Patrick S. D. McCartney, "Sanskrit-Speaking' Villages, Linguistic Utopias and the Metaphysics of Development" (Routledge, 2026)

About this episode

Patrick S. D. McCartney discusses his exploration of 'Sanskritland' and the role of Sanskrit in contemporary society and development.

Sanskrit-Speaking' Villages, Linguistic Utopias and the Metaphysics of Development (Routledge, 2026) is a recollection of the McCartney's journey across 'Sanskritland, ' which is the term coined to refer to the utopian landscape within which the 'Language of the Gods' is thought to be spoken. There are three destinations on the author's journey. This study sheds light on how, why, and where Sanskrit is spoken in the twenty-first century, the complex and dynamic historical and contemporary that have allowed this, and how both yoga and Sanskrit are instruments for development and soft-power projects. This book is an essential read for scholars and students of linguistic anthropology, Indology, and sustainable development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

People in this episode

Guest: Patrick S. D. McCartney

Topics covered

• Sanskrit
• linguistic anthropology
• sustainable development
• Indology
• cultural utopias

Keywords

• Sanskrit
• linguistic utopias
• development
• yoga
• cultural studies
• Indology
• sustainable development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Routledge

Books & works: Sanskrit-Speaking' Villages, Linguistic Utopias and the Metaphysics of Development

Places: Sanskritland

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