Agam Aur Tripitak Ek Anushilan Part 2 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of "Agam aur Tripitak Ek Anushilan Part 2" by Nagrajmuni, focusing on its content regarding language and literature, particularly in relation to Jain (Agam) and Buddhist (Tripitaka) traditions.

Book Title: Agam aur Tripitak Ek Anushilan (A Critical Study of the Jaina and the Buddhist Canonical Literature) Volume: II (Language & Literature) Author: Rashtrasant Munishri Nagarajji D. Litt. Publisher: Arhat Prakashan

Overall Theme: This volume is the second in a series exploring the Jaina and Buddhist scriptures. It delves into the language and literature of both traditions, highlighting their astonishing closeness and shared origins, as well as their distinct evolutionary paths. The author, Muni Nagarajji, a respected Jain Muni, aims for an impartial and in-depth scholarly analysis, synthesizing rigorous research with a broad outlook. The book is praised for its lack of communal or religious bias and its ability to illuminate complex subjects with clarity.

Key Areas Covered in Volume II:

The Flow of World Languages (विश्व भाषा-प्रवाह):
- Interconnectedness of Languages: The book begins by exploring the surprising closeness of languages across vast distances, drawing parallels between Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, etc.) and Western languages (French, English, Greek, Latin), despite superficial differences. It also notes the lack of fundamental connection between North Indian and South Indian languages (like Tamil).
- Branches of Linguistics: It systematically explains the core branches of linguistics:
  - Phonology (ध्वनि-विज्ञान): The study of sounds, their production, nature, and evolution.
  - Morphology (रूप-विज्ञान): The study of word forms, inflections (like sut, ting in Sanskrit), and their development.
  - Semantics (अर्थ-विज्ञान): The evolution and interconnectedness of word meanings, illustrating with the example of the word 'jugupsa' (meaning of defense to hatred).
  - Syntax (वाक्य-विज्ञान): The structure of sentences, word order, and their impact on meaning, illustrated with English and Sanskrit examples.
  - Etymology (व्युत्पत्ति-विज्ञान): The study of word origins and their historical journey.
- Origin of Language: The text discusses various theories on the origin of language, including divine origin (Vedic, Buddhist, Jain views), imitation (bow-wow theory), gestures, and emotional outbursts, while critically evaluating them. It highlights the difficulty in pinpointing a definitive origin.
- Ancient Indian Linguistic Traditions: It details the contributions of ancient Indian scholars like Yaska (Nirukta), Panini (Ashtadhyayi), Katyayana (Vartikas), and Patanjali (Mahabhashya) to linguistics, emphasizing their scientific approach.
- Greek and European Linguistic Analysis: It briefly touches upon the early linguistic thoughts of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and the development of Greek and Latin grammars, highlighting their influence on later Western linguistics.
- Modern Linguistic Traditions: It discusses the contributions of Western scholars like Sir William Jones, whose work on Sanskrit significantly impacted the development of comparative linguistics and the understanding of the Indo-European language family.
- Language Classification: It covers typological (agglutinative, fusional) and geographical classifications of languages, and the concept of language families, with a particular focus on the Indo-European family.
Ancient Indian Arya Languages (प्राचीन भारतीय आर्य भाषाएं):
- Chronology: Outlines the chronological development of Indo-Aryan languages.
- Vedic Literature: Details the language of the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, highlighting their linguistic features and significance.
- Vedic vs. Classical Sanskrit: Discusses the differences between Vedic Sanskrit (Chhandas) and Classical Sanskrit (Bhasha), with Panini's role in standardizing Classical Sanskrit.
Middle Indo-Aryan Languages (मध्यकालीन भारतीय आर्य भाषाएं):
- Prakrit: Discusses the origin and evolution of Prakrit languages, their various forms (like Magadhi, Shauraseni, Ardhamagadhi, Paisachi, Maharashtri), and their linguistic characteristics. It critically examines the traditional view that Prakrit originated from Sanskrit, proposing instead a common archaic origin or a parallel development.
- Pali Language and Buddhist Canonical Literature (पालि-भाषा और पिटक-वाङमय): Explores the Pali language, its history, etymology (discussing various theories including link to 'pali' as 'passage' or 'sequence'), and its relationship with Buddhist scriptures (Tripitaka). It discusses the compilation of the Tripitaka and the various Buddhist Councils.
