Urdu Language
Urdu is a widely spoken Indo-Aryan language that carries cultural, historical, and literary significance. Pakistan has designated it as its official language, and India includes it among its 22 scheduled languages. Urdu shares linguistic roots with Hindi, but it uses the Persian-Arabic script, whereas Hindi employs the Devanagari script. The language boasts a rich tradition of poetry, literature, and calligraphy.
Historical Background
Urdu originated during the 13th and 14th centuries in the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire when Persian, Arabic, and local Indian dialects blended. The Turkish word “Ordu,” meaning “army,” gave rise to the term “Urdu” because Persian-speaking rulers and local Indian communities used it to communicate. Over time, Urdu evolved into a distinct literary and spoken language, with Persian and Arabic vocabulary significantly influencing its development.
Geographical Distribution
People speak Urdu in several countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and parts of the Middle East. In India, Urdu speakers primarily live in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Jammu & Kashmir. The government recognizes Urdu as an official language in Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
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Urdu in India and West Bengal
In West Bengal, people mainly speak Urdu in urban areas, including Kolkata, Howrah, and Murshidabad. According to the 2011 Census, about 2.86% of Howrah’s population listed Urdu as their first language. Muslim communities, traders, and cultural institutions commonly use the language.
Cultural and Literary Significance
Urdu has gained renown for its poetry and literature, with legendary poets like Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz shaping its literary heritage. Writers and poets have deeply influenced South Asian literature and music through Urdu ghazals, nazms, and prose. Bollywood films and Sufi poetry also showcase the language’s artistic beauty.
Conclusion
Urdu remains a linguistically rich and historically significant language that thrives in India, Pakistan, and beyond. Over time, different cultures have influenced its evolution, yet it continues to serve as a symbol of artistic expression and multicultural heritage.