Understanding Prakrit as the Language of Ordinary People
Prakrit is recognized as the language used by ordinary people in ancient times, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. Here’s why Prakrit stands out among the options provided:
1. Definition of Prakrit
- Prakrit refers to a group of Middle Indo-Aryan languages that emerged around the 3rd century BCE.
- It served as a vernacular language, contrasting with the more formal and sophisticated Sanskrit.
2. Usage in Society
- Unlike Sanskrit, which was primarily used in religious texts and scholarly discourse, Prakrit was the language of the commoners.
- It was the medium through which everyday communication occurred, making it accessible to the masses.
3. Literary Significance
- Many ancient texts, including plays and poetry, were composed in Prakrit, reflecting the culture and social norms of the time.
- Notable works include those by playwrights like Kālidāsa, who incorporated Prakrit into their dialogues to portray characters and settings authentically.
4. Comparison with Other Languages
- Sanskrit: A classical language associated with rituals, philosophy, and academic writing.
- Latin and Greek: Both languages were used in specific regions (Rome and Greece) and were mainly the languages of the elite and educated classes, not ordinary people.
Conclusion
- Prakrit's accessibility and relevance to daily life during ancient times make it the correct answer when identifying the language spoken by ordinary people.
- This distinguishes it from Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek, which were more aligned with scholarly or elite use.
In summary, Prakrit's role as the vernacular language highlights its importance in the social fabric of ancient societies.