APABHRAMSHA

   Sanskrit linguists use the term Apabramsha, “that which is badly fallen,” to refer to the languages spoken in North India between approximately 600 and 1200 C.E. These languages developed from certain of the earlier Prakrits (themselves evolutes of SANSKRIT), and evolved to become the various modern languages of North India. There are important extant Apabramsha texts, particularly among the Jains. Examples of Jain text are the Paumacariu of Svayambhu and the Mahapurana of Pushpadanta. Some later Buddhist sages also composed in this language; some of their texts are still extant.

   Further reading: H. C. Bhayani, Apabhramsa Language and Literature: A Short Introduction (Delhi: B. L. Institute of Indology, 1989); ———, Indological Studies: Literary and Performing Arts, Prakrit and Apabhramsa Studies (Ahmedabad: Parshva, 1998); Moriz Winternitz, History of Indian Literature (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1967).