Prakrit Sahitya Ki Roop Rekha

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prakrit Sahitya ki Roop Rekha" by Dr. Tara Daga, based on the provided pages:

Overview and Purpose of the Book:

"Prakrit Sahitya ki Roop Rekha" (An Outline of Prakrit Literature) by Dr. Tara Daga, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, aims to provide a simplified and authentic introduction to the Prakrit language and its extensive literary corpus. Recognizing the lack of accessible books for general readers and students of Prakrit, this publication, presented as "Prakrit Bharti Pushp 168," fills that gap. The book intends to awaken interest in Prakrit literature among its readers and is particularly useful for students preparing for NET examinations in Jainism and Prakrit.

Significance of Prakrit Language and Literature:

Prakrit is identified as an ancient Indian language with a rich literary tradition spanning over two and a half millennia. It holds immense significance as the language of Lord Mahavir's original teachings, the Jain Agamas. Beyond religious texts, Prakrit literature encompasses inscriptions, poetry, narrative works, biographical epics, and dramatic compositions (Sattaka). This literary wealth offers invaluable insights into ancient Indian civilization, culture, society, and political systems. The book emphasizes that Prakrit was the common language of the populace, adopted by spiritual leaders like Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir for their sermons, and utilized by emperors like Ashoka for public edicts to ensure widespread reach and public awareness. Its presence in the plays of renowned Sanskrit poets like Ashvaghosha, Bhasa, Kalidasa, and Shudrak further attests to its widespread influence and popularity.

Structure and Content of the Book:

The book is structured to guide readers through the evolution and various genres of Prakrit literature. The key areas covered include:

• Prakrit: Form and Development (Chapter 1): This chapter delves into the origins and evolution of the Prakrit language, tracing its connection to the Indo-Aryan language family and its development across three periods: Old Indo-Aryan, Middle Indo-Aryan (where Prakrit flourished), and Modern Indo-Aryan. It discusses the linguistic similarities between Vedic and Prakrit and highlights how Prakrit, as a popular vernacular, was adopted by key historical and religious figures.
• Agama Tradition (Chapter 2): This chapter focuses on the Jain Agamas, the canonical scriptures originating from Lord Mahavir's teachings. It explains the meaning of 'Agama' as direct pronouncements of the omniscient Tirthankaras, compiled by their disciples (Ganadharas). The chapter details the structure of the Agamas, including the lost Dvadasanga (Twelve Angas) and the currently available Ekadasanga (Eleven Angas). It also outlines the historical context of the Agamas' compilation and preservation through various 'Vachanas' (recensions) and discusses the different canons accepted by the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions.
• Introduction to Ardhamagadhi Agama Texts (Chapter 3): This chapter provides a detailed overview of the texts written in Ardhamagadhi, the language believed to be spoken by Lord Mahavir. It describes the Angas (like Acharanga, Sutrakritanga, Sthananga, Samavayanga, Bhagavati/Viyaha-pannatti, etc.), Upangas, Prakirnakas, Chedasutras, Mulasutras, and Chulikas, explaining their content and significance within Jain scripture.
• Shauraseni Agama Literature (Chapter 4): This chapter shifts focus to the literature composed in Shaurseni Prakrit, primarily highlighting the Digambara Agamas such as Shatkhandagama and Kashayapahud, along with the works of Acharya Kundakunda (Samaysara, Pravachanasara, etc.). It explains the language and historical context of these important texts.
• Major Prakrit Inscriptions (Chapter 5): This chapter emphasizes the importance of inscriptions in understanding the ancient form of Prakrit. It discusses the significance of Ashoka's edicts and Kharavela's Hathigumpha inscription, noting their linguistic and historical value, as well as their role in spreading ethical and moral values.
• Major Prakrit Poetic Works (Chapter 6): This chapter explores Prakrit poetry, dividing it into Muktakakavya (lyrics), Mahakavya (epics), and Khandakavya (shorter poems). It highlights significant works like Gaha Sattasai (celebrated for its depiction of love and nature), Vajjalaggam (a collection of ethical verses), Setubandha (an epic based on the Ramayana), Gaudavadho (a historical epic), and various Khandakavyas, discussing their literary merits and themes.
• Major Prakrit Narrative Works (Chapter 7): This chapter focuses on Prakrit prose narratives and storytelling traditions. It traces the roots of Prakrit storytelling from the Agamas to independent works. Key texts discussed include Tarangavati Katha (though lost, its essence survives in Tarangala), Vasudevahindi (a comprehensive collection of tales), Samaradityakatha (an allegorical work on karma), Dhurtakhyana (satirical tales), and Kuvalayamala (a rich narrative with linguistic diversity).
• Major Prakrit Biographical Epics (Chapter 8): This section delves into biographical poetry, focusing on lives of significant figures. It discusses Padmacharita by Vimalasuri (a Prakrit retelling of the Ramayana), Chauppannama-hapurisa-charia by Shilankacharya (biographies of 54 eminent figures), Jambuchariya, Surasundari Charita, and Mahavir Charita, highlighting their narrative styles, philosophical underpinnings, and cultural insights.
• Prakrit in Drama and the Prakrit Sattaka (Chapter 9): This chapter examines the role of Prakrit in Sanskrit drama, where different social strata used various Prakrit dialects. It discusses the use of Prakrit in the plays of Ashvaghosha, Bhasa, Kalidasa, and Shudrak. The chapter also introduces the "Sattaka" genre, a unique form of drama often entirely in Prakrit, exemplified by Rajshekhar's Karpuramanjari, and discusses its characteristics and examples like Rambhamanjari and Chandralekha.
• Prakrit Grammar, Prosody, Rhetoric, and Lexicographical Works (Chapter 10): The final chapter focuses on the scholarly works dedicated to the structure and systematization of Prakrit. It discusses ancient Prakrit grammars such as Prakritaprakasha by Vararuchi and Siddha-Hema-Shabdānushasana by Hemachandra. It also touches upon prosody (Chanda), rhetoric (Alankara), and lexicography (Kosa-Grantha), mentioning significant works like Vṛttajātisamucca and Desīnāmamālā, and highlighting the efforts of modern scholars in reviving and analyzing Prakrit literature and language.

Key Contributions and Approach:

Dr. Tara Daga's work is praised for its simplified language, making complex subjects accessible to a wider audience. It relies on the research of previous scholars and presents a systematic, chronological overview of Prakrit literature. A unique feature mentioned is that many Prakrit text titles are presented in their original Prakrit script, enhancing reader familiarity. The book serves as an essential resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in the profound heritage of Prakrit literature.