This department is one of the leading centres of research in Sanskrit studies in Kerala. Incepted in the year 1977, the department arose to the level of a major P.G department in Sanskrit and research center within two decades. In collaboration, and with the financial support from leading higher education centers and funding agencies we have been carrying out significant research works like conducting conferences, symposia and colloquia right from 1990's. Eminent dignitaries in the field of Sanskrit research such as Frits Staal, Asko Parpola, Ashok Aklujkar, and Satya Vrat Shastri have been associated with different academic endeavours of ours.

               Besides, we have been procuring manuscripts from various private repositories and have been bringing out editions and critical studies of rare and unpublished works. We have been publishing such works as well as the important lectures delivered by eminent scholars. The proceedings of national and international seminars and conferences organized by us (in collaboration with institutions like Kendra Sahitya Akademi, Central Sanskrit University (erstwhile Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, under the direct auspices of MHRD), and University Grants Commission have also been a part of our publications.

               In fact our strength has been "Research and Publication". We have got publication series, Calicut University Sanskrit Series, which was started in the year1985. So far we have brought out 65 numbers in the series.

               Of course we have been blessed to have eminent scholars as members of the team of faculty. Prof. M. S. Menon a well known critic and a reputed Sanskritist is our founder head. It is Prof. N. V. P. Unithiri, a devote researcher and scholar who carved an excellent academic path. The contributions made, as faculty members by Prof. C Rajendran and Prof. K. N.  Neelakantan Elayath, scholars of international reputes have gone a long way to strengthen the department.

                As per NEP 2020, we ceased to admit new students to MPhil programs. In addition to doctoral-level research, we currently provide two-year P.G. and five-year Integrated P.G. We cover almost every subject and discipline related to both conventional and contemporary Sanskrit education in our P.G. curriculum.