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Prelusive
We feel great pleasure in placing the book 'Apabhraíśa Grammar and Composition' in the hands of the readers. In fact, this book is the english translation of the second edition of 'Apabhraṁsa Racana Saurabha' published in 2003 by the Apabhraṁsa Sāhitya Academy, Jaipur.
It goes without saying that “Apabhramsa"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 Prakyta expressions, which indicate its ancient character. It is incontrovertible that Prákyta was the mother-tongue of Mahāvīra and Buddha, who used this language as the medium of their sermons. Prākrta the flowing language gave rise to Apabhramśa in course of time.
Like Präkrta, Apabhraíśa 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. Svayambhú, Puspadanta, Dhanapăla, Vira, Nayanandi, Kanakamara, Joindu, Rāmasimha, Hemacandra, Raidhū, etc. are the celebrated literary personalities of Apabhraṁsa 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 the common men. It is to the credit of Apabhramśa language that it has given birth to the modern Indian languages like, Sindhi, Pañjābi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kaśmiri, Maithili, Rajasthani, Udiyă etc. Even the national language Hindi owes its origin to Apabhraṁsa. Most of the literary tendencies in Hindi literature flow from the glorious tradition of Apabhraṁsa language. Thus the relation between Apabhramśa and Hindi is very intimate. In consequence, the proper understanding of Apabhraíśa
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