Course Content

In the final quarter of the program, students will dive deep into the study of vṛttis, which refers to complex formations in Saṃskṛtam that require explanation. In particular, they will focus on samāsa vṛttis, which involve the formation of compound words by combining several words. This quarter will cover the last two of the four classes of compounds, namely bahuvrīhi (attributive) and avyayībhāva (adverbial), along with their subclassifications. Students will explore these samāsas through numerous examples and learn vigraha vākyāni, which provides an in-depth expounding of a samāsa. Additionally, they will apply the rules of sandhi in creating these compounds and learn the rules that govern pūrvapada, uttarapada, and the determination of gender in compound words. Through carefully designed exercises, students will develop the ability to identify these samāsas in Saṃskṛtam texts. As the four-year certificate program comes to a close, students will showcase their Saṃskṛtam knowledge by creating skits, presenting them in class, and engaging in constructive debates with their peers on assigned topics in Saṃskṛtam. This demonstrates their potential to effectively communicate in spoken and written Saṃskṛtam. The knowledge of sandhis and samāsas acquired in the final year not only enables students to continue their self-study, but also prepares them for the Master of Arts in Saṃskṛtam program at HUA, if they choose to pursue it.