Classical Sanskrit is an ancient language of India, known for its rich literary and philosophical heritage. It evolved from Vedic Sanskrit, which was used in the sacred texts of Hinduism. Classical Sanskrit became prominent around the 4th century BCE and is characterized by its grammar and vocabulary, as codified by the grammarian Pāṇini. This language is the medium for many important works, including the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and various philosophical texts. Although it is no longer spoken as a native language, Classical Sanskrit remains significant in religious, academic, and cultural contexts, influencing many modern languages in the Indian subcontinent.