Recognise Santali as a Classical Language: The case from Santali ( Munda group) Lexical and Phonological Evidence

In this research, I examine possible historical and lexical connections between Santali and Indo-Aryan languages, particularly Sanskrit, Bengali, Odia and Assamese. I investigate selected Sanskrit words and compare them with corresponding or potentially related forms in Santali and other related languages. My study draws on earlier works in historical linguistics, comparative dictionaries and my own examination of vocabulary. I explore the possibility of Austroasiatic contributions to Indo-Aryan vocabulary, particularly through language contact and borrowing. My aim is to demonstrate, through historical and comparative linguistic evidence, that Santali merits recognition as a classical language Author: Sunil Marndi Affiliation: Independent Researcher