Historical Outline Of The Languages Of Western Indian

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The book "A Historical Outline of the Languages of Western India" by Prof. K. B. Vyas primarily focuses on the Gujarati language, highlighting its rich history, geographical spread, and evolution. While acknowledging other languages like Western Rajasthani, Māļavi, Cutchi, Sindhi, and Konkani, the author designates Gujarati as the most outstanding and richest among them.

Geographical Scope of Gujarati: Gujarati is spoken across a significant region in Western India, extending from Mount Abu in the north to the Dangs and Umbergaon in the south, and from Dvarka in the west to Dohad in the east. This area encompasses Saurashtra and almost the entire northern division of the Bombay State (Gujarat). The language also has a significant presence in border areas like Cutch and a substantial speaking population in Bombay, as well as in major Indian cities and Gujarati diaspora communities worldwide.

Historical Evolution of Gujarati: The evolution of Gujarati is traced through several stages:

• Early Influences and Sanskrit: The earliest known spoken language in Gujarat was a dialect that later developed into Vedic Sanskrit. However, concrete written evidence begins with the Asokan Inscriptions (around 250 B.C.).
• Prakrit Period: During the period of 1000 B.C. to 600 B.C., various dialects existed, including northern, midland, eastern, and western. The western dialect, as found in the Girnar inscriptions, exhibits traits that would later characterize Gujarati, such as the preservation of 'r' in consonant clusters. These spoken Prakrit dialects eventually evolved into standardized forms like Mahārāştri Prakrit. The language mentioned by Bharata in his Natyashastra as Avantijā or Avanti, spoken in areas corresponding to present-day Gujarat and Rajasthan, is considered closely allied to Sauraseni Prakrit.
• Apabhramsa Stage (5th to 10th Century A.D.): From these Prakrit speeches, Apabhramsa emerged, particularly associated with the Abhiras whose influence extended from the Indus delta to Cutch and Saurashtra. Apabhramsa, especially the Gurjara Apabhramsa (also referred to as Saurasena or Nāgara), formed the linguistic base for the development of New Indo-Aryan languages. This period saw the composition of considerable literature in Apabhramsa, with notable examples like Paumacariaya and Kumārapālacarita. The verses cited from Hemacandra's Siddha Hemacandra showcase the poetic charm and linguistic features of this transitional phase, including both erotic and heroic themes. The author emphasizes the close kinship between Apabhramsa and the emerging regional languages, making the transition to Old Gujarati relatively smooth with minor phonological changes.
• Old Gujarati (from 12th Century A.D.): The earliest discovered literary work in Old Gujarati is the Bharatesvara Bahubali Rasa of Sälibhadra Süri (1185 A.D.). This period marks the emergence of Gujarati as a distinct language, with characteristic features like simplified conjunct consonants and the use of auxiliary verbs like "achai-chai" (precursor to modern "che"). The following century saw further development, with works like the Revantagirirāsu of Vijayasenasūri.
• Mature Gujarati (14th Century onwards): By the 14th century, Gujarati had become a fully developed language, capable of expressing complex ideas and exhibiting significant poetic beauty. Outstanding works from this period include the anonymous Vasanta Vilasa, Thūlibhadda Phägu of Jinapadmasūri, and Neminátha Phagu of Maladhāri Rājasekharasūri. The 15th century was particularly rich, with works like the Kähnadade Prabandha of Padmanābha showcasing Rajput heroism. This century also saw the rise of influential poets and scholars like Narsimha, Mirambai, Bhālana, Lāvanyasamaya, and Māņikyasundara Sūri, whose prose classic Pệthvīcandracaritra is a landmark in Old Gujarati prose.
• Modern Gujarati (from 16th Century A.D.): From the 16th century, Gujarati began to assume its present linguistic form, with significant literary output including the Akhyānas of Premānanda, the romances of Sāmala, and the philosophical poems of Akho.
• Impact of English (Mid-19th Century onwards): The advent of English influence brought about a profound transformation. Prose became more cultivated and complex, capable of expressing intricate thoughts. Literature expanded beyond religious themes to encompass all aspects of life. New literary forms like lyrics, ballads, sonnets, essays, fiction, short stories, and dramas were introduced.

Dialects and Influences: Gujarati has several spoken dialects, including Kāțhiāwādi, Pattanī (North Gujarati), Carotari (Middle Gujarati), and Surati (South Gujarati). The language also interacts with neighboring languages like Bhilli and Marathi in border areas. Specific communities have their own dialects, such as the Kāthis and Ahirs of Saurashtra, and the Khārvās.

Gujarati has a remarkable capacity for assimilation, incorporating loanwords from Arabic, Persian, Turki, and Portuguese, which have been naturalized into the language. More recently, English loanwords have been integrated. The author notes that this borrowing strengthens the language. He also credits Mahatma Gandhi with advocating for the use of the simple, forceful speech of the masses as the standard for literary composition, a movement that has enriched modern Gujarati literature.

In essence, the book presents Gujarati as a vibrant language with a deep historical lineage, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and literary development, and poised for a promising future.