Prayagraj: In an innovative fusion of ancient literature and modern technology, the Sanskrit Department of Ewing Christian College (ECC) in Prayagraj has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to convert two of Sanskrit’s most celebrated classics into animated films. The initiative aims to make complex Sanskrit texts more engaging and easier to understand for students while introducing the language’s literary heritage to a wider audience through digital storytelling. The AI-powered films will be screened during Sanskrit Week on Aug 31 at the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) in Prayagraj.The films are based on Mahakavi Kalidas’s acclaimed play Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Mahakavi Bharavi’s epic Kiratarjuneeyam, both of which are prescribed for undergraduate and postgraduate Sanskrit courses in universities.Head of the Sanskrit Department Aruneya Mishra said the intricate language, poetic style and philosophical depth of these classics often make them difficult for students and general readers to comprehend.“By using AI-generated animation, voiceovers and modern visual effects, we are attempting to build a bridge between technology and tradition,” Mishra said. “The dialogues between Shakuntala and King Dushyanta, as well as the epic battle between Arjuna and the Kirata, will be presented in a visually immersive manner, enabling students to understand the texts more effectively,” he added.The films have been designed to explain the meaning of complex verses through visuals, dialogues and storytelling, making the literary, philosophical and cultural dimensions of the classics more accessible. The department believes the initiative will also generate greater interest in Sanskrit among young learners, who increasingly prefer digital and visual modes of learning.According to the department, the project has three key objectives: simplifying the study of classical Sanskrit literature, encouraging interest in the language among the younger generation and preserving India’s literary heritage through contemporary technology.Mishra said similar AI-based digital films have also been developed on other renowned Sanskrit works, including Meghaduta, Raghuvamsha and Nitishataka. These productions aim to present the timeless values, ethics and philosophy embedded in Sanskrit literature in a format that resonates with present-day audiences.The initiative reflects a growing effort by educational institutions to integrate emerging technologies with the humanities, ensuring that classical knowledge remains relevant and accessible in the digital age. If successful, the project could offer a new model for teaching Sanskrit literature by combining traditional scholarship with AI-driven visual learning.
