Prakrit Vyakaran Praveshika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prakrit Vyakaran Praveshika" by Satyaranjan Banerjee, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prakrit Vyakaran Praveshika (An Introduction to Prakrit Grammar) Author: Professor Dr. Satyaranjan Banerjee Publisher: Jain Bhavan, Calcutta Year of First Edition: May 1999

Overall Purpose and Scope:

This book is designed as an introductory guide for students beginning to learn Prakrit. It aims to provide a foundational understanding of the language, focusing on its core grammatical rules. The author acknowledges that it may be considered basic for those with advanced knowledge of Prakrit. The book follows a three-tiered language learning approach: introductory, intermediate, and advanced, positioning itself firmly at the introductory level. The compilation originated from chapters distributed to students in a classroom setting.

Key Content Areas and Structure:

The book is structured into two main parts: Dhvani Tattva (Phonology) and Rup-Tattva (Morphology).

I. Dhvani Tattva (Phonology):

This section delves into the sound system of Prakrit.

Introduction to Prakrit: The author highlights the significance of Prakrit alongside Sanskrit and Pali in understanding ancient Indian culture, specifically its connection to Jainism and philosophy. Prakrit is presented as a broad term encompassing various dialects like Maharashtri, Shauraseni, Magadhi, Paishachi, and Apabhramsha. Ardhamagadhi is noted for its use in Jain Agamas. The book focuses on the common features of Prakrit.
Prakrit Alphabet and Pronunciation:
- Alphabet: The Prakrit alphabet is presented, including vowels (a, ā, i, ī, u, ū, e, o) and consonants (k, kh, g, gh, ṅ, c, ch, j, jh, ñ, ṭ, ṭh, ḍ, ḍh, ṇ, t, th, d, dh, n, p, ph, b, bh, m, y, r, l, v, s, h). Magadhi Prakrit is mentioned as having the palatal 'ś'.
- Pronunciation Rules and Changes:
  - Vowels: 'ṛ', 'ṝ', and 'ḷ' are not present; they are replaced by 'a', 'i', 'u', or 'ri'. 'ṛ' usually becomes 'a', with 'i' and 'u' occurring in specific words. The combination of 'ṛ' with labial sounds often results in 'u'.
  - Diphthongs: 'ai' and 'au' in Sanskrit become 'e' and 'o' in Prakrit.
  - 'y' and 'j': Initially, 'y' can become 'j' in Prakrit (e.g., yadi > jai). However, Magadhi Prakrit exclusively uses 'y'.
  - 'n' and 'ṇ': Prakrit consistently uses the retroflex 'ṇ', whether in consonant clusters or standalone. Ardhamagadhi uses the dental 'n' initially and in clusters.
  - 'ś' and 'ṣ': Prakrit generally uses the dental 's' instead of the palatal 'ś' and retroflex 'ṣ'. Magadhi Prakrit, however, retains 'ś'.
  - Consonant Clusters: Prakrit avoids clusters of dissimilar consonants. Clusters typically involve the same consonant or specific combinations.
  - Visarga: Visarga (ḥ) is absent. If it follows a word ending in 'a' and is at the end of a word, it becomes 'o' (e.g., sarvataḥ > sarvao). If it precedes a word, the preceding consonant is often doubled (e.g., duḥkha > dukkha).
  - 'm': 'm' at the end of a word or before a pause becomes an anusvāra (ṁ).
  - Nasals: The fifth nasal of each class (ṅ, ñ, ṇ, n, m) often becomes an anusvāra before a consonant.
Anusvāra, Ananāsika (Nasalization), and Visarga: This section elaborates on the specific rules for these phonetic elements in Prakrit, reiterating the points made in the pronunciation section and highlighting that their usage differs from Sanskrit.
Dhvani Parivartan (Sound Changes): This is a significant section detailing various sound transformations:
- Vowel Changes: Vowels often become shorter when they precede a consonant cluster (e.g., āmrām > ambam). 'e' and 'o' before clusters become 'i' and 'u' respectively.
- 'ṛ' Changes: 'ṛ' transforms into 'a', 'i', 'u', or 'ri' in various contexts.
- 'ai' and 'au' Changes: These become 'e' and 'o'.
- Consonant Changes:
  - Deletion of Intervocalic Consonants: Many intervocalic consonants (k, g, c, j, t, d, p, y, v) are often omitted, leading to vowel hiatus or diphthong formation (e.g., kāka > kāa or kāya).
  - Intervocalic 'kh', 'gh', 'th', 'dh', 'bh': These often become 'h'.
  - 'ṭ' and 'ḍ': 'ṭ' can become 'ḍ' in medial position.
  - 'ṭh': 'ṭh' can become 'ḍh' in medial position.
  - 'n' and 'ṇ': Dental 'n' often becomes retroflex 'ṇ', especially medially. The initial dental 'n' is also found, sometimes influenced by Ardhamagadhi.
  - 'y' to 'j': Initial 'y' can become 'j'.
  - 'ś' and 'ṣ' to 's': Palatal 'ś' and retroflex 'ṣ' generally become dental 's'.
  - Anusvāra Formation: Certain consonant clusters involving nasals result in an anusvāra.
  - Cluster Simplification: Clusters like 'kṣm', 'śm', 'ṣm', 'sm', 'hm' often become 'mh'. Clusters like 'śn', 'ṣṇ', 'sn', 'hn', 'l', 'kṣṇ' become 'ṇh'.
  - Mahāprāṇa Simplification: Pairs of aspirated consonants (kh, gh, ch, jh, ṭh, ḍh, th, dh, ph, bh) are usually not found together; the first is often made unaspirated.
Ya-Shruti (Addition of 'y'): This phenomenon, primarily seen in Ardhamagadhi, occurs when a consonant is omitted, and a 'y' sound is inserted, often after vowels 'a' and 'ā'. It's described as more of an auditory feature than a written one.
Sandhi (Euphonic Combination): Prakrit sandhi rules are simpler than Sanskrit.
- Vowel combinations often result in a single long vowel or diphthongs.
- 'a/ā' followed by 'i/ī' becomes 'e', and 'a/ā' followed by 'u/ū' becomes 'o'.
- Certain vowel combinations are not allowed.
- Sandhi can be optional in some cases.
Samyukta Varna ke Niyam (Rules of Consonant Clusters): This section details how consonant clusters are handled in Prakrit, often involving omission of one of the consonants and doubling of the remaining one, or simplification of aspirated consonants.

