Siddhahemshabdanushasana Part 3

This is a comprehensive summary of "Siddhahem Shabdanushasan Part 3" by Bechardas Doshi, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Siddhahem Shabdanushasan Part iii Author: Acharya Hemachandra (Original Work), Bechardas Doshi (Editor, Translator, Critic) Publisher: University Granth Nirman Board, Gujarat State Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004814/1

Overview:

This volume, Part 3 of the Siddhahem Shabdanushasan, focuses specifically on Book 8: Prakrit Grammar. Acharya Hemachandra's original work is a monumental Sanskrit grammar, and this particular book delves into the intricacies of Prakrit language. The current edition is meticulously edited, translated, and commented upon by Pandit Bechardas Jivaraj Doshi.

Key Content and Structure:

The volume is divided into four parts (Padas) within the eighth chapter, each detailing different aspects of Prakrit grammar. The general approach of Acharya Hemachandra in this book is to explain Prakrit grammar by relating it to Sanskrit grammar, highlighting similarities and differences to facilitate learning for Sanskrit scholars.

Part 1 (Pāda 1):

• Introduction: The chapter begins by stating the intention to discuss Prakrit grammar after completing the seven chapters on Sanskrit grammar. This emphasizes the close relationship between Sanskrit and Prakrit, suggesting that knowledge of Sanskrit greatly aids in understanding Prakrit.
• Classification of Prakrit: Hemachandra classifies Prakrit into three types:
  • Samskrita Prakrit (Samasamskrita): Prakrit that is identical to Sanskrit. Examples from Bhattikavya are provided.
  • Tadbhava Prakrit: Prakrit derived from Sanskrit with modifications in sounds or forms. The text explains that the prefix "Tad" in Tadbhava refers back to the previous discussion of Sanskrit. It illustrates this with examples of Sanskrit words and their Prakrit transformations (e.g., Sanskrit 'ghara' to Prakrit 'ghara', 'vatsa' to 'vaṭa', 'shobha' to 'soha', etc., by explaining sound changes like 's' to 'ś', 't' to 'th', 'k' to 'ch', etc.).
  • Deshya Prakrit (Deshya Prakrit): Indigenous Prakrit words whose etymological analysis is difficult or impossible. Hemachandra acknowledges that he has compiled these words rather than attempting to create grammatical rules for them, following the precedent of earlier scholars.
• Grammatical Concepts: This part discusses the analysis of Prakrit words, focusing on changes from Sanskrit roots, the origin of words, and the modifications of vowels and consonants. It details rules related to the elision of final consonants, gender changes, the usage of anusvara, changes in vowels (a, ā, i, ī, u, ū, ṛ, ṝ, e, o), and the behavior of conjunct consonants. It also touches upon gender agreement and the influence of Sanskrit grammar on Prakrit.

Part 2 (Pāda 2):

• Focus on Conjunct Consonants: This part primarily deals with the transformations and rules related to Sanskrit conjunct consonants (samyukta akshara) and their Prakrit equivalents. It meticulously outlines how various conjunct consonants in Sanskrit are represented in Prakrit, with numerous examples.
• Specific Transformations: It covers changes for conjuncts involving 'k', 'g', 't', 'd', 'n', 'p', 'v', 'm', 'y', 'r', 'l', 's', 'ś', 'ṣ', etc., often indicating alternative Prakrit forms.
• Anusvara and Sandhi: Rules concerning the use of anusvara (nasalization) and sandhi (euphonic combination of sounds) in Prakrit are also discussed.
• Prohibited Combinations: The text notes that certain conjunct consonant combinations are not permitted in Prakrit, aligning with the natural phonetic evolution of the language.

Part 3 (Pāda 3):

• Nominal Morphology (Nouns): This part focuses on the declension of nouns in Prakrit. It systematically explains the formation of various case endings (vibhakti) for different genders (masculine, feminine, neuter) and numbers (singular, plural).
• Vowel and Consonant Changes in Nouns: It elaborates on the specific sound changes that occur in noun stems, particularly concerning vowels (a, ā, i, ī, u, ū, ṛ, ḷ) and the influence of case endings on these changes.
• Specific Noun Declensions: It provides detailed examples of declensions for key noun types, including those ending in vowels (a, ā, i, ī, u, ū, ṛ, e, o) and some consonants.
• Indeclinables (Avyaya): While primarily focusing on nominal morphology, it briefly mentions the concept of indeclinables, suggesting their analysis might be based on Sanskrit grammar or derived from context.

Part 4 (Pāda 4):

• Verb Morphology (Verbs) and Indeclinables (Avyaya): This part covers verb conjugations and the usage of indeclinables (adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions).
• Verb Conjugations: It details the formation of verb tenses, moods, and voices, including present tense, future tense, imperative mood, and past participles (kṛdanta). It extensively discusses the numerous phonetic changes and substitutions of verb roots and suffixes that occur in Prakrit compared to Sanskrit.
• Indeclinables (Avyaya): A significant portion of this part is dedicated to Prakrit indeclinables. It explains how Sanskrit indeclinables often transform into Prakrit forms, sometimes with different meanings or usages. The text provides numerous examples of these transformations.
• Dialectal Variations: The latter part of this section highlights specific characteristics of different Prakrit dialects within the broader Prakrit framework, including:
  • Shauraseni Prakrit: Its unique grammatical features and vocabulary are discussed.
  • Magadhi Prakrit: Its distinct features are outlined, often in comparison to Shauraseni.
  • Paishachi Prakrit: Its phonetic peculiarities and grammatical forms are explained.
  • Chaulika Paishachi: This dialect is also touched upon, noting its similarities with Paishachi.
  • Apabhramsha: A considerable portion is dedicated to Apabhramsha, the transitional language that bridges Prakrit and modern Indo-Aryan languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, etc. The text details its grammar, sound changes, and provides examples of Apabhramsha verses, underscoring its historical significance in the development of these languages.

Editor's Contribution:

Pandit Bechardas Doshi's contribution is crucial. He has not only edited and translated Acharya Hemachandra's original Prakrit grammar but has also provided critical commentary and explanations. The detailed analysis of Sanskrit to Prakrit transformations, the classification of Prakrit forms, and the inclusion of numerous examples make this volume exceptionally valuable for scholars and students of Prakrit and Jain literature. The editor's effort to make the text accessible through translation and commentary is highly appreciated.

Overall Significance:

This volume serves as a foundational text for understanding Prakrit grammar within the broader context of Jain literature and linguistics. Acharya Hemachandra's systematic approach, combined with Pandit Bechardas Doshi's scholarly insights, makes this an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the evolution of Indian languages, particularly Prakrit and its various forms, and its significant role in Jain religious and philosophical texts. The book highlights the close linguistic ties between Sanskrit and Prakrit, offering a detailed roadmap for deciphering the grammatical structures of ancient Jain scriptures.