The Department of Prakrit at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College, Patna, offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich
linguistic and literary heritage of the Prakrit languages, which played a pivotal role in the cultural and religious
history of ancient India. The curriculum encompasses the study of various Prakrit dialects, such as Ardhamagadhi,
Maharashtri, and Shauraseni, along with their significant literary works, including Jain Agamas, classical poetry, and
dramatic texts. Situated in Bihar, a region deeply connected to the origins and development of these languages—being the
land where Lord Mahavira preached in Ardhamagadhi—the department provides an academically and culturally enriching
environment. Through the analysis of ancient texts and inscriptions, students gain insights into the socio-religious
dynamics, literary traditions, and historical evolution of early Indian society. The department aims to produce scholars
well-versed in Prakrit studies, preparing them for careers in academia, research, archaeology, and cultural
preservation.
The Prakrit Department at B.D. College, Patna, stands out for its dedicated focus on the linguistic diversity and
literary excellence of the Prakrit languages within their historical heartland. Its strengths include an
interdisciplinary approach that connects Prakrit studies with Jainism, Buddhism, ancient Indian history, and comparative
linguistics. The department leverages Bihar’s rich heritage—home to ancient sites like Vaishali, Rajgir, and Pawapuri—to
offer students immersive learning experiences through field visits, manuscript workshops, and interactions with
scholarly communities. Students engage in deciphering inscriptions, translating texts, and participating in seminars and
national conferences, fostering practical skills in paleography and critical analysis. This comprehensive training opens
diverse career pathways in academia, research institutions, museums, translation services, and cultural tourism,
empowering graduates to become adept preservers and promoters of India’s multifaceted linguistic heritage.
The Department of Prakrit at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal College, Patna, is committed to the advanced study and preservation of
Prakrit languages and literature. The program offers a structured curriculum covering Prakrit grammar, dialects,
significant textual traditions, and their historical contexts. Supported by a specialized faculty and access to critical
resources, the department emphasizes philological rigor, textual analysis, and scholarly research. The program prepares
students for academic and professional pursuits in fields such as Indology, religious studies, archaeology, and
translation. By fostering a deep understanding of Prakrit’s linguistic and cultural contributions, the department aims
to produce graduates capable of contributing to the preservation and interpretation of ancient Indian knowledge systems
in contemporary times.
The Department of Prakrit at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar, India, operates as part of the college's Arts faculty under Patliputra University, where the institution was established in 1970. It focuses on the study of Prakrit languages, literature, grammar, and their historical significance in ancient Indian texts, Jainism, and dramatic traditions, offering programs such as BA (Hons.) in Prakrit. As a language-based humanities department, it utilizes the college's general infrastructure for lectures, research, and cultural activities rather than requiring specialized equipment. Below is an overview of the supporting facilities based on available information.
Overall, B.D. College's infrastructure provides reliable backing for the Department of Prakrit through library resources, digital tools, and communal spaces tailored to humanities education. For the most recent details, contact the college via bdcollegepatna.ac.in or visit the campus.