সংস্কৃত ও বাংলা ভাষা : উৎপত্তি, বিবর্তন, পারস্পরিক প্রভাব ও আধুনিক প্রাসঙ্গিকতা/ Sanskrit and Bengali Languages : Origin, Evolution, Mutual Influence and Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

The relationship between Sanskrit and Bengali represents one of the most fascinating linguistic and cultural continuities in South Asia. Sanskrit, often regarded as the classical language of India, has profoundly influenced the formation, vocabulary, grammar, and literary tradition of Bengali. This article explores the historical evolution, linguistic structure, literary exchange, and contemporary relevance of Sanskrit and Bengali through a comparative framework.

         The study begins by examining the origin of Sanskrit as an Indo-Aryan language and its transition from Vedic Sanskrit to Classical Sanskrit. It then traces the emergence of Bengali from Magadhi Prakrit and Apabhramsha, highlighting how Sanskrit functioned as the primary source of lexical enrichment and grammatical structuring in the Bengali language. The article further investigates phonological simplification, morphological transformation, and syntactic evolution that distinguish Bengali from Sanskrit while still retaining a strong structural relationship.

         A significant portion of the paper analyses the literary interaction between the two languages. From ancient epics and Puranic traditions to medieval devotional literature and modern Bengali prose, Sanskrit has served as a reservoir of themes, narratives, philosophical ideas, and stylistic models. The influence of Sanskrit on Bengali literature through translation, adaptation, and reinterpretation is critically examined.

         The article also addresses the sociolinguistic shift from Sanskrit as a sacred and elite language to Bengali as a people’s language. This transition reflects broader cultural democratization and regional identity formation. Finally, the paper evaluates the modern relevance of Sanskrit in contemporary Bengali society, education, and linguistic identity.

          This comparative study argues that Bengali is not merely derived from Sanskrit but represents a dynamic transformation that integrates classical heritage with regional creativity. The relationship between the two languages demonstrates how linguistic continuity and cultural adaptation coexist in shaping South Asian intellectual traditions.