Bharat Ke Sanskrutik Abhyudaya Me Prakrit Ka Yogadan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about the contribution of Prakrit to the cultural progress of India, based on the text by Dr. Jaykishan Prasad Khandelwal:

The text highlights the significant and interwoven role of Prakrit and Sanskrit in the cultural advancement of India. Both languages are presented as crucial pillars of Indian literature and thought, with ancient Indian scholars utilizing them extensively to reflect the nation's knowledge and science.

Prakrit as a Popular Language:

• Origin and Meaning: Prakrit, derived from "prakṛti" (nature), signifies a language that originated from nature. This implies it was the language of the common people. The author quotes a verse from a Jain Acharya, stating that scriptures were rendered in Prakrit to enlighten children, women, the dull-minded, and the ignorant who desired righteous conduct.
• Presence in Literature: The text points to the use of Prakrit in ancient Sanskrit plays, spoken by characters like women, maids, servants, and other ordinary individuals. This was done to cater to the general public's interest and ensure the popularity of theatrical performances.
• Acknowledge of Common People's Preference: The approach of ancient playwrights in incorporating Prakrit alongside Sanskrit is deemed appropriate, recognizing the common people's affinity for Prakrit. They demonstrated their extensive linguistic knowledge by skillfully employing both languages.

The Richness and Evolution of Prakrit:

• Linguistic Value: The text quotes from "Prakrit Shabdanushasan," praising Prakrit for its ability to convey abundant meaning with easy pronunciation, stating it is essential for the lifeblood of literature.
• Relationship with Sanskrit: Ancient Prakrit grammarians universally agree that Prakrit evolved from Sanskrit. They explain the phonetic and other differences by considering Sanskrit as the base language. This view is supported by scholars like Hemachandra.
• Prakrit as a Developed Form of Sanskrit: The text explains that Sanskrit, which was once the language of the common people, had a literary and a vernacular form. The vernacular Sanskrit, being less rigidly structured, naturally underwent changes in pronunciation and vocabulary. This evolving vernacular Sanskrit is what became known as Prakrit. Many new words were coined by scholars and later refined and incorporated into literary Sanskrit. This dynamic interplay of simplifying Sanskrit words into Prakrit and refining Prakrit words into Sanskrit was a continuous process.
• Bharatamuni's View: Bharatamuni, in his "Natya Shastra," echoes this sentiment, describing Prakrit as a transformed and altered form of Sanskrit words, devoid of certain refinements, and used in texts of various contexts. This establishes Prakrit as a direct descendant of Sanskrit, evolving and adapting to different places and times.

Prakrit's Diverse Contributions:

The text outlines the significant applications of Prakrit in India's cultural progress:

1. Religious Texts: Prakrit was extensively used in Jain religious literature. Key Prakrit language families mentioned include Maharashtri, Sauraseni, Magadhi, and Arsha or Ardha Magadhi. The "Samaysar" by Acharya Kundakunda in Jain Sauraseni is cited as one of the oldest and most discussed works in this category. Digambara Jain religious literature was composed in Jain Sauraseni, while Shvetambara texts were often in Ardha Magadhi.
2. Literary Compositions: Prakrit found its place in epics, lyrical poetry, and narrative literature. In dramas, Maharashtri, Sauraseni, and Magadhi, along with their variations, were employed. Plays by Bhasa, Ashvaghosha, and Kalidasa utilized these Prakrit dialects. Sauraseni held prominence among the Prakrit dialects in the prose sections of Sanskrit dramas, often spoken by women, children, eunuchs, and astrologers. Magadhi Prakrit was also used in plays like "Mricchakatika," spoken by the character Sharvilaka and his companions. This demonstrates a long-standing tradition of using Prakrit dialects in Sanskrit plays.
3. Inscriptions: Although not elaborated on in detail in the provided excerpt, inscriptions are listed as a significant area of Prakrit's usage.

Conclusion:

The author concludes that Prakrit literature has made a crucial contribution to Indian culture and literature. Thousands of texts have served as vehicles for conveying the message of culture. The scholarly study of these texts can revive lost words and enrich literature.

Examples of Prakrit-Sanskrit Integration:

The text provides two illustrative examples showcasing the blend of Prakrit and Sanskrit:

• Acharya Shankar's "Dhanyashtaka": This verse describes how for a spiritually enlightened soul, the entire world becomes a divine garden, all trees are wish-fulfilling trees, all waters are like the Ganges, and all actions are virtuous. Their speech, whether Prakrit or Sanskrit, is considered the essence of Vedic wisdom.
• Kalidasa's "Kumara Sambhavam": This quote suggests that Saraswati (the goddess of learning) praised the divine couple (Shiva and Parvati) using both languages. Sanskrit was used for the pure and esteemed groom (Shiva), while Prakrit was used for the bride (Parvati) as it was easily understood.

These examples underscore the long-standing presence and integration of both Prakrit and Sanskrit in Indian literary and cultural traditions.