Apabhramsa and post-Apabhramsa Features in the early Prakrits

Summary

The paper investigates Apabhraṃśa and post‑Apabhraṃśa features in early Prakrit documents, including Ashokan and Kharoshthi inscriptions, the Prākrit Dhammapada, Central‑Asian Buddhist dramas and early Buddhist Sanskrit texts. Scholars have long debated what constitutes Apabhraṃśa; some definitions contradict others. Rather than theorising, the author catalogues actual forms found in early documents: instances where r and l are not assimilated, development of unetymological r in Kharoshthi inscriptions, and morphological features that deviate from classical Prakrit. Examples include words like ‘bbagrava’, ‘padriyamsae’ and ‘ghadrigra’, which illustrate regional peculiarities. In Ashokan texts the lack of assimilation may reflect Sanskritising tendencies rather than Apabhraṃśa influence. The article examines forms in the Prakrit Dhammapada and Buddhist dramas, noting that verb endings, pronouns and vocabulary often anticipate later Apabhraṃśa usage. Hemacandra’s grammar is referenced to explain when non‑assimilation is allowed. The author argues that Apabhraṃśa features appear earlier than commonly thought and vary by region, so definitions should not be rigid. By documenting these forms, the paper bridges the gap between Middle Prakrits and late Apabhraṃśa and calls for more regional epigraphic studies to refine linguistic history.