Apbhramsa Ek Parichaya

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Apbhramsa: Ek Parichaya" (Apbhramsa: An Introduction) by Dr. Kamalchand Sogani, published by Apbhramsa Sahitya Academy.

The book provides a foundational understanding of the Apbhramsa language, its historical development, literary significance, and its crucial role in the evolution of modern Indian languages, particularly Hindi.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the book:

Overall Theme: The book aims to introduce readers to the Apbhramsa language, its literature, poets, and its historical connection to the development of Indian languages, emphasizing its importance for understanding Indian culture and linguistics.

Key Sections and Their Content:

• Introduction & Publisher's Note:

  • The book is dedicated to the late Dr. Hiralal Jain for his significant contributions to the study and revival of Jain literature in Prakrit and Apbhramsa.
  • The Apbhramsa Sahitya Academy was established in Jaipur in 1988 to promote the study and teaching of Apbhramsa, primarily through correspondence.
  • The publication highlights the importance of Apbhramsa as the mother of modern Indian languages and its deep connection with Hindi.

• Chapter 1: Apbhramsa: Its Poets and Poetry

  • Role of Language and Culture: Emphasizes the inseparable link between language, society, and culture. It argues that the decline of a language leads to the forgetting of cultural values.
  • Origin and Development of Apbhramsa: Traces the origin of Apbhramsa from Prakrit (the language of Mahavira, Buddha, and common people) as a naturally evolving vernacular. It became a powerful literary medium around the 5th-6th century CE and served as the primary language of North India for an extended period, giving rise to modern Indian languages.
  • Nature and Development of Apbhramsa: Defines Apbhramsa as a "folk language" or "vernacular." It explains that Sanskrit grammarians coined the term "Apbhramsa" to describe the varied local forms of words and their evolution. The term signifies the natural spread and development of language in the vernacular. It is presented as the "old Hindi" or "old Rajasthani" by scholars. Apbhramsa is considered the mother of many Indian languages, including Sindhi, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Bihari, Oriya, Bengali, Assamese, Western Hindi, and Eastern Hindi.
  • Historical Significance: Mentions that Apbhramsa was the language of common life and interaction in North India from around the 7th to 13th century CE. It discusses the patronage of Apbhramsa by dynasties like the Rashtrakutas and Solankis.
  • Discovery of Apbhramsa Literature: Details how the literary existence of Apbhramsa was initially unknown, with scholars like Hermann Jacobi making significant discoveries, most notably Dhanpal's "Bhavisayattakaha." This led to the editing and publication of many Apbhramsa texts.
  • Classification of Apbhramsa Literature: The vast body of Apbhramsa literature is broadly categorized into:
    1. Jain Apbhramsa Works: A significant portion of Apbhramsa literature is attributed to Jain poets, spanning from the 7th to 16th century CE. This literature mixes religious teachings with poetic aesthetics.
    2. Buddhist Apbhramsa Works: These are primarily composed by Buddhist Siddhas (mystics), consisting of dohas (couplets) and songs, often focusing on mystical and philosophical themes. Notable figures include Saraha and Kanhapa.
    3. Shaivite Apbhramsa Works: Some texts from the Kashmir Shaivism tradition incorporate Apbhramsa verses.
    4. Secular Apbhramsa Works: This category includes Apbhramsa verses used as examples in grammar and poetics texts, as well as secular narrative works.
  • Prominent Jain Poets and their Works:
    • Svayambhu (8th Century): Considered the foremost Apbhramsa poet, credited with elevating the language to a high literary status. His works include Paumachariu (Jain Ramayana), Ritthanemichariu (Harivansha Purana), and Svayambhu Chhand (a treatise on prosody). He is praised for his masterful use of language, metaphors, and emotional depth.
    • Pushpadanta (10th Century): Another highly talented poet, known for the richness, flow, and beauty of his language. His major works are Mahapurana (on 63 Salaka Purushas), Nayakamara Charitra (Nayakamara Charitra), and Yasahara Charitra. He is compared to great Sanskrit poets like Bhavabhuti and is often called the "Vyas of Apbhramsa."
    • Dhanpal (10th Century): Author of Bhavisayattakaha, notable for featuring an ordinary merchant's son as the protagonist, introducing a more secular and realistic narrative.
    • Vira (11th Century): Author of Jambusami Charitra, a narrative poem highlighting themes of renunciation and victory over worldly desires.
    • Nayanandi (11th Century): Author of Sudarsana Charitra, emphasizing moral values and the sublimation of desires.
    • Kanakamara (11th Century): Author of Karakandu Charitra, a popular narrative with a focus on virtues and ethical teachings.
    • Hemachandra (12th Century): A renowned scholar whose Siddha-Hema Shabdanushasana includes a comprehensive grammar of Apbhramsa. His work is crucial for understanding the linguistic structure of Apbhramsa.
    • Harideva (15th Century): Author of the allegorical play Mayanarajaya Charitra.
    • Raihu (15th Century): A prolific poet with numerous works, considered a significant figure in Apbhramsa literature.
  • Buddhist Siddhas: Saraha and Kanhapa are highlighted for their dohas and songs, which contain mystical teachings and critique of rituals.

