Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATŤ SOTRA [Ch. VI
Origin of Indian Scripts The origin of the Indian scripts, particularly that of Brāhmi has been dealt with by a number of scholars according to their respective theories based on different historical materials,
The Jaina Mahāpurāna' attributes the honour to Rşabbadeva for teaching first the art of writing (maşi) to his people out of economic necessity, along with the other arts and crafts.
In the Buddhist works there occurs a reference to "writing in a tract called Silas which are recorded in each of the thirteen Dialogues, forming the first chapter of the first division of the Suttantas. This tract may be assigned to a date circa 450 B, C.
Besides these, the mention of Akkharika (lettering) a game of guessing at letter traced in the air or on a play-fellow's back further supports the prevalence of the art of writing in the Buddhist and pre-Buddhist periods.
The origin of the Brāhmi script is attributed by the BhS3 to a different source according to the commentary of Śrī Abhyadeva Sūri.
It is explained thus that the name "Brāhmi lipi' is derived from that of Brāhmi, the own daughter of Rşabhadeva, the Jina, because he first showed her how to write letters with the right hand.
It is clear from the above references that the art of writing was in vogue and prevalent during the period of this canonical work, the compilation of which speaks itself for the conclusion,
Language Language is the symbolic expression to convey human thoughts and ideas in the form of sounds, words and writings from man to man. The more it is simple, the more it becomes
i Mahapurāna, Vol. 1, Parva-16, L. 179 ( Jñānapitha EI,!. ? Dialogues of the Buddha, Vol. 1, pp. 326. 3 BhS, 1, 1, 2.
1 16, 1, 1, 2. (comm.)