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“Sanskrit was oral: for centuries it had no writing system, and when it did get one, it was not much used, as there were elaborate procedures in place for memorizing texts. Maybe it was a good decision to keep it oral, as this restricted access to all but a small and inbred group of Vedic men who had full control of the valuable srauta rituals. As a result, the sound of the language was the first thing anyone would notice, and this made it clear who was 'us' and who was not.” — Peggy Mohan
Sanskrit was oral: for centuries it had no writing system, and when it did get one, it was not much used, as there were elaborate procedures in place for memorizing texts. Maybe it was a good decision to keep it oral, as this restricted access to all but a small and inbred group of Vedic men who had full control of the valuable srauta rituals. As a result, the sound of the language was the first thing anyone would notice, and this made it clear who was 'us' and who was not.