Urdu, a language that has a rich history and cultural significance in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, is a fascinating subject to explore. As an expert in linguistics and the history of languages, I am well-equipped to delve into the origins and development of Urdu. Step 1: English Answer The Urdu language has a complex and multifaceted history that can be traced back to several centuries. It is generally agreed upon by scholars that Urdu has its roots in the Indo-Aryan languages, which are a branch of the Indo-European language family. However, the specific origins of Urdu and its development are subjects of scholarly debate and research. The development of Urdu is often linked to the historical context of the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the medieval period. The language is believed to have evolved from a dialect known as Khariboli, which was spoken in the northern parts of India. Khariboli itself is a form of Prakrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was used in everyday speech as opposed to the more formal and liturgical use of Sanskrit. One of the significant influences on the development of Urdu was the Persian language. With the arrival of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire, Persian became the language of the court and administration. This led to a significant influx of Persian vocabulary into the local dialects, including the one that would eventually become Urdu. The Persian influence is evident in the language's script, which is a variant of the Perso-Arabic script, and in its lexicon, where a considerable number of words are borrowed from Persian. Another important factor in the development of Urdu was the influence of Arabic. With the spread of Islam in the subcontinent, Arabic, being the language of the Quran, also had a profound impact on the local languages. Many Arabic words found their way into the evolving language, particularly in the realm of religious, scholarly, and legal terminology. Contrary to some popular beliefs, Urdu did not form in the camp of the Mughal armies. While the military camps might have been a melting pot of various languages and cultures, the language itself was a product of a more gradual and complex process of linguistic evolution and cultural assimilation. The word "Urdu" itself is a subject of etymological debate. Some scholars suggest that it is derived from the Turkic word 'Ordu', which means 'army'. This is the same root from which the English word 'horde' is derived. The connection to 'Ordu' could be a reflection of the language's association with the military camps of the Mughals, even if the language did not originate there. Over time, Urdu developed a distinct identity and came to be associated with a rich literary tradition. It became a language of poetry and culture, with many famous poets and writers contributing to its rich body of literature. The language also played a significant role in the political and social movements of the region, including the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. In the 20th century, with the partition of British India into India and Pakistan, Urdu became one of the national languages of Pakistan, further solidifying its status and influence. Today, Urdu is spoken by millions of people and continues to be a vibrant and evolving language that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Step 2: Divider read more >>

Urdu was developed in 12th Century. Urdu formed from Khariboli--a Prakrit spoken in North India--by adding Persian and Arabic words to it. Contrary to the popular belief, it did not form in the camp of the Mughal armies. But the word Urdu is derived from the same Turkic word 'Ordu' (army) that has given English horde.read more >>