Sacred to Buddhists and Jains, the language of Mahavira's teachings, of Harappan seals and Ashokan edicts, Prakrit originating from Prakriti or nature was the language of the masses in ancient India. Less equal than Sanskrit--the language of the elite--often belittled as the language of women, children and illiterates, it was flexible and accommodating. Unfettered by rules or Sanskriti, it absorbed and imbibed from thesocio-cultural linguistic cross-currents over centuries and became the repository of all that was folk. The source of many Indian regional languages, it is a vast store-house of unexplored knowledge awaiting the illuminating light of research. ``Thousands upon thousands of manuscripts in Prakrit and Apabhranmsa, dating from 5th to 19th century still remain unresearched and unpublished,'' says Dr Vimal Prakash Jain, director, Bhogilal Lehar Chand Institute of Indology.

Jain too feels, ``Be it in the sphere of drama or literature, language or grammar, fine art or music, Prakrit manuscripts will furnish invaluable information.'' Ever since Independence there has been a gradual over-shadowing of Prakrit. Now, on the path of rejuvenation, Prakrit is beginning to carve out a niche for itself in the world of academia. The role of Prakrit as the source and the connecting link between many Indian regional languages is being realised. ``To know Indian history and culture and to understand the development of theIndian linguistic tradition, it is necessary to be a serious scholar of this language,'' comments Dr Vimal Prakash Jain, an eminent scholar of Indology. For Sudip Jain ``in the absence of Prakrit the classification of our cultural, historical and literary ideas become a difficult proposition.''

Awareness of the need for systematic study of Prakrit has initiated considerable activity. While in states like Rajasthan plans are afoot to introduce Prakrit as a subject at the senior secondary level, Kund Kund Bharati has already embarked upon the pathbreaking work of producing study material. Unfortunately, despite the existence of Prakrit over millennia, no structural teaching material is available. ``This also we could do with assistance from Prakrit scholars,'' he adds.

Dearth of Prakrit scholars is an oft-repeated concern in the field of archaeology and manuscriptology. Says Dr Nasim Akhtar, keeper, National Museum, New Delhi, ``Manuscripts are an insight into the past and the lack of adequately qualifiedPrakrit scholars pose a problem.'' He adds, ``We must learn from the past and not forget our heritage.'' Amita Jain, a house-wife turned Prakrit scholar and teacher, expounds the dichotomy. After reading Prakrit originals, she has this to say: ``While innumerable manuscripts await exploring, ensuring the quality of the rendering is equally important.''

Efforts are afoot to address the need for competent Prakrit scholars. Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapith, a deemed University, established in 1989, ``took the lead in spreading Prakrit with the inspiration of Swami Vidyanandji, a Jain saint of the Digambar sect,'' explains Dr Bachaspati Upadhyay, an enlightened activist in the field.

Elementary certificate and advance diploma courses of one year duration are regularly conducted by this University. The certificate courses introduce the students to the subjects and teach them to appreciate it. The advanced diploma course hones out the skills of reading, editing and translation of manuscripts asalso written communication. A diploma, however, is definitely not the end of the road. Facilities for graduate and post-graduate level studies are also provided by the university. Virtually unlimited scope for research in Prakrit exists, agree the renowned scholars as well as their would-be counterparts. ``Our Institute can alone use the services of several scholars. Even 6 per cent of the extant manuscripts on subjects ranging from humanities, art, dhatu and science to vastu remain unexplored,'' says Sudip Jain. Given the array of subjects to be explored, the number of scholars should increase by leaps and bounds since the University does not insist on any special qualifications for entry.

``Of late considerable encouragement has come our way thanks to the pioneering work of visionaries and academicians like Dr Mandan Mishra and Dr Bachaspati Upadhyay, the first and the present vice chancellors of Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapith,'' says Sudip Jain.

As a further boost to the progressiveand dynamic study of Prakrit, Dr Bachaspati Upadhyay is organising the setting up of Rama Jain Prakrit Adhyayana Kendra. The centre will be devoted exclusively to the study and research in Prakrit language. Renowned scholars from the field of Prakrit have also agreed to come together to promote Prakrit studies and research. The development of a Centre for collection and editing of Prakrit manuscripts will go a long way towards revitalising this ancient language.