Prakrit In Karnataka

Author(s): M D Vasantharaja
Publisher: Z_Jain_Vidya_evam_Prakrit_014026_HR.pdf

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The Prakrit in Karnataka Karnataka mentions proudly the names of Pampa, Ranna, Janna and many others as its great poets. But if it were to extend its consideration beyond the range of Kannada literature and look upon Sanskrit and Prakrit poets as its own then Puspadanta will find a place of an equal rank, if not more, with the Kannada poets of the best order. His works Tisafti Maha purisa-Gunalarkaru, Jasaharacariu and N. yakumaracariu in apabhrania-Prakrta stand on par with any one of the best Kavyas in Sanskrit and Prakrit. Gommatasara of Nemichandra Siddhanta-Chakravarti, because of its popularity, is worth mentioning as the contribution of Karnataka to Praksta literature, though it is only a compendium of early literature on Jiva and Karina and not an original contribution. In the field of Vyakarana literature also Karnataka has its own contribution through Trivikramas Prakrta sabdanusasana. It is true that this work lacks originality and is only a reproduction af Hemachandras Praksta Grammar. But its popularity in South India cannot be ignored while considering its place in the history of Praksta literature. Not that Praktta was cultivated in the circle of Jains only. Sanskrit play writers, following the rules of Dramaturgy, have given place for Praksta in their plays. Similarly in other literary works also, though very rarely, Praksta has found place. For instance in Basavarajiya of Palkurike Somanatha (12th century A. D.), we find about twenty five Praksta stanzas. However, it should be noted that in Karnataka gradually Sanskrit gained prominence and Praksta lost its place of being a literary language even in the circle of Jaina monks. Dept. of Jainology & Prakrit University of Mysore, Mysore परिसंवाद-४