Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, holds a revered place as the custodian of millennia of knowledge. Its precision, adaptability, and ability to convey layered meanings have ensured its continued relevance in philosophical and scientific domains. In this era of rapid innovation, where intellectual property plays a pivotal role, could Sanskrit become the language of Indian patents? This thought-provoking proposal brings together compelling advantages and important challenges.
The recent decision by the Lok Sabha secretariat to provide simultaneous interpretation of parliamentary proceedings in Sanskrit is a significant and welcome move in reviving the language’s practical use. By enabling Sanskrit to be actively spoken and comprehended in the highest legislative institution of the country, India has demonstrated its commitment to preserving and modernising this ancient tongue. This step opens up new possibilities for integrating Sanskrit into contemporary governance, law, and science — including its potential application in the domain of intellectual property rights. If Sanskrit can facilitate legislative discourse, it can certainly serve as a medium for patent documentation, preserving and protecting India’s technological advancements while reaffirming its cultural heritage.
Story continues below this ad
Patents are meant to protect and preserve knowledge, a role Sanskrit has excelled in throughout history. Ancient Indian texts, from the Charaka Samhita in medicine to the Surya Siddhanta in astronomy, demonstrate how complex knowledge systems were codified in Sanskrit with clarity and brevity. Its unique feature of interpretability allows a single phrase to hold multiple meanings, making it an effective safeguard against misuse. A well-written patent in Sanskrit might not only be impenetrable to casual infringement but also leave even legal experts marvelling at its depth—a bonus layer of protection.
At the same time, Sanskrit’s ability to convey complex ideas concisely makes it ideal for drafting patents, reducing lengthy and complicated descriptions. Consider this: where English might require an entire paragraph, Sanskrit, with its compact and precise grammar, could summarise it in a single shloka. For instance, Newton’s first law of motion—”An object in motion stays in motion, and an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an external force”—could be expressed in Sanskrit as
“यावत् बाह्यकारणं न भवति, तावत् स्थितिः यथावत्।”
(As long as no external force acts, the state remains unchanged.)
Story continues below this ad
Similarly, a patent claim for a solar-powered water pump system in English—“A solar-powered water pump system comprising a photovoltaic panel for converting solar energy into electrical energy, a pump mechanism to transport water, and a controller for regulating the operation of the pump”—could be rendered in Sanskrit as
“सौरशक्तिसंयुतः जलपम्पः यः सौरशक्तिं विद्युत्शक्तिं प्रति परिवर्तयति, पम्पमेचनं जलं परिवहति, यः नियन्ता पम्पस्य चालनं नियन्त्रयति।”
Sanskrit embodies brevity as its hallmark, excelling where other languages falter. Creating new terminology for modern concepts in Sanskrit is not difficult. This has already been demonstrated through news broadcasts in Sanskrit on radio and television, where contemporary ideas and events are communicated seamlessly. Words like vidyut (electricity), yantra (machine), and doordarshan (television) have been part of the Sanskrit vocabulary for decades, showcasing its ability to evolve. Similarly, Sanskrit can address the needs of highly technical fields. For example, a claim for a drone navigation system—“A drone navigation system comprising a GPS module for determining position, an autopilot module for autonomous control, and sensors for obstacle detection”—can be effectively translated as
“ड्रोननाविगेशन प्रणाली यः स्थितिनिर्धारणाय जीपीएस विभागं, स्वायत्तनियन्त्रणाय स्वचालनविभागं, तथा अवरोधसमीक्षणाय संवेदनकान् धारयति।”
These examples underscore Sanskrit’s potential to blend ancient linguistic structures with cutting-edge innovation.
The adoption of Sanskrit as a language for patents can also be implemented in stages. Initially, it could be introduced as an optional language alongside English and Hindi, the two official languages for patent filing in India. This gradual approach would allow inventors and professionals to adapt without disruption. For Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications not filed or published in English, an English translation must currently be submitted within the 31-month time period. Sanskrit’s introduction as an optional language would work within these existing frameworks, ensuring a smooth transition.
Using Sanskrit in patents could also encourage the revival of the language. Scientists, inventors, and legal professionals would have a reason to study it, fostering interest across disciplines. Imagine a future where tech startups hold “Learn Sanskrit” sessions alongside coding bootcamps—a blend of tradition and innovation that could redefine corporate culture.
Many countries already file patents in their native languages, including China, Japan, Germany, France, Russia, and Korea. India’s adoption of Sanskrit for this purpose would align with these global practices while positioning itself uniquely in showcasing its heritage and innovation. As they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” If Latin worked for ancient Rome, why shouldn’t Sanskrit work for modern India?
However, there are challenges to consider. Sanskrit is not widely spoken today, so training inventors and legal experts would require significant effort. The language’s interpretability, while an advantage, could create disputes in legal cases due to multiple interpretations of the same text. Picture a courtroom debate over whether a Sanskrit shloka describes a wind turbine or a ceiling fan—it could be both enlightening and entertaining. Additionally, translating Sanskrit patents for global filings might be resource-intensive. Nevertheless, India has a talented pool of software engineers, making the development of a robust translation program a realistic and attainable challenge. Such a program could ensure smooth global compatibility and further enhance the feasibility of the proposal.
most read
The recent introduction of Sanskrit interpretation in the Lok Sabha is a testament to the government’s efforts to bring the language into the mainstream. This initiative can serve as a stepping stone for broader applications of Sanskrit in official, scientific, and legal frameworks. If a language can facilitate real-time parliamentary debates, why not intellectual property filings? In an age where countries are embracing their linguistic heritage in scientific and technological domains, India has the opportunity to take a pioneering step by integrating Sanskrit into its patent system.
Despite the challenges, the proposal has both symbolic and practical value. It reflects India’s ability to connect its ancient traditions with modern needs. By reviving Sanskrit in this modern context, India could underscore the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in addressing contemporary challenges. The proposal is ambitious, but ambition has always been the hallmark of innovation.
The writer is former director, Agharkar Research Institute (DST, Govt of India), Pune, and visiting professor, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
