Question

Which of the following are the types of Prakrit language?
A.Shauraseni
B.Paishachi
C.Magadhi
D.All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Prakrit languages are traditional local languages distributed during the Middle Indo-Aryan era in India. they were discovered through inscriptions and literary works of that era. These languages were used by localities in India from around the 3rd century BCE to the 8th century AD. Prakrit is the middle time range language during this era, later the languages were turned into Pali and eventually to Sanskrit.

Complete answer:
There were multiple languages which belonged in the Prakrit range distributed throughout India. some of the languages were;
Sauraseni Prakrit: Shauraseni was a medieval Indian stage language. It was commonly used in dramas performed in the streets and inside the palaces. The language is almost poetical in vocabulary and is similar to the Sanskrit language. The available records on this language dates back to the 3rdto 10th centuries and ancient spoken language in the state of Surasena.
Paisachi Prakrit: this language is also related to literature scenario but mostly written. This was mainly used in the middle kingdoms of India.
Magadhi Prakrit: this was also a vernacular Middle Indo-Aryan language usually spoken in the north-east side of ancient India [present-day Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and eastern Uttar Pradesh]. It was a commoner’s language in the Magadha empire. This was the language spoken by the famous religious figures like Gautama Buddha and Mahavira and was also the language of the courts of the Magadha mahajanapada and the Maurya Empire.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Among modern scholars, Prakrit literature has received less attention than Sanskrit. Few modern Prakrit texts have survived in modern times, and even fewer have been written or attracted critical scholarship. The Government of India has not designated Prakrit as a classical language, although the earliest Prakrit texts are older than the literature of most languages designated as such. One of the reasons behind Prakrit's neglect is that it is not related to regionally or nationally praised language.