Arddhamagadhi Bhasha Ka Udbhav Evam Vikas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Arddhamagadhi Bhasha ka Udbhav evam Vikas" by Sagarmal Jain, in English:

The book "Arddhamagadhi Bhasha ka Udbhav evam Vikas" by Prof. Sagarmal Jain delves into the origins and development of the Arddhamagadhi language, primarily within the context of Jain literature. It challenges some prevailing notions about the relationship between Sanskrit and Prakrit languages.

Key Arguments and Points:

Sanskrit as a Cultured Language: The author posits that Sanskrit was not the original spoken language but rather a "cultured" or "refined" language (Sanskriti) developed by formalizing and standardizing various spoken dialects (Apabhramsha) of the time for elegant communication among the learned. This is compared to modern Hindi, which exists alongside regional dialects in North India.
Prakrit as Dialects, Sanskrit as Literary Language: Contrary to the misconception that Prakrits are corruptions of Sanskrit, Jain argues that Prakrits are the original spoken dialects, and Sanskrit is the literary language that arose from their refinement. He asserts that Prakrits, as dialects, are older than Sanskrit as a standardized literary language.
Origin of Arddhamagadhi:
- Arddhamagadhi's origins are traced back to Magadhi Prakrit, which was the court language during Ashoka's reign.
- Ashoka's inscriptions, considered the oldest epigraphic Prakrit, are primarily in Magadhi but show occasional incorporation of regional dialectal forms. This is identified as the initial stage of Magadhi evolving into Arddhamagadhi.
- Magadhi holds the primary position because it formed the basis for Pali (Buddhism) and Arddhamagadhi (Jainism).
- The simplification and mixing of Magadhi with surrounding regional dialects led to the creation of early Arddhamagadhi Agamas like "Acharanga" and "Isibhasiaim."
Development and Influences on Arddhamagadhi:
- The initial form of Arddhamagadhi remained stable during the recensions (Vachanas) at Pataliputra and Khāravela's cave in the first century BCE.
- However, by the third century CE, the recension at Mathura, under Aryaskandila, was influenced by the local Shauraseni dialect, leading to what is known as the "Mathuri Vachana."
- Later, during recensions at Valabhi (around the 3rd century CE and again around 150 years later), the local Maharashtri Prakrit influenced Arddhamagadhi texts.
- Thus, Arddhamagadhi literature was influenced, to some extent by Shauraseni and more significantly by Maharashtri Prakrit. Despite these influences, efforts were made to preserve its Arddhamagadhi form through the commentary traditions (Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni) until the 7th century CE.
Jain Shauraseni: Texts belonging to the Yapaniya and Digambara Achal traditions are termed "Jain Shauraseni." This language is characterized by the influence of both Arddhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit, meaning it is not pure Shauraseni but a blend influenced by its neighbors.
Chronology of Prakrits:
- The author places ancient Arddhamagadhi's vocabulary as largely contemporaneous with Ashoka's and Khāravela's inscriptions and the Pali Tripitaka. Comparative linguistic analysis (e.g., the treatment of intervocalic 't' and 'dh') supports this.
- Shauraseni and Maharashtri Prakrits, as literary languages, gained prominence later, around the 3rd or 4th century CE, with earlier evidence primarily being literary rather than epigraphic. Inscriptions from Mathura up to the 2nd century CE show influence from Sanskrit, not established Shauraseni or Maharashtri characteristics like the change of 't' to 'd' or 'n' to 'ṇ'.
- The author suggests a tentative chronology:
  1. Oldest: Ancient Magadhi (Ashoka's inscriptions) and Khāravela's inscriptions (3rd to 1st century BCE).
  2. Slightly Later: Pali Tripitaka and early versions of Arddhamagadhi texts like "Acharanga" (around the same period or slightly later).
  3. Later: Later Arddhamagadhi Agamas, Jain Shauraseni texts, and Mathura inscriptions (1st to 5th century CE), and Paishachi Prakrit. "Paumachariyam" is cited as an important text from this period.
The "Prakriti: Sanskritam" Rule: This rule in Prakrit grammars, according to Jain, does not imply that Prakrits originated from Sanskrit. Instead, it signifies that Sanskrit served as a model or basis for understanding and structuring the grammar of the Prakrit language. Similarly, rules like "Shesham Shaurasenivat" indicate that remaining grammatical rules are similar to the model Prakrit (Shauraseni).
Brotherhood of Prakrits: The author emphasizes that Prakrits are like "sisters," each evolving from its own regional dialects. They are not parent-child relationships, but rather sisterly influences due to geographical proximity. The idea that all Prakrits originate from Magadhi or Shauraseni is a misconception.
Mahavira's Language: The book strongly supports the traditional Jain belief that Lord Mahavira preached in Arddhamagadhi. This is evidenced by numerous references from Jain Agamas and commentaries, which state that his sermons were delivered in Arddhamagadhi. His extensive travels in the Magadha region and its surrounding areas made Arddhamagadhi his natural language of discourse, as it would have been understood by his audience.
Enduring Oral Tradition and Decline: A significant challenge for Arddhamagadhi was its oral transmission for approximately a thousand years, from Mahavira's time to the final Valabhi recension (around 10th century CE). This prolonged oral phase led to significant changes, eventual influences from Shauraseni and Maharashtri, and its eventual absorption into Maharashtri Prakrit.

In essence, the book provides a detailed linguistic and historical analysis of Arddhamagadhi, arguing for its ancient origins as a spoken dialect closely related to Magadhi, its subsequent development and influences, and its crucial role as the language of Lord Mahavira's teachings. It seeks to correct misinterpretations about the relationship between Prakrits and Sanskrit, framing them as distinct but related linguistic developments stemming from regional dialects.