Prakrit Exercise Book

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

Page 12

Prelusive
We feel great pleasure in placing 'Prākṛtā Exercise Book' in the hands of the readers. In fact, this book is the English translation of the second edition of 'Präkṛtā Abhyasa Saurabha' published in 2004 by the Apabhramsa Sahitya Academy, Jaipur.
It goes without saying that Prākṛtā language is one of the richest Indo-Aryan languages. It is the most ancient and sacred language of India. The early Vedic literature is not averse to Prākṛta expressions, which indicate its ancient character. It is incontrovertible that Präkṛta was the mother-tongue of Mahāvira and Buddha, who used this language as the medium of their sermons. Prākṛta, the flowing language gave rise to Apabhramsa in course of time.
It is of capital importance to note that Prakrta 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. The author of the Agamas and their commentaries, Kundakunda, Hāla, Vimalasuri, Śivārya, Vattakera, Haribhadra, Vākapatirāja, Pravarasene, Nemicandra, Kartikeya Svami, Hemacandra etc. are the celebrated literary personalities of Prākṛta language.
In the 3rd century B.C. it was the lingua franca of Northern India. From East to West and Kasmir (North) to Mahārāṣtra (South), it has served the need of literary world as also of the common men. It is to the credit of Präkṛta language that it has given rise to Apabhramsa language from which the modern Indian languages like Sindhi, Pañjābi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kaśmiri, Maithili, Rajasthani, Uḍiya etc. have grown. Even the national language Hindi owes its origin to Prākṛta and Apabhraṁśa. Most of the literary tendencies in Hindi literature flow from the glorious tradition of Prākṛta and Apabhramśa language. Thus the relation between Präkṛta-Apabhraṁśa and Hindi is very intimate. In consequence, the proper understanding of Prākṛta and Apabhramsa
Präkrta Exercise Book
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