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Vol. XXV, 2002
REVIEW Introduction to a Comprehensive and Critical Dictionary of Prakrit Languages, and to Dictionary of Sanskrit on Historical Principles. His other Papers falling under various groups were published from time to time in various research journals, during the long span of six decades and a half. Most of these papers had remained scattered in various research journals and other academic publications. All these writings are collected together in this large volume.
Some of the papers, on account of the very nature of the subject matter, make rather tough reading, whereas some others, pleasant reading. Each and every paper is important and contributes to knowledge. In a brief review like the present one, it is, however, not possible to do justice to the many merits of Dr. Ghatage's work. We shall therefore content ourselves with drawing attention of readers only to a few of them.
From amongst the eight papers dealing with Prakrit Languages, in the opening one Dr. Ghatage shows that to preserve the syllabic quantily of a word is basic tendency of Prakrit Languages and observes that it is probably the strongest proof in favour of regarding the Prakrit languages as having a natural origin (p. 9).
From among the 13 papers on Prakrit literature, the one dealing with 'Māhārāstri Language and Literature" (pp. 95-148) is perhaps the best and most important. He convincingly refutes Ghosh's view that Sauraseni was really the Prakrit par-excellence (and not Māhārāstri as held by Dandin). He describes at length the ‘linguistic nature of Māhārāstri, discusses, among other things, the problem of the "Home of Māhārāstri”, "The Origin and Development of this language, the relation between 'Māhārāstri and 'Marathi' and finally presents a detailed and critical account of "Māhārāstrī Literature'. His critical remarks on "Maharastri Verses in Alankara Works" are worth quoting. "All such stray verses quoted in the Alankara works produce a strong impression that they are essentially the poetry of the populance with all its frankness and rough good common sense, lack of courtesy, pomp and delicacy. They lack the usual formal phrases and expressions which are so prominent in the Sanskrit literature and a kind of naturalness imparts them a peculiar charm and simplicity." (p. 138).
From amongst the ten papers on "Sanskrit Language" attention may be drawn to "Some Etymologies In Manusmrti". In this paper, Ghatage discusses etymologies of seven words : 1. Nārāyana, 2. Om, 3. Atithi, 4. Māṁsa, 5. Vrsala 6. Jāyā, and 7. Putra. This discussion is interesting and illuminating, whichhe
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