Gujarati Bhashani Utkranti - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary and analysis of the Gujarati language's evolution from the 12th to the 18th century, as detailed in the book "Gujarati Bhashani Utkranti" by Bechardas Doshi, published by Mumbai University. The text meticulously examines the linguistic changes, grammatical structures, and vocabulary development of Gujarati over these centuries, drawing extensively from Jain, Vedic, and other literary traditions.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

I. Introduction and Scope:

Book Details: "Gujarati Bhashani Utkranti" by Bechardas Doshi, published by Mumbai University, based on lectures delivered between February 5-9, 1940.
Timeframe: The study covers the period from the 12th century to the 18th century of the Gujarati language.
Methodology: The author aims to analyze Gujarati poetry and prose from a grammatical perspective, focusing on how the rules and examples laid out by Acharya Hemchandra (considered the "Panini of Gujarati literature") evolved over time. The study relies on available manuscripts and printed texts from the specified period.
Author's Gratitude: Doshi expresses thanks to various libraries and authors whose works were utilized.
Subject Matter: The book tackles the subject of linguistics, acknowledging its potential dryness but striving for clarity. It emphasizes the importance of studying such topics for deeper understanding.

II. Foundational Concepts of Language:

Word and Language Structure: The author begins by discussing the nature of words and language, emphasizing their elusive essence and the diverse philosophical views on their origin and essence (e.g., Sankhya, Nyaya, Jainism).
Etymology and Pronunciation: A significant portion of the initial chapters delves into the intricacies of Sanskrit phonetics and pronunciation, detailing the anatomical and physiological aspects of sound production as described in ancient Indian grammatical traditions (like Panini and Hemchandra). This includes discussions on places of articulation, efforts (internal and external), and the resulting sounds (vowels and consonants).
Language Variation: The text explores the reasons behind language divergence, including geographical factors, social interactions, contact with other languages (Āryan and Mleccha), and the natural evolution of speech. It highlights how pronunciation variations, even within seemingly pure societies, lead to language differences.

III. Evolution of Gujarati (Chronological Breakdown):

The core of the book is structured chronologically, analyzing Gujarati literature century by century:

12th and 13th Centuries:
- Key Figures: Acharya Hemchandra (considered the foundational figure for Gujarati grammar), Abhaydeva Suri, Vadideva Suri, Somaprabha Suri, Dharmasuri, and Vijayansen Suri are discussed.
- Linguistic Analysis: This period is characterized by the initial formation of Gujarati. The analysis focuses on:
  - Morphology: Changes in noun and adjective forms, verb conjugations, case endings (vibhakti), and the use of pronouns.
  - Phonetics: Sound changes, vowel variations ('a' to 'aa', 'i' to 'e', 'u' to 'o', 'ṛ' to 'r'), consonant changes (e.g., 'ṣ' to 's', 'k' to 'g', 't' to 'd', 'd' to 'l', loss of final consonants).
  - Syntax: Changes in sentence structure, use of case markers, and verb forms (e.g., past participles, present participles).
  - Vocabulary: Introduction of words from Sanskrit, Prakrit, and indigenous (Deshya) sources, including loanwords from other languages.
  - Key Concepts: Discussion of "Prākṛtaḥ saṁskṛtaṁ vyutpattiḥ" (Prakrit derived from Sanskrit) is challenged, arguing for a common Indo-Āryan origin influenced by Mleccha languages. The influence of Vedic language on broader Prakrit is emphasized.
- Examples: Extensive examples from Jain literature (Hemchandra's works, Abhaydeva Suri's commentaries, Vadideva Suri's works, Dharmasuri's works, Vijayasen Suri's works) are provided to illustrate linguistic points.
14th and 15th Centuries:
- Key Figures: Vinaychandra, Jinpadmasuri, Lad and Malwa linguistic influences, Sandhyakar (Musalman poet), Kumārapāla Charitra (by Hemchandra), and descriptions of various regional dialects are mentioned.
- Linguistic Analysis: This period shows further development towards modern Gujarati.
  - "Deshya" Words: Emphasis on indigenous or non-Āryan words and their integration.
  - Apabhraṁśa: Detailed discussion of Apabhraṁśa as a transitional language stage, its characteristics, and its contribution to Gujarati. The text notes its presence in Jain and Buddhist literature.
  - Dialectal Variations: Mention of regional linguistic differences ("Laṭa" and "Malava" languages).
  - Influence of other languages: Possible influences from Persian and Arabic are hinted at through loanwords like "dinār."
- Examples: Numerous examples from works like Apabhraṁśa verses in Jain literature (Vāsu-deva-hiṁḍi), the commentary on Nāyadhammakahā, and the inscriptions of Kharavela are used.
16th and 17th Centuries:
- Key Figures: Lāvaṇyasoma, Narasiṁha Mahetā, Padmanābha, Bhīma II, Māṇḍaṇa, Siddha-chandra (Jain), Viṣṇudāsa, and Nāgara are highlighted.
- Linguistic Analysis: This period marks a significant step towards modern Gujarati.
  - Grammar and Syntax: Analysis of verb conjugations, case endings, and sentence structures shows further standardization.
  - Vocabulary: Increased use of vernacular words and simplification of complex Sanskritized forms.
  - Literary Styles: Examination of poetic and prose styles from prominent poets like Narasimha Mehta.
- Examples: Literary excerpts from works by these poets are used to illustrate linguistic features.
18th Century and Conclusion:
- Linguistic Trends: The text notes that by the 18th century, Gujarati had largely adopted its modern form, with influences from Persian and English becoming more apparent.
- Summary: The conclusion reiterates the journey of Gujarati from its ancient roots, emphasizing the continuous evolution driven by various socio-cultural and linguistic factors. The author reflects on the importance of preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Gujarati language.
- Focus on Jain Literature: Throughout the book, a significant portion of the examples and analysis is drawn from Jain religious and philosophical texts, highlighting the crucial role of the Jain community in the development and preservation of the Gujarati language.

IV. Key Themes and Arguments:

Language as a Living Entity: The text consistently portrays language as a dynamic, evolving entity, constantly influenced by the society that speaks it.
Debunking the "Prakrit from Sanskrit" Myth: Doshi argues against the notion that Prakrit languages are mere corruptions of Sanskrit. Instead, he posits a common Āryan origin and acknowledges the parallel evolution of both Sanskrit and Prakrit/Apabhraṁśa.
Importance of Vernacular Literature: The author stresses the value of vernacular literature (Jain, courtly, and folk) in tracing the authentic evolution of the language, often finding it more representative than heavily Sanskritized scholarly works.
Influence of Mleccha Languages: The text acknowledges the historical contact and absorption of words from non-Āryan languages, demonstrating that language purity is often a fluid concept.
Grammatical Rigor vs. Natural Usage: Doshi often contrasts the prescriptive rules of grammarians like Hemchandra with the actual usage found in literature, highlighting instances where natural language usage diverged from or adapted grammatical prescriptions.
Role of Jain Scholars: The extensive reliance on Jain texts underscores the significant contribution of Jain monks and scholars in documenting, preserving, and influencing the development of Gujarati.

In essence, "Gujarati Bhashani Utkranti" is a scholarly treatise that meticulously traces the historical development of the Gujarati language through its literary manifestations from the 12th to the 18th century, with a particular emphasis on the contributions of Jain scholars and literature. It provides a detailed linguistic analysis of the changing grammatical structures, vocabulary, and pronunciation, offering a valuable resource for understanding the historical trajectory of Gujarati.