Animals Name in Sanskrit and English With Pictures: A Comprehensive List

Sanskrit is an ancient language that has been used for thousands of years. It is known for its rich vocabulary and diverse range of words. In this article, we will explore the names of animals in Sanskrit, from the common ones to the rare and exotic.

Introduction to Animals Names in Sanskrit

Sanskrit is considered to be one of the oldest languages in the world, with its origins dating back to around 1500 BCE. It is a language that has been used in various fields, including literature, religion, philosophy, and science. One of the interesting aspects of Sanskrit is its vocabulary, which is very diverse and extensive. In fact, Sanskrit has a wide range of words for animals, which is not surprising considering the significance of animals in Indian culture and religion.

Domestic Animals in Sanskrit

Domestic animals have played a vital role in human civilization since ancient times. Sanskrit has various words for domestic animals, and some of the most common ones include:

Cow

In Sanskrit, a cow is known as “Go” or “Gau”. The cow is considered to be a sacred animal in Hinduism, and it is often associated with goddesses like Kamadhenu and Surabhi.

Dog

The word for a dog in Sanskrit is “Shvan”. Dogs were kept as pets and used for hunting in ancient India.

Horse

Horses have been used for transportation and warfare in ancient India. In Sanskrit, the word for horse is “Ashva”.

Elephant

Elephants are considered to be sacred animals in Hinduism and Buddhism. The Sanskrit word for elephant is “Gaja”.

Cat

Cats were also kept as pets in ancient India. In Sanskrit, the word for cat is “Bhadrakali”.

Wild Animals in Sanskrit

India is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and Sanskrit has many words to describe these animals. Here are some of the wild animals in Sanskrit:

Lion

The lion is known as “Simha” in Sanskrit. It is considered to be a symbol of power and strength in Indian culture.

Tiger

The Sanskrit word for tiger is “Vyaghra”. Tigers are native to India and are a part of Indian folklore and mythology.

Bear

Bears are found in many parts of India. In Sanskrit, the word for bear is “Riksha”.

Monkey

Monkeys are found in many parts of India and are often associated with Lord Hanuman in Hindu mythology. In Sanskrit, the word for monkey is “Markata”.

Deer

Deer are native to India and are often featured in Indian art and literature. The Sanskrit word for deer is “Mrig”.

Aquatic Animals in Sanskrit

India is surrounded by water on three sides, and Sanskrit has many words to describe aquatic animals. Here are some of the aquatic animals in Sanskrit:

Fish

The Sanskrit word for fish is “Matsya”. Fish are an important part of Indian cuisine and are also considered to be sacred in Hinduism.

Crocodile

Crocodiles are found in many parts of India, and the Sanskrit word for crocodile is “Graha”.

Turtle

Turtles are often associated with Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. In Sanskrit, the word for turtle is “Kurma”.

Dolphin

Dolphins are found in the coastal regions of India. The Sanskrit word for dolphin is “Shankh”.

Octopus

Octopuses are found in the deep waters of the Indian Ocean. The Sanskrit word for octopus is “Ardhavaktra”.

FAQs

1. Is Sanskrit still spoken in India? Ans: While Sanskrit is not commonly spoken in everyday life, it is still taught and used in religious and academic contexts in India.
2. Are all animals considered sacred in Hinduism? Ans: No, not all animals are considered sacred in Hinduism. However, cows, elephants, and monkeys are among the animals that hold significant religious and cultural importance in Hinduism.
3. Are there any endangered animals in India? Ans: Yes, there are several endangered animals in India, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and Indian rhinoceros.
4. How do you pronounce the Sanskrit word for lion? Ans: The Sanskrit word for lion, “Simha,” is pronounced as “s-im-ha.”
5. What is the significance of animals in Indian mythology? Ans: Animals play a significant role in Indian mythology and are often associated with gods and goddesses. They are also seen as symbols of strength, power, and wisdom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sanskrit is a language that has a vast vocabulary, including a diverse range of words for animals. The names of animals in Sanskrit are not only fascinating but also provide insight into Indian culture, mythology, and religion. Whether it’s the domestic animals that were a part of ancient Indian society, the wild animals that roam India’s forests and mountains, or the aquatic animals that thrive in the country’s rivers and oceans, Sanskrit has a word for all of them.