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Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
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Bhāsa, Sūdraka, Kalidasa etc. are bound to present the linguistic picture of the contemporary society, whereas the later ones used the Prakrit dialects conventionally. In the Mrcchakatikam and the Vikramorvasiyam, the number of Prakrit-speaking characters is greater than that of the Sanskrit-speaking ones. Scholars hold that Prakrit portions of the early Sanskrit dramas contain valuable linguistic heritage of India.
In conclusion, now, I would sum up the contribution of Prākrit literature to Indian culture:
Prakrit literature contains a wonderful linguistic, literary and spiritual heritage that has considerably influenced the Modern Indian Languages and literature, Aryan and some of the Dravidian too. It records the noble thoughts and messages of Asoka, one of the greatest monarches of the world. The canonical section of Prakrit literature presents some brilliant chapters in the history of human thought. They may be said to be Ahimsā (non-violence), Anekāntavāda (propounding respect for others' views) and Grhastha-dharma (ideal code of conduct for the layman, leading towards social health). It has preserved and propagated such lofty spiritual and ethical ideologics that have helped to nourish among the masses higher values of life and to set for them healthy moral standards. Gandhiji's principle of 'Truth and Non-violence can be said to be a modern fruit of such agc-long reslections and teachings. The society depicted in Prakrit literature, particularly in its narrative and lyric zones, is more popular and realistic than aristocratic and artificial. It embodies a mine of information and data that can take us towards more or less a complete religious, social and political picture of India of the period that could contribute its worthy mite to the civilization of cultural india, Prakrit literature provides rare and significant details. And a good knowledge or our past culture, we should remember, helps us to evaluate our present and plan the future.
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