Prakrit Bharti

Prakrit Bharti: A Comprehensive Summary

Book Title: Prakrit Bharti Author: Dr. Prem Suman Jain Publisher: Agama Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Sansthan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003808/1

Overview:

"Prakrit Bharti" is a significant publication from the Agama Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Sansthan, Udaipur, serving as a valuable resource for the study and promotion of Prakrit language and literature. Published in 1991, it is the fourth in the "Agam Sansthan Granthamala" series, curated under the chief editorship of Prof. Sagarmal Jain. The book aims to bridge the gap in the availability of quality textbooks for Prakrit studies, especially for undergraduate students.

Content and Structure:

The book is meticulously structured into three main sections, each contributing to a holistic understanding of Prakrit:

1. Prakrit Language and Literature (Pages 10-34): This foundational section, authored by Dr. Prem Suman Jain, provides a comprehensive introduction to the Prakrit language and its rich literary heritage. It covers:

   • Prakrit Language: Its historical significance as an Aryan language, its relationship with Vedic language, its evolution as a "language of the people" (Jan-bhasha) and later as a state language during Emperor Ashoka's reign. It highlights Prakrit's role as a powerful medium of expression, reaching from humble dwellings to royal courts, and its adoption by great poets like Kalidasa. The section also discusses Prakrit's status as a poetic language, appreciated for its simplicity and sweetness.
   • Stages of Development: The language's evolution is traced through three main stages: First-level Prakrit (pre-Mahavir era, with elements found in Vedic language), Second-level Prakrit (used in Agam texts, inscriptions, and dramas during the Mahavir era to the 2nd century CE), and Third-level Prakrit (from the 3rd century CE to the 6th century CE).
   • Major Prakrit Languages: A detailed classification of Prakrit into two primary types: Kathya-Prakrit (spoken Prakrit, without written examples) and Literary Prakrit. Literary Prakrit is further divided into five forms based on usage and period:
     • Arsha Prakrit: The language of Buddhist and Jain religious preachings (Pali and Ardhamagadhi).
     • Silalekhi Prakrit: The language of inscriptions, notably used by Emperor Ashoka.
     • Niya Prakrit: Found in texts from the Niya region (Chinese Turkistan), with a close relation to Tocharian.
     • Dhamma-pada Prakrit: Found in a Kharosthi script text similar to the Pali Dhammapada, related to Northwestern dialects.
     • Ashvaghosha's Dramas Prakrit: Different from Jain scriptures' Prakrit, indicating Prakrit's development. The section mentions the evolution into Magadhi, Ardhamagadhi, and Sauraseni.
   • Middle Age Prakrit (2nd to 6th Century CE): This period saw the writing of literary works. Grammarians classified Prakrit into five types: Ardhamagadhi, Sauraseni, Maharashtri, Magadhi, and Paishachi, detailing their characteristics.
     • Ardhamagadhi: The language of Jain Agamas, spoken in the half of the Magadha region.
     • Sauraseni: The language of Shurasena (Mathura), prominent in Central India. It became the primary language for Digambara Jain Agamas and was used in ancient Indian dramas.
     • Maharashtri: Considered the standard Prakrit by many, named after the Maharashtra region. It was widely used in poetry and drama due to its tendency to drop Sanskrit consonants, thus being termed "Literary Prakrit."
