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 is made possible thanks to the generosity of Dr Shamil Chandaria (London) in the name of his parents Anil and Lata Chandaria, supporters 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 Nepali Pathway
- BA South Asian Studies
- BA South Asian Studies and ...
- Certificate in South Asian Studies
- MA Comparative Literature (Africa/Asia)
- MA Languages and Cultures of South Asia
- Degree Programmes with Language Options
Degree Course 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 courses and programmes are available every year