Apbhramsa Sahitya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Apbhramsa Sahitya" by Devendra Kumar Jain, focusing on the key information presented:

Overview of Apbhramsa Sahitya

The text, "Apbhramsa Sahitya," by Devendra Kumar Jain, delves into the history, characteristics, and significant authors of Apbhramsa literature, particularly within the Jain tradition. It highlights the evolution of Apbhramsa from a spoken language to a literary medium.

Timeline and Origins:

• While fragmented Apbhramsa material is found in works as early as the 1st century BCE (Kalidasa's "Vikramorvashiya") and the 2nd century CE ("Mudrarakshasa"), Apbhramsa was likely established as a literary language around the 5th century CE.
• By the 6th century CE, Apbhramsa was recognized as a literary form alongside Sanskrit and Prakrit, as noted by Bhamaha.
• The 8th century CE saw the emergence of sophisticated and artistic epic poems (Mahakavyas) in Apbhramsa, suggesting a preceding period of folk poetry composition.
• The text establishes that Apbhramsa literature was produced over a period of approximately one thousand years, with available works dating from the 9th to the 18th centuries CE.

Characteristics of Apbhramsa Literature:

• The majority of available Apbhramsa literature is in verse (padyabaddha).
• Independent prose works are scarce. Even religious and medical texts like Shrutakirti's "Yogashastra" and "Jagat Sundari Prayogmala" are in verse.
• Notable exceptions for Apbhramsa prose include Udyotan Suri's "Kuvalayamala Katha" (Vikram Samvat 835) and Damodar's "Uktivyakti Prakaran" (11th-12th centuries).
• The influence of Apbhramsa can be seen in the nomenclature and forms of other medieval Indian languages.

Key Authors and Works (as listed in the text):

The text provides an extensive list of authors and their significant Apbhramsa works. Some prominent examples include:

• Pushpadanta: Known for "Mahapurana" (Vikram Samvat 1016-1022), "Yashodhara Charita," and "Nagkumar Charita."
• Dhanapala: Author of "Bhavishyatta Kahā" (Vikram Samvat 1393).
• Hemachandra: Renowned for "Siddha-Hema Shabdanushasana" and "Deshinam Mala."
• Jambuswami Rasa (Vikram Samvat 1266) by Ratnaprabhasuri.
• Bharateshwar Bahubali Rasa (Vikram Samvat 1241) by Shalibhadra Suri.
• Vajrasen Suri: Author of "Vajraswami Charitra."
• Amradeva Suri: Wrote "Samararas (Rachna Samvat 1371)."
• Abdur Rahman: Known for "Sandesh-rasaka" (12th century?).
• Genius Authors like Swayambhu: Mentioned as having written "Paumachariu," "Harivanspuran," "Swayambhu Chhand," and "Panchami Kahā."
• Haribhadra Suri: Author of "Sanatkumar Charita" and "Rihanaemi Charu."
• Harisena: Wrote "Dharma Pariksha" (Vikram Samvat 1044).
• Rai-dhu: A significant poet of this era.

Importance and Legacy:

• Apbhramsa literature holds a unique position in medieval Indian literature, particularly its narrative (prabandha) compositions.
• It served as the precedent and stylistic model for subsequent Hindi literature and literature in other Indo-Aryan languages.
• Apbhramsa has enriched both the language and literature of New Indo-Aryan languages.
• The text emphasizes that Apbhramsa literature is a crucial intermediate link between ancient Indian literature and modern Indian literature.
• It is considered significant from both historical and poetic perspectives, preserving the consciousness of the people in its natural language.
• The author expresses hope that a proper evaluation of this literature will provide a clearer picture of medieval Indian literature and the true tradition of the origin and development of Hindi language and literature.

In essence, the book "Apbhramsa Sahitya" by Devendra Kumar Jain provides a comprehensive overview of Apbhramsa literature, tracing its historical development, identifying key authors and their works, and underscoring its profound influence on the subsequent literary landscape of India, particularly in the formation of modern Indian languages and literature.