Prakrit Bhasha Vimarsh

Here is a comprehensive summary of "Prakrit Bhasha Vimarsh" by Prof. Nathuram Premi, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Prakrit Bhasha Vimarsh Author: Prof. Phool Chand Jain Premi (Nathuram Premi is likely an alias or a different spelling of the same author's name, as "Phool Chand Jain Premi" is consistently used throughout the text as the author and Director of the institute). Publisher: B.L. Institute of Indology, Delhi Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004257/1

Overview:

"Prakrit Bhasha Vimarsh" (Discourse on Prakrit Language) is an introductory book aiming to familiarize readers with the Prakrit language and its literature. It is particularly valuable for those interested in pursuing the study of Prakrit language and literature, especially those attending the annual summer workshops organized by the B.L. Institute of Indology. The book addresses a long-felt need for a concise and easily understandable resource on the various Prakrit languages, their literature, and related information.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Significance of Prakrit: The book emphasizes the profound influence of Prakrit on almost all Indian languages and their vast literary traditions, both linguistically, intellectually, and literarily. It highlights how this rich and vibrant ancient language, despite its contribution, has been relatively neglected and struggles for mainstream recognition.

2. Prakrit as a Vernacular Language: Prakrit is presented as the natural, spoken language of the common people for over fifteen centuries. Unlike Sanskrit, which required arduous study and adherence to strict grammatical rules, Prakrit was easily accessible, learned by children in their infancy. Even eminent scholars like Bharata Muni and poets like Kalidasa and Bhavabhuti could not ignore its importance, integrating it into their works for character portrayal and natural dialogue.

3. Linguistic and Historical Importance: The study of Prakrit is deemed essential for linguists to understand the grammar and evolution of North Indian languages. For historians, it's crucial for deciphering numerous Prakrit inscriptions. For scholars of Jainism, understanding Prakrit is indispensable for studying its philosophy and religion.

4. Origin and Nature of Prakrit:

   • The word "Prakrit" is derived from "Prakriti," meaning natural or common. It is seen as the natural, un-sanctified way of speaking.
   • Some scholars consider it the "Yoni" (source or birthplace) of cultured, literary languages like Sanskrit.
   • The book argues that Prakrit is not a corrupt form of Sanskrit but a distinct, natural language that co-existed and developed alongside Vedic Sanskrit. It posits a common ancestor for both Vedic Sanskrit and Prakrit, suggesting a shared popular language from which both evolved.
   • The book refutes the notion that Prakrit is merely a "corrupted" form of Sanskrit, asserting its independent origin and development.

5. Historical Periods of Prakrit: The book categorizes the development of literature in Prakrit into three main periods:

   • First Period (600 BC - 200 AD): Includes Prakrit found in inscriptions, the Dhamma pada, Pali (considered an early form of Prakrit), ancient Jain scriptures, and the plays of Ashvaghosha.
   • Middle Period (200 AD - 600 AD): Encompasses the Prakrit used in the plays of Bhasa and Kalidasa, lyrical poetry, Mahakavyas, later Jain literature, and the Prakrit described by grammarians.
   • Late Period (600 AD - 1200 AD): This is considered the Apabhramsha era, which saw the evolution of regional Prakrit languages.

6. Prakrit Inscriptions: The importance of Prakrit inscriptions, especially those of Emperor Ashoka and King Kharavela, is highlighted. Ashoka's edicts, inscribed in Prakrit and Brahmi script, demonstrate its status as a state language and a medium for conveying moral messages to the populace. The vast number of inscriptions (around two thousand) from 300 BC to 400 AD underscores its widespread use and historical significance.

7. Relationship with Vedic Language (Chandas): The book asserts that Prakrit has many similarities with Vedic Sanskrit (Chandas). It suggests that both developed from an earlier common vernacular. It argues that elements of Prakrit are present in Vedic literature, indicating its ancient roots.

8. Prakrit's Influence and Universality:

   • Prakrit is not confined to any specific sect, community, or period but has a universal character.
   • It is the source of many Indian languages and has influenced their literature and culture.
   • The literature in Prakrit spans diverse subjects, including religion, philosophy, aesthetics, social sciences, history, art, culture, mathematics, astrology, architecture, sculpture, and ethics, beyond just Jain scriptures.
   • The book notes that Prakrit literature continues to be created even in the present day.

9. Types of Prakrit and Their Literature: The book delves into the characteristics and literature of various Prakrit languages, including:

   • Pali: The language of Buddhist scriptures, considered a form of Prakrit with significant similarities to Magadhi and Paisachi.
   • Magadhi Prakrit: Associated with the region of Magadha, its influence is seen in Pali and Ardhamagadhi.
   • Ardhamagadhi Prakrit: The language of the Jain Agamas according to the Shvetambara tradition, also known as Arsha Prakrit.
   • Shauraseni Prakrit: Widely used in Sanskrit dramas and Jain philosophical texts, with its origin in the Shurasena region.
   • Maharashtri Prakrit: Considered the most prominent and refined Prakrit, with a vast body of literature, including Mahakavyas, Khandakavyas, and Kathas.
   • Paishachi Prakrit: An ancient language, possibly associated with nomadic tribes, with influences on northwestern languages.
   • Chulika Paishachi: Considered a dialect of Paishachi.
   • Apabhramsha: The transitional language between Prakrit and modern Indian languages, characterized by phonetic and grammatical evolution, and significant literary output.

10. Prakrit in Sanskrit Dramas: The book details the systematic use of different Prakrit dialects in Sanskrit plays according to Bharata Muni's Natyashastra, with specific Prakrits assigned to different social classes and character types to enhance realism and dramatic effect. It discusses the prevalence of Prakrit dialogue in Sanskrit dramas, sometimes even exceeding Sanskrit.

11. Sattaka: A specific genre of Prakrit drama, characterized by its composition entirely in Prakrit, often named after its heroine.

12. Prakrit Grammars: The book lists and briefly describes significant Prakrit grammars, highlighting the tradition of Prakrit grammar writing and its scholarly importance.

13. Linguistic Characteristics: It outlines common phonetic and grammatical features of Prakrit languages, such as vowel changes, assimilation of consonants, and simplification of grammatical structures.

14. Apabhramsha's Role: Apabhramsha is discussed as the intermediary language that bridged Prakrit and modern Indian languages, with extensive literature and regional variations. It is credited with laying the foundation for Hindi and other modern Indo-Aryan languages.

15. Prakrit and Hindi Connection: The book emphasizes the direct lineage of Hindi from Apabhramsha, and by extension, from Prakrit. It notes the significant number of loanwords and grammatical structures from Prakrit and Apabhramsha in Hindi.

16. Prakrit's Neglect and Suggestions for Revival: The book laments the current neglect of Prakrit and proposes several suggestions for its promotion and development, including its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, establishment of Prakrit colleges and research institutes, inclusion in university curricula, and equal recognition for Prakrit scholars with Sanskrit scholars in terms of awards.

Conclusion:

"Prakrit Bhasha Vimarsh" serves as a foundational text for understanding the Prakrit language and its rich literary heritage. It underscores Prakrit's historical importance, linguistic significance, and its integral role in the development of Indian languages and culture. The book strongly advocates for greater appreciation and promotion of Prakrit to preserve this invaluable cultural asset.