Studies in Jainology Prakrit Literature and Languages

Author(s): B K Khadabadi
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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chronological order of the papers nor their topicwise classified order was possible. Because the wide range and scope of Jainology and Prakrit languages and literature, or Prakrit languages and literature in relation to Old Kannada language and literature, stand almost inseparable. So some general convenient method had to be followed : Papers related to Jain religion, philosophy, ethics, history, cosmography, yoga and contribution of Jainism to some aspects of Indian culture in general and South Indian culture in particular, etc., were arranged in somewhat arbitrary serial order; and then papers connected with Prakrit languages and literature in relation to Kannada language and literature and their mutual influence, particularly of linguistic, literary and lexical nature were taken next in continued seria! order. Two papers - Nos. 36 and 37, which form two Chapters in my book Vaddārādhane : A Study, were made to replace other ones, with the objective of bringing the important aspects of the influence of Prakrit Language and literature on Old Kannada language and literature in one place, as the Vaddārācdhane happens to be the earliest available (c.925 A.D.) Jain Classic in Kannada prose. The last but two papers (No:48), however, may be said to represent partly my tribute to Prof. Albrecht Weber and partly my novel experiment in rendering some randomly chosen.beautiful Prakrit lyrical verses stored in the unique ancient Indian anthology viz., the Gāhāsattasai.