Apbhramsa Pathavali - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Apabhramsa Pathavali" by Madhusudan Chimanlal Modi, based on the provided catalog link and the text's content:

Book Title: Apbhramsa Pathavali (अपभ्रंशपाठावली) Author: Madhusudan Chimanlal Modi Publisher: Gujarat Vernacular Society, Ahmedabad Publication Year: 1935 AD (Samvat 1992)

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Apabhramsa Pathavali" is a seminal work by Madhusudan Chimanlal Modi, published by the Gujarat Vernacular Society. Its primary aim is to provide a systematic study of Apabhramsa literature, which is crucial for a deeper understanding of the Gujarati language. The book serves as a comprehensive resource, containing:

Original Texts (Patha): A collection of fourteen selected texts or excerpts from Apabhramsa literature, spanning roughly from the 7th to the 10th century AD.
Sanskrit Translation (Sanskrit Chhaya): A parallel Sanskrit translation for each Apabhramsa text, aiding in comprehension and linguistic analysis.
Apabhramsa Grammar (Apabhramsa Vyakarana): A detailed analysis of the grammatical features of the Apabhramsa language, covering phonology (varnamala, swarvikar), morphology (namarup, sarvanamrup, kriyapadrup), and syntax.
Sanskrit Introduction (Sanskrit Nivedana): An introductory note in Sanskrit highlighting the importance of language and literature in civilization.
Gujarati Introduction (Gujarati Upodghat): A detailed introduction in Gujarati discussing the relationship between Apabhramsa and Gujarati, the significance of studying Apabhramsa for Gujarati linguistics, and the historical context of Apabhramsa literature.
Commentary (Tippani): Explanations and critical notes on the texts, including discussions on the authors, their works, regional variations, and specific linguistic points.
Glossary (Shabdakosh): A glossary of terms used in the Apabhramsa texts, with meanings often provided in Gujarati.
Index (Anukramanika): A table of contents outlining the structure of the book.
Errata (Shuddhipatra): A list of corrections for printing errors.

Key Themes and Arguments from the Text:

Linguistic Significance: The book strongly emphasizes that knowledge of Apabhramsa literature is indispensable for the systematic study and proper understanding of the Gujarati language. It argues that Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Western Indian languages have their roots in Apabhramsa, with Sanskrit providing embellishments and structure to these later languages. The author points out that many Gujarati words and grammatical structures originate from Apabhramsa.
Definition and Nature of Apabhramsa: The text delves into the various definitions of "Apabhramsa" given by ancient scholars like Panini, Dandin, and Rudrata. It discusses the dual meaning of the term:
- In poetic contexts, it referred to the dialects of peoples like the Abhira.
- In grammatical contexts, it meant language deviating from Sanskrit. The author, Madhusudan Modi, along with scholars like D.B. Keshavlal Harshadray Dhruv, advocates for a view that Apabhramsa was a distinct literary language, spoken in the western regions of Aryavarta, which served as the progenitor of modern West Indian languages like Gujarati and Rajasthani.
Apabhramsa Literature: The book acknowledges that much Apabhramsa literature exists in handwritten manuscripts in Jain libraries. It notes that while only a few works have been properly edited and published, many are still unknown or obscure. This text aims to collect available Apabhramsa literature chronologically. The selected fourteen texts are believed to represent Apabhramsa from the 7th to the 11th century AD.
Relationship with Modern Languages: The introductions and commentaries highlight the close mother-daughter relationship between Apabhramsa and Gujarati. The book explores how Apabhramsa influenced Gujarati in terms of poetic styles (kadabaddha), meters (chappa, doha, chopai), narrative techniques (akhyan shaili), and vocabulary.
Linguistic Analysis (Apabhramsa Grammar): The grammar section is extensive, covering:
- Phonology: Details on vowels (a, i, u, e, o, their long forms, vowel changes like a>u, ā>a, etc.), consonants (including changes like t>ḍ, p>v), nasalization, and the treatment of conjunct consonants.
- Morphology: Discussion of noun declensions (cases, gender, number), pronouns, and verb conjugations, noting the simplification and erosion of case endings compared to Sanskrit and Prakrit.
- Metanalysis and Anaptyxis: The introduction of vowels between consonant clusters (e.g., k>kkh) and the insertion of vowels (anaptyxis) like 'a' or 'i' to break difficult consonant clusters.
- Sandhi Rules: The rules of phonetic changes at the junction of words or syllables.
Author's Contribution: Madhusudan Chimanlal Modi's work is presented as a significant contribution to the study of Apabhramsa. The introduction by Hiralal Tribhuvandas Parekh, Assistant Secretary of the Gujarat Vernacular Society, acknowledges Modi's dedication and the importance of this compilation. The fact that the book was approved as a textbook for Ardhamagadhi at the BA level by the University of Bombay further underscores its academic value.
Thematic Content of Selected Texts: The selected texts offer glimpses into various aspects:
- Jal Krida Varnanam (Description of Water Play): The first text vividly describes the spring season, nature's beauty, and people enjoying water sports, featuring poetic descriptions of rivers, flowers, and divine figures like Vishnu.
- Sita Divya Kathanam (The Ordeal of Sita): This text narrates the story of Sita's purification by fire, drawing parallels and variations with the classic epic narrative.
- Virad Nagari Pandavanm Annayavasu (The Pandavas' Incognito Stay in Virat Nagari): This excerpt from Harivanshapurana depicts the Pandavas' hidden life in exile, their roles in King Virat's court, and the infamous incident involving Keechaka and Draupadi.
- Balapandhu (Balapandhu): This section seems to focus on the dialogue between King Baldev and Lord Krishna concerning spiritual matters and the nature of reality, possibly drawing from Jain philosophical traditions.
- Puspadanta's Vasudevagrihatyaga (Vasudeva's Departure from Home): This text, likely from Puspadanta's Mahapurana or a related work, narrates the story of Vasudeva's renunciation.
- Dohakośa (Collection of Doha Verses): Several excerpts attributed to poets like Saraha and Kanha are included, showcasing the mystical and yogic themes prevalent in Buddhist Tantric literature, presented in Apabhramsa.
- Sujan-Durjan-Swabhavavivechanam (Discrimination of Good and Bad People's Nature): This text provides verses contrasting the qualities and behaviors of good and bad individuals, using analogies from nature and mythology.
- Pururavassa Unmadavachana (Pururavas's Mad Words): This excerpt likely features verses attributed to Kalidasa's play Vikramorvashiyam, portraying the madness of King Pururavas for Urvashi.

Significance of the Publication:

"Apabhramsa Pathavali" was a significant undertaking in its time, making a vast and linguistically important body of literature accessible to scholars and students. It laid the groundwork for further research into Apabhramsa and its influence on the development of modern Indo-Aryan languages, particularly Gujarati. The book's comprehensive nature, including grammar, texts, and commentary, established it as a standard reference work for the field. The publication was supported by the Gujarat Vernacular Society, indicating its importance in promoting regional linguistic and literary studies. The inclusion of texts from various Jain authors highlights the significant contribution of Jain tradition to Apabhramsa literature.