Question

State whether the sentence is true or false:
Ordinary people used Prakrit to talk to each other.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: The Indo- Aryan languages are among the oldest languages in the world. Prakrit and Sanskrit are the two of its variants that reflect upon the cultural and the traditional richness these languages share.

Complete Answer:
The Prakrit language started during the 3rd century BCE and ended in the 8th century CE. Prakrit has its origin from the term ‘Prakrit’ which means ‘original and ordinary’ which stands in contrast to Sanskrit which is believed to be the parents of these languages. Also, Sanskrit is claimed to be a symbol of high culture and scriptural language, Sanskrit was regarded as a language of only high born, thus it couldn’t become the language of masses. This means only high sections of society Or people of high classes were allowed to speak in Sanskrit. Whereas Prakrit became the language of common masses. Most of the people used to talk in the Prakrit language. Many of the texts which are written in Prakrit language show us the importance of the literary culture of that place. Indo- Aryan can be deferred into categories like Old Indo- Aryan, Middle Indo- Aryan, and New Indo- Aryan. The Old Indo- Aryan is supposed to be Classical and religious Sanskrit while Middle Aryan developed between 600- 1000 B.C.E. characterized by languages like Pali, Prakrit, and Apabrahmsa.
So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: Prakrit means natural. Many scriptures are written in the Prakrit language. One of the examples is the inscriptions of King Ashoka, one of the greatest Emperors. However, the language was claimed to be illegitimate by the orthodox Brahmins.