Prof. Sudeep Kumar Jain
Head of Department
Professor, Department of Prakrit
21.01.2023 to 20.01.2026

According to Adi Shankaracharya's opinion i.e. "Vachah Prakrit Sanskritau Shrutigiro", Prakrit and Sanskrit languages are the true vehicle of Indian wisdom.

The antiquity of Prakrit language has well been accepted by linguists. The grammar of this language has been formed by Acharyas like Panini, Chand, Vararuchi, Samantbhadra, etc. Even Mahatma Buddha and Mahaveer delivered their sermons in this language. The impressions of this language can easily be seen in regional literatures. The dramatic, poetic, philosophical literatures along with works on astrology, mathematics, geology, chemistry, botany, etc. have been composed in this language and scholars have realized their importance. Besides local and regional dialects, the tradition of Rastrabhasha Hindi finds its development in the tradition of Prakrit-Apabhransa. Evan the Vaidic language has Prakrit in abundance. Hence it is imperative to know Prakrit language to view chronological development of Indian linguistics and dialects.

Indian inscriptions are written in Prakrit. The inscriptions of Prakrit of Indian system Pre-Mauryan times, King Ashoka, Kharvel, etc. are in Prakrit. The grand literature of Prakrit is repertory of Indian history, culture, art, Philosophy and knowledge system.

The native language of India is 'Prakrit language':

1. Great figures like Lord Mahavira and Mahatma Buddha delivered their teachings in 'Prakrit languages' to convey their thoughts and achievements to the common people, as Prakrit was the language of the folks in ancient India.
2. All foundational texts of Jain and Buddhist traditions were composed in 'Prakrit languages', which contain a priceless treasure of knowledge and science. Additionally, various forms of folk literature also exhibit diverse uses of Prakrit languages everywhere.
3. Acharya Bharatmuni clearly stated in his text 'Natyashastra' that the language of most Indians, rich in various skills, was 'Prakrit language'.
4. "The root source of all languages in Bharat is 'Prakrit language'" – thus writes the great poet Vakpatiraj:

The first President of India, His Excellency Dr. Rajendra Prasad, writes in the world-renowned text 'Vaishali Abhinandan Granth' (Homage to Vaishali), which discusses the birthplace of Lord Mahavira – ‘Vaishali’ "Indeed, the modern languages of this country are inheritors of the various Prakrits and Apabhramsha prevalent in the early medieval period. Take any language like Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, etc.; its development has occurred from some Prakrit. Viewed from this perspective, a thorough understanding of Prakrit literature is essential for comprehending the origin and full development of modern languages.

The Research and observation of Prakrit literature and publication of Prakrit text are  extraordinary significant. Without a comprehensive knowledge of Prakrit literature, our understanding of Indian literature will always remain incomplete. If, even after independence, we fail to thoroughly search for the lost and nearly forgotten texts of Prakrit and integrate them into the ordinary knowledge stream, it would not only be surprising but also a matter of shame."

The excellent works on Prakrit have been recommended by expert panel as syllabus for Shastri to M.Phil classes. The most important works are as inscription by king Ashok & Kharvel, Acharangsutra, Samaypahud, Pavayansar, Prakritlakshan, Charudattam, Gahasattsai, Paumchariyam, etc. The study and research on these works are undertaken by the Department of Prakrit.