Using n-aksaras to model Sanskrit and Sanskrit-adjacent texts

Abstract: Despite -- or perhaps because of -- their simplicity, n-grams, or contiguous sequences of tokens, have been used with great success in computational linguistics since their introduction in the late 20th century. Recast as k-mers, or contiguous sequences of monomers, they have also found applications in computational biology. When applied to the analysis of texts, n-grams usually take the form of sequences of words. But if we try to apply this model to the analysis of Sanskrit texts, we are faced with the arduous task of, firstly, resolving sandhi to split a phrase into words, and, secondly, splitting long compounds into their components. This paper presents a simpler method of tokenizing a Sanskrit text for n-grams, by using n-aksaras, or contiguous sequences of aksaras. This model reduces the need for sandhi resolution, making it much easier to use on raw text. It is also possible to use this model on Sanskrit-adjacent texts, e.g., a Tamil commentary on a Sanskrit text. As a test case, the commentaries on Amarakosa 1.0.1 have been modelled as n-aksaras, showing patterns of text reuse across ten centuries and nine languages. Some initial observations are made concerning Buddhist commentarial practices.