[chattoraj]

>isn't being held captive behind closed doors waiting for Sanskrit-speaking liberators

Over-dramatizing the other guy's statement does not constitute a response.

Even ignoring the religious angle, Sanskrit was the primary language of literature, science and philosophy in India for over a millennium. Surely a person might want to read some of that without being employed as a researcher.

(And before you ask, most of it hasn't been translated and will probably never be translated. See http://www.columbia.edu/cu/mesaas/faculty/directory/pollock_... )

[r0h1n]

Again, what HN reader (or otherwise), do you think is interested in reading ancient literature written in Sanskrit? A researcher or linguist I'm guessing. And maybe 3 other people.

I'm afraid your arguments in favour of learning Sanskrit are as generic and theoretical as most other comments.

[1457389]

I am interested. Not a researcher, not a linguist. Just some asshole who wants to know a new skill that may come in handy when exploring Indian mythology. You really need to just concede that your interests are your own and that your rather harsh view of Sanskrit is one that isn't universally shared.

[madhuprasanna]

>Sanskrit was the primary language of literature

was one of the.. FIFY.

[1457389]

Maybe you should read the rest of that sentence...