Prakrit languages

Prakrit languages are a group of ancient languages that originated in India around the 4th century BCE. They are derived from Sanskrit and were spoken by the common people, contrasting with the more formal and literary Sanskrit used by the elite. Prakrits include several varieties, such as Pali, which is significant in Buddhist texts. These languages played a crucial role in the development of Indian literature, culture, and early religious traditions, influencing later languages like Hindi and Bengali. Today, they are studied for their historical and linguistic importance, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of ancient India.