Synopsis In spite of its crucial position as the link between the classical Indian literatures of Sanskrit and Prakrit, and the early modern vernacualar litertures of North India (from Braj Bhasa, Gujarati, Bengali, Hindi…), Apabhramsa language and literature remains probably one of the most understudied fields of Indology and Indian studies.  The Paumacariu of the Jaina poet Svayambhudeva, narrating the Jaina version of the story of the Ramayana, is the earliest masterpiece of Apabhramsa literature available.  Half a century after the legendary Harrivallabh Chunilal Bhayani published the excellent critical edition, Eva De Clercq engaged in a critical study of this text, including an analysis of its grammer.

The book"The Apabhramsha of Svayambhudeva's Paumacariu" gives a full systematic descriptive overview of its phonological and morphological characteristics, disclosing new materials for scholars of historical and Comparative linguistics. To those who wish to read and Research this and other Apabhramsha Texts themselves, it will provide a valued tool.