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Prelude
We feel great pleasure in placing the book 'Advanced Apabhramsa Grammar' Part-I in the hands of the readers.
It goes without saying that "Apabhraṁśa" language is one of the richest Indo-Aryan languages. It has come to us through Prākṛta, the most ancient and sacred language of India. The early Vedic literature is not averse to Prākṛta expressions, which indicate its ancient character. It is incontrovertible that Prākṛta was the mother-tongue of Mahavira and Buddha, who used this language as the medium of their sermons. Prākṛta, the flowing language gave rise to Apabhraṁśa in course of time.
Like Prākṛta, Apabhramsa is the language of the masses. Its vast literature in varied literary forms contributes to the dignity and excellence of the cultural heritage of Indian tradition. Svayambhů, Puspadanta, Dhanapāla, Vira, Nayanandi, Kanakāmara, Joindu, Rāmasimha, Hemacandra, Raidhu, etc. are the celebrated literary personalities of Apabhraṁśa language.
In the 6th century A.D., it was the lingua franca of Northern India. From East to West and Kasmir (North) to Mahārāṣtra (South), it has served the need of literary world as also of the common men. It is to the credit of Prākṛta language that it has given rise to Apabhraṁśa language from which the modern Indian languages like Sindhi, Pañjābi, Marāṭhi, Bengāli, Gujarāti, Kaśmiri, Maithili, Rājasthānī, Uḍiyā etc. have
Advanced Apabhramsa Grammar (Part-I)
Jain Education International
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