Was Pali the same language as Sindhi in which the Buddha expressed his thoughts? – The writer opens a new debate
Aziz Kingrani
Pali was the religious language of Buddhism. The spread of Buddhism in Sindh took place during the Mauryan period, which has been discussed separately in this book under the heading of Buddhism. In Sindh, Pali remained in use as a religious language and maintained a close relationship with the Sindhi language. Unfortunately, very few of its written records have survived in Sindh One must agree with the opinion of Mukhtiar Malah, who states:
“Extensive research should be conducted on the Pali language, because Sindhi and Pali share many similarities and identical lexical meanings. Pali had a strong influence in Sindh up to the Brahman dynasty in Sidh. However, the writings of that period were probably lost due to the upheavals of time” (Malah: 2023).
Pali Inscriptions on Stones in Sindh
The Kirthar mountain range in Sindh is extremely rich in carvings and inscriptions. Magnificent rock art has been found on mountains and stones. These carvings include Buddhist stupas and temples, Hindu religious symbols and temples, Zoroastrian fire temples, as well as images of various animals. Alongside Sanskrit and Pali inscriptions in the Brahmi script, Kharosthi inscriptions have also been found (Kangrani: 2019: 162). According to my personal field survey, Pali inscriptions in an ancient Pali script have been found carved on the Kirthar Mountains near the town of Wahi Padi in Johi Taluka, Dadu District. In addition, ancient Pali inscriptions have also been found carved near the hill known as “Tharo” or “Thararo” close to the town of Gujo in Thatta District.
Findings from Mohenjo-daro
The civilization of Mohenjo-daro belongs to an ancient period; however, according to Jayram Das, from the upper layer associated with the Buddhist stupa, “five pottery vessels were discovered, which were used for drinking water. Each vessel bears an inscription carved in the Pali language and the Brahmi script” (Jayram: 2011: 36).
Pali Inscription on a Copper Plate
The renowned researcher Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Baloch mentions a Pali inscription engraved on a copper plate and has also provided an illustrated inscription tablet. This plate was discovered from the ruins of the ancient Buddhist monastery of “Sue Vihar,” located sixteen miles southwest of Bahawalpur (Punjab, Pakistan). According to him, this inscription has been recognized as a “Bakhti Pali” inscription (Baloch: 1990: 20). At that time, Bahawalpur should be considered part of Sindh.
Traces of Pali in Sindhi Folk Literature
Muhammad Salahuddin considers the Pali language to be essentially Sindhi. In his English-language books “Sindh: A Time Capsule of Heritage” and “Patalini, Rawar and Pali”, he has presented many words that are still in use today in both Pali and modern Sindhi. His books include discussions on the relationship between Pali and Sindhi, as well as topics related to Buddhism. Words from his books have also been included in this work. Criticizing linguists, scholars, and researchers, Muhammad Salahuddin argues through literature, folklore, and rational reasoning that:
“Our Sindhi intellectuals, who have never tried to acquire knowledge about the Pali language, unknowingly search for their roots (the roots of the Sindhi language) in Sanskrit, Semitic, or Arabic languages. Gautama Buddha belonged to the ‘Sakya’ people or tribe. The word ‘Saak’ is still used today in rural areas with the same meaning, and there is also a common saying asking what kind of relationship or ‘syako’ one has with someone. Or in a folk song, this verse appears:
Kaharo Sangg Siyako,, Jeejal tann Jattan saan
Salahuddin further writes that “Shah Latif himself used this word with the same meaning in Sur Sassui. Another most important point is that the links of civilization, culture, social life, and customs move from west to east. The Hindus claim that the foundation of their civilization lies in the Vedas, which were written in the land of the Indus Valley and then gradually spread to Bihar and Bengal. If so, is it impossible that Gautama Buddha belonged to the Sindhi people? Especially when Greek writers have indirectly identified Chandragupta Mauryan as the ruler of ‘Patala’ (Moeris). This clearly indicates that Pali is essentially the same Sindhi language in which Gautama Buddha expressed his thoughts.” (Salahuddin: 2010: 277).
If serious research is conducted to discover evidence or traces of the Pali language in Sindh, it can be stated with confidence that clear and substantial traces of Pali can indeed be found in Sindh.
References
- Mallah Mukhtiar, 2023, Sindhi Boli Journal, Sindhi language Authority, Hyderabad
- Kingrani Aziz, 2019, Indus Script in Stone, Peacock publishers, Karachi
- Jairam Das, Daulatram, 2011, Sindhi Boli aen Lippi jo Ethas, Sindhi Language Authority, Hyderabad
- Baloch Dr N. A, 1990, Sindhi Boli aen Adab ji tareekh, Center Jamshoro
- Salahuddin Muhammad, 2o10, Pataleni, Rawar and Pāli, Zyn publication Karachi
Read: Sindhi and Pāli: A comparative Study
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Aziz Kingrani, hailing from village Haji Manik Kingrani, Johi, Dadu District, Sindh, Pakistan, is poet, short story writer, playwright and a researcher. He has been contributing in the fields of history and literature. He has served as a professor as well. His 17 books are published in English and Sindhi language.
