Gaudi Prakrit

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# Gaudi Prakrit Gaudi Prakrit is the Middle Indo-Aryan Prakrit language used in Gauda or ancient Bengal. The language originates from the Old Eastern Indo-Aryan and is the historical ancestor of Bengali. It was originally considered as Prakrit until 400 AD, later its Apabhraṃśa appeared which is known as Gaudi Apabhransha. Although not sufficiently proven, the existence of the language that predated the Vanga-Kamarupi and Bengali is believed to be descended from it.[1] Evidence of the presence of Gaudi Prakrit is found in Daṇḍin's Kavyadarsa. A reference to the Gaudí Prakrit exists in this text, written in about the 6th century.[2] The term 'Gaudi Prakrit' is related to a janapada or region and the language spoken in that region. The word Gaudi refers to the Gauda region, while the word Prakrit refers to a spoken form of the Middle Indo-Aryan language. This Prakrit was spoken in Gauda, that is why it is called Gaudi Prakrit.[2] Most linguists support the view that the Magadhi Prakrit was used in the Bengal region in ancient times and the Bengali language originated from its Apabhraṃśa. However, on the basis of phonological features, there are opposite or opposing views. Bengali has many features that Magadhi Prakrit does not have; which gives a clear indication of the presence of some other Prakrit instead of Magadhi Prakrit.[1][3]