While "Prakrit" is often used as a singular term, it actually encompasses a family of languages that evolved from Sanskrit. These languages were spoken across various parts of ancient India and were generally considered "common" languages, in contrast to the more formal and literary Sanskrit.
Here's why Prakrit is the answer:
* Time period: Prakrit languages were spoken from around 300 BC (the time of the Maurya Empire) up until the Middle Ages, when they were gradually replaced by the modern Indo-Aryan languages.
* Vernacular nature: Prakrit languages were the languages of everyday people, used in everyday conversation, drama, and literature.
* Literary significance: Many important literary works were written in Prakrit, including the plays of the great playwright Ashvaghosha and the Jain scriptures.
Key points to remember:
* Not a single language: Prakrit was not one single language but a family of languages with distinct varieties and dialects.
* Influence on modern languages: Prakrit languages heavily influenced the development of many modern Indo-Aryan languages, such as Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati.
Therefore, Prakrit is the most accurate and comprehensive answer to your question.