Apbhramsa Sahitya Parampara

This document, titled "Apbhramsa Sahitya Parampara" (Tradition of Apabhramsa Literature) by Dr. Devendra Kumar Shastri, discusses the historical development and study of Apabhramsa literature, with a significant focus on its connection to Jainism.

The author begins by asserting that Indian languages are rooted in cultural heritage and that literary traditions often evolve from folk practices. He highlights that early Sanskrit drama incorporated elements of folk Prakrit languages, indicating a deep connection between performance, folk life, and Prakrit literature. Apabhramsa literature, therefore, is seen as a continuation and extension of this Prakrit tradition. While Apabhramsa shares characteristics with Prakrit, it also possesses its own distinct features. The author points to ancient works like Kalidasa's "Vikramorvashiya" and "Gathasaptashati," as well as Prakrit works like "Suyagadanga," "Vasudevahindi," "Avashyakachurni," and "Akhyanakamanikosh," as evidence of the early presence of this literary tradition.

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the crucial role of European scholars, particularly German scholars, in initiating and advancing the study of Jainism, Prakrit, and Apabhramsa literature. The author credits European researchers with uncovering the linguistic history and developmental trajectory of Indian Aryan languages. He specifically mentions:

• Albert Weber: A pioneer in this field, Weber's extensive work, "Indishen Studies," published in 1882, significantly highlighted the importance of Jain literature. His editing of Dhaneshwar Suri's "Shatrunjaya Mahatmya" in 1858 was a landmark publication. Weber's research on the Jain Agam text "Bhagavati Sutra" is also highly regarded.
• Other German Scholars: The text lists a substantial number of German scholars like Hoeffer, Lassen, Schiegel, Friedrich Hegi, Richard Pischel, E. W. Müller, Hermann Jacobi, W. Whiston, Walter Schubring, Ludwig Alsdorf, Norman Brown, Klaus Bruhn, Gustav Roth, and W. B. Boll. These scholars established Germany, especially Berlin, as a primary center for Jainological research and scholarship.
• French Scholars: The author also acknowledges the contribution of French scholars, with Guérinot being highlighted for his bibliographical work "Essai de bibliographie Jain" (1906), which cataloged 852 publications related to Jainism. French scholars focused on historical and archaeological aspects, as well as cataloging Jain manuscripts.
• Indian Scholars: The text also recognizes the significant contributions of Indian scholars in the modern era, including Dr. Adinath Neminath Upadhye, Hiralal Jain, Pt. Becherdas Doshi, Dr. Prabodh Pandit, Siddhantacharya Pt. Kailashchandra, Siddhantacharya Pt. Phoolchandra, Dr. Nemichandra Shastri, Pt. Sukhlalji Sampani, Pt. Dalsukhbhai Malvania, Dr. Rajaram Jain, Dr. M. C. Bhyagi, Dr. K. R. Chandra, Dr. Devendra Kumar Jain, Dr. Premsuman, and the author himself. These scholars have edited numerous Prakrit and Apabhramsa texts, making them accessible to a wider audience.

The author categorizes modern research on Prakrit and Apabhramsa into three main streams:

1. Literary Study: This primarily involves the study of Jain Agam literature, with German scholars being instrumental in bringing these texts to light. Dr. Hermann Jacobi is credited with initiating the comprehensive study of Prakrit Jain literature, editing important texts like the "Bhagavati Sutra," "Kalpasutra," and "Acarangasutra." He also drew attention to Jain narrative literature.
2. Cultural Study: This area is broadly touched upon through the study of Jain religious literature and philosophy.
3. Linguistic Study: This includes the study of Apabhramsa grammar, phonetics, morphology, and etymology. The text mentions significant linguistic contributions by scholars like R. L. Turner, L. A. Schuchardt, George S. Lane, K. R. Norman, and others who have analyzed various aspects of Middle Indo-Aryan languages.

The text emphasizes the discovery and publication of numerous Apabhramsa texts, both published and unpublished manuscripts. It highlights the work of scholars like Pt. Parmanand Jain Shastri, whose "Jain Granth Prashasti-Sangrah" brought to light many previously unknown Apabhramsa works. The author himself has published a substantial number of Apabhramsa texts.

Finally, the author expresses a hope that the younger generation will engage more actively in the research and study of these languages and literatures, unlocking new horizons in cultural understanding and bringing forth a "golden dawn." He notes that while there is no shortage of research topics, there is a need for dedicated and diligent researchers.

In essence, the document provides a historical overview of Apabhramsa literature, underscoring its ancient roots and its close connection to Jain tradition, while extensively detailing the pivotal role played by European, and subsequently Indian, scholars in its revival, study, and dissemination.