Gaudavaho

Author(s): Vakpatiraj, Narhari Govind Suru, P L Vaidya, A N Upadhye, H C Bhayani
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 115

(xcviii ) influenced by Sanskrit patterns and are written in thoroughly high-flown and artificial language, with unending compounds, as are found in the dramas of Bhavabhūti and occasionally in Mạchhakatika as well ”.62
The Gaudavaho Prakrit is thus essentially Mahārāstri, with a wonderful variety of vocabulary, consisting of Tatsama and Tadbhava words, as also a profuse sprinkling of Desi words. Vākpatirăja evinces profound love of the Prakrit language, which, according to him is the fountain of all languages, even including Sanskrit, which after all is Prakrit, polished and refined'. “It is like an ocean in which all languages merge and from which all languages emerge. It is only in Prakrit that we have, in an abundant measure, a presentation of ever fresh themes and a rich variety of styles. It gives a peculiar delight which dilates and closes the eyes (in wonder ) and thrills the heart" (92-95). This is quite a forceful plea in defence of Prakrit, perhaps in reply to his critics who might have derided him for having had recourse to Prakrit, instead of the conventional and fashionable Sanskrit. It appears, however, that Prakrit had attained a literary status of prestige and dignity even among the elite, and his patron, the Poet-King Yasuvarman thought it fit to honour him by giving him a seat of distinction at his court as Rājakavi. 'Poets generally write for fame, for wealth ”.... says Mammata63 in his Kāvyaprakāśa and Sanskrit poets like Kālidāsa have benefited accordingly. That even Prakrit poets like Vākpatirāja or Rājasekhara should have earned these benefits and got recognition from the royalty for their Prakrit compositions is a fact, which is quite significant and proves the popularity of the Prakrits 62. R. Pischell, Comparative grammar of the Prakrit
Languages,' Pp. 13-14 63. aj zahsema...... 5127941T. I