Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages of the Indian subcontinent. The literature in Sanskrit is vast, beginning with the most ancient thought embodied in the Rig Veda, the oldest literary heritage of mankind, and the Zend Avesta. It has been argued that Sanskrit is perhaps the only language that transcends the barriers of regions and boundaries. It has had an influence across all parts of India as can be explained by the following:

• The vast arena of academic disciplines: Sanskrit transcends the vast arena of academic disciplines such as math, physical, natural, and material sciences, astronomy, medicine, astrology, philosophy, political science, etc. For instance, ‘Abhijnana Shakuntalam’ and ‘Meghdooť by Kalidasa, Chanakya’s ‘Arthashastra’ and Vatsyayana’s’ Kamasutra’ were written in the Sanskrit language.
• Philosophical language of religions: It is the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. For example, the Vedas, Upanishads related to Hinduism, Mahavastu & Lalitavistara texts related to Hinayana and Mahayana schools of Buddhism are all written in Sanskrit.
• Mother of many Indian languages: The literature of most Indian languages borrows from the vast pool of Sanskrit; the influence of Sanskrit can be seen in major European languages too.
• Geographical presence: The geographical extent of the language was not only confined to the Indian subcontinent but also spread to Central Asia & Southeast Asia. For example, Kalhan’s Rajatarangini written in Sanskrit gave a detailed account of the kings of Kashmir, whereas, Sanskrit inscriptions (Prasasti) are found in Indonesia & Malaysia.
• Temporal Expanse: Sanskrit transcends temporally across different periods highlighting their socio-cultural life. For example, Vedas & Puranas illustrated life during the Vedic period, Arathshastra showcased life during Mauryan times, whereas works of Bhasa, Shudraka, Kalidasa, and Banabhatta provided us with glimpses of the social and cultural life of northern and central India in times of the Guptas and Harsha.
• Scientific and computer-friendly: Sanskrit grammar is mathematical, which makes this language scientific and computer-friendly. It is said that the language is immensely suitable for developing an artificial language.

Thus it can be argued that Sanskrit is one of the most refined languages and can play an important role in promoting multilingualism, as understanding of other languages (rooted in Sanskrit) can be made easier.