What challenges did Joan Mascaró i Fornés face in promoting Sanskrit language studies in 20th-century Spain?

Joan Mascaró i Fornés encountered significant challenges while promoting Sanskrit language studies in 20th-century Spain, a period marked by political turmoil and cultural conservatism. During the early and mid-1900s, Spain was grappling with the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Francoist dictatorship, which imposed strict controls on education and intellectual freedoms. This environment was not particularly conducive to the study of Eastern languages or philosophies, which were often seen as esoteric or irrelevant to the nationalist agenda emphasizing Spanish identity and Catholic tradition. Consequently, Mascaró's efforts to introduce and develop Sanskrit studies faced institutional resistance and a lack of widespread academic support.

Additionally, Sanskrit was far from a mainstream subject in Spanish universities, which traditionally focused on classical Western languages such as Latin and Greek. Resources for learning Sanskrit, including textbooks, dictionaries, and knowledgeable instructors, were scarce, making it difficult for students and scholars to access the materials needed to study the language effectively. Mascaró had to often rely on his own translations and research, which required perseverance and dedication. Furthermore, public interest in Indian culture and philosophy was limited, so Mascaró needed to work hard to generate curiosity and respect for the profound literary and spiritual heritage embedded in Sanskrit texts.

Despite these obstacles, Joan Mascaró's passion for Sanskrit and his expertise in translation played a crucial role in raising awareness of the language's value. His translations of important Sanskrit works into English helped bridge cultural gaps and introduced Spanish readers to the richness of Indian traditions. Over time, his scholarly contributions helped establish a foundation for Indology in Spain, inspiring future generations to explore the ancient language and its literature. Nevertheless, the path was neither simple nor widely supported, reflecting the broader challenges of promoting non-Western studies in a culturally restrictive era.