Apbhramsa Exercise Book

Author(s): Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Apbhramsa Sahitya Academy

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Prelusive We feel great pleasure in placing “Apabhrarśa Exercise Book’ in the hands of the readers. In fact, this book is the English translation of 'Apabhraíśa Abhyāsa Saurabha' published in 1996 by the Apabhrarśa Sāhitya Academy, Jaipur.
It goes without saying that “Apabhraíśa” language is one of the richest Indo-Aryan languages. It has come to us through Prakrta, the most ancient and sacred language of India. The early Vedic literature is not averse to Prāksta expressions, which indicate its ancient character. It is incontrovertible that Praksta was the mother-tongue of Mahāvīra and Buddha, who used this language as the medium of their sermons. Prāksta, the flowing language gave rise to Apabhraíśa in course of time.
Like Prāksta, Apabhramśa 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. Svayambhū, Pușpadanta, Dhanapāla, Vira, Nayanandi, Kanakamara, Joindu, Rămasimha, Hemacandra, Raidhū, etc. are the celebrated literary personalities of Apabhraíśa language.
In the 6th century A.D., it was the lingua franca of Northern India. From East to West and Kaśmir (North) to Mahārāştra (South), it has served the need of literary world as also of the common men. It is to the credit of Prāksta language that it has given rise to Apabhraíśa language from which the modern Indian languages like Sindhi, Pañjābi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarāti, Kaśmiri, Maithili, Rajasthānī, Udiyā etc. have grown. Even the national language Hindi owes its origin to Prākṣta and Apabhramśa. Most of the literary tendencies in Hindi literature flow from the glorious tradition of Prákyta and Apabhraṁsa language. Thus the relation between Prāksta-Apabhraíśa and Hindi is very intimate. In consequence, the proper understanding of Prākyta and Apabhraíša
Apabhraṁša Exercise Book