Rajasthan Bhasha Puratattva

This Jain text, "Rajasthan Bhasha Puratatva" by Udaysinh Bhatnagar, is a comprehensive exploration of the linguistic and historical roots of the Rajasthani language, tracing its origins and influences from prehistoric times. The text delves into the origins and cultural contributions of various early tribal groups and their languages that inhabited the region, ultimately shaping the development of Rajasthani.

Here's a summary of the key points covered in the provided pages:

1. Prehistoric Background and Early Tribes:

• Language as a Tool: The book begins by emphasizing the importance of language as a vital tool for human expression and development. The evolution of language is seen as intrinsically linked to the evolution of humanity, becoming more capable as humans explored deeper meanings in the world.
• Origin of Tribes and Language: The text discusses the emergence of various human races and their migration patterns, suggesting that the development and decline of these races were mirrored in their languages. It highlights that even fragmented linguistic remnants of these ancient peoples can offer insights into their history, origins, and transformations.
• Rajasthan's Linguistic Identity: The author posits that Rajasthan, as a political entity, cannot be considered a complete linguistic unit. Linguistic boundaries are more fluid and depend on the speakers. Therefore, understanding Rajasthani linguistics requires an examination of the region's aboriginal inhabitants.
• Evidence from Ancient Remains: Place names, excavated prehistoric artifacts, and even elements found in modern Rajasthani dialects are considered pointers to the linguistic heritage of ancient tribes like the Bhils.
• Geological and Geographical Context: The text references the geological history of Rajasthan, mentioning that thousands of years ago, the Arvali mountain ranges bordered a vast sea. It links the name 'Bagad' to coastal areas and discusses the presence of the Saraswati river meeting the sea in the region during the Rigvedic period, supported by geological findings.
• Early Human Presence: The book speculates on the presence of early humans, possibly belonging to the Bhil lineage or their ancestors, in Rajasthan during the Tertiary and Miocene Epochs, potentially migrating along ancient coastlines.

2. Linguistic Connections and Influences:

• Indo-Oceanic Continent and Austric Tribes: The text touches upon theories of land connections (like the Indo-Oceanic continent in the Permian epoch) and the migration of Austric tribes from Indo-China. It also discusses the potential links between Caucasian tribes in the Eastern Islands and the Bhil community, citing similarities in customs and linguistic tendencies.
• Bhili Linguistic Traits: The author draws parallels between certain linguistic features of the Bhils and those found in Polynesian languages, such as the use of 'Tapa' (a loincloth) and the practice of tattooing.
• Respect and Politeness in Language: The text highlights similarities in the social structure and linguistic expressions of respect observed in Bhil culture and their potential influence on Rajasthani. Examples are given of how deference is shown through specific verbal expressions and the use of plural pronouns for singular esteemed individuals, similar to the use of 'aap' in Rajasthani.
• The 'H' Sound and Other Phonetic Similarities: The author notes the characteristic 'H' pronunciation in Bhili and its presence or absence in various dialects. It also points to the presence of labiodental 'v' and labial 'w' sounds as shared features.
• "Magra" and its Connections: The word 'Magra' (meaning mountain in Rajasthani) is explored for its potential etymological links to Egyptian-Finnish 'Magro', suggesting a shared connection with mountainous regions across vast geographical areas, including Arkan in Burma and Phoenicia.
• "Wadi" and its Significance: The suffix 'Wadi' (meaning settlement or boundary) is compared to the Phoenician 'Wady', tracing its use in Rajasthan for designating settlements of various ancient tribes and communities.
• Dravidian Influence: The text extensively discusses the influence of Dravidian languages and people on Rajasthan. It suggests that Dravidians arrived in India before the Aryans and spread across Rajasthan and Punjab, potentially pushing the Bhils into mountainous regions. The author explores linguistic similarities between ancient Tamil and Bhili words, highlighting shared terms for "boundary," "settlement," and "chieftain."
• "Bill" and its Evolution to "Bhil": A significant linguistic theory is presented regarding the word "Bill" (meaning bow in Dravidian languages), suggesting its transformation into "Bill" and eventually "Bhil" through contact and assimilation with the Aryans. This also connects to the practice of archery among these groups.
• Vedic Period and Aryan Influence: The author notes that direct Sanskrit influence on Rajasthan was limited initially. Aryan influence primarily came through Prakrit, starting with contact in the northeastern parts of Rajasthan (Matsya region) with the Shauraseni Prakrit from Madhya Pradesh.
• Regional Prakrits and their Impact: The text discusses the development of different Prakrit dialects (Udichya, Madhyadeshiya, Prachya) and their spread. It suggests that the western Rajasthani dialects were influenced by Udichya Prakrit from Western Punjab and Sindh, as many inhabitants of these regions were initially Dravidian speakers who adopted Aryan languages.
• The "Dangal" and "Dingal" Connection: The origin of the term "Dingal," the poetic language of Rajasthan, is discussed. While various theories are presented, the author leans towards its connection with the word "Dingar" (meaning performer or singer in Sanskrit) and its association with the Charans and Bhats, the traditional court poets. The influence of Prakrit and Apabhramsa, particularly the doubling of consonants, is highlighted as a key characteristic of Dingal.
• Apabhramsa and the Emergence of Rajasthani: The text traces the evolution of Rajasthani from Apabhramsa, highlighting the role of communities like the Ahirs and Gurjars in its spread and development. It details linguistic changes from Apabhramsa to Rajasthani, including shifts in case endings, pronouns, verb conjugations, and word formations.
• Regional Variations and Linguistic Features: The book categorizes the linguistic features of the 'Desha Bhasha' (vernacular language) as described by Bharata in his Natya Shastra, mapping them to regions of Rajasthan. It identifies the prevalence of 'cha-kara' in Saurashtra-Avanti, 'ta-kara' in the Chambal region, and 'u-kara' in North Rajasthan.
• Assimilation and Cultural Fusion: The overarching theme is the continuous process of assimilation and cultural fusion. The interaction between various indigenous tribes, Dravidians, and Aryans, and their languages, led to the formation of the unique linguistic and cultural tapestry of Rajasthan.

In essence, "Rajasthan Bhasha Puratatva" presents a deep dive into the origins of the Rajasthani language, arguing that its roots are deeply embedded in the prehistoric migrations of various tribal groups, particularly the Bhils, and shaped by subsequent influences from Dravidian and Aryan languages, creating a complex and rich linguistic heritage.