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Source: The post on the evolution of Hindi language is based on the article “Geetanjali Shree writes: What Hindi purists don’t understand about Hindi” published in “Indian Express” on 7th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
News: The article discusses the evolution of Hindi, highlighting its openness to diverse influences and its role as a voice against oppression and injustice. It’s in the light of recent controversies and efforts to purify it by removing Persian and Arabic elements.
What is the nature of language according to Bhartrihari?
Bhartrihari, was a famous philosopher. He pointed out following features of a language:
- Language to be dynamic and ever-changing.
- “Dhwani” or sound arbitrarily assigns meanings to words, leading to their fluidity. Words don’t have fixed meanings. They change and evolve over time.
- Despite similarities, each word is unique, with no exact synonyms existing.
In short, Bhartrihari viewed language as a living entity, constantly redefined by those who use it, with the capacity to evolve.
About Hindi language
Hindi’s name comes from the Persian word ‘Hind’ linked to the Indus River area.
Article 343(1) of the Indian Constitution declares Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. This was established on September 14, 1949, a day now celebrated as Hindi Day, and the language is also recognized by the United Nations.
Its influence stretches beyond India’s borders, finding official and regional recognition in countries like Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Mauritius, and Trinidad & Tobago.
The Central Hindi Directorate ensures the language’s growth and regulation, reflecting the depth of India’s linguistic and cultural landscape
For information about various constitutional provision related to language in India read here
How did the Hindi language evolve in India?
The Impact of Historical Forces: Hindi’s evolution was significantly shaped by colonial encounters and the Indian national awakening. Intellectuals, from the Hindi region, were inspired by reform movements in Bengal to modernize the language.
Fusion with Other Dialects and Languages: Khari Boli Hindi, the basis of modern Hindi, drew from dialects like Braj Bhasha, Awadhi, and Bhojpuri. It also integrated words from Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian, reflecting its adaptive nature.
The Hindi-Urdu Division: A political campaign to replace Urdu with Hindi in Bihar and the United Provinces sparked a divide, falsely presenting Hindi and Urdu as separate languages for Hindus and Muslims, respectively. This led to movements to ‘Sanskritize’ Hindi.
Enduring Eclecticism: Despite attempts to standardize and ‘purify’ Hindi, it retained its eclectic character. Influential literary figures from other linguistic backgrounds, including Urdu and Punjabi, continued to enrich Hindi literature.
What is Hindi’s role in social protest?
Foundation in Protest: Hindi emerged from a background of resistance and has maintained that role. It became a means to challenge colonial power and advocate for national awakening.
Literature as Dissent: Writers like Premchand, who initially wrote in Urdu, and Rahi Masoom Raza, author of “Aadha Gaon,” have used Hindi to express themes of social justice and unity, thus participating in the larger narrative of protest through their works.
Reflecting Plurality and Protest: Hindi has allowed writers from many different backgrounds to use their writing to challenge social injustice. Like Krishna Sobti from Punjab.
Hindi’s Emancipatory Role: Throughout its evolution, Hindi has maintained its core purpose of challenging injustice and promoting the welfare of various groups.
Question to practice:
Discuss the evolution of the Hindi language and its significance in India’s social and political landscape?