- Inscriptional Prakritas (शिलालेखी प्राकृत): Focuses on the language of Ashoka's inscriptions, analyzing their regional variations and linguistic features. It discusses the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts used in these inscriptions.
Origin and Development of Script in India (भारत में लिपि-कला का उद्भव और विकास):
- Theories of Script Origin: Discusses various theories regarding the origin of script, including divine origin (Brahma), the contributions of Rishis, and the debated connection with Semitic and Chinese scripts.
- Brahmi Script: Details the evolution of the Brahmi script, its importance as the ancestor of most Indian scripts, and mentions its presence in Jain literature.
- Kharosthi Script: Discusses the Kharosthi script, its usage, origin theories (linking it to Aramaic), and its gradual decline.
- Sanskrit vs. Prakrit Usage: Explains the different linguistic conventions in ancient Indian dramas, where Sanskrit was used by higher social strata and Prakrit by common people and women, reflecting the sociolinguistic landscape of the time.
- Ashokan Inscriptions: Provides a detailed analysis of Ashoka's inscriptions, categorizing them and discussing the language used in each, highlighting regional variations and linguistic influences.
Prakrit of the Transitional Period (संक्रान्ति-काल की प्राकृतें):
- Brahmi and Kharosthi: Discusses the presence and usage of Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in inscriptions outside India, particularly in Central Asia (like Niya Prakrit).
- Ashvaghosha's Dramas: Analyzes the Prakrit usage in Ashvaghosha's dramas, noting the distinct portrayal of characters through different Prakrit dialects.
- Ancient Prakrits: Identifies and discusses the characteristics of Ancient Magadhi, Ancient Shauraseni, and Ancient Ardhamagadhi as found in these transitional texts.
Arsa (Ardhamagadhi) Prakrita and Jaina Canonical Literature (आर्ष (अर्द्धमागधी) प्राकृत और आगम वाङमय):
- Ardhamagadhi as the Language of Agamas: Explains that Ardhamagadhi is the language of the Jain Agamas.
- Characteristics of Ardhamagadhi: Discusses the linguistic features of Ardhamagadhi, its relation to Magadhi and Shauraseni, and its unique phonetic and grammatical traits.
- Evolution of Jain Canon: Traces the historical development and compilation of the Jain Agamas, including the roles of the Ganadharas, the succession of Acharyas, and the concept of 'Shruta'.
- The Four Anuyogas: Explains the fourfold division of Jain literature into Charan-karananuyoga, Dharmanushasananuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, and Dravyanuyoga.
- Key Texts: Provides details and descriptions of various Agam texts, including the Angas and Upangas.
- Jambu Swami and the End of Kaval-Jnana: Discusses the final Kaval-jnani (Omniscient being) in Jain tradition, Arya Jambu, and his role in the transmission of knowledge.
- Discrepancies in Traditions: Highlights differences between Digambara and Shvetambara traditions regarding the succession of Acharyas and the canon.
- Ardhamagadhi's Significance: Emphasizes Ardhamagadhi's importance as the language of foundational Jain scriptures, reflecting its role in conveying profound philosophical and ethical teachings.

Key Strengths Highlighted:

Communal Harmony and Impartiality: The book is praised by figures like Maung Nu (U. Nu, Ex-Prime Minister of Burma) for its absence of sectarian bias and its comprehensive outlook.
Depth of Research: The work is noted for its synthesis of an impartial outlook with profound research.
Scholarly Significance: It is considered a valuable resource for scholars studying Shramanic cultures (Jainism and Buddhism) and is expected to hold an honored place among both communities.
Contribution to Hindi Literature: The book is recognized as a significant contribution to Hindi scholarship, making complex linguistic and literary concepts accessible to a wider audience.

In essence, the second volume of "Agam aur Tripitak Ek Anushilan" by Nagrajmuni provides a meticulous and scholarly exploration of the linguistic and literary foundations of Jain and Buddhist traditions, emphasizing their historical development and the intricate science of language itself. It meticulously dissects the evolution of Prakrit and Pali, the historical context of their usage in scriptures, and the diverse theories surrounding their origins and development, making it an invaluable reference for scholars and enthusiasts of ancient Indian languages and religions.