[Solved] What is Apabhramsa? Medieval Language Evolution

The term 'Apabhramsa' was used in medieval Sanskrit texts to denote:

[UPSC CSE Pre. 1996]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Indian languages evolved from Sanskrit to Prakrit, then to Apabhramsa, before maturing into modern vernaculars.

Authentic Source Evidence

Apabhramsa (literally 'corrupt' or 'deviated') refers to the late stages of Middle Indo-Aryan dialects used between the 6th and 12th centuries CE.

Analytical Breakdown

Option C is Correct: It represents the linguistic bridge that gave birth to Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, and Marathi.

Logic: Sanskrit grammarians used the term to distinguish the formal language of the elite from the evolving dialects of the common people.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which religious communities contributed most to Apabhramsa literature?"

Jain monks and Buddhist Siddhas used Apabhramsa to reach the masses through their devotional and philosophical poetry.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Apabhramsa serves as the 'missing link' that proves the organic, non-linear evolution of Indian vernaculars from classical roots."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Indo-Aryan Languages 2 Prakrit 4

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