हेमचन्द्राचार्य के प्राकृत व्याकरण में अभिज्ञानशाकुन्तलम्

Summary

हेमचन्द्राचार्य के प्राकृत व्याकरण में अभिज्ञानशाकुन्तलम (Abhijnanashakuntalam in Hemachandra’s Prakrit Grammar) by Vasantkumar M. Bhatt investigates how the celebrated Sanskrit play Abhijnanashakuntalam, written by Kalidasa, is referenced and utilised in Hemachandra Acharya’s treatise on Prakrit grammar. Hemachandra, a 12th‑century Jain polymath, composed a comprehensive grammar (Siddha‑Hema‑Shabdanushasana) that codified the rules of various Prakrit dialects used in dramatic literature. Bhatt begins by outlining the tradition, established in Bharata’s Natyashastra, of assigning different languages to characters in Sanskrit drama: heroes and high‑born men speak Sanskrit, while women and certain other characters speak Prakrit. This convention means that many classical plays contain significant Prakrit dialogue, making them a valuable source for grammarians. Hemachandra systematically drew examples from existing plays to illustrate morphological and syntactical features; Abhijnanashakuntalam, with its mixture of Sanskrit and Prakrit, became one of his primary sources. The article examines specific grammatical rules where Hemachandra cites lines or phrases from Abhijnanashakuntalam. Bhatt shows how Hemachandra uses these citations to clarify phonetic transformations, sandhi rules, case endings and the formation of verb forms unique to the Shauraseni and Maharashtri Prakrit dialects. For instance, the shift of certain dental sounds to cerebral consonants or the contraction of vowel combinations are explained with reference to Shakuntala’s dialogues. The author analyses how Hemachandra adapts the original Sanskrit lines into Prakrit to demonstrate the application of rules and discusses the challenges in interpreting these examples due to variations in manuscripts and stage adaptations. Bhatt also notes instances where Hemachandra corrects apparent misreadings or offers alternative forms, highlighting the grammarian’s critical engagement with the play. Beyond grammar, the article explores the broader cultural significance of Hemachandra’s work. By incorporating literary quotations into a technical treatise, he bridges the gap between linguistic theory and artistic practice. Bhatt points out that the use of Abhijnanashakuntalam as a model reflects the play’s prestige and its popularity in medieval India. The analysis underscores how grammarians relied on literature to validate and transmit linguistic norms, and how plays, in turn, preserved dialectal forms. Bhatt concludes that Hemachandra’s treatment of Abhijnanashakuntalam demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of both language and drama, and that his grammar offers valuable insights into the performance and reception of classical Sanskrit theatre.