Report on the Fifth Seminar on Prakrit Studies at Ahmedabad

Summary

This report summarises the proceedings of the Fifth Seminar on Prakrit Studies held at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad from 22 to 25 March 1973, organised by the university’s Prakrit Department with assistance from the University Grants Commission. Thirty-three scholars from various universities participated, and papers were grouped into five sections: (1) Literary History and Culture; (2) Importance of Prakrit and Teaching of Prakrit; (3) Philosophy and Religion; (4) Prakrit Language; and (5) Prakrit Literature. The seminar also featured extension lectures by Dr. A. N. Upadhye on the literary and philosophical value of Prakrit studies and by Dr. P. B. Pandit on phonology and orthography in Prakrit languages. Pandit Sukhlalji inaugurated the seminar, urging scholars to undertake vigorous programmes of study and publication of Prakrit texts because of their importance for understanding India’s history and culture. In the session on literary history and culture, chaired by A. N. Upadhye, speakers examined topics ranging from *Vrata kathā* in Old Marathi to folk elements in eighth-century Prakrit works, the contribution of Prakrit literature to the biology of ancient India, the *Suddhayavrakahā* as a lost romantic tale, Jataka literature in Pali and its socio-ethical significance, the influence of Prakrit on Sanskrit studies and the historiocultural contributions of Jaina acaryas. The second session addressed the importance of Prakrit and teaching of Prakrit; presenters analysed problems in teaching Prakrit language and literature, the place of Prakrits in university curricula and remedies for present-day indifference. The third session on philosophy and religion, chaired by D. D. Malvania, included papers on the *Paramāgamasāra* of Sratumuni, comparative studies of *Jhāṇaj-jhayaṇa* and *Dhyanastava*, Prakrit bhāṣyas, Jaina literature in Kannada, interpretations of the *Uttarādhyayana Sutra*, and Vibudha-Sridhara’s *Vaddhamāṇa-cariu*. The fourth session focused on Prakrit language, featuring discussions on Prakrit grammar as a tool for understanding *tadbhava* words in Kannada, etymological definitions and Pali synonyms, interpretation of technical terms such as *āhākamma* and the historical evolution of Prakrit and Apabhramsha. In the fifth session on Prakrit literature, speakers examined the influence of Middle Indo-Aryan literature on Kannada literature, restoration of Bhoja’s *Śṛṅgāraprakāśa*, Ratnākara’s version of the Prakrit *Gāthās*, the Jamadagni–Parasurama legend in Jaina narratives, obscure passages in *Candalehā-Saṭṭaka*, unknown works of Prakrit and Sumatinathacaritra. The concluding session reiterated recommendations from previous seminars and proposed new measures: strengthening Sanskrit and modern Indo-Aryan language departments by appointing Prakrit specialists; establishing training schemes for editing Prakrit and Apabhramsha texts; starting certificate and diploma courses in Pali, Prakrit and Apabhramsha; creating an advanced centre for Prakrit studies; organising summer schools to train scholars in research methodologies; and providing doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships. These initiatives aim to revitalise Prakrit studies and ensure the preservation and dissemination of texts vital to Indian intellectual heritage.