Prakrit and Pali

Prakrit and Pali are two ancient Indo-Aryan languages that held significant importance in the development of classical Indian literature and religious texts. Prakrit, meaning “natural,” refers to a group of vernacular languages that emerged from Sanskrit and were spoken by the common people in various regions of ancient India. These languages served as the means of everyday communication and eventually influenced the literature of that era. Pali, specifically, is a distinct Prakrit language that became the language of early Buddhist scriptures, including the Tripitaka (the Buddhist canon). Pali holds sacred significance in Theravada Buddhism and is still employed in religious ceremonies and teachings within certain Buddhist communities.