Advanced Sanskrit Learning
Dakshata - 1
This course introduces the student to Sanskrit literature. At the end of the course, the student will develop the ability to study simple Sanskrit literature. He / she will experience sandhis and samasas in practice as they appear in Sanskrit poetry. The part one consists of subhashitani which are easier to understand. Parts 2 and 3 will contain other works of poetry and drama from famous writers such as Kalidasa and Bhasa. Completion of all three parts will be equivalent to completing our on-site diploma course in Sanskrit Syllabus. The course will be delivered in about 50 Shlokas of Neetishatakam will be taught in 50 lessons (sanskrit medium) and the average duration for each lesson is around 12 minutes.
Why learn Sanskrit (Ankurah/ Pravesika / Dakshata) ?
Our ancient religious scriptures like the Vedas, Agamas, Shastras, Puranas, Itihasas etc. and spiritual texts of philosophies are all scripted in Sanskrit. Knowledge of religion can be segmented as learning of scriptures and practice of scriptures. The learning aspect covers understanding Upanishads and Vedic literature. The practice aspect requires mastery of the rules of the Agamas. Both Vedas and Agamas are in Sanskrit. Next, looking at spirituality, a seeker needs to understand philosophical texts. These texts have been developed by our ancient Indian philosophical schools in Sanskrit. For example, the texts of Advaita, Dvaita, Sankhya, Yoga etc. Therefore, for the study of religion and for the pursuit of spirituality it becomes essential to learn Sanskrit. Learning Sanskrit is enabled in a structured manner through the courses we offer. Pravesika 1, 2 and Dakshata 1, 2 & 3 are designed to help a student to start from the very basics and reach a level of high proficiency where he can independently comprehend advanced Sanskrit. These courses facilitate higher learning of Sanskrit language also.
What is the recommended background for taking part in this course?
Completion of Pravesika-2 preferred. Otherwise students must be conversant with Sanskrit.
What are the technical requirements for taking part in this course?
Being an on-line course, you need a computer / mobile / tablet device with internet connection that enables you to watch the video lectures and download study materials as applicable.
What is the format of the Course?
This is a self-paced with one year of active access. The course is delivered through a structured set of lecture videos, which are usually between ten to twenty minutes each. There will be quizzes and worksheets as part of the lessons. Upon completion of each module and/or quiz, the student will be able to activate the next module. This way the students can progress module after module until the end of the course. The course will be available for one year for the student to complete, however if the student wants to finish it early he/she can always do that. You can use the 'Ask an Expert' feature to reach-out to our staff and Subject Matter Experts and get your lesson/course related doubts clarified.
Any suggested reading required?
Soft copy of the course book will be provided. Which contains the material for all three parts.
How are the classes conducted for Dakshata?
All 3 parts of Samskruta Dakshata are self paced and there is no fixed time/live classes. Students, after subscribing to this course can login at their convenience and access the recoded lessons.
If the classes are not live and I have to learn listening to the recording, what should I do if I have any doubts?
For your better understanding, we have given an option called “Ask An Expert” in our Learning Platform. Students can post their question and get their doubts cleared.
Do I need to take all the modules?
Yes. Course completion calls for covering the entire syllabus prescribed.
What should I do if I am having any technical issues?
Student can use the Ask An Expert forum to post their technical issue also. We will fix the issue and post an answer or instruct you to fix it if the issue is to be fixed from your side.
Why only 50/100 Slokas are taught from Neetishatakam?
In Dakshata, we introduce you to different styles of kavyams of different authors. So we give you a taste of famous Kavyams and make you understand them on your own. Once (if) you go through the entire course with finishing practice worksheets you will be able to read a simple literature like Ramayana on your own, not depending on any translations. That is why we are not focussed in completing a text. We rather teach you portions of different types of texts and help you understand the literature on your own.
Will I get a university diploma certificate if I finish 3 parts of Dakshata?
No. We say Dakshata courses are equivalent to diploma, not diploma. However in order to get the diploma certificate with Dakshata courses, you have to register yourselves by visiting the campus and have to appear for the University exam in written form, conducted at the end of academic year in the college premises.
Should I attempt all the quizzes?
As you know, to learn a language, one needs to not only learn well, but also be able to appreciate the nuances of the language, which is based on recalling what is learned. Quizzes help one recall the learned aspects and revise well. Needless to say that the more quizzes one attempts, the preparation would be better. Also progress to the next lesson will be allowed only on passing the quiz.
What are Worksheets and where can I find them?
Worksheets are practice sheets for you to download and use to practice the lesson your are being taught. They can be found below each lesson deck. You can download them for your use. The worksheets need not be sent to us. You can complete the worksheets and verify the answers with the solved worksheets under the 'More Resources' tab.
How long is my course valid?
The course is valid for one year from the date of your joining the course. Within that period you are expected to complete studying the lessons and take the final exam also. If you fail to complete the course within the stipulated time, you can extend the course for a period of 6 months for a nominal fee. On completing the course you will be moved to a learning circle where you can enjoy lifelong access to the lessons and worksheets.
What do I receive at the end of the course and what is the criteria to get it?
After the completion of the course, there is a final exam. If you pass it, you will have successfully completed the course and will get a certificate from Madras Sanskrit College. The certificate will be emailed to you as a soft copy and you may print it, if need be.
How do I take my final exam? Do I need to come in person to the college to write it?
You can take your final exam online from your home or wherever you take your courses. There is no need to come to the college.
What is the exam model?
The exam is an online quiz similar to the lesson quizzes. There will be only MCQs in the exam. You need not write or type anything. As the exam will be in the same model as the lesson quizzes, practising the quizzes after studying the lessons will be effective exam preparation. Further instructions about the exam can be read from the coursepage on completing all the modules.
I didn't do well in the quiz in my first attempt. Can I take it again?
You can take the quiz as many times as you want. The best result among your attempts will be considered for the assessment.
Is there any age limit to take the course?
There is no age limit to take the course.
How do I ensure hassle-free online learning?
For hassle-free online learning experience remember to clear cache in your computer/phone/tablet devices. Keeping the device clean averts errors during its online usage. We recommend Google Chrome or Micrsoft Edge for this program for good learning experience. In both the browsers the cache can be cleaned by opening 'Settings' and searching for 'Clear browsing data'.
