Sanskrit is indeed a significant and ancient language with rich cultural and religious ties, comparisons between languages often involve subjective viewpoints. Other ancient languages, like Latin, Ancient Greek, and Classical Chinese, also hold immense historical and cultural value. Each language has its unique features, contributions, and significance in various fields. The perception of "equality" can vary based on individual preferences and contexts.

Sanskrit is indeed a significant and ancient language with rich cultural and religious ties, comparisons between languages often involve subjective viewpoints. Other ancient languages, like Latin, Ancient Greek, and Classical Chinese, also hold immense historical and cultural value. Each language has its unique features, contributions, and significance in various fields. The perception of "equality" can vary based on individual preferences and contexts.

The development of Sanskrit is a fascinating journey that spans over thousands of years. It emerged as an Indo-Aryan language, evolving from a common ancestral language known as Proto-Indo-European. Here's a brief overview of its development:

1. **Proto-Indo-European Origins:** Sanskrit's roots can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European language, which is believed to have existed around 4500 to 2500 BCE. This language gave rise to various language branches, including Indo-Aryan, from which Sanskrit eventually emerged.

2. **Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE):** The earliest form of Sanskrit is found in the Vedas, a collection of ancient religious texts composed by the Indo-Aryan people in what is present-day northern India. During this period, the language was primarily oral and used for religious and ritual purposes.

3. **Classical Sanskrit (500 BCE–500 CE):** The grammarian Panini's work "Ashtadhyayi" standardized and codified Sanskrit's structure and grammar, making it a refined and systematic language. This period saw the composition of classical texts like the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as philosophical and scientific treatises.

4. **Medieval and Post-Classical Periods (500–1500 CE):** While classical Sanskrit continued to be used, regional variations and developments led to the emergence of Prakrit languages. Sanskrit remained the language of scholarly discourse, religious texts, and royal patronage.

5. **Modern Period (1500 CE–Present):** As India underwent various historical changes, classical Sanskrit evolved into what is known as "Modern Sanskrit." While the language declined as a spoken language, it continued to be used in religious and philosophical texts, academic settings, and literary compositions.

Throughout its development, Sanskrit's grammatical and phonetic intricacies were meticulously documented by scholars and grammarians, making it one of the most well-studied languages in history. The language's influence has spread beyond India, with its concepts contributing to the study of linguistics, grammar, and philosophy worldwide.

Sanskrit's enduring significance lies not only in its linguistic complexities but also in its role as a repository of ancient knowledge, religious texts, literature, and cultural heritage.