Brief Survey of Jaina Prakrit and Sanskrit Literature Part 1

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Sanmati Tirth Prakashan Pune

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General Observations on the Jaina Prakrit & Sanskrit Literature Prior to Mahavira upto 5th century A.D. (with reference to language-variations) * In the above mentioned period, all the ancient Prakrit canonical texts of Svetambaras and Digambaras were written. Therefore, in true sense it is 'Canonical Age'. * The various nijjuttis and narrative works like Paumacariya may be taken to represent the archaic form of Jaina Maharastri, the language of non-canonical books of Svetambara writers. * The relation between Ardhamagadhi and Jaina Maharastri can be understood better by considering the history of these languages. Slowly Ardhamagadhi has come under the influence of Maharastri so as to develop into what is now called Jaina Maharastri. * It took a considerably long period of thousand year to finalise the Ardhamagadhi canons. Naturally we find at least three or four layers of Ardhamagadhi in the 45 canons. Comparatively in Jaina Sauraseni literature, we find uniformity. * In the course of time, AMg. naturally transformed into archaic JM. and then into classical Jaina MahC/C/ara vetC/mbara authors continued their writings in JM. up to 15th century. This task was done effortlessly due to the proximity of JM. with their colloquial language. * It was a difficult task for Digambara writers to continue writings in JS. because most of the Digambara writers belonged to South India. Naturally they switched over to Sanskrit in the 5th century A.D. which was a pan-Indian language of educational activities. The works on philosophy and logic were written by the Digambara writers up to 17th-18th centuries in Sanskrit. Umasvati's Tattvartha-sutra written in Sanskrit-sutra-style inspired specially Digambara authors to present their reflections in Sanskrit. *************************** ****************************************************************