Jain Journal 1991 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 42

Influence of Prakrit on Kannada Language and Literature
Hampa Nagarajaiah
It is not an exaggeration to say that the history of Kannada language and literature would be complete and meaningful only with reference to Prakrit. It has played such an important role in the development of Kannada literature which can be explained and analysed on four levels :
1. On Kannada language: A linguistic analysis on historical lines will clearly exhibit the depth and dimension of this influence. Early Kannada grammarians were also aware of this aspect. As a result of the contact of Prakrit, certain phonetic and semantic changes have also taken place in this language.
2. On Kannada literature: First stratum of Prakrit on Kannada literature is the subject of this paper.
3. On Kannada metre: A detailed and analytical study of Kannada prosodical principles reveals the tone and colour of Prakrit metres. In particular three forms of Kannada metre (ragale, kanda and sangatya) bear the stamp of Prakrit. Early Kannada poets are influenced by Apabhramsa kaḍavakas. The very conception of ädiprāsa and antyaprasa in Kannada verses, owes its allegiance to Prakrit kavyas. Kannada poets have used the words paddati, paddali as synonyms to ragale a kind of Kannada metre, which reiterates Prakrit influence. Prakrit paddadia and other variants paddika, pajjhaḍika, padditika, pajjihadia can be compared with Kannada forms, which attributes to a common source. Kanda, another Kannada metre, has evolved on the model of Prakrit skandaka (a Sanskritised form of Prakrit khandaa) and Apabramsa khandaya/khanda. Similarly sangatya, a Kannada metre, is said to have derived from Prakrit sanghatta metre.