Apabhraṃśa is a historical language that evolved from Prakrit, which itself is derived from Sanskrit. It was spoken in parts of northern India from around the 6th century CE to the 13th century CE. Apabhraṃśa served as a bridge between the ancient languages and the modern Indo-Aryan languages, influencing their development. The term "Apabhraṃśa" means "corrupt" or "degraded" language, reflecting its status as a vernacular form. It was used in various literary works, including poetry and prose, and played a significant role in the cultural and linguistic transition in the region, paving the way for languages like Hindi and Bengali.