Adhunik Bharatiya Bhashao Ka Vikas Aur Prakrit Tatha Apbhramsa

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Adhunik Bharatiya Bhashao Ka Vikas Aur Prakrit Tatha Apbhramsa" by Devendra Jain, focusing on the key arguments and examples presented in the initial pages:

Core Argument:

The book argues that to understand the development of modern Indian languages, it is crucial to study Prakrit and Apabhramsa. These languages represent the medieval stage of Indo-Aryan languages and preserve their colloquial elements. While Sanskrit is acknowledged as a source, Prakrit and Apabhramsa acted as the crucial intermediaries, filtering and transforming the language as it entered the spoken domain. A scientific study of Indian language development requires tracing the evolution backward from modern languages to Prakrit and Apabhramsa.

Key Points and Reasoning:

• Prakrit as a Parallel and Intermediate Language: Prakrit is presented as a language that existed parallel to Sanskrit, embodying the spoken, everyday usage of the Indian Aryans. It preserved the "folk elements" of the language that Sanskrit, with its formalized rules, might not have.

• The Sanskrit-Prakrit Relationship: The author addresses the debate about the antiquity of Sanskrit versus Prakrit. He suggests that both are like two sides of the same coin, originating from an earlier stage of Indo-Aryan. Sanskrit is the formalized, rule-bound version, while Prakrit is the natural, spoken expression.

• Apabhramsa as the Bridge: Apabhramsa is identified as a further evolution of this natural spoken language, forming a vital link between medieval and modern Indian languages.

• The Importance of Studying Prakrit and Apabhramsa: The text emphasizes that the elements preserved in Prakrit and Apabhramsa are essential for understanding the transformation and development of Indian languages. Without their study, the evolutionary process of Indo-Aryan languages cannot be grasped.

• Scientific Approach to Language Study: A scientific approach to studying language development involves comparing similarities and identifying common sources for differences. This comparative study allows for a clearer understanding of the evolutionary process. Tracing language evolution "backwards" (from modern to older forms) is crucial for clarity and authenticity.

• The Gap in Linguistic Scholarship: A significant obstacle identified is the disconnect between scholars of Sanskrit-Prakrit and scholars of modern languages. Specialists in one area often lack familiarity with the linguistic trends of the other, hindering a holistic understanding of Indian language development.

• Etymological Examples: The latter part of the provided text offers a series of etymological explanations for various Hindi words, demonstrating their connection to Prakrit and Apabhramsa. These examples are presented to illustrate the argument that many seemingly "common" or "Persian" words have Indian Aryan roots, filtered through Prakrit and Apabhramsa. Some examples include:

  • Juhaar (Salutation): Traced from Sanskrit 'Jayakar'.
  • Jauhar (Mass self-immolation): Linked to the Sanskrit 'Jatugriha' (house of lac).
  • Dulha (Groom): Derived from Sanskrit 'Durlabha' (rare).
  • Damad (Son-in-law): Originating from Sanskrit 'Jamata', with phonetic shifts.
  • Barat (Wedding procession): Connected to Sanskrit 'Varyatra'.
  • Sahitani (Token/Identifier): Derived from 'Sahijanika'.
  • Janet (Wedding procession): From Sanskrit 'Yajnatra'.
  • Nehar (Maternal home): From 'Jnatigriha' (house of relatives).
  • Panbida (Betel leaf): From Sanskrit 'Parna + Vitaka'.
  • Lahore: From 'Shalatur'.
  • Kharoshti (Script): Traced from 'Akshar + Osthi' (letter + lip), rejecting folk etymologies.
  • Dhor (Cattle): From Sanskrit 'Dhavala' (white).
  • Ranbasera (Night shelter): From 'Rajani Vasatigriha'.
  • Sawar (Rider): From 'Ashvarohak'.
  • Lukathi (Torch): From 'Jvalitakashthika'.
  • Bhauhra (Underground chamber): From 'Bhumigriha'.
  • Bhunsar (Dawn): From 'Bhanushala' (house of light).
  • Pagdi (Turban): From Sanskrit 'Prakrita' related words, with semantic extensions.
  • Anadi (Ignorant): From 'Ajnaani', rejecting alternative theories.
  • Akhada (Arena): From 'Akshavata', rejecting derivations from 'Akhata'.
  • Ahutha (Three and a half cubits): From 'Ardha + Tri'.
  • Asrar (Boundless/Eternal): From 'Ajastrara'.
  • Arsi (Mirror): From 'Adarshika'.
  • Adhed (Middle-aged): From 'Ardha-vriddha'.
  • Khadi (Standing): Discusses linguistic variations and the nature of 'Khadi Boli'.
  • Khadaun (Wooden sandals): From 'Kathapraduka'.
  • Rassi/Lejuri (Rope): From Sanskrit 'Rashmi' and 'Rajju'.
  • Bada (Big): From Sanskrit 'Brihat'.

• The "Mint" of Language: The text concludes by stating that everyday usage is the "mint" that refines, shapes, and authenticates language. Without this process, daily communication wouldn't be possible.

• Future Needs: The author stresses the necessity of creating etymological dictionaries for Prakrit and Apabhramsa, rich with references and examples. This would be followed by studying the origins and development of regional languages and dialects, identifying their links to older forms, thereby establishing authentic regional and historical linguistic trends.

In essence, the provided excerpt lays the groundwork for a comprehensive linguistic study that firmly places Prakrit and Apabhramsa as indispensable links in the evolution of modern Indian languages, urging scholars to bridge existing disciplinary divides and to delve into the rich etymological heritage of these intermediary languages.