II. Rup-Tattva (Morphology):

This section covers word formation and inflection.

Viseshya (Nouns and Adjectives):
- Number: Prakrit has only two numbers: singular and plural. The Sanskrit dual is replaced by the plural.
- Gender: Generally, Prakrit follows Sanskrit in having three genders (masculine, feminine, neuter), though exceptions exist where Sanskrit gender is not retained.
- Case: Prakrit has seven cases (Prathama, Dvitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashti, Saptami) plus the vocative. The Sanskrit Sampradana (dative) function is often covered by the Shashti (genitive). The origin of Prakrit case endings differs from Sanskrit.
- Declension of Nouns: Detailed tables are provided for the declension of various noun types:
  - Masculine: Akaranta (e.g., vachchha), Ikārantā (e.g., giri), Ukārantā (e.g., taru).
  - Feminine: Ākārantā (e.g., mālā, latā), Ikārantā (e.g., buddhi), Īkārantā (e.g., naī), Ukārantā (e.g., dhenu), Ūkārantā (e.g., vahū).
  - Special Forms: Declensions for words like pitar (father), bhartar (husband), rājan (king), and ātman (self) are presented, showing their Prakrit variations.
Visheshan (Adjectives): Adjectives agree with the nouns they modify in gender, number, and case. They are categorized as comparative (using suffixes like -tara > -yara) and superlative (using suffixes like -tama > -yama).
Sankhya Vachak Shabd (Numerals): A comprehensive list of numerals from one to over ninety is provided, along with their Prakrit forms. Some declensions of numerals are also shown (e.g., for 'one', 'two', 'three', 'four', 'five').
Sarvanam Shabd Rup (Pronoun Declensions): Detailed declensions are given for various pronouns:
- Personal Pronouns: asmad (I), yushmad (you).
- Demonstrative Pronouns: tad (that - masculine, feminine, neuter), idam (this - masculine, feminine, neuter), etad (this - masculine, feminine, neuter), adad (that - masculine, feminine, neuter).
- Interrogative/Relative Pronouns: yad (who/which - masculine, feminine, neuter), kim (who/what - masculine, feminine, neuter).
- Indefinite Pronouns: sarva (all - masculine, feminine, neuter).
Kriya (Verbs):
- Key Concepts: The book outlines the fundamental components of verb conjugation in Prakrit: root (dhātu), person, number, voice (parasmaipada and ātmanepada), mood, tense (past, present, future), augment, reduplication, infixes, verb stem, and verb endings.
- Verbal System: Prakrit verbs are generally simpler than Sanskrit. The author notes that not all Sanskrit verb forms or moods exist in Prakrit. Parasmaipada is the primary voice, although ātmanepada is sometimes found, particularly in Ardhamagadhi and influenced by Sanskrit.
- Tenses and Moods: Prakrit has present, past, and future tenses. The author explains that Sanskrit tenses (laṅ, luṅ, liṭ) are not directly applicable, and Prakrit uses simplified forms.
- Verb Conjugation: Examples of conjugation for the verb 'as' (to be) and 'kṛ' (to do) are provided, showing forms for different persons, numbers, tenses, and moods. The verbs 'bhū' (to become) and 'bhaṇ' (to speak) are also conjugated.
Kriya Visheshan (Adverbs): Adverbs are categorized by place, time, and manner, with numerous examples of Prakrit adverbs and their English equivalents.
Upsarga (Prefixes): A list of common Sanskrit prefixes and their Prakrit forms and meanings is provided, along with examples of their usage in verbs.
Karak Niyantrit Upsarga (Case-Governing Prefixes): Prefixes that govern specific cases are listed with their corresponding cases (Karma, Karana, Apadana, Sambandha).
Samanvay Bodhak Shabd (Conjunctions): Conjunctions are classified into copulative, disjunctive, adversative, conditional, and direct speech connectors.
Manobhav Prakashak Shabd (Interjections): A section is dedicated to interjections used to express emotions like affirmation, doubt, surprise, regret, etc., with examples.

Conclusion:

"Prakrit Vyakaran Praveshika" serves as a valuable and accessible resource for anyone seeking to learn the basics of the Prakrit language, particularly those interested in Jain literature and history. It systematically breaks down the phonetic and morphological aspects of the language, making it understandable for beginners.