The Word Mahāṇa in Prākrit
By S. N. Ghosal
Summary
“The Word Mahāṇa in Prākrit” is a philological note on the meaning and usage of the Prākrit term ‘mahāṇa’. The author surveys occurrences of the word in Jain canonical texts and compares them with Sanskrit sources to determine its semantic range. He points out that some scholars have taken mahāṇa simply as a vernacular equivalent of the Sanskrit term brāhmaṇa (Brahmin). However, evidence from texts such as the Jaina Bhagavatīsūtra shows that the term often refers not just to a Brahmin by birth but to a member of a respected priestly family or to an honourable ascetic. The article notes that in Sinhala, a related term mahānanse means ‘venerable monk,’ which supports the idea that mahāṇa conveyed reverence rather than a caste label. By analysing etymological parallels and examining how the term is used in narrative contexts, the author argues that mahāṇa was probably a title of respect applied to Jain monks and learned elders rather than a caste designation. The paper concludes that translations equating mahāṇa with Brahmin are misleading; instead, translators should consider context and recognise that the term functions as an honorific.
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Conclusion
The philological analysis suggests that ‘mahāṇa’ in Prākrit literature was an honorific title rather than a caste term. Recognising this nuance prevents mistranslation and provides a clearer view of how Jain communities respected their teachers and elders.