The Gujarati language, spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Gujarat and by Gujarati diaspora worldwide, has a rich and fascinating history. The medieval period, spanning roughly from the 12th to the 16th centuries, marked a pivotal phase in its development, solidifying its distinct identity and establishing the foundations for the modern language we know today.
Table of Contents
Origins and Early Influences
Old Gujarati (1200-1500 CE): The Formative Stage
Linguistic Features and Literature
Influence of Jainism
Transition to Middle Gujarati (1500-1800 CE)
Socio-Political Factors
Standardization Efforts
Literary Flourishing and Cultural Significance
Conclusion
1. Origins and Early Influences
Gujarati, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, traces its roots back to Sanskrit. The language evolved through various stages, including Prakrit and Apabhramsha, before emerging as a distinct entity around the 12th century. During this early phase, Gujarati borrowed heavily from Sanskrit and Prakrit, incorporating vocabulary, grammar, and literary conventions.
Export to Sheets
2. Old Gujarati (1200-1500 CE): The Formative Stage
Linguistic Features and Literature
Old Gujarati, also known as Juna Gujarati, was characterized by distinct linguistic features that set it apart from other Indo-Aryan languages:
Three genders: Masculine, feminine, and neuter
Direct/oblique noun forms
Use of postpositions (words placed after nouns to indicate grammatical relationships)
Auxiliary verbs (verbs that help form tenses and moods)
A rich literary tradition flourished in Old Gujarati, primarily driven by Jain scholars and poets. Jain literature played a crucial role in documenting and standardizing the language. Some notable works from this period include:
Vasantvilas (13th century) An epic poem by Ajnat
Neminatha Chatushpadika (14th century) A collection of verses by Vinaychandrasuri
Shalibhadra's Bharat Bahubali Rasa (15th century) A narrative poem
Influence of Jainism
Jainism, a religion and philosophy that emphasizes non-violence and asceticism, had a profound impact on the development of Old Gujarati. Jain scholars and poets played a significant role in promoting and popularizing the language, often using it to propagate their religious teachings and values.
3. Transition to Middle Gujarati (1500-1800 CE)
Socio-Political Factors
The transition to Middle Gujarati was influenced by several socio-political factors:
Rise of the Sultanate: The establishment of the Gujarat Sultanate (1407-1573) led to increased contact with Persian and Arabic, resulting in the borrowing of vocabulary and literary forms.
Bhakti Movement: The Bhakti movement, a Hindu devotional movement, contributed to the development of a rich devotional literature in Gujarati.
Standardization Efforts
The 16th century witnessed efforts to standardize the Gujarati language, with scholars and grammarians formulating rules and conventions. This laid the groundwork for the development of a standardized form of Middle Gujarati.
4. Literary Flourishing and Cultural Significance
Middle Gujarati was a period of significant literary activity, with poets and writers producing diverse works in various genres. Some notable figures and works include:
Narsinh Mehta (1414-1481): Considered the father of modern Gujarati poetry, his devotional songs and poems are still popular today.
Mirabai (1498-1546): A Bhakti saint and poetess whose devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna are revered in Gujarati culture.
Akho (1615-1675): A poet-philosopher known for his insightful verses and challenging social norms.
The medieval period also saw the emergence of a distinct Gujarati cultural identity, with the language playing a central role in expressing and preserving cultural values and traditions.
GPSC Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for GPSC Prelims and GPSC Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by GPSC Notes are as follows:-- GPSC Mains 2025 Tests and Notes Program
- GPSC Prelims Exam 2025- Test Series and Notes Program
- GPSC Prelims and Mains 2025 Tests Series and Notes Program
- GPSC Detailed Complete Prelims Notes