     • Magadhi: Not found in independent works, primarily used in Sanskrit dramas and inscriptions, considered a mixture of various dialects.
     • Paishachi: Believed to be spoken by specific communities in various regions, prominent in Kekaya, Shurasena, and Panchala regions. Grierson considered it a language of Western Punjab and Afghanistan.
   • Apabhramsha: The language that evolved from Maharashtri Prakrit into a literary language, bridging Prakrit and Hindi.
   • Prakrit Poetic Literature: An exploration of poetic elements in Agam texts, inscriptions, and narrative literature like Tarangavati and Paumchariya. It highlights the use of metaphors and similes, citing an example from Paumchariya. It discusses the presence of poetic beauty and sweetness in Prakrit literature over 2300 years. The section then categorizes Prakrit poetic literature into:
     • Muktak Kavya (Independent Poetry): Highlighting "Gathasaptashati" (by Hala) and "Vajjālaggaṁ" (compiled by Jayavallabha), describing their content and significance.
     • Khanda Kavya (Sectional Poetry): Mentioning works like "Kamsavadha" and "Ushaniruddha" by Ramapani vada, and "Kummputtachariam" by Ananthahans, explaining their themes and contribution.
     • Mahakavya (Epic Poetry): Discussing significant epics like "Setubandha" (Ravananvah by Pravarasena), "Gaudavaho" (by Vakpati Raja), "Lilavatikaha" (by Kohala), and "Dvayashraya Kavya" (by Hemachandra). It also mentions "Sirichandakavva" by Sri Krishna Shuk Kavi.
   • Charitra Kavya (Biographical Poetry): Works narrating the lives of great personalities, often didactic in nature, such as "Paumchariyam," "Surasundari Charitam," "Mahavir Charitam," and "Sudarshan Charitam."
   • Katha Kavya (Narrative Poetry): Both prose and verse narrative works, including "Tarangavati Katha," "Nirvanalilavati Katha," "Kumarapala Prathibodha," "Ākhyanamanikoshavritti," and "Sirisrival Katha."
   • Prakrit Prose Literature: Discusses the ancient Prakrit prose found in Agam literature, from short sayings to complex prose styles. It highlights Āchārānga Sūtra's aphorisms, and the prose in Bhagavati Sūtra, Jñātādharmakaṭhā, Upāsakadaśāṅga, Vipāka Sūtra, etc., mentioning the use of compound words and poetic language. It also notes the prose in commentary literature (Chūrṇi and Bhāshya).
   • Prakrit Narrative Literature: Emphasizes the abundance and diversity of narrative works, starting from Agam literature and extending to modern times. It details various types of Agam narrative texts like Jñātādharmakaṭhā (highlighting its diverse stories, exemplars, and allegories), Upāsakadaśāṅga (focusing on the lives of ten prominent lay disciples), Antakṛtadaśāṅga (stories of those who ended the cycle of birth and death), Anuttaropapātikadaśā (stories of those who attained higher celestial realms), and Vipāka Sūtra (stories of karmic consequences). It also discusses independent narrative texts like Tarangavati Katha, Vasudevahiṇḍi, Samarăiccahā, and Kuvalayamālā.
   • Prakrit Drama Literature: Explores Prakrit's presence in dramas, noting that while many early dramas in Prakrit are lost, "Mṛcchakaṭika" is a notable example with extensive Prakrit usage. It highlights the tradition of Suttakas, like Rajasekhara's "Karpūramañjarī," and the use of Prakrit by playwrights like Bhasa, Kalidasa, Harshavardhana, Bhavabhuti, and Vishakhadatta.
   • Prose in Inscriptions: Discusses the oldest Prakrit prose found in Ashoka's inscriptions, highlighting their importance for understanding Prakrit language and contemporary culture. It mentions other significant inscriptions like Khāravela's Hathigumpha inscription and those of the Andhra kings.

