Apbhramsa Doha Savrutti

This document is a commentary (vrutti) on the Apabhramsa Doha verses, which are examples used in the Apabhramsa section of Acharya Hemachandra's Siddha-Hema-Shabdanushasana (a grammar of Prakrit and Apabhramsa languages). The text is presented as part of the "Anusandhan" journal, specifically a special issue dedicated to Acharya Hemachandra.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Introduction (Page 1 & 2):

• Source of the Text: The commentary is based on a manuscript obtained from Acharya Shri Vijayshilchandra Suri. This manuscript is from the 18th century and is incomplete.
• Content of the Manuscript: It contains a commentary on the Apabhramsa verses that serve as examples for the sutras (rules) in the fourth pada of the eighth adhyaya (chapter) of Hemachandra's Siddha-Hema-Shabdanushasana, specifically sutras 4.330 to 4.446.
• Format of the Manuscript: The manuscript is written in the Tripati style, with the original Apabhramsa verse (doha) in the center and the commentary above and below it.
• Scope of the Commentary: The manuscript contains the original verses for sutras 4.330 to 4.367 and the commentary for sutras 4.330 to 4.370. The manuscript is noted as being incomplete.
• Editorial Notes:
  • The manuscript commentary has some inaccuracies compared to the original verses, which the editor has tried to correct.
  • This commentary is different from the Apabhramsa Dohakavritti published by Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar, and edited by P. Vajrasenvijayji.
  • In the manuscript, anusvara (nasal sound) is sometimes written where anunasika (nasalization) should be.
  • The manuscript uses "jimva timva" instead of "jimva timva."
  • Differences between the manuscript and published versions of the verses and commentary are noted in footnotes.
• Dating and Authorship: Due to the incompleteness of the manuscript, the author and exact date of writing are unknown. However, experts estimate it to be from the 18th century.

Commentary on Apabhramsa Verses (Pages 2-17):

The bulk of the document consists of Apabhramsa verses followed by their Sanskrit translation and commentary. These verses illustrate various grammatical features and linguistic nuances of the Apabhramsa language as categorized by Hemachandra. The verses cover a range of themes, including:

• Descriptions of people and situations:
  • Descriptions of lovers and their interactions.
  • Characterizations of different types of people (e.g., virtuous, wicked, proud).
  • Scenarios of love, separation, and longing.
• Figurative language and metaphors:
  • Comparisons of human qualities to natural phenomena (e.g., rivers, flowers, seasons).
  • Use of similes and metaphors to convey emotional states.
• Moral and philosophical reflections:
  • Observations on the nature of wealth, fame, and true happiness.
  • Commentary on the effects of time and fate.
  • Reflections on the behavior of people in different circumstances.

Each verse is presented with:

• The Apabhramsa Verse (Doha): The original verse in Apabhramsa script.
• Sanskrit Translation/Gloss: A breakdown of the words in the verse with their Sanskrit equivalents and explanations.
• Commentary (Vritti): Explanations of the meaning, grammatical points, and sometimes cultural context.

Key Observations from the Verses and Commentary:

• Grammatical Illustrations: The verses are carefully chosen to exemplify the Apabhramsa grammatical rules outlined in Hemachandra's work. The commentary often points out specific grammatical features or word formations.
• Poetic Expressions: The verses are not merely linguistic examples but are also poetic expressions of human emotions and experiences, often dealing with themes of love, beauty, and the transience of life.
• Linguistic Richness: The Apabhramsa language, as presented here, shows a rich vocabulary and expressive capacity.
• Cultural Context: Some verses hint at the social and cultural norms of the period in which they were composed.

In summary, the "Apabhramsa Doha Savrutti" is a scholarly work that provides a detailed commentary on a collection of Apabhramsa verses, serving as illustrations for the grammatical rules of Apabhramsa as codified by Acharya Hemachandra. The document is based on an 18th-century manuscript, offering insights into the study and transmission of ancient Jain grammatical traditions.