Sanskrit is an ancient language of India, still used in Hindu religious services (like Latin used to be in Christian services). Many modern Indian languages are derived from Sanskrit. It is an Indo-Aryan language and there are many similarities between it and other classical languages like Latin (e.g. Deva in Sanskrit, Deos in Latin and Theos in Greek; Pita/Pater/Patir for father; Mata/Mater/Mater for mother; Vid/Videre - to know or see). Veda means sacred knowledge and the Vedas are the ancient Hindu scriptures (like Bible in Christianity).