2. Prakrit Texts (Pages 37-108): This section presents selected texts from significant Prakrit works, including:

   • Lilavatikaha (Kolahala): Excerpts from the magnum opus of Kolahala, showcasing its poetic beauty and narrative style, including mangala shloka, descriptions of seasons, and introduction to the story.
   • Kamsavadha (Ramapani Vada): Selections from this 17th-century poem, depicting Krishna's journey to Mathura and the prelude to Kamsa's defeat, featuring descriptions of the divine, human emotions, and poetic dialogues.
   • Bhavishyadaattakavya (Maheshwarsuri): Extracts from this work, detailing the early life of Bhavishyadaatta, his family background, his business acumen, and the beginning of his journey, highlighting cultural and social aspects.
   • Aramaśohākathā (Sanghatilaka Gani): Portions of this narrative, focusing on the life of Vidyutprabha, her encounter with a Nagakumara, the creation of a divine garden, and her eventual marriage to King Jitashatru, demonstrating ethical lessons and divine intervention.
   • Munichand Kathānaka (Shilankacharya): Excerpts from this story, depicting the life of Munichandra, his quest for spiritual knowledge, his encounters with royal figures and ascetics, and the philosophical underpinnings of his journey.
   • Kūrmaputra Charita (Anantahamsa): Selections from this work, narrating the story of Kūrmaputra, his birth, his supernatural encounters, and his spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of karma and detachment.
   • Agadadatta Charita (Devendra Gani): Portions of this narrative, detailing the life of Agadadatta, his moral decline, his exile, his learning from Pawanachanda, and his subsequent adventures, highlighting moral choices and consequences.
   • Jñātādharmakatha (Agam Text): Key chapters, particularly the fourth Kūrma (tortoise) chapter illustrating the consequences of lack of self-control and the sixth Tumbaka (gourd) chapter explaining the effects of karma on beings' physical states.
   • Uttarādhyayana Sūtra (Mūla Sūtra): Selected chapters, including the first Vinaya Sūtra emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect for gurus, and the twenty-second Rathenemi chapter detailing the renunciation of Lord Neminatha and his teachings on detachment.
   • Vasunandi Śrāvakaāchāra (Vasunandi): Extracts highlighting the ethical principles for lay followers, specifically detailing the demerits of gambling, wine consumption, eating meat, and theft.
   • Ashoka's Inscriptions (Girnar Text): Key edicts of Emperor Ashoka, providing insights into his Dhamma policy, administrative measures, and social welfare initiatives, presented in their original Prakrit script and transliteration.
   • Karpūramañjarī (Rajasekhara): A significant portion of this Prakrit Shattaka (a type of drama), showcasing its poetic brilliance, witty dialogues, and depiction of courtly life and romance.
   • Kāhānaya Aṭṭagaṁ (Nemichandra Sūri): Selections from this collection of eight narratives, offering moralistic tales and illustrating virtues and vices through engaging stories.

3. Hindi Translation (Pages 131-254): This section provides the Hindi translations of the Prakrit texts presented in the previous section, making the content accessible to a wider audience. Each Prakrit text is followed by its Hindi translation, explaining the nuances and meanings in detail.

Purpose and Significance:

"Prakrit Bharti" is a testament to the commitment of the Agama Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Sansthan to the preservation and dissemination of Prakrit language and literature. The book serves multiple crucial purposes:

• Educational Resource: It provides a well-structured and comprehensive textbook for students pursuing Prakrit at the undergraduate level, covering a wide range of representative texts.
• Cultural Bridge: By offering Prakrit texts with Hindi translations, it facilitates a deeper understanding of ancient Indian culture, philosophy, and values embedded within this literature.
• Scholarly Contribution: The book contributes to the academic discourse on Prakrit by making important texts accessible and fostering research in the field.
• Inspiration: It aims to ignite a passion for Prakrit language and literature among readers and students, encouraging further exploration and appreciation of this ancient linguistic treasure.

Acknowledgement of Support:

The publication of "Prakrit Bharti" was made possible through the generous financial support of Shri Sohanlal Ji Sapani, Bangalore, and the dedicated efforts of the editorial board and the publishing institution. The editors, Dr. Prem Suman Jain and Dr. Subhash Kothari, are particularly acknowledged for their meticulous work in editing, proofreading, and managing the publication.

In essence, "Prakrit Bharti" stands as a vital contribution to Jain studies and Prakrit literature, offering a rich tapestry of ancient Indian thought, culture, and linguistic heritage.