Chapter # 9 – Society and Culture of Pakistan

9.2. Languages of Pakistan

9.2.1. Trace the Origin and Evolution of Urdu.

Urdu, a language steeped in cultural richness and historical significance, holds a prominent position among the Indic languages spoken primarily in South Asia. As the state language of Pakistan and one of the declared national languages in India, Urdu boasts a vast speaker base, with over 65 million individuals worldwide, ranking it as the 21st most spoken first language globally.

Originating from the intricate interactions of various linguistic traditions, Urdu’s evolution presents an intriguing narrative of fusion and adaptation. Two major theories debate its inception: one positing its origins in Uttar Pradesh during the Delhi Sultanate era (1206–1527), while the other suggests its emergence in North-West India, present-day Pakistan, during the same period.

Urdu’s genesis can be attributed to the interaction between Muslim soldiers of the Delhi Sultans and local inhabitants, resulting in a linguistic amalgamation of Arabic, Persian, Turkic, and indigenous languages. Initially termed Hindvi, the language underwent several name changes over the centuries before finally being recognized as Urdu.

Scholars and linguists delineate Urdu’s development into four distinct periods: the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1225), the Mughal period (1525-1858), the British period (1857-1947), and the post-partition period (1947-till date).

During the Delhi Sultanate, Urdu emerged as a linguistic bridge between Muslim soldiers and locals, with the poet Amir Khurau (1253-1325) contributing significantly to its early literary corpus.

Under the Mughal Empire, Urdu flourished as the court language, with notable poets like Mir, Sauda, Dard, and Ghalib enriching its literary landscape.

Despite facing challenges during the British colonial era, Urdu continued to thrive, aided by institutions like Aligarh University, which served as a hub for Urdu studies and produced renowned writers such as Hasrat Mohani and Majaz.

In the post-British period, Urdu experienced a resurgence, particularly in Pakistan, where it attained the status of the state language. Government initiatives aimed at promoting Urdu in education, administration, media, and literature further solidified its significance.

Today, Urdu remains a vibrant and integral part of South Asian culture, serving as the medium of instruction in educational institutions, broadcasting on radio and television, and thriving in literature, poetry, films, and journalism. Its enduring legacy underscores its enduring importance in the region’s linguistic and cultural landscape.