Prakrit Path Chayanika Prarambhik Pathyakram - Book Summary

This document is the Prakrit Path Chayanika Prarambhik Pathyakram, a foundational textbook for learning the Prakrit language and literature. It was published in May 2012 by the B. L. Institute of Indology, Delhi, in collaboration with the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (Deemed University), New Delhi.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its content and purpose:

Core Purpose and Philosophy:

Revival and Promotion of Prakrit: The book highlights the historical importance of Prakrit as a major vernacular language of ancient India, influencing all subsequent Indian languages and deeply embedding itself in India's literature, culture, traditions, and folk life. It laments the current neglect of Prakrit despite its significant heritage.
Bridging the Gap: The B. L. Institute of Indology has been dedicated for 24 years to promoting Prakrit language and literature through workshops and this textbook aims to provide a structured approach for beginners.
Grammar-Based Approach: A key feature emphasized is the pedagogical approach, which is based on grammar. This aims to help students grasp the meaning of texts while also understanding the structure and grammatical nuances of different Prakrit forms.
Empowering Scholars: The goal is to train scholars who can interpret Prakrit texts independently, not just through Sanskrit translations, bringing pride to the institute.

Content and Structure:

The book is structured as a syllabus for an elementary course, featuring a curated selection of texts from various genres of Prakrit literature. The syllabus is divided into three main sections:

Poetry (Page 20): This section includes excerpts from:
- Ācārāṅga Sūtra (आचाराङ्गसूत्र): Specifically, the section "Rāḍhadeśe Mahāvīraḥ" (Mahavira in the Radha region).
- Sūtra Kṛtāṅga Sūtra (सूत्रकृताङ्गसूत्र): The section "Aṇagārakiccāi" (The duties of an ascetic).
- Uttarādhyayana Sūtra (उत्तराध्ययनसूत्र): The first chapter, "Vinayasūtra" (The Sutra of Humility/Discipline).
- Paumacariya (पउमचरियं): The section "Rakkhasa-Vānarapavvajjāvidhāṇāhiyāro" (The section on the renunciation of Rakshasa and Vanara).
- Pravacanasāra (पवयणसारो): Excerpts from "Pravacanasara."
- Kumārapālacarita (कुमारपालचरितम्): Chapters 7 and 8.
Prose (Page 11): This section includes excerpts from:
- Jñātṛdharma kathā (णायाधम्मकहाओ): The fourth chapter, "Karmme" (On Karma).
- Upāsakadāsa Sūtra (उपासकदशासूत्र): The seventh chapter, "Śraddhālaputra Adhyayana" (The chapter on Śraddhālaputra).
- Vasudeva Hindi (वसुदेवहिण्डी): The second section, "Sāmalīlaṁbho" (The section on Sāmalī).
- Jacobi's Selected Narratives: Presented as "Mūladeva-Kahā" (The Story of Mūladeva).
Drama (Page 11): This section focuses on Prakrit verses from Sanskrit dramas, specifically from Abhijñānaśākuntalam (अभिज्ञानशकुन्तलम्):
- "Māhārāṣṭrī Śloka Saṅgraha" (A collection of Māhārāṣṭrī verses).
- "Vidūṣaka-Vilāpaḥ" (The lament of the jester).
- "Rājñaḥ samīpe dhīvarasyānayanam" (The bringing of the fisherman to the king) from the sixth act.

Key Aspects Highlighted:

Cover Image: The cover features an Ashokan inscription in Prakrit from the 3rd century BC, currently displayed in the Bhubaneshwar Museum, symbolizing the ancient roots of the language.
Publishers: The joint publication by B. L. Institute of Indology and Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan underscores a collaborative effort to preserve and promote Indological studies.
Acknowledgement of Contributors: The "Bhumika" (Introduction) expresses gratitude to various scholars and institutions, including Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathi (Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan) and Prof. Gayacharan Tripathi, for their guidance and support.
B. L. Institute of Indology: Described as an internationally renowned institution for the study and research of Indian Oriental Studies, it boasts extensive manuscript collections, an archaeological museum, and a significant publication record.

In essence, the "Prakrit Path Chayanika Prarambhik Pathyakram" is a well-curated introductory text designed to equip learners with a solid foundation in Prakrit language and literature, emphasizing grammatical accuracy and direct engagement with seminal Jain and Buddhist works, as well as literary texts adapted into Prakrit. It serves as a testament to the enduring importance of Prakrit in the Indian intellectual tradition.