Is Urdu Older Than Hindi?: Debunking Myths and Unveiling Historical Truths
In the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent, the languages of Urdu and Hindi hold a special place. Many people often ponder: Is Urdu older than Hindi, or do these languages share a common history?
Myths and Clarifications
Often, the distinction between Urdu and Hindi is clouded by misconceptions and incomplete information. Some believe that since Hindi is spoken in a wider area, it must be older. However, this notion is far from the truth. It's important to understand the historical context and linguistic evolution of these languages to debunk such myths.
The Historical Context
The language origins of Urdu and Hindi can be traced back to the 12th century. According to our member Prabhat Kumar, both languages originated around the 11th and 12th centuries in the areas of Punjab and Delhi. This shared history provides a framework for understanding the evolution of these languages.
Abhishek Vats, an archeologist, further clarifies that Urdu was primarily used during the reign of Jalaluddin Akbar (1556-1605) in the Din-e-Ilahi (Religion of Light) context. This evidence suggests that Urdu took shape several centuries after the initial development of these languages.
The Linguistic Evolution
Both Hindi and Urdu are a fusion of various languages and dialects. They evolved from Prakrit, Khariboli, Sanskrit, Farsi, and Arabic. The aim was to create a language for ease of communication between the Mughals and Indian dynasties, as well as the general populace.
However, while Hindi has existed since the 13th century, Urdu developed much later. The language that is known today as Urdu was evolved over time and was primarily used during the Mughal era. This chronological development lends support to the claim that Hindi is older by several hundred years.
Historical Evidence and Common Misunderstandings
One common misconception is that because Urdu writers like Amir Khusro and Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote in a form that resembles Hindi, Urdu must be a "Muslim" language and that Muslims have the first claim to Hindi. This argument is flawed for several reasons:
At the same time, Hindu writers such as Namdev, also worked in Hindi. This indicates that the language was not exclusive to any religious group.
The writings of Urdu writers, particularly those mentioned, are not entirely comprehensible to those who only speak Urdu. For instance, words like "sakhi," which Urdu speakers might inadvertently read as "saaqi," have different meanings. "Saaqi" refers to a bartender, while "sakhi" means a female friend. This linguistic nuance further emphasizes the distinct evolution and development of these languages.
Conclusion
The historical and linguistic evidence clearly indicates that Hindi predates Urdu by approximately 400 to 500 years. This shared history of both languages from the 12th and 13th centuries, followed by their divergent paths during the Mughal era, provides a clear timeline for their evolution.
Let us embrace the beauty and complexity of these languages without the lens of misconceptions and preconceived notions. Each language carries its own rich history and cultural significance, contributing to the vast tapestry of Indian linguistics.