Prakrit Studies

Summary

In this address, S. N. Ghosal reflects on the state of Prakrit studies and oriental scholarship more broadly. He begins by lamenting that in modern India the study of Sanskrit and related classical languages is viewed as backward or irrelevant in an age dominated by science and technology. Drawing on his experience as president of the Prakrit and Jainism section of an Oriental Conference, Ghosal argues that oriental learning remains vital for understanding the evolution of human culture and for preserving India’s linguistic heritage. He notes that inscriptions in Prakrit have been crucial for reconstructing the history of the Mauryas and other early dynasties and that neglecting Prakrit would impoverish historical research. The speaker emphasises that Prakrit literature, including Jaina scriptures written in Ardhamāgadhī, is rich in ethical and philosophical teachings, especially the principles of non‑violence and love propagated by Mahāvīra. Ghosal criticises the marginalisation of Prakrit in university curricula, pointing out that many students graduate without any knowledge of it and that even teachers often omit Prakrit passages when staging Sanskrit dramas. He highlights the work of scholars like Hermann Jacobi and modern researchers who have prepared critical editions of texts such as the Gāthā‑saptati and advocates for reintroducing Prakrit as a compulsory subject. The article also underscores the need to compile a comprehensive lexicon of Prakrit and to study its relationship with related languages like Pali and Ardha‑Magadhi. By appealing to tradition and scholarship, Ghosal seeks to inspire students and educators to value Prakrit as a living part of India’s cultural heritage.