Uttar Gujaratni Boli Ma Vaparata Ketlak Shabdo

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Uttar Gujaratni Boli ma Vaparata Ketlak Shabdo" by Ramesh A Oza, based on the provided pages:

This text, "Uttar Gujaratni Boli ma Vaparata Ketlak Shabdo" (Certain Words Used in the Dialect of North Gujarat) by Dr. Ramesh A. Oza, is a linguistic study focusing on specific words prevalent in the North Gujarat region, particularly in the Mehsana district. The book aims to document and explain the usage and etymology of these words, often comparing them with established dictionaries and historical linguistic sources.

The summary covers the following words and concepts:

1. Aathar (आथर):

• Meaning: In North Gujarat, "Aathar" refers to a thick blanket or pad that is placed on a donkey and tied with a strap for carrying loads, such as paratha (a type of flatbread).
• Dictionary Definitions:
  • Jo. Ko. (Jodani Kosh): Mentions definitions like "a layer of grass," "a covering or sheet," "a pad for a donkey," and "a bed or bedding."
  • B.Gu.Ko. (Brihad Gujarati Kosh): Defines it as "a thick padding to be placed below," "a pad for a donkey," "a quilt or bedding," and "a layer of bajri stalks or other straw made to prevent grain from scattering in a granary."
• Etymology: Traces its origin to Sanskrit "a-star" (meaning to spread or lay down), with Prakrit "atthor" and further references from Turner's Dictionary (1505 for astara meaning bedding, cushion; 1507 for astirati meaning "to spread"; 1506 for astarana meaning a layer of grass or leaves for the deceased, referred to as 'Santharo' by Jains).
• Usage: The phrase "Aathar bharvo" (to fill an Aathar) is used when a layer of coal, wood, or cotton stalks is created as fuel to bake bricks.

2. Odavo (ओडवो):

• Meaning: In Gujarat, "Odavo" refers to a pit dug to store necessary water while making bricks.
• Dictionary Definitions: Not found in Jo. Ko. B. Gom. and B.Gu.Ko. define it as "a pit to sit in for support" or "a pit for rotating a wheel on a potter's wheel." Sant B.Gu.Ko. defines it as a "water retaining embankment."
• Usage: The feminine form "Odavu" in Stri Jo. Ko. means "to dig" or "to stop," and it's compared to "Goda" (a pit).
• Etymology: Traced to Vedic "avat" (well, tank), classical Sanskrit "avata" (a pit in the ground), Prakrit "avaḍa" > "avaḍa'a" (well), "agaḍa" (well, air passage), and Bhoj "oḍa" (pit).
• Linguistic Analysis: The Gujarati suffix "-vo" is added to "Oda," and this suffix does not alter the meaning or create a significant difference.

3. Chharu (छारुं):

• Meaning: Refers to the dust or powder generated from worn-out bricks.
• Dictionary Definitions: Dictionaries define "Chhar" as "dust from worn bricks" and the verb "Chharvu" as "to press the dust of worn bricks." The feminine form "Chhar" means "ash," and the verb "Chhavu" means "to burn to ashes."
• Etymology: Derived from Sanskrit "kshaar," Prakrit "khaara," "chhaara," with subsequent words evolving in Indian languages. Turner's Dictionary (3674) is referenced.

4. Yeyli (येयली):

• Meaning: Primarily prevalent in the Mehsana district of North Gujarat, this word refers to a vessel. It's used more often than "kasli" (a vessel with a narrow neck) or "loti" (a common metal pot).
• Dictionary Definitions: Jo. Ko. and B.Sh.Ko. note both "toyalu" and "toyali." "Toyalu" refers to a daily-use pot with a wide mouth for storing ghee or oil, or for drinking water/milk. "Toyali" is generally made of brass with a narrow mouth for storing ghee/oil in the kitchen.
• Etymology: The root is considered to be the verb "yevu" (to pour or dispense), implying a sense of simple, easy, and economical usage.
• Distinction: The word "Toyo" is different and refers to a "keeper or custodian of a field or boundary."

5. Parath (पराठ):

• Meaning: Dictionaries define "Parat" as a rope made of goat hair used for tying loads on a donkey. B.Gu.Ko. incorrectly uses "gadi" (cushion) instead of "dori" (rope).
• Usage: In North Gujarat (Mehsana), a rope or cord made of wool or rags, often woven flat, is used to avoid scratching the animal.
• Etymology: A supplementary note suggests a possible etymology from Sanskrit "aastrit" and Prakrit "atthiya" (with the 'ṛ' sound replaced by 'ṭṭhi'), leading to "paraṭṭhiya," meaning something used for tying from above. However, this is presented as speculation.

6. Vaktititi / Titoli (वक्तीतीती / टीटोळी):

• Meaning: "Vaktititi" is prevalent in Mehsana, while "Titoli" is found in Saurashtra dialects. Both refer to the same bird.
• Etymology: Traced from Sanskrit "tittibha," Prakrit "tittih" + suffix "ḍa" or "ḍi" to form "tiṭoḍo," "tiṭoḍi." The Sanskrit word itself originates from the bird's call, "titi," with the suffix "bha" common in animal names.
• Cultural Significance: The text recounts a belief where "Vaktititi" lays its eggs on the sand dunes of Vadnagar, and it was believed that the area would fill with rainwater up to where the eggs were laid.
• Folklore: Two well-known stories from the Panchatantra are referenced:
  • The story of the "Vaktititi" sleeping with its legs raised to prevent its chicks from being crushed by falling sky.
  • The story of the "Vaktititi" whose eggs are washed away by the tide, prompting it to call upon Garuda and other birds to bail out the ocean with their beaks, eventually returning the eggs to the shore. This story is also the basis for Sundaram's well-known composition about a "Tattali" (possibly referring to the same bird or a similar one) on the seashore.

In essence, the book is a valuable contribution to the study of Gujarati dialects, providing specific insights into the vocabulary and cultural nuances of North Gujarat through detailed linguistic analysis and historical references.