Languages of South Asia at SOAS: Prakrit
Prakrit is an important language of Ancient and Medieval India, developed from a pre-classical form of Sanskrit. Its various dialects are the basis of modern Indo-Aryan languages. It is used in the oldest written historical and literary documents (inscriptions of Asoka etc.; dramas, anthologies of lyric poetry, etc.), as well as in the vast canonical and narrative literature of the Jains.
The continued teaching of Prakrit at SOAS in 2019/20 is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Digambar Jain Mahasabha, New Delhi, and all well-wishers who have also generous supported the 2019 crowdfunding call 'Save Prakrit at SOAS' of the Centre of Jain Studies.
Contacts
Dr Renate Sohnen-Thieme (rs2@soas.ac.uk)
Professor Em. J. Clifford Wright (cw4@soas.ac.uk)
Degree Programmes
- BA South Asian Studies
- BA South Asian Studies and ...
- Certificate in South Asian Studies
- MA Comparative Literature (Africa/Asia)
- Degree Programmes with Language Options
Degree Module Options
- Introduction to Prakrit (no previous knowledge required)
- Readings in Prakrit (some knowledge of Prakrit or Sanskrit needed)
- Prakrit Language 1 (Postgraduate)
Other Resources
Please Note: Not all modules and programmes are available every year