Overview for The Apabhramsa of Svayambhudeva's Paumacariu
In spite of its crucial position as the link between the classical Indian literatures of Sanskrit and Prakrit, and the early modern vernacualar litertures of North India (from Braj Bhasa, Gujarati, Bengali, Hindi…), Apabhramsa language and literature remains probably one of the most understudied fields of Indology and Indian studies. The Paumacariu of the Jaina poet Svayambhudeva, narrating the Jaina version of the story of the Ramayana, is the earliest masterpiece of Apabhramsa literature available. Half a century after the legendary Harrivallabh Chunilal Bhayani published the excellent critical edition, Eva De Clercq engaged in a critical study of this text, including an analysis of its grammer.
The book"The Apabhramsha of Svayambhudeva's Paumacariu" gives a full systematic descriptive overview of its phonological and morphological characteristics, disclosing new materials for scholars of historical and Comparative linguistics. To those who wish to read and Research this and other Apabhramsha Texts themselves, it will provide a valued tool.
Eva De Clercq (Author)
Dr. Eva De Clercq did her PhD on Svayambhudeva's Paumacariu at the University of Ghent. She has been Teaching and researching at Ghent. Jain Ramayanas have been the Focus of her work has been Jain Ramayanas, Apabhramsha grammar, the broader Jain Tradition of Tirthankaras and other great Men and Digambara merchant Communities of the 15th - 16th centuries at Gwalior. She teaches regular Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha and Hindi Classes and is actively involved in organising Summer Schools in Finland (2007) and Germany (2009).
Bagchee
