Prakrta Learning Manual (An Old and Rare Book)

Foreword It gives me immense satisfaction to see the Prakrta Learning Manual the last 2. authored by Prof. Prem Suman Jain and edited by Dr. Tara Daga, a guru and disciple respectively.

Prof. Prem Suman Jain needs no special introduction in the field of In Prakrta studies. Some of his books and papers on Prakrta language and the begin: grammar provide authentic source material for the study of canonical and almost narrative literature. As a befitting reward for his long and outstanding service, method n he was recently (2006) crowned with the most prestigious National Award and Certificate of Honour for Pali-Prakrta by the President of India.

Dr. Tara Daga, disciple of Prof. Prem Suman Jain is a rising scholar of person cc ancient languages such as Prakrta and Apabhramsa. She is serving in this field constantly and has successfully guided many Prakrta learning students.

In the present age, propagation of ancient scriptures is most necessary. Bharti A For the understanding of Jaina canons the knowledge of Prakrta language prescribe is essential. There is a rising demand of Prakrta learners in foreign countries. Now Prakrta Learning Manual meets that demand in a scientific manner. I am sure that this book is going to be a landmark in propagation of Prakrta conjugal language. Therefore, I bless both the writer and editor for their valuable work.

Preface Prakrta language has a prominent place among the classical languages of India. It has been a link between old Indo-Aryan and Middle Indo- Aryan languages: The cultural heritage of India has been preserved in the literature and inscriptions of Prakrta language. Several important works have been composed in Prakrta in the last 2500 years. The zeal to learn Prakrta and further critical study of Prakrta texts has increased in the higher educational institutions of India during last few years. Some research work and comparative study of Prakrta language has also been done by western scholars with the other classical languages and philosophy.

In the changing scenario it was the need of the hour for a primary book for the beginners who wish to learn Prakrta language, but in this direction efforts were almost. Generally available Prakrta grammar books were based on traditional method mainly dependent on Samskrta language. As a result the misconception prevailed among the people that knowledge of Samskrta was essential for learning Prakrta. This was a long and difficult method to learn Prakrta and so people avoided the study of Prakrta. For the need to study Prakrta independently some of the scholars advised me to write a book or prepare some study material by which a person could easily understand and learn Prakrta grammar through Hindi. So, I wrote a book of Prakrta grammar in Hindi language with the title - Prakrta Svayam ,Siksaka' in 1979, which is not only popular among Hindi students of Prakrta learning but has also earned all over the world respect and prestige. Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur has published its fourth edition in the year 2005. It is also prescribed in several Prakrta courses of Indian Universities and institutions.

This book enables students to acquire the basic rules of grammar step by step. To avoid confusion for beginners only limited forms of declension and conjugation are included. So specialist in grammar may dislike certain simplifications and omissions. But this has been done keeping in view the need and the capacity of an average student and the pedagogical compulsions of the Indian classroom.

The section on vocabulary is designed to develop essential skills and strategies for more effective learning of new words, and to increase students' word power. The readers of this book will learn about 600 Prakrta noun words, 200 verbs, 50 indeclinables and 100 adjectives and numbers along with main Prakrta pronouns through various exercises.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages