As a language expert with a keen interest in the historical evolution of languages, I find the development of Urdu to be a fascinating subject. Urdu, like Hindi, is indeed a form of Hindustani, which is a group of languages spoken in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. The creation of Urdu is a complex process that involves historical, cultural, and linguistic factors. Let's delve into the intricate history of Urdu's creation.
**Step 1: Historical Context and Linguistic Roots**
The roots of Urdu can be traced back to the medieval period, specifically from the 6th to the 13th century. It evolved from the Apabhraṃśa register of the Shauraseni language, which was a Middle Indo-Aryan language. This language was not only the precursor to Urdu but also to other modern Indo-Aryan languages, including the Punjabi dialects.

Step 2: Influence of Persian and Arabic
The language underwent significant changes with the advent of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century. The influence of Persian and Arabic, brought by the Muslim rulers, began to permeate the local language. This led to the incorporation of a vast number of Persian and Arabic words into the vernacular, which over time, became a distinctive feature of Urdu.

**Step 3: The Development of a Distinct Identity**
Urdu started to develop its own identity during the Mughal Empire, particularly under the rule of the Mughal emperors who were patrons of the arts and literature. The language was heavily influenced by the Persian script and vocabulary, but it retained its Indo-Aryan grammatical structure. This period saw the emergence of a sophisticated literary tradition in Urdu, with poets like Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmad Faiz contributing to its rich cultural heritage.

Step 4: Standardization and Modern Urdu
The standardization of Urdu took place during the British colonial period in India. The British, in an effort to facilitate administrative and legal processes, recognized Urdu as one of the official languages. This led to the development of a standardized script and vocabulary, which helped to solidify the language's status.

Step 5: Linguistic and Cultural Division
The Partition of India in 1947 had a profound impact on the Urdu language. With the creation of Pakistan, Urdu was declared one of the official languages, leading to a geographical and cultural division between Hindi and Urdu speakers. Despite their common roots, Hindi and Urdu began to diverge further, with Hindi leaning more towards Sanskrit vocabulary and Urdu maintaining its Persian and Arabic influences.

Step 6: Urdu in the Contemporary World
Today, Urdu is spoken by millions of people around the world, not only in Pakistan and India but also in various diaspora communities. It continues to be a language of literature, poetry, and music, with a rich tradition that spans centuries.

In conclusion, the creation of Urdu is a testament to the complex interplay of history, culture, and language. It is a language that has evolved over centuries, shaped by various influences and historical events, and it stands today as a vibrant and dynamic part of the world's linguistic tapestry.

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Origin. Urdu, like Hindi, is a form of Hindustani. It evolved from the medieval (6th to 13th century) Apabhra??a register of the preceding Shauraseni language, a Middle Indo-Aryan language that is also the ancestor of other modern Indo-Aryan languages, including the Punjabi dialects.read more >>