic Prose, Poetry, and Elementary Grammar (Sandhi)
Semester II	Advanced Prose, Drama, and Noun/Verb Forms (Shabda & Dhatu)
Semester III	Classical Literature (Mahakavya) and Syntax (Samasa)
Semester IV	Technical Sanskrit, History of Sanskrit Literature, and Translation

Key Components of the Syllabus

1. Literature (Sahitya)

The literature component includes selections from famous epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as works by classical poets such as Kalidasa, Bhasa, and Banabhatta. These selections are chosen to expose students to various genres, including Gadyam (prose), Padyam (poetry), and Natakam (drama).

2. Grammar (Vyakarana)

Grammar is a cornerstone of the Bangalore University Sanskrit syllabus. Students are expected to master:

• Sandhi: Phonetic combinations and rules of euphonic change.
• Samasa: Compound words and their classifications.
• Shabda and Dhatu: Declensions of nouns and conjugations of verbs, essential for sentence construction.
• Karaka: Case markers and their relationship with verbs.

3. History of Sanskrit Literature

Students gain insights into the chronological development of Sanskrit literature. This includes the Vedic period, the age of the Upanishads, the Classical period (Kavya period), and the development of the Shastras (scientific literature).

4. Communication and Translation

In later semesters, the focus shifts toward functional Sanskrit. This involves the ability to translate simple passages from English/Kannada into Sanskrit and vice versa, as well as the basics of Sanskrit composition, which encourages students to use the language in a practical capacity.

Assessment and Evaluation

The CBCS scheme follows a continuous assessment model. Students are evaluated based on:

• Internal Assessments: Periodic tests, assignments, and attendance-based evaluation.
• Semester-End Examination: A comprehensive written test that evaluates the students proficiency in literary translation, grammatical rules, and critical analysis of the prescribed texts.

Pedagogical Approach

The teaching methodology emphasizes a student-centric approach. Instructors often utilize bilingual instruction (Sanskrit-English or Sanskrit-Kannada) to ensure clarity. The use of digital tools and historical context allows students to understand the relevance of Sanskrit in modern philosophical, scientific, and cultural discourse.

By engaging with this syllabus, students not only gain linguistic proficiency but also develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of moral dilemmas presented in classical narratives. The Bangalore University CBCS Sanskrit curriculum serves as a foundational step for those interested in pursuing higher studies in Indology, linguistics, or cultural history.