• Chapter 2: Later Apbhramsa

  • Transition and Characteristics: Discusses the period from the 11th to 14th century CE as the era of "Later Apbhramsa," which saw a greater mixture of vernacular and evolving regional languages. This literature is important for understanding the early forms of modern Indian languages.
  • Key Works of Later Apbhramsa:
    • Prakrit-Paingalam: A collection of prosody, containing verses from Prakrit, Apbhramsa, and Later Apbhramsa.
    • Shri Thulibhadra-Phagu: A short poem by Jinapadma Suri, depicting the strength of Muni Thulibhadra.
    • Nemiantha Chaupai: A short work by Vinayachandra Suri, notable for its use of the barahmasa (twelve-month) tradition to describe separation.
    • Uktivyakti Prakarana: A grammatical work by Damodar Pandit, offering insights into the Apbhramsa of the Central region.
    • Kirtilata: By Vidyapati, this work praises King Kirtisingh and is written in the "Avahatta" (a transitional form close to Apbhramsa) language, showcasing a mix of literary Apbhramsa and regional influences.
    • Prithviraj Raso: Attributed to Chand Bardai, this epic is a significant work of Later Apbhramsa, though its language is debated. It describes the valor and romance of Prithviraj Chauhan.
    • Vidyapati Padavali: Collections of songs by Vidyapati, often dealing with Radha-Krishna's love, reflecting a transition towards modern vernaculars.
  • Emergence of Modern Indian Languages: Explains how the regional variations within Later Apbhramsa led to the gradual emergence of distinct modern Indian languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Marathi, etc., during the 14th century.

• Chapter 3: Apbhramsa and Hindi

  • Apbhramsa as the Foundation: Reaffirms that Apbhramsa is the direct ancestor of Hindi and other modern Indian languages. The literary traditions, poetic forms, and stylistic elements of Apbhramsa are preserved in Hindi literature.
  • Influence on Hindi Literature: Highlights how Apbhramsa literature influenced Hindi poetry in terms of themes (love, heroism, morality, spirituality), poetic forms (like charitra, kaha, raso, phagu), prosody, and rhetorical devices.
  • Continuity of Traditions: Discusses how various trends in Apbhramsa literature, such as romanticism, heroism, religious teachings, and progressive ideas (like respect for women, critique of casteism), found their continuation in Hindi literature, especially from the Adikal (early period) onwards.
  • Apbhramsa Poetic Forms in Hindi: Traces the development of genres like Charitra (biographical narratives), Kaha (story-poems), Raso or Rasak (narratives often associated with folk dances), Phagu (seasonal poems), and Doha (couplets) from Apbhramsa to Hindi literature. The Doha is particularly highlighted as a fundamental and popular verse form in Apbhramsa that continued to flourish in Hindi.

• Appendices:

  • List of Original Apbhramsa Texts: Provides a catalog of significant Apbhramsa works and their editors/publishers.
  • Reference Books: Lists auxiliary books and journals that were consulted for the research and writing of this book.

Key Takeaways:

• Linguistic Evolution: Apbhramsa is presented as a crucial transitional phase between Prakrit and modern Indian languages, directly shaping the linguistic landscape of North India.
• Literary Heritage: The book showcases a rich literary tradition within Apbhramsa, characterized by diverse themes, sophisticated poetic techniques, and influential poets, particularly within the Jain tradition.
• Cultural Connection: Apbhramsa literature is vital for understanding the cultural and social values of medieval India.
• Foundation of Hindi: The book firmly establishes Apbhramsa as the direct progenitor of Hindi, emphasizing the continuity of literary traditions and linguistic elements.

In essence, "Apbhramsa: Ek Parichaya" serves as an accessible and informative guide for understanding the historical and literary significance of the Apbhramsa language, its contributions to Indian culture, and its foundational role in the development of modern Indian languages, especially Hindi.