Apbhramsa Vyakaran - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Apbhramsa Vyakaran" by Dr. Kamalchand Sogani, focusing on the sections of Sandhi, Samas, and Karak (case):

The book "Apbhramsa Vyakaran" (Apabhramsha Grammar) by Dr. Kamalchand Sogani, published by the Apabhramsha Sahitya Academy (Jainvidya Sansthan, Shri Mahavirji, Rajasthan), is a crucial resource for understanding the grammatical structure of the Apabhramsha language. Apabhramsha is highlighted as the transitional language from Prakrit to modern North Indian languages, including Hindi, and thus is essential for studying the historical development of these languages.

The book aims to provide readers with a clear understanding of Apabhramsha grammar, building upon previous publications by the academy. This particular volume focuses on three key grammatical areas: Sandhi (Sandhi), Samas (Compound words), and Karak (Cases), all explained with examples.

Summary of Key Sections:

1. Sandhi ( सन्धि )

Sandhi refers to the joining of two adjacent sounds (vowels or consonants) and the resulting changes. The book explains how Sandhi operates in Apabhramsha, noting that it is often optional rather than mandatory. The primary focus is on vowel sandhi, with several categories detailed:

Saman Swar Sandhi (Equal Vowel Sandhi): This covers the merging of identical or similar vowels, resulting in a lengthened vowel. Examples include:
- अ + अ = आ (e.g., जीव + अजीव = जीवाजीव)
- इ + इ = ई (e.g., गिरि + ईस = गिरीस)
- उ + उ = ऊ (e.g., गुरु + उवदेस = गुरूवदेस)
Asaman Swar Sandhi (Unequal Vowel Sandhi): This deals with the changes when different vowels combine, often leading to the formation of 'ए' (e) and 'ओ' (o) sounds. Examples include:
- अ + इ = ए (e.g., देस + इला = देसेला)
- अ + उ = ओ (e.g., सव्व + उदय = सव्वोदय)
Sandhi Nishedh (Sandhi Prohibition): Certain combinations of vowels do not undergo sandhi. This typically occurs when 'इ', 'ई', 'उ', 'ऊ' are followed by different vowels, or when 'ए' and 'ओ' are followed by vowels, and also with verb suffixes. Examples:
- जाइ + अन्ध = जाइअन्ध (no sandhi)
- लच्छीए + आणंदो = लच्छीएआणंदो (no sandhi)
Lop-Vidhan Sandhi (Sandhi with Elision): This section covers cases where a vowel is elided (dropped).
- When a vowel is followed by another vowel, the preceding vowel may be optionally dropped (e.g., नर + ईसर = नरीसर or नरेसर).
- 'अ' and 'आ' preceding 'ए' and 'ओ' can be optionally elided (e.g., जल + ओह = जलोह).
- The avagraha symbol (ऽ) is used to indicate the elision of 'अ' or 'आ' after the first word.
Anuswar Vidhan (Anuswar Application): The book explains how an anuswar (nasal sound) changes when followed by certain consonants, often transforming into a specific nasal sound of that consonant class (e.g., 'क' becomes 'ङ्क', 'च' becomes 'ञ्', etc.) or undergoing augmentation or elision.
Avyay-Sandhi (Sandhi of Indeclinables): Special rules are presented for sandhi involving indeclinable words like 'अ‍पि', 'अवि', and 'इति', including the optional elision of vowels in these particles.
Other Sandhi Rules: The text also covers rules where a long vowel might shorten before a conjunct consonant, or 'इ' might change to 'ए' before a conjunct consonant. It emphasizes that sandhi is often optional and should be applied carefully to avoid meaning confusion.

The chapter then provides a detailed list of examples from Apabhramsha literature (like Pau Carium, Mahapurana) for readers to practice identifying and applying sandhi rules.

2. Samas ( समास )

Samas, or compound words, are defined as a method of expressing more meaning with fewer words. The book highlights its importance in literature for conciseness. The text defines Samas as the joining of words without the use of conjunctions or case endings.

The book categorizes Samas into four main types:

Dvandva Samas (द्वन्द्व समास): This is an additive compound, formed by joining two or more nouns.
- Examples include: 'पुण्णपावाइं' (punya and papa), 'जीवाजीवा' (living and non-living).
- It can also be formed with the conjunction 'च' (and).
- Dvandva compounds are usually in the plural.
Tatpurush Samas (तत्पुरुष समास): In this compound, the first word (preceding word) is related to the second word through a case relationship (from the second to the seventh case). The name of the Samas is derived from the case of the first word.
- The book details Dvitīyā Tatpurush (with words like atīta, paḍia, gata), Tr̥tīyā Tatpurush (e.g., 'साहुवंदिउ' - honored by saints), Caturthī Tatpurush (e.g., 'मोक्खनाण' - knowledge for liberation), Pañcamī Tatpurush (e.g., 'संसारभीउ' - afraid of worldly existence), Ṣaṣṭhī Tatpurush (e.g., 'देवमंदिर' - temple of gods), and Saptamī Tatpurush (e.g., 'कलाकुसलु' - skilled in arts).
- Karmadharaya Samas (कर्मधारय समास): This is a subtype of Tatpurush where an adjective is joined with a noun or where both words are adjectives. Examples: 'रत्तघडो' (red pot), 'चन्दमुहु' (moon-faced).
- Digu Samas (द्विगु समास): This is a type of Karmadharaya where the first word is a numeral. It usually forms a neuter singular in the sense of a group, but can sometimes be masculine singular. Examples: 'नवतत्त' (group of nine principles), 'चउक्कसाय' (four passions).
Bahuvrihi Samas (बहुव्रीहि समास): In this compound, the words combine to form a compound adjective for another noun. The meaning of the compound itself becomes the identifier. It is also called "anyapadapradhana samas" (compound where another word is prominent).
- Examples include: 'आरुढवाणरु' (one on which a monkey has climbed), 'जिअइंदिय' (one who has conquered senses), 'चउमुह' (four-faced, i.e., Brahma).
Avyayībhava Samas (अव्ययीभाव समास): In this compound, the first word is usually an indeclinable (avyaya) which governs the meaning of the entire compound, making it an adverbial phrase. The resulting compound is typically in the neuter singular.
- Examples: 'उवगुरु' (near the guru), 'पइदिण' (daily), 'जहासत्ति' (according to strength).

The section concludes with numerous examples from Apabhramsha literature to illustrate the application of these Samas types.

3. Karak ( कारक )

The Karak section explains how nouns and pronouns change their forms through suffixes (pratyaya) to establish their relationship with the verb in a sentence. This is crucial for conveying meaning effectively. The book identifies eight case categories (Vibhakti) in Apabhramsha grammar, although it clarifies that grammatically, only six are considered true Karakas because they have a direct relationship with the verb. The six Karakas are:

Prathama Vibhakti (कर्ता कारक - Nominative Case/Agent): This identifies the subject of a sentence, the one performing the action. It is typically used in active voice sentences for the subject. It also indicates meaning and gender. Examples: 'नरिंद' (king), 'परमेसर' (supreme lord). The book also notes that in passive voice, the object takes the nominative case.
Dvitīyā Vibhakti (कर्म कारक - Accusative Case/Object): This signifies the object of the action, the one upon whom the action's effect falls. It is generally used for the object in active voice. It also covers usages with specific verbs and prepositions. Examples: 'कहा' (story), 'धण' (wealth). The book details situations where Dvitīyā is used even for seemingly other case relations (e.g., with directional verbs, with words like anta or antara).
Tr̥tīyā Vibhakti (करण कारक - Instrumental Case): This indicates the instrument or means by which an action is performed, or the agent in passive and impersonal constructions. Examples: 'बाणेण' (by arrow), 'जलेण' (by water). It is also used to show cause or reason, with words meaning "with" (sah, sadhīm, samam), and for parts of the body that are defective.
Caturthī Vibhakti (सम्प्रदान कारक - Dative Case): This case is used for the recipient of a gift or the one for whom an action is done with a benevolent intention. It is also used with verbs expressing pleasure (roca) or anger (kujjh, doha, īsa, asūa), and with the word 'namo' (salutations). Examples: 'णिद्धणहो' (for the poor), 'मुत्तीए' (for liberation).
Pañcamī Vibhakti (अपादान कारक - Ablative Case): This case denotes separation from something, the source of fear, the object from which one hides, or the thing from which one abstains or is protected. It is also used when learning something from someone. Examples: 'रुक्खहु' (from the tree), 'सप्पहे' (from the snake), 'गुरुहे' (from the guru).
Ṣaṣṭhī Vibhakti (सम्बन्ध - Genitive Case/Possessive): While not a true Karaka as it doesn't directly relate to the verb, the Ṣaṣṭhī Vibhakti denotes possession or relationship. It is used with words indicating purpose or reason (hetu), and in blessings or wishes. Examples: 'अन्नस्सु' (of food), 'रामस्सु' (of Rama). The book notes that Ṣaṣṭhī can sometimes replace other case endings.
Saptamī Vibhakti (अधिकरण कारक - Locative Case): This case indicates the location or time where an action takes place. It is used for the base of the action or the object. Examples: 'आसनि' (on the seat), 'थालिहिं' (in the plate). It is also used when one action follows another.
Sambodhana (सम्बोधन - Vocative Case): Though listed as a case category, the book mentions it's not considered a direct Karaka. It is used for calling out to someone. Often, the Prathama Vibhakti forms are used in address.

The text provides numerous examples for each case and often discusses the nuances of their usage, including how they can sometimes be replaced by other case endings. It also includes an exercise section for readers to practice translating sentences from Hindi to Apabhramsha, applying the learned grammatical rules for Sandhi, Samas, and Karaka.

In essence, Dr. Kamalchand Sogani's "Apbhramsa Vyakaran" serves as a detailed and practical guide to the grammatical intricacies of Apabhramsha, equipping students and researchers with the knowledge to understand and appreciate this foundational language of many modern Indian